1
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Matchett KP, Paris J, Teichmann SA, Henderson NC. Spatial genomics: mapping human steatotic liver disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:646-660. [PMID: 38654090 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00915-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. MASLD can progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) with subsequent liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma formation. The advent of current technologies such as single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing have transformed our understanding of the liver in homeostasis and disease. The next frontier is contextualizing this single-cell information in its native spatial orientation. This understanding will markedly accelerate discovery science in hepatology, resulting in a further step-change in our knowledge of liver biology and pathobiology. In this Review, we discuss up-to-date knowledge of MASLD development and progression and how the burgeoning field of spatial genomics is driving exciting new developments in our understanding of human liver disease pathogenesis and therapeutic target identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie P Matchett
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jasmin Paris
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah A Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Neil C Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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2
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Sogabe M, Okahisa T, Kagawa M, Kashihara T, Fujmoto S, Kawaguchi T, Yokoyama R, Kagemoto K, Tanaka H, Kida Y, Tomonari T, Kawano Y, Sato Y, Nakasono M, Takayama T. Impact of alcohol consumption on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease development and remission: A longitudinal cohort study. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14221. [PMID: 38634705 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14221] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influence of alcohol intake on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) development and remission remains unclear; thus, we aimed to investigate their longitudinal associations. METHODS This observational cohort study included 6349 patients who underwent more than two health check-ups over >2 years between April 2013 and March 2021. Generalized estimation equations were used to analyse the longitudinal associations between changes in alcohol intake and MAFLD according to repeated measures at baseline and the most recent stage. RESULTS The MAFLD development and remission rates were 20.4 and 5.1 and 9.1 and 4.7% in men and women, respectively. Although alcohol consumption was not a significant factor for MAFLD development, consuming 0.1-69.9 g/week (odds ratio [OR]: 0.672, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.469-0.964, p < .05) and ≥280 g/week were significant factors for MAFLD development in males (OR: 1.796, 95% CI: 1.009-3.196, p < .05) and females (OR: 16.74, 95% CI: 3.877-72.24, p < .001). Regardless of quantity and frequency, alcohol consumption was not a significant factor for MAFLD remission. Several noninvasive liver fibrosis scores were significantly associated with alcohol intake quantity and frequency in males with MAFLD development and remission (p < .05). The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score differed significantly between males with and without reduced alcohol intake (p < .05) who showed MAFLD remission. CONCLUSIONS Although the influence of alcohol intake on MAFLD development and remission differed, alcohol consumption was not beneficial for MAFLD remission in either sex. Alcohol intake reduction or cessation is recommended to prevent liver fibrosis, even in those who achieve MAFLD remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Sogabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shikoku Central Hospital of the Mutual Aid Association of Public School Teachers, Shikokuchuo City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Toshiya Okahisa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shikoku Central Hospital of the Mutual Aid Association of Public School Teachers, Shikokuchuo City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Miwako Kagawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shikoku Central Hospital of the Mutual Aid Association of Public School Teachers, Shikokuchuo City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Takanori Kashihara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shikoku Central Hospital of the Mutual Aid Association of Public School Teachers, Shikokuchuo City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Shota Fujmoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kawaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Reiko Yokoyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kaizo Kagemoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hironori Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Kida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tetsu Tomonari
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kawano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yasushi Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masahiko Nakasono
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tsurugi Municipal Handa Hospital, Tsurugi, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Takayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
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3
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Liu W, You D, Lin J, Zou H, Zhang L, Luo S, Yuan Y, Wang Z, Qi J, Wang W, Ye X, Yang X, Deng Y, Teng F, Zheng X, Lin Y, Huang Z, Huang Y, Yang Z, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Chen R, Xu L, Li J, Yang W, Zhang H. SGLT2 inhibitor promotes ketogenesis to improve MASH by suppressing CD8 + T cell activation. Cell Metab 2024:S1550-4131(24)00332-2. [PMID: 39243758 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
During the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the accumulation of auto-aggressive CD8+ T cells significantly contributes to liver injury and inflammation. Empagliflozin (EMPA), a highly selective inhibitor of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), exhibits potential therapeutic benefits for liver steatosis; however, the underlying mechanism remains incompletely elucidated. Here, we found that EMPA significantly reduced the hepatic accumulation of auto-aggressive CD8+ T cells and lowered granzyme B levels in mice with MASH. Mechanistically, EMPA increased β-hydroxybutyric acid by promoting the ketogenesis of CD8+ T cells via elevating 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 (Bdh1) expression. The β-hydroxybutyric acid subsequently inhibited interferon regulatory factor 4 (Irf4), which is crucial for CD8+ T cell activation. Furthermore, the ablation of Bdh1 in T cells aggravated the manifestation of MASH and hindered the therapeutic efficacy of EMPA. Moreover, a case-control study also showed that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment repressed CD8+ T cell infiltration and improved liver injury in patients with MASH. In summary, our study indicates that SGLT2 inhibitors can target CD8+ T cells and may be an effective strategy for treating MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Danming You
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayang Lin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huren Zou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shenjian Luo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youwen Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyi Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Qi
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueru Ye
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajuan Deng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Teng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Zheng
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruxin Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jin Li
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Wei Yang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Metabolic Homeostasis and Major Chronic Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
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Niu C, Zhang J, Okolo PI. The possible pathogenesis of liver fibrosis: therapeutic potential of natural polyphenols. Pharmacol Rep 2024:10.1007/s43440-024-00638-w. [PMID: 39162986 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00638-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the formation of a fibrous scar resulting from chronic liver injury, independently from etiology. Although many of the mechanical details remain unknown, activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central driver of liver fibrosis. Extracellular mechanisms such as apoptotic bodies, paracrine stimuli, inflammation, and oxidative stress are critical in activating HSCs. The potential for liver fibrosis to reverse after removing the causative agent has heightened interest in developing antifibrotic therapies. Polyphenols, the secondary plant metabolites, have gained attention because of their health-beneficial properties, including well-recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, in the setting of liver fibrosis. In this review, we present an overview of the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis with a specific focus on the activation of resident HSCs. We highlight the therapeutic potential and promising role of natural polyphenols to mitigate liver fibrosis pathogenesis, focusing on HSCs activation. We also discuss the translational gap from preclinical findings to clinical treatments involved in natural polyphenols in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengu Niu
- Internal medicine residency program, Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14621, USA.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Rainier Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, 2805 NE 129th St, Vancouver, WA, 98686, USA
| | - Patrick I Okolo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, 14621, USA
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5
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Li X, Li S, Wang Y, Zhou X, Wang F, Muhammad I, Luo Y, Sun Y, Liu D, Wu B, Teng D, Wang J, Zhao K, Ling Q, Cai J. Single cell RNA-sequencing delineates CD8 + tissue resident memory T cells maintaining rejection in liver transplantation. Theranostics 2024; 14:4844-4860. [PMID: 39239518 PMCID: PMC11373625 DOI: 10.7150/thno.96928] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Understanding the immune mechanisms associated with liver transplantation (LT), particularly the involvement of tissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs), represents a significant challenge. Methods: This study employs a multi-omics approach to analyse liver transplant samples from both human (n = 17) and mouse (n = 16), utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and immunological techniques. Results: Our findings reveal a comprehensive T cell-centric landscape in LT across human and mouse species, involving 235,116 cells. Notably, we found a substantial increase in CD8+ TRMs within rejected grafts compared to stable ones. The elevated presence of CD8+ TRMs is characterised by a distinct expression profile, featuring upregulation of tissue-residency markers (CD69, CXCR6, CD49A and CD103+/-,), immune checkpoints (PD1, CTLA4, and TIGIT), cytotoxic markers (GZMB and IFNG) and proliferative markers (PCNA and TOP2A) during rejection. Furthermore, there is a high expression of transcription factors such as EOMES and RUNX3. Functional assays and analyses of cellular communication underscore the active role of CD8+ TRMs in interacting with other tissue-resident cells, particularly Kupffer cells, especially during rejection episodes. Conclusions: These insights into the distinctive activation and interaction patterns of CD8+ TRMs suggest their potential utility as biomarkers for graft rejection, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing graft tolerance and improving overall transplant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinqiang Li
- Organ Transplantation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Organ Donation and Transplantation, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shipeng Li
- Department of Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- First Hospital/First Clinical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Organ Transplantation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Organ Donation and Transplantation, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Organ Transplantation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Organ Donation and Transplantation, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Imran Muhammad
- Organ Transplantation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Organ Donation and Transplantation, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yurong Luo
- Organ Transplantation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Organ Donation and Transplantation, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yandong Sun
- Organ Transplantation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Organ Donation and Transplantation, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Organ Transplantation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Organ Donation and Transplantation, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Organ Transplant Center, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dahong Teng
- Organ Transplant Center, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinshan Wang
- Organ Transplant Center, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Organ Transplant Center, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qi Ling
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinzhen Cai
- Organ Transplantation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Organ Donation and Transplantation, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Organ Transplant Center, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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6
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Sun Z, Guo Y, Xu X, Zhou C, Luo X, Shen Z, Shen B, Wang J, Lu J, Zhang Q, Shen F, Yu L, Ye Y, Zhang L, Luo Y, Qu Y, Cai X, Dong H, Lu L. Hydronidone induces apoptosis in activated hepatic stellate cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:1695-1703. [PMID: 38804845 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16635] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hydronidone (HDD) is a novel pirfenidone derivative developed initially to reduce hepatotoxicity. Our previous studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that HDD treatment effectively attenuates liver fibrosis, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether HDD exerts its anti-fibrotic effect by inducing apoptosis in activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) through the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-associated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. METHODS The carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- and 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-induced liver fibrosis models were used for in vivo studies. In vitro studies were conducted using the human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2. The apoptotic effect of HDD on aHSCs was examined using TUNEL and flow cytometry assays. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique was employed to downregulate the expression of interest genes. RESULTS HDD treatment significantly promoted apoptosis in aHSCs in both the CCl4- and DDC-induced liver fibrosis in mice and LX-2 cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that HDD triggered ERS and subsequently activated the IRE1α-ASK1-JNK pathway. Furthermore, the influx of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm was increased, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and ultimately triggering apoptosis in aHSCs. Notably, inhibition of IRE1α or ASK1 by siRNA partially abrogated the pro-apoptotic effect of HDD in aHSCs. CONCLUSIONS The findings of both in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that HDD induces apoptosis in aHSCs via the ERS-associated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, potentially contributing to the amelioration of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongshang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuecheng Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cui Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyang Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feifei Shen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lou Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Ye
- Continent Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Continent Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Luo
- Continent Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobo Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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7
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Burtis AEC, DeNicola DMC, Ferguson ME, Santos RG, Pinilla C, Kriss MS, Orlicky DJ, Tamburini BAJ, Gillen AE, Burchill MA. Ag-driven CD8+ T cell clonal expansion is a prominent feature of MASH in humans and mice. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00978. [PMID: 39047085 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000971] [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] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic liver disease due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a rapidly increasing global epidemic. MASH progression is a consequence of the complex interplay between inflammatory insults and dysregulated hepatic immune responses. T lymphocytes have been shown to accumulate in the liver during MASH, but the cause and consequence of T cell accumulation in the liver remain unclear. Our study aimed to define the phenotype and T cell receptor diversity of T cells from human cirrhotic livers and an animal model of MASH to begin resolving their function in disease. APPROACH AND RESULTS In these studies, we evaluated differences in T cell phenotype in the context of liver disease. Accordingly, we isolated liver resident T cell populations from humans with cirrhosis and from mice with diet-induced MASH. Using both 5' single-cell sequencing and flow cytometry, we defined the phenotype and T cell receptor repertoire of liver resident T cells during health and disease. CONCLUSIONS MASH-induced human cirrhosis and diet-induced MASH in mice resulted in the accumulation of activated and clonally expanded T cells in the liver. The clonally expanded T cells in the liver expressed markers of chronic antigenic stimulation, including PD1, TIGIT, and TOX. Overall, this study establishes for the first time that T cells undergo Ag-dependent clonal expansion and functional differentiation during the progression of MASH. These studies could lead to the identification of antigenic targets that drive T cell activation, clonal expansion, and recruitment to the liver during MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbigayl E C Burtis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Destiny M C DeNicola
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Megan E Ferguson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Radleigh G Santos
- Department of Mathematics, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Clemencia Pinilla
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael S Kriss
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - David J Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Beth A Jirón Tamburini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Austin E Gillen
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Matthew A Burchill
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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8
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Bouguéon M, Legagneux V, Hazard O, Bomo J, Siegel A, Feret J, Théret N. A rule-based multiscale model of hepatic stellate cell plasticity: Critical role of the inactivation loop in fibrosis progression. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011858. [PMID: 39074160 PMCID: PMC11309422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011858] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the source of extracellular matrix (ECM) whose overproduction leads to fibrosis, a condition that impairs liver functions in chronic liver diseases. Understanding the dynamics of HSCs will provide insights needed to develop new therapeutic approaches. Few models of hepatic fibrosis have been proposed, and none of them include the heterogeneity of HSC phenotypes recently highlighted by single-cell RNA sequencing analyses. Here, we developed rule-based models to study HSC dynamics during fibrosis progression and reversion. We used the Kappa graph rewriting language, for which we used tokens and counters to overcome temporal explosion. HSCs are modeled as agents that present seven physiological cellular states and that interact with (TGFβ1) molecules which regulate HSC activation and the secretion of type I collagen, the main component of the ECM. Simulation studies revealed the critical role of the HSC inactivation process during fibrosis progression and reversion. While inactivation allows elimination of activated HSCs during reversion steps, reactivation loops of inactivated HSCs (iHSCs) are required to sustain fibrosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated the model's sensitivity to (TGFβ1) parameters, suggesting its adaptability to a variety of pathophysiological conditions for which levels of (TGFβ1) production associated with the inflammatory response differ. Using new experimental data from a mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, we validated the predicted ECM dynamics. Our model also predicts the accumulation of iHSCs during chronic liver disease. By analyzing RNA sequencing data from patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) associated with liver fibrosis, we confirmed this accumulation, identifying iHSCs as novel markers of fibrosis progression. Overall, our study provides the first model of HSC dynamics in chronic liver disease that can be used to explore the regulatory role of iHSCs in liver homeostasis. Moreover, our model can also be generalized to fibroblasts during repair and fibrosis in other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Bouguéon
- Univ Rennes, Inria, CNRS, IRISA, UMR 6074, Rennes, France
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset, UMR S1085, Rennes, France
| | | | - Octave Hazard
- École Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France
- DI-ENS (Inria, ÉNS, CNRS, PSL University), École normale supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Jérémy Bomo
- Univ Rennes, Inria, CNRS, IRISA, UMR 6074, Rennes, France
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset, UMR S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Anne Siegel
- Univ Rennes, Inria, CNRS, IRISA, UMR 6074, Rennes, France
| | - Jérôme Feret
- DI-ENS (Inria, ÉNS, CNRS, PSL University), École normale supérieure, Paris, France
- Team Antique, Inria, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Théret
- Univ Rennes, Inria, CNRS, IRISA, UMR 6074, Rennes, France
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset, UMR S1085, Rennes, France
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9
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Yue B, Gao Y, Hu Y, Zhan M, Wu Y, Lu L. Harnessing CD8 + T cell dynamics in hepatitis B virus-associated liver diseases: Insights, therapies and future directions. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1731. [PMID: 38935536 PMCID: PMC11210506 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection playsa significant role in the etiology and progression of liver-relatedpathologies, encompassing chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventual hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC). Notably, HBV infection stands as the primary etiologicalfactor driving the development of HCC. Given the significant contribution ofHBV infection to liver diseases, a comprehensive understanding of immunedynamics in the liver microenvironment, spanning chronic HBV infection,fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC, is essential. In this review, we focused on thefunctional alterations of CD8+ T cells within the pathogenic livermicroenvironment from HBV infection to HCC. We thoroughly reviewed the roles ofhypoxia, acidic pH, metabolic reprogramming, amino acid deficiency, inhibitory checkpointmolecules, immunosuppressive cytokines, and the gut-liver communication in shapingthe dysfunction of CD8+ T cells in the liver microenvironment. Thesefactors significantly impact the clinical prognosis. Furthermore, we comprehensivelyreviewed CD8+ T cell-based therapy strategies for liver diseases,encompassing HBV infection, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Strategies includeimmune checkpoint blockades, metabolic T-cell targeting therapy, therapeuticT-cell vaccination, and adoptive transfer of genetically engineered CD8+ T cells, along with the combined usage of programmed cell death protein-1/programmeddeath ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors with mitochondria-targeted antioxidants.Given that targeting CD8+ T cells at various stages of hepatitis Bvirus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV + HCC) shows promise, we reviewedthe ongoing need for research to elucidate the complex interplay between CD8+ T cells and the liver microenvironment in the progression of HBV infection toHCC. We also discussed personalized treatment regimens, combining therapeuticstrategies and harnessing gut microbiota modulation, which holds potential forenhanced clinical benefits. In conclusion, this review delves into the immunedynamics of CD8+ T cells, microenvironment changes, and therapeuticstrategies within the liver during chronic HBV infection, HCC progression, andrelated liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yuxia Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yi Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology DepartmentSchool of MedicineFaculty of Medical ScienceJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
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10
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Sato H, Meng S, Hara T, Tsuji Y, Arao Y, Sasaki K, Kobayashi S, di Luccio E, Hirotsu T, Satoh T, Doki Y, Eguchi H, Ishii H. Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Prognostic Significance and Therapeutic Implications. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1342. [PMID: 38927549 PMCID: PMC11202222 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers, which include a variety of esophageal and colorectal malignancies, present a global health challenge and require effective treatment strategies. In the evolving field of cancer immunotherapy, tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm cells) have emerged as important players in the immune response within nonlymphoid tissues. In this review, we summarize the characteristics and functions of Trm cells and discuss their profound implications for patient outcomes in gastrointestinal cancers. Positioned strategically in peripheral tissues, Trm cells have functions beyond immune surveillance, affecting tumor progression, prognosis, and response to immunotherapy. Studies indicate that Trm cells are prognostic markers and correlate positively with enhanced survival. Their presence in the tumor microenvironment has sparked interest in their therapeutic potential, particularly with respect to immune checkpoint inhibitors, which may improve cancer treatment. Understanding how Trm cells work will not only help to prevent cancer spread through effective treatment but will also contribute to disease prevention at early stages as well as vaccine development. The role of Trm cells goes beyond just cancer, and they have potential applications in infectious and autoimmune diseases. This review provides a thorough analysis of Trm cells in gastrointestinal cancers, which may lead to personalized and effective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromichi Sato
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (H.S.)
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sikun Meng
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (H.S.)
| | - Tomoaki Hara
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (H.S.)
| | - Yoshiko Tsuji
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (H.S.)
| | - Yasuko Arao
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (H.S.)
| | - Kazuki Sasaki
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (H.S.)
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Eric di Luccio
- Hirotsu Bio Science Inc., Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 102-0094, Japan
| | | | - Taroh Satoh
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hideshi Ishii
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (H.S.)
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11
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Cloutier M, Variya B, Akbari SA, Rexhepi F, Ilangumaran S, Ramanathan S. Profibrogenic role of IL-15 through IL-15 receptor alpha-mediated trans-presentation in the carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis model. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1404891. [PMID: 38919611 PMCID: PMC11196400 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1404891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammatory cytokines play key pathogenic roles in liver fibrosis. IL-15 is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by myeloid cells. IL-15 promotes pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases. However, increased liver fibrosis has been reported in mice lacking IL-15 receptor alpha chain (IL-15Rα), suggesting an anti-fibrogenic role for IL-15. As myeloid cells are key players in liver fibrosis and IL-15 signaling can occur independently of IL-15Rα, we investigated the requirement of IL-15 and IL-15Rα in liver fibrosis. Methods We induced liver fibrosis in Il15-/- , Il15ra-/- and wildtype C57BL/6 mice by the administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Liver fibrosis was evaluated by Sirius red and Mason's trichrome staining and α-smooth muscle acting immunostaining of myofibroblasts. Gene expression of collagens, matrix modifying enzymes, cytokines and chemokines was quantified by RT-qPCR. The phenotype and the numbers of intrahepatic lymphoid and myeloid cell subsets were evaluated by flow cytometry. Results Both Il15-/- and Il15ra-/- mice developed markedly reduced liver fibrosis compared to wildtype control mice, as revealed by reduced collagen deposition and myofibroblast content. Il15ra-/- mice showed further reduction in collagen deposition compared to Il15-/- mice. However, Col1a1 and Col1a3 genes were similarly induced in the fibrotic livers of wildtype, Il15-/- and Il15ra-/- mice, although notable variations were observed in the expression of matrix remodeling enzymes and chemokines. As expected, Il15-/- and Il15ra-/- mice showed markedly reduced numbers of NK cells compared to wildtype mice. They also showed markedly less staining of CD45+ immune cells and CD68+ macrophages, and significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration into the liver, with fewer pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory monocyte subsets compared to wildtype mice. Conclusion Our findings indicate that IL-15 exerts its profibrogenic role in the liver by promoting macrophage activation and that this requires trans-presentation of IL-15 by IL-15Rα.
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12
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Grøndal SM, Tutusaus A, Boix L, Reig M, Blø M, Hodneland L, Gausdal G, Jackson A, Garcia de Frutos P, Lorens JB, Morales A, Marí M. Dynamic changes in immune cell populations by AXL kinase targeting diminish liver inflammation and fibrosis in experimental MASH. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400553. [PMID: 38817615 PMCID: PMC11137289 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400553] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant health concern with limited treatment options. AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase activated by the GAS6 ligand, promotes MASH through activation of hepatic stellate cells and inflammatory macrophages. This study identified cell subsets affected by MASH progression and the effect of AXL inhibition. Methods Mice were fed chow or different fat-enriched diets to induce MASH, and small molecule AXL kinase inhibition with bemcentinib was evaluated. Gene expression was measured by qPCR. Time-of-flight mass cytometry (CyTOF) used single cells from dissociated livers, acquired on the Fluidigm Helios, and cell populations were studied using machine learning. Results In mice fed different fat-enriched diets, liver steatosis alone was insufficient to elevate plasma soluble AXL (sAXL) levels. However, in conjunction with inflammation, sAXL increases, serving as an early indicator of steatohepatitis progression. Bemcentinib, an AXL inhibitor, effectively reduced proinflammatory responses in MASH models, even before fibrosis appearance. Utilizing CyTOF analysis, we detected a decreased population of Kupffer cells during MASH while promoting infiltration of monocytes/macrophages and CD8+ T cells. Bemcentinib partially restored Kupffer cells, reduced pDCs and GzmB- NK cells, and increased GzmB+CD8+ T cells and LSECs. Additionally, AXL inhibition enhanced a subtype of GzmB+CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells characterized by CX3CR1 expression. Furthermore, bemcentinib altered the transcriptomic landscape associated with MASH progression, particularly in TLR signaling and inflammatory response, exhibiting differential cytokine expression in the plasma, consistent with liver repair and decreased inflammation. Conclusion Our findings highlight sAXL as a biomarker for monitoring MASH progression and demonstrate that AXL targeting shifted liver macrophages and CD8+ T-cell subsets away from an inflammatory phenotype toward fibrotic resolution and organ healing, presenting a promising strategy for MASH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sturla Magnus Grøndal
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Tutusaus
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Loreto Boix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Reig
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Pablo Garcia de Frutos
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Unidad Asociada (IMIM), Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - James Bradley Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- BerGenBio ASA, Bergen, Norway
| | - Albert Morales
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Werner W, Kuzminskaya M, Lurje I, Tacke F, Hammerich L. Overcoming Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Liver Cancer with Combination Therapy: Stronger Together? Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:159-179. [PMID: 38806159 PMCID: PMC11245330 DOI: 10.1055/a-2334-8311] [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] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, represented mainly by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), is one of the most common and deadliest tumors worldwide. While surgical resection or liver transplantation are the best option in early disease stages, these tumors often present in advanced stages and systemic treatment is required to improve survival time. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has had a positive impact especially on the treatment of advanced cancers, thereby establishing immunotherapy as part of first-line treatment in HCC and CCA. Nevertheless, low response rates reflect on the usually cold or immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment of primary liver cancer. In this review, we aim to summarize mechanisms of resistance leading to tumor immune escape with a special focus on the composition of tumor microenvironment in both HCC and CCA, also reflecting on recent important developments in ICI combination therapy. Furthermore, we discuss how combination of ICIs with established primary liver cancer treatments (e.g. multikinase inhibitors and chemotherapy) as well as more complex combinations with state-of-the-art therapeutic concepts may reshape the tumor microenvironment, leading to higher response rates and long-lasting antitumor immunity for primary liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Werner
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Kuzminskaya
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabella Lurje
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Kodama T, Takehara T. Molecular Genealogy of Metabolic-associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:147-158. [PMID: 38499207 PMCID: PMC11245329 DOI: 10.1055/a-2289-2298] [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] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
This review examines the latest epidemiological and molecular pathogenic findings of metabolic-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its increasing prevalence is a significant concern and reflects the growing burden of obesity and metabolic diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic-associated HCC has unique molecular abnormality and distinctive gene expression patterns implicating aberrations in bile acid, fatty acid metabolism, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory pathways. Furthermore, a notable frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes such as patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3, transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2, glucokinase regulator, and membrane-bound O-acyltransferase domain-containing 7 has been observed. The tumor immune microenvironment of metabolic-associated HCC is characterized by unique phenotypes of macrophages, neutrophils, and T lymphocytes. Additionally, the pathogenesis of metabolic-associated HCC is influenced by abnormal lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and dysbiosis. In conclusion, deciphering the intricate interactions among metabolic processes, genetic predispositions, inflammatory responses, immune regulation, and microbial ecology is imperative for the development of novel therapeutic and preventative measures against metabolic-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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15
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Suzuki T, Chéret J, Scala FD, Rajabi-Estarabadi A, Akhundlu A, Demetrius DL, Gherardini J, Keren A, Harries M, Rodriguez-Feliz J, Epstein G, Lee W, Purba T, Gilhar A, Paus R. Interleukin-15 is a hair follicle immune privilege guardian. J Autoimmun 2024; 145:103217. [PMID: 38581915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103217] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The autoimmunity-promoting cytokine, Interleukin-15 (IL-15), is often claimed to be a key pathogenic cytokine in alopecia areata (AA). Yet, rhIL-15 promotes human hair follicle (HF) growth ex vivo. We have asked whether the expression of IL-15 and its receptor (IL-15R) isoforms is altered in human AA and how IL-15 impacts on human HF immune privilege (HF-IP) in the presence/absence of interferon-γ (IFNγ), the well-documented key AA-pathogenic cytokine, as well as on hair regrowth after experimental AA induction in vivo. Quantitative immunohistomorphometry showed the number of perifollicular IL-15+ T cells in AA skin biopsies to be significantly increased compared to healthy control skin, while IL-15, IL-15Rα, and IL-15Rγ protein expression within the hair bulb were significantly down-regulated in AA HFs. In organ-cultured human scalp HFs, rhIL-15 significantly reduced hair bulb expression of MICA, the key "danger" signal in AA pathogenesis, and increased production of the HF-IP guardian, α-MSH. Crucially, ex vivo, rhIL-15 prevented IFNγ-induced HF-IP collapse, restored a collapsed HF-IP by IL-15Rα-dependent signaling (as documented by IL-15Rα-silencing), and protected AA-preventive immunoinhibitory iNKT10 cells from IFNγ-induced apoptosis. rhIL-15 even promoted hair regrowth after experimental AA induction in human scalp skin xenotransplants on SCID/beige mice in vivo. Our data introduce IL-15 as a novel, functionally important HF-IP guardian whose signaling is constitutively defective in scalp HFs of AA patients. Our data suggest that selective stimulation of intrafollicular IL-15Rα signaling could become a novel therapeutic approach in AA management, while blocking it pharmacologically may hinder both HF-IP restoration and hair re-growth and may thus make HFs more vulnerable to AA relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Suzuki
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jérémy Chéret
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fernanda D Scala
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ali Rajabi-Estarabadi
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Dermatology, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Aysun Akhundlu
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dana-Lee Demetrius
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Gherardini
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Aviad Keren
- Skin Research Laboratory, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Matthew Harries
- Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Salford Royal Hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M6 8HD, UK
| | | | - Gorana Epstein
- Foundation for Hair Restoration, 33143, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Wendy Lee
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Talveen Purba
- Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Amos Gilhar
- Skin Research Laboratory, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ralf Paus
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; CUTANEON - Skin & Hair Innovations, Hamburg, Germany.
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16
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Gupta B, Rai RP, Pal PB, Rossmiller D, Chaudhary S, Chiaro A, Seaman S, Singhi AD, Liu S, Monga SP, Iyer SS, Raeman R. Selective Targeting of α 4β 7/MAdCAM-1 Axis Suppresses Fibrosis Progression by Reducing Proinflammatory T Cell Recruitment to the Liver. Cells 2024; 13:756. [PMID: 38727292 PMCID: PMC11083209 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrin α4β7+ T cells perpetuate tissue injury in chronic inflammatory diseases, yet their role in hepatic fibrosis progression remains poorly understood. Here, we report increased accumulation of α4β7+ T cells in the liver of people with cirrhosis relative to disease controls. Similarly, hepatic fibrosis in the established mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis was associated with enrichment of intrahepatic α4β7+ CD4 and CD8 T cells. Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-mediated blockade of α4β7 or its ligand mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM)-1 attenuated hepatic inflammation and prevented fibrosis progression in CCl4-treated mice. Improvement in liver fibrosis was associated with a significant decrease in the infiltration of α4β7+ CD4 and CD8 T cells, suggesting that α4β7/MAdCAM-1 axis regulates both CD4 and CD8 T cell recruitment to the fibrotic liver, and α4β7+ T cells promote hepatic fibrosis progression. Analysis of hepatic α4β7+ and α4β7- CD4 T cells revealed that α4β7+ CD4 T cells were enriched for markers of activation and proliferation, demonstrating an effector phenotype. The findings suggest that α4β7+ T cells play a critical role in promoting hepatic fibrosis progression, and mAb-mediated blockade of α4β7 or MAdCAM-1 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for slowing hepatic fibrosis progression in chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biki Gupta
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Ravi Prakash Rai
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Pabitra B. Pal
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Daniel Rossmiller
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Sudrishti Chaudhary
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Anna Chiaro
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Shannon Seaman
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Aatur D. Singhi
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Silvia Liu
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Smita S. Iyer
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
| | - Reben Raeman
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (B.G.); (R.P.R.)
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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Pereira MVA, Galvani RG, Gonçalves-Silva T, de Vasconcelo ZFM, Bonomo A. Tissue adaptation of CD4 T lymphocytes in homeostasis and cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379376. [PMID: 38690280 PMCID: PMC11058666 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379376] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system is traditionally classified as a defense system that can discriminate between self and non-self or dangerous and non-dangerous situations, unleashing a tolerogenic reaction or immune response. These activities are mainly coordinated by the interaction between innate and adaptive cells that act together to eliminate harmful stimuli and keep tissue healthy. However, healthy tissue is not always the end point of an immune response. Much evidence has been accumulated over the years, showing that the immune system has complex, diversified, and integrated functions that converge to maintaining tissue homeostasis, even in the absence of aggression, interacting with the tissue cells and allowing the functional maintenance of that tissue. One of the main cells known for their function in helping the immune response through the production of cytokines is CD4+ T lymphocytes. The cytokines produced by the different subtypes act not only on immune cells but also on tissue cells. Considering that tissues have specific mediators in their architecture, it is plausible that the presence and frequency of CD4+ T lymphocytes of specific subtypes (Th1, Th2, Th17, and others) maintain tissue homeostasis. In situations where homeostasis is disrupted, such as infections, allergies, inflammatory processes, and cancer, local CD4+ T lymphocytes respond to this disruption and, as in the healthy tissue, towards the equilibrium of tissue dynamics. CD4+ T lymphocytes can be manipulated by tumor cells to promote tumor development and metastasis, making them a prognostic factor in various types of cancer. Therefore, understanding the function of tissue-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes is essential in developing new strategies for treating tissue-specific diseases, as occurs in cancer. In this context, this article reviews the evidence for this hypothesis regarding the phenotypes and functions of CD4+ T lymphocytes and compares their contribution to maintaining tissue homeostasis in different organs in a steady state and during tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina V. A. Pereira
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of High Complexity, Fernandes Figueira National Institute for The Health of Mother, Child, and Adolescent, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rômulo G. Galvani
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Triciana Gonçalves-Silva
- National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging - CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Zilton Farias Meira de Vasconcelo
- Laboratory of High Complexity, Fernandes Figueira National Institute for The Health of Mother, Child, and Adolescent, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana Bonomo
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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18
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Song J, Liu L, Wang Z, Xie D, Azami NLB, Lu L, Huang Y, Ye W, Zhang Q, Sun M. CCL20 and CD8A as potential diagnostic biomarkers for HBV-induced liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28329. [PMID: 38596115 PMCID: PMC11002547 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28329] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The main cause of the liver fibrosis (LF) remains hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, especially in China. Histologically, liver fibrosis still occurs progressively in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, even if HBV-DNA is negative or undetectable. The diagnosis of LF is beneficial to control the development of it, also it may promote the reversal of LF. Although liver biopsy is the gold standard of diagnosis in LF at present, it isa traumatic diagnosis. There are no diagnostic biomarkers as yet for the condition. It is badly in need of biomarkers clinically, which is simple to test, minimally invasive, highly specific, and sensitive. Early detection of HBV-LF development is crucial in the prevention, treatment, and prognosis prediction of HBV-LF. Cytokines are closely associated with both immune regulation and inflammation in the progression of hepatitis B virus associated-liver fibrosis (HBV-LF). In this bioinformatic study, we not only analyzed the relationship between HBV-LF and immune infiltration, but also identified key genes to uncover new therapeutic targets. Objectives To find potential biomarkers for liver fibrosis in the development of chronic hepatic B patients. Materials and methods We obtained two sets of data including CHB/healthy control and CHB/HBV-LF from the Integrated Gene Expression (GEO) database to select for differential expression analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was also generated, while key genes and important gene modules involved in the occurrence and development of HBV-LF were identified. These key genes were analyzed by functional enrichment analysis, module analysis, and survival analysis. Furthermore, the relationship between these two diseases and immune infiltration was explored. Results Among the identified genes, 150 were individually associated with CHB and healthy control in the differential gene expression (DGE) analysis. While 14 with CHB and HBV-LF. It was also analyzed in the Robust rank aggregation (RRA) analysis, 34 differential genes were further identified by Cytohubba. Among 34 differential genes, two core genes were determined: CCL20 and CD8A. CCL20 was able to predict CHB positivity (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC-ROC] = 0.883, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.786-0.963), while HBV-LF positivity ([AUC-ROC] = 0.687, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.592-0.779). And CD8A was able to predict CHB positivity ([AUC-ROC] = 0.960, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.915-0.992), while HBV-LF positivity ([AUC-ROC] = 0.773, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.680-0.856). Relationship between CCL20 gene expression and LF grades was P < 0.05, as well as CD8A. Conclusion CCL20 and CD8A were found to be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HBV-LF. It is instructive for research on the progression of LF in HBV patients, suppression of chronic inflammation, and development of molecularly targeted-therapy for HBV-LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Song
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310007, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dong Xie
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Nisma Lena Bahaji Azami
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yanping Huang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Wei Ye
- Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310007, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Mingyu Sun
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
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19
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Mladenić K, Lenartić M, Marinović S, Polić B, Wensveen FM. The "Domino effect" in MASLD: The inflammatory cascade of steatohepatitis. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2149641. [PMID: 38314819 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149641] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an increasingly common complication of obesity, affecting over a quarter of the global adult population. A key event in the pathophysiology of MASLD is the development of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which greatly increases the chances of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The underlying cause of MASH is multifactorial, but accumulating evidence indicates that the inflammatory process in the hepatic microenvironment typically follows a pattern that can be roughly divided into three stages: (1) Detection of hepatocyte stress by tissue-resident immune cells including γδ T cells and CD4-CD8- double-negative T cells, followed by their secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, most notably IL-17A. (2) Recruitment of pro-inflammatory cells, mostly of the myeloid lineage, and initiation of inflammation through secretion of effector-type cytokines such as TNF, TGF-β, and IL-1β. (3) Escalation of the inflammatory response by recruitment of lymphocytes including Th17, CD8 T, and B cells leading to chronic inflammation, hepatic stellate cell activation, and fibrosis. Here we will discuss these three stages and how they are consecutively linked like falling domino tiles to the pathophysiology of MASH. Moreover, we will highlight the clinical potential of inflammation as a biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlo Mladenić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Maja Lenartić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sonja Marinović
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Personalized Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bojan Polić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Felix M Wensveen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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20
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Li Z, Wang S, Xu Q, Su X, Wang Y, Wang L, Zhang Y. The double roles of T cell-mediated immune response in the progression of MASLD. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116333. [PMID: 38479177 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116333] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD), has become a major cause of chronic liver disease and a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, which poses a huge burden on global public health and economy. MASLD includes steatotic liver disease, steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis, and the latter two cause great harm to human health and life, even complicated with liver cancer. Immunologic mechanism plays a major role in promoting its development into hepatitis and cirrhosis. Now more and more evidences show that T cells play an important role in the progression of MASLD. In this review, we discuss the double roles of T cells in MASLD from the perspective of T cell response pathways, as well as new evidences regarding the possible application of immunomodulatory therapy in MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Shujun Wang
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Qinchen Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Xin Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250021, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Third Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250031, China.
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21
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Burtis AEC, DeNicola DMC, Ferguson ME, Santos RG, Pinilla C, Kriss MS, Orlicky DJ, Tamburini BAJ, Gillen AE, Burchill MA. Antigen-driven CD8 + T cell clonal expansion is a prominent feature of MASH in humans and mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.20.583964. [PMID: 38562766 PMCID: PMC10983976 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.20.583964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aims Chronic liver disease due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a rapidly increasing global epidemic. MASH progression is a consequence of the complex interplay between inflammatory insults and dysregulated hepatic immune responses. T lymphocytes have been shown to accumulate in the liver during MASH, but the cause and consequence of T cell accumulation in the liver remain unclear. Our study aimed to define the phenotype and T cell receptor diversity of T cells from human cirrhotic livers and an animal model of MASH to begin resolving their function in disease. Approach and Results In these studies, we evaluated differences in T cell phenotype in the context of liver disease we isolated liver resident T cell populations from individuals with cirrhosis and a murine model of MASH. Using both 5' single cell sequencing and flow cytometry we defined the phenotype and T cell receptor repertoire of liver resident T cells during health and disease. Conclusions MASH-induced cirrhosis and diet-induced MASH in mice resulted in the accumulation of activated and clonally expanded T cells in the liver. The clonally expanded T cells in the liver expressed markers of chronic antigenic stimulation, including PD1 , TIGIT and TOX . Overall, this study establishes for the first time that T cells undergo antigen-dependent clonal expansion and functional differentiation during the progression of MASH. These studies could lead to the identification of potential antigenic targets that drive T cell activation, clonal expansion, and recruitment to the liver during MASH.
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22
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Ma H, Yan QZ, Ma JR, Li DF, Yang JL. Overview of the immunological mechanisms in hepatitis B virus reactivation: Implications for disease progression and management strategies. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1295-1312. [PMID: 38596493 PMCID: PMC11000084 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i10.1295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management. This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation, emphasizing disease progression and management. It delves into host immune responses and reactivation's delicate balance, spanning innate and adaptive immunity. Viral factors' disruption of this balance, as are interactions between viral antigens, immune cells, cytokine networks, and immune checkpoint pathways, are examined. Notably, the roles of T cells, natural killer cells, and antigen-presenting cells are discussed, highlighting their influence on disease progression. HBV reactivation's impact on disease severity, hepatic flares, liver fibrosis progression, and hepatocellular carcinoma is detailed. Management strategies, including anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches, are critically analyzed. The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy during immunosuppressive treatments is explored alongside novel immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and prevent reactivation. In conclusion, this comprehensive review furnishes a holistic view of the immunological mechanisms that propel HBV reactivation. With a dedicated focus on understanding its implications for disease progression and the prospects of efficient management strategies, this article contributes significantly to the knowledge base. The more profound insights into the intricate interactions between viral elements and the immune system will inform evidence-based approaches, ultimately enhancing disease management and elevating patient outcomes. The dynamic landscape of management strategies is critically scrutinized, spanning anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches. The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy in preventing reactivation during immunosuppressive treatments and the potential of innovative immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and proactively deter reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Qing-Zhu Yan
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jing-Ru Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Dong-Fu Li
- Digestive Diseases Center, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jun-Ling Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
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23
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McQueen P, Molina D, Pinos I, Krug S, Taylor AJ, LaFrano MR, Kane MA, Amengual J. Finasteride delays atherosclerosis progression in mice and is associated with a reduction in plasma cholesterol in men. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100507. [PMID: 38272355 PMCID: PMC10899056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100507] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Finasteride is commonly prescribed to treat benign prostate hyperplasia and male-pattern baldness in cis men and, more recently, trans individuals. However, the effect of finasteride on cardiovascular disease remains elusive. We evaluated the role of finasteride on atherosclerosis using low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice. Next, we examined the relevance to humans by analyzing the data deposited between 2009 and 2016 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We show that finasteride reduces total plasma cholesterol and delays the development of atherosclerosis in Ldlr-/- mice. Finasteride reduced monocytosis, monocyte recruitment to the lesion, macrophage lesion content, and necrotic core area, the latter of which is an indicator of plaque vulnerability in humans. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a downregulation of inflammatory pathways and an upregulation of bile acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and cholesterol pathways in the liver of mice taking finasteride. Men reporting the use of finasteride showed lower plasma levels of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol than those not taking the drug. Our data unveil finasteride as a potential treatment to delay cardiovascular disease in people by improving the plasma lipid profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McQueen
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Donald Molina
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ivan Pinos
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Samuel Krug
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna J Taylor
- Carver Metabolomics Core, Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Michael R LaFrano
- Carver Metabolomics Core, Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Maureen A Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jaume Amengual
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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24
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Sun YD, Zhang H, Li YM, Han JJ. Abnormal metabolism in hepatic stellate cells: Pandora's box of MAFLD related hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189086. [PMID: 38342420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as key mediators in liver injury response, are believed to play a crucial role in the repair process of liver injury. However, in MAFLD patients, the normal metabolic and immunoregulatory mechanisms of HSCs become disrupted, leading to disturbances in the local microenvironment. Abnormally activated HSCs are heavily involved in the initiation and progression of HCC. The metabolic disorders and abnormal activation of HSCs not only initiate liver fibrosis but also contribute to carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of recent research progress on the relationship between the abnormal metabolism of HSCs and the local immune system in the liver, elucidating the mechanisms of immune imbalance caused by abnormally activated HSCs in MAFLD patients. Based on this understanding, we discuss the potential and challenges of metabolic-based and immunology-based mechanisms in the treatment of MAFLD-related HCC, with a specific focus on the role of HSCs in HCC progression and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapy. This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of the importance of HSCs in maintaining normal liver function and highlights the significance of HSCs in the progression of MAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Dong Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Yuan-Min Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China
| | - Jian-Jun Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
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25
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Dumitru A, Matei E, Cozaru GC, Chisoi A, Alexandrescu L, Popescu RC, Butcaru MP, Dumitru E, Rugină S, Tocia C. Endotoxin Inflammatory Action on Cells by Dysregulated-Immunological-Barrier-Linked ROS-Apoptosis Mechanisms in Gut-Liver Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2472. [PMID: 38473721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Our study highlighted the immune changes by pro-inflammatory biomarkers in the gut-liver-axis-linked ROS-cell death mechanisms in chronic and acute inflammations when gut cells are exposed to endotoxins in patients with hepatic cirrhosis or steatosis. In duodenal tissue samples, gut immune barrier dysfunction was analyzed by pro-inflammatory biomarker expressions, oxidative stress, and cell death by flow cytometry methods. A significant innate and adaptative immune system reaction was observed as result of persistent endotoxin action in gut cells in chronic inflammation tissue samples recovered from hepatic cirrhosis with the A-B child stage. Instead, in patients with C child stage of HC, the endotoxin tolerance was installed in cells, characterized by T lymphocyte silent activation and increased Th1 cytokines expression. Interesting mechanisms of ROS-cell death were observed in chronic and acute inflammation samples when gut cells were exposed to endotoxins and immune changes in the gut-liver axis. Late apoptosis represents the chronic response to injury induction by the gut immune barrier dysfunction, oxidative stress, and liver-dysregulated barrier. Meanwhile, necrosis represents an acute and severe reply to endotoxin action on gut cells when the immune system reacts to pro-inflammatory Th1 and Th2 cytokines releasing, offering protection against PAMPs/DAMPs by monocytes and T lymphocyte activation. Flow cytometric analysis of pro-inflammatory biomarkers linked to oxidative stress-cell death mechanisms shown in our study recommends laboratory techniques in diagnostic fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Dumitru
- Gastroenterology Department, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Elena Matei
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Georgeta Camelia Cozaru
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Clinical Service of Pathology, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medical Sciences Academy, 1 I.C. Bratianu Street, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Chisoi
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Clinical Service of Pathology, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medical Sciences Academy, 1 I.C. Bratianu Street, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Luana Alexandrescu
- Gastroenterology Department, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Răzvan Cătălin Popescu
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Mihaela Pundiche Butcaru
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Eugen Dumitru
- Gastroenterology Department, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientist, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorin Rugină
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientist, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Tocia
- Gastroenterology Department, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
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Adams VR, Collins LB, Williams TI, Holmes J, Hess P, Atkins HM, Scheidemantle G, Liu X, Lodge M, Johnson AJ, Kennedy A. Myeloid cell MHC I expression drives CD8 + T cell activation in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1302006. [PMID: 38274832 PMCID: PMC10808415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1302006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & aims Activated CD8+ T cells are elevated in Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and are important for driving fibrosis and inflammation. Despite this, mechanisms of CD8+ T cell activation in NASH are largely limited. Specific CD8+ T cell subsets may become activated through metabolic signals or cytokines. However, studies in NASH have not evaluated the impact of antigen presentation or the involvement of specific antigens. Therefore, we determined if activated CD8+ T cells are dependent on MHC class I expression in NASH to regulate fibrosis and inflammation. Methods We used H2Kb and H2Db deficient (MHC I KO), Kb transgenic mice, and myeloid cell Kb deficient mice (LysM Kb KO) to investigate how MHC class I impacts CD8+ T cell function and NASH. Flow cytometry, gene expression, and histology were used to examine hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. The hepatic class I immunopeptidome was evaluated by mass spectrometry. Results In NASH, MHC class I isoform H2Kb was upregulated in myeloid cells. MHC I KO demonstrated protective effects against NASH-induced inflammation and fibrosis. Kb mice exhibited increased fibrosis in the absence of H2Db while LysM Kb KO mice showed protection against fibrosis but not inflammation. H2Kb restricted peptides identified a unique NASH peptide Ncf2 capable of CD8+ T cell activation in vitro. The Ncf2 peptide was not detected during fibrosis resolution. Conclusion These results suggest that activated hepatic CD8+ T cells are dependent on myeloid cell MHC class I expression in diet induced NASH to promote inflammation and fibrosis. Additionally, our studies suggest a role of NADPH oxidase in the production of Ncf2 peptide generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R. Adams
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Leonard B. Collins
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Taufika Islam Williams
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Chemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jennifer Holmes
- College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Paul Hess
- College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Hannah M. Atkins
- Center for Human Health and Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Division of Comparative Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Grace Scheidemantle
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Mareca Lodge
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Aaron J. Johnson
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Arion Kennedy
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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Lonardo A, Ballestri S, Mantovani A, Targher G, Bril F. Endpoints in NASH Clinical Trials: Are We Blind in One Eye? Metabolites 2024; 14:40. [PMID: 38248843 PMCID: PMC10820221 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010040] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This narrative review aims to illustrate the notion that nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), recently renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is a systemic metabolic disorder featuring both adverse hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes. In recent years, several NASH trials have failed to identify effective pharmacological treatments and, therefore, lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of therapy for NASH. with this context, we analyze the epidemiological burden of NASH and the possible pathogenetic factors involved. These include genetic factors, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, immuno-thrombosis, oxidative stress, reprogramming of hepatic metabolism, and hypoxia, all of which eventually culminate in low-grade chronic inflammation and increased risk of fibrosis progression. The possible explanations underlying the failure of NASH trials are also accurately examined. We conclude that the high heterogeneity of NASH, resulting from variable genetic backgrounds, exposure, and responses to different metabolic stresses, susceptibility to hepatocyte lipotoxicity, and differences in repair-response, calls for personalized medicine approaches involving research on noninvasive biomarkers. Future NASH trials should aim at achieving a complete assessment of systemic determinants, modifiers, and correlates of NASH, thus adopting a more holistic and unbiased approach, notably including cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic outcomes, without restricting therapeutic perspectives to histological surrogates of liver-related outcomes alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Lonardo
- AOU—Modena—Ospedale Civile di Baggiovara, 41126 Modena, Italy;
| | | | - Alessandro Mantovani
- Section of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale Stefani, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
- Metabolic Diseases Research Unit, IRCCS Sacro Cuore—Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Fernando Bril
- Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
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Phoolchund AGS, Khakoo SI. MASLD and the Development of HCC: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:259. [PMID: 38254750 PMCID: PMC10814413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)) represents a rapidly increasing cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), mirroring increasing rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome in the Western world. MASLD-HCC can develop at an earlier stage of fibrosis compared to other causes of chronic liver disease, presenting challenges in how to risk-stratify patients to set up effective screening programmes. Therapeutic decision making for MASLD-HCC is also complicated by medical comorbidities and disease presentation at a later stage. The response to treatment, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, may vary by the aetiology of the disease, and, in the future, patient stratification will be key to optimizing the therapeutic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju G. S. Phoolchund
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Salim I. Khakoo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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29
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Kado A, Tsutsumi T, Yotsuyanagi H, Ikeuchi K, Okushin K, Moriya K, Koike K, Fujishiro M. Noninvasive approach to indicate risk factors of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis overlapping autoimmune hepatitis based on peripheral lymphocyte pattern. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:1237-1251. [PMID: 37707595 PMCID: PMC10657798 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02038-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) clinically includes autoimmunity as indicated by antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity and overlap of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Discriminating AIH-overlap NASH from NAFLD/NASH is required for proper treatment, and typically involves pathological diagnosis by invasive liver biopsy. Differential patterns of peripheral lymphocytes in NAFLD and AIH were assessed to noninvasively indicate risk factors of AIH-overlap NASH by flow cytometry (FCM). METHODS We assessed the differential frequencies of peripheral lymphocytes in 115 patients: 70 NASH (ANA negative:positive:AIH-overlap = 36:20:14), 18 NAFL, and 27 AIH (acute:chronic = 12:15) patients diagnosed by FCM. We focused on the following populations of lymphocytes: T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, helper T cell (Th) subsets (Th1, Th2, and Th17), and regulatory T cells; we also examined programmed cell death (PD) 1 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen levels. RESULTS Several significant differences in laboratory parameters and peripheral lymphocyte frequencies were found among the NAFLD and AIH subgroups. In univariate and multivariate analyses, hyaluronic acid level, liver stiffness, and the frequencies of Th17 and CD8+ PD1+ T cells were independent risk factors of NASH in NAFLD. Regarding overlap of AIH, only the frequency of CD8+ PD1+ T cells (odds ratio, 0.01; 95% CI 0.00-38.9, p = 0.004) was an independent risk factor in NASH and significantly decreased in AIH. CONCLUSIONS The decreased frequency of peripheral CD8+ PD1+ T cells is an independent risk factor of NASH overlapping with AIH in the present cohort. Our findings will facilitate development of a new noninvasive FCM method for indicating risk factors of NASH, including autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kado
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Division for Health Service Promotion, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takeya Tsutsumi
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ikeuchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuya Okushin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoji Moriya
- Division for Health Service Promotion, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanto Central Hospital, 6-25-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 158-8531, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Fujishiro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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Liu YH, Zhu L, Zhang ZW, Liu TT, Cheng QY, Zhang M, Niu YX, Ding L, Yan WM, Luo XP, Ning Q, Chen T. C-C chemokine receptor 5 is essential for conventional NK cell trafficking and liver injury in a murine hepatitis virus-induced fulminant hepatic failure model. J Transl Med 2023; 21:865. [PMID: 38017505 PMCID: PMC10685630 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04665-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cells migrated into the liver from peripheral organs and exerted cytotoxic effects on hepatocytes in virus-induced liver failure. AIM This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic role of chemokine receptors in the migration of NK cells in a murine hepatitis virus strain 3 (MHV-3)-induced fulminant hepatic failure (MHV-3-FHF) model and its mechanism. RESULTS By gene array analysis, chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5) was found to have remarkably elevated expression levels in hepatic NK cells after MHV-3 infection. The number of hepatic CCR5+ conventional NK (cNK) cells increased and peaked at 48 h after MHV-3 infection, while the number of hepatic resident NK (rNK) cells steadily declined. Moreover, the expression of CCR5-related chemokines, including macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β and regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) was significantly upregulated in MHV-3-infected hepatocytes. In an in vitro Transwell migration assay, CCR5-blocked splenic cNK cells showed decreased migration towards MHV-3-infected hepatocytes, and inhibition of MIP-1β or RANTES but not MIP-1α decreased cNK cell migration. Moreover, CCR5 knockout (KO) mice displayed reduced infiltration of hepatic cNK cells after MHV-3 infection, accompanied by attenuated liver injury and improved mouse survival time. Adoptive transfer of cNK cells from wild-type mice into CCR5 KO mice resulted in the abundant accumulation of hepatic cNK cells and aggravated liver injury. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of CCR5 by maraviroc reduced cNK cell infiltration in the liver and liver injury in the MHV-3-FHF model. CONCLUSION The CCR5-MIP-1β/RANTES axis played a critical role in the recruitment of cNK cells to the liver during MHV-3-induced liver injury. Targeted inhibition of CCR5 provides a therapeutic approach to ameliorate liver damage during virus-induced acute liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hui Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ting-Ting Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qiu-Yu Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu-Xin Niu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lin Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wei-Ming Yan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qin Ning
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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Sawada K, Chung H, Softic S, Moreno-Fernandez ME, Divanovic S. The bidirectional immune crosstalk in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Cell Metab 2023; 35:1852-1871. [PMID: 37939656 PMCID: PMC10680147 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an unabated risk factor for end-stage liver diseases with no available therapies. Dysregulated immune responses are critical culprits of MASLD pathogenesis. Independent contributions from either the innate or adaptive arms of the immune system or their unidirectional interplay are commonly studied in MASLD. However, the bidirectional communication between innate and adaptive immune systems and its impact on MASLD remain insufficiently understood. Given that both innate and adaptive immune cells are indispensable for the development and progression of inflammation in MASLD, elucidating pathogenic contributions stemming from the bidirectional interplay between these two arms holds potential for development of novel therapeutics for MASLD. Here, we review the immune cell types and bidirectional pathways that influence the pathogenesis of MASLD and highlight potential pharmacologic approaches to combat MASLD based on current knowledge of this bidirectional crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Sawada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
| | - Hak Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Samir Softic
- Department of Pediatrics and Gastroenterology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Maria E Moreno-Fernandez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Senad Divanovic
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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Li B, Huang Y, Bao J, Xu Z, Yan X, Zou Q. Supramolecular Nanoarchitectonics Based on Antagonist Peptide Self-Assembly for Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2304675. [PMID: 37433983 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic peptides have attracted increasing attention as anti-fibrotic drug candidates. However, the rapid degradation and insufficient liver accumulation of therapeutic peptides have seriously hampered their clinical translation. Here, the use of supramolecular nanoarchitectonics is reported to fabricate nanodrugs from therapeutic peptides for treating liver fibrosis. Self-assembling antagonist peptides are rationally designed and manipulated into uniform peptide nanoparticles with well-defined nanostructures and uniform sizes. Significantly, the peptide nanoparticles show enhanced accumulation in liver sites and limited distribution in other tissues. In vivo results show that the peptide nanoparticles exhibit greatly enhanced anti-fibrotic activity compared to the pristine antagonist along with good biocompatibility. These results indicate that self-assembly is a promising nanoarchitectonics approach to enhance the anti-fibrotic activity of therapeutic peptides for treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, P. R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, P. R. China
| | - Zixuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, P. R. China
| | - Xuehai Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Qianli Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, P. R. China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, 230000, P. R. China
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Glaubitz J, Asgarbeik S, Lange R, Mazloum H, Elsheikh H, Weiss FU, Sendler M. Immune response mechanisms in acute and chronic pancreatitis: strategies for therapeutic intervention. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1279539. [PMID: 37881430 PMCID: PMC10595029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1279539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and a steady rising diagnosis for inpatient hospitalization. About one in four patients, who experience an episode of AP, will develop chronic pancreatitis (CP) over time. While the initiating causes of pancreatitis can be complex, they consistently elicit an immune response that significantly determines the severity and course of the disease. Overall, AP is associated with a significant mortality rate of 1-5%, which is caused by either an excessive pro-inflammation, or a strong compensatory inhibition of bacterial defense mechanisms which lead to a severe necrotizing form of pancreatitis. At the time-point of hospitalization the already initiated immune response is the only promising common therapeutic target to treat or prevent a severe disease course. However, the complexity of the immune response requires fine-balanced therapeutic intervention which in addition is limited by the fact that a significant proportion of patients is in danger of development or progress to recurrent and chronic disease. Based on the recent literature we survey the disease-relevant immune mechanisms and evaluate appropriate and promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of acute and chronic pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Matthias Sendler
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Luo S, Zhao X, Jiang J, Deng B, Liu S, Xu H, Tan Q, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Pan X, Wan R, Chen X, Yao Y, Li J. Piezo1 specific deletion in macrophage protects the progression of liver fibrosis in mice. Theranostics 2023; 13:5418-5434. [PMID: 37908726 PMCID: PMC10614683 DOI: 10.7150/thno.86103] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Liver fibrosis is the common pathological pathway of chronic liver diseases and its mechanisms of which have not been fully declared. Macrophages play essential roles in progression of liver fibrosis partially by sensing abnormal mechanical signals. The aim of the study is to investigate the functions of macrophage Piezo1, a mechano-sensitive ion channel, in liver fibrosis. Approach and Results: Immunofluorescence in human and murine fibrotic liver samples revealed that expression of macrophage Piezo1 was increased. Myeloid-specific Piezo1 knockout (Piezo1ΔLysM) attenuated liver fibrosis by decreased collagen deposition and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In Piezo1ΔLysM mice, less inflammation during development of liver fibrosis was observed by lessened macrophage infiltration, decreased M1 polarization and expression of inflammatory cytokines. RNA-seq data showed macrophage Piezo1 regulated transcription of cathepsin S (CTSS). Piezo1ΔLysM inhibited expression and activity of CTSS in vitro and in vivo and regulated T cell activity. Furthermore, inhibition of CTSS reversed macrophage inflammatory response driven by Piezo1 activation and LPS. Macrophage Piezo1 activation promoted CTSS secretion due to increased activity of Ca2+-dependent calpain protease induced by Ca2+ influx to cleave lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP1). Pharmacological inhibition of calpain activity partially blocked Piezo1 mediated CTSS secretion. Conclusions: Macrophage Piezo1 deficiency limits the progression of liver fibrosis by inhibited inflammatory response and decreased secretion of CTSS. These findings suggest that targeting Piezo1 channel may be a potential strategy for treating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangfei Luo
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Innovation Research Center, Shandong University of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250307, China
| | - Xiaoduo Zhao
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jintao Jiang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Bo Deng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Silin Liu
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Honglin Xu
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Qiaorui Tan
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Yu'an Chen
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Ziyan Zhang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Xianmei Pan
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Rentao Wan
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Youfen Yao
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Jing Li
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Innovation Research Center, Shandong University of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250307, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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35
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Ibidapo-Obe O, Bruns T. Tissue-resident and innate-like T cells in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100812. [PMID: 37691689 PMCID: PMC10485156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease results from the orchestrated interplay of components of innate and adaptive immunity in response to liver tissue damage. Recruitment, positioning, and activation of immune cells can contribute to hepatic cell death, inflammation, and fibrogenesis. With disease progression and increasing portal pressure, repeated translocation of bacterial components from the intestinal lumen through the epithelial and vascular barriers leads to persistent mucosal, hepatic, and systemic inflammation which contributes to tissue damage, immune dysfunction, and microbial infection. It is increasingly recognised that innate-like and adaptive T-cell subsets located in the liver, mucosal surfaces, and body cavities play a critical role in the progression of advanced liver disease and inflammatory complications of cirrhosis. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells, natural killer T cells, γδ T cells, and tissue-resident memory T cells in the gut, liver, and ascitic fluid share certain characteristic features, which include that they recognise microbial products, tissue alarmins, cytokines, and stress ligands in tissues, and perform effector functions in chronic liver disease. This review highlights recent advances in the comprehension of human tissue-resident and unconventional T-cell populations and discusses the mechanisms by which they contribute to inflammation, fibrosis, immunosuppression, and antimicrobial surveillance in patients with cirrhosis. Understanding the complex interactions of immune cells in different compartments and their contribution to disease progression will provide further insights for effective diagnostic interventions and novel immunomodulatory strategies in patients with advanced chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatomi Ibidapo-Obe
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tony Bruns
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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36
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Abstract
Chronic liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or viral hepatitis are characterized by persistent inflammation and subsequent liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis critically determines long-term morbidity (for example, cirrhosis or liver cancer) and mortality in NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Inflammation represents the concerted response of various hepatic cell types to hepatocellular death and inflammatory signals, which are related to intrahepatic injury pathways or extrahepatic mediators from the gut-liver axis and the circulation. Single-cell technologies have revealed the heterogeneity of immune cell activation concerning disease states and the spatial organization within the liver, including resident and recruited macrophages, neutrophils as mediators of tissue repair, auto-aggressive features of T cells as well as various innate lymphoid cell and unconventional T cell populations. Inflammatory responses drive the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and HSC subsets, in turn, modulate immune mechanisms via chemokines and cytokines or transdifferentiate into matrix-producing myofibroblasts. Current advances in understanding the pathogenesis of inflammation and fibrosis in the liver, mainly focused on NAFLD or NASH owing to the high unmet medical need, have led to the identification of several therapeutic targets. In this Review, we summarize the inflammatory mediators and cells in the diseased liver, fibrogenic pathways and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Hammerich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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37
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Bhattacharya M, Ramachandran P. Immunology of human fibrosis. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1423-1433. [PMID: 37474654 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, defined by the excess deposition of structural and matricellular proteins in the extracellular space, underlies tissue dysfunction in multiple chronic diseases. Approved antifibrotics have proven modest in efficacy, and the immune compartment remains, for the most part, an untapped therapeutic opportunity. Recent single-cell analyses have interrogated human fibrotic tissues, including immune cells. These studies have revealed a conserved profile of scar-associated macrophages, which localize to the fibrotic niche and interact with mesenchymal cells that produce pathological extracellular matrix. Here we review recent advances in the understanding of the fibrotic microenvironment in human diseases, with a focus on immune cell profiles and functional immune-stromal interactions. We also discuss the key role of the immune system in mediating fibrosis regression and highlight avenues for future study to elucidate potential approaches to targeting inflammatory cells in fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallar Bhattacharya
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Prakash Ramachandran
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK.
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38
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Gao R, Tang H, Mao J. Programmed Cell Death in Liver Fibrosis. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:3897-3910. [PMID: 37674533 PMCID: PMC10478980 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s427868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death (PCD) is a comprehensive term that encompasses various forms of cell death, such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy, which play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. PCD facilitates the elimination of aberrant cells, particularly activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are the primary producers of extracellular matrix (ECM). The removal of HSCs may impede ECM synthesis, thereby mitigating liver fibrosis. As such, PCD has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for the development of novel drugs to treat liver fibrosis. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms of PCD in the elimination of activated HSCs and other aberrant liver cells in fibrotic liver tissue, including hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoid endothelial cells (LSECs), and Kupffer cells (KCs). The induction of PCD, the interplay between different forms of PCD, and the potential harm or benefit of PCD in liver fibrosis are topics of ongoing research. Evidences suggest that PCD is a complex process with dual effects on liver fibrosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent advances in PCD and liver fibrosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiying Tang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingwei Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People’s Republic of China
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39
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Wang M, Cao L. Hydrolysable tannins as a potential therapeutic drug for the human fibrosis-associated disease. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:1096-1113. [PMID: 37386756 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22089] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological change with abnormal tissue regeneration due to a response to persistent injury, which is extensively related to organ damage and failure, leading to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although the pathogenesis of fibrosis has been comprehensively elucidated, there are few effective therapies for treating fibrotic diseases. Natural products are increasingly regarded as an effective strategy for fibrosis with numerous favorable functions. Hydrolysable tannins (HT) are a type of natural products that have the potential to treat the fibrotic disease. In this review, we describe some biological activities and the therapeutic prospects of HT in organ fibrosis. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of inhibition of HT on fibrotic organs in relation to inflammation, oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fibroblast activation and proliferation, and extracellular matrix accumulation are discussed. Understanding the mechanism of HT against fibrotic diseases will provide a new strategy for the prevention and attenuation of fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiwei Wang
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Linghui Cao
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
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40
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Zhong X, Lv M, Ma M, Huang Q, Hu R, Li J, Yi J, Sun J, Zhou X. State of CD8 + T cells in progression from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma: From pathogenesis to immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115131. [PMID: 37429231 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
With the obesity epidemic, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is emerging as the fastest growing potential cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NASH has been demonstrated to establish a tumor-prone liver microenvironment where both innate and adaptive immune systems are involved. As the most typical anti-tumor effector, the cell function of CD8+ T cells is remodeled by chronic inflammation, metabolic alteration, lipid toxicity and oxidative stress in the liver microenvironment along the NASH to HCC transition. Unexpectedly, NASH may blunt the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy against HCC due to the dysregulated CD8+ T cells. Growing evidence has supported that NASH is likely to facilitate the state transition of CD8+ T cells with changes in cell motility, effector function, metabolic reprogramming and gene transcription according to single-cell sequencing. However, the mechanistic insight of CD8+ T cell states in the NASH-driven HCC is not comprehensive. Herein, we focus on the characterization of state phenotypes of CD8+ T cells with both functional and metabolic signatures in NASH-driven fibrosis and HCC. The NASH-specific CD8+ T cells are speculated to mainly have a dualist effect, where its aberrant activated phenotype sustains chronic inflammation in NASH but subsequently triggers its exhaustion in HCC. As the exploration of CD8+ T cells on the distribution and phenotypic shifts will provide a new direction for the intervention strategies against HCC, we also discuss the implications for targeting different phenotypes of CD8+ T cells, shedding light on the personalized immunotherapy for NASH-driven HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhong
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Minling Lv
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - MengQing Ma
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinyu Yi
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jialing Sun
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaozhou Zhou
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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41
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Le Moine M, Azouz A, Sanchez Sanchez G, Dejolier S, Nguyen M, Thomas S, Shala V, Dreidi H, Denanglaire S, Libert F, Vermijlen D, Andris F, Goriely S. Homeostatic PD-1 signaling restrains EOMES-dependent oligoclonal expansion of liver-resident CD8 T cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112876. [PMID: 37543948 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112876] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The co-inhibitory programmed death (PD)-1 signaling pathway plays a major role in the context of tumor-specific T cell responses. Conversely, it also contributes to the maintenance of peripheral tolerance, as patients receiving anti-PD-1 treatment are prone to developing immune-related adverse events. Yet, the physiological role of the PD-1/PDL-1 axis in T cell homeostasis is still poorly understood. Herein, we show that under steady-state conditions, the absence of PD-1 signaling led to a preferential expansion of CD8+ T cells in the liver. These cells exhibit an oligoclonal T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and a terminally differentiated exhaustion profile. The transcription factor EOMES is required for the clonal expansion and acquisition of this differentiation program. Finally, single-cell transcriptomics coupled with TCR repertoire analysis support the notion that these cells arise locally from liver-resident memory CD8+ T cells. Overall, we show a role for PD-1 signaling in liver memory T cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Le Moine
- Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium; ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Abdulkader Azouz
- Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium; ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guillem Sanchez Sanchez
- Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium; ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, ULB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Solange Dejolier
- ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Immunobiology Lab, ULB, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Muriel Nguyen
- Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium; ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Séverine Thomas
- Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium; ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Valdrin Shala
- Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium; ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hacene Dreidi
- ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Immunobiology Lab, ULB, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Denanglaire
- ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Immunobiology Lab, ULB, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Frédérick Libert
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM) and Brightcore, ULB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Vermijlen
- Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium; ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, ULB, Brussels, Belgium; WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Avenue Pasteur, 6, 1300 Wavre, Belgium
| | - Fabienne Andris
- ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Immunobiology Lab, ULB, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Stanislas Goriely
- Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium; ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Immunobiology Lab, ULB, Gosselies, Belgium.
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42
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Miyamoto K, Sujino T, Harada Y, Ashida H, Yoshimatsu Y, Yonemoto Y, Nemoto Y, Tomura M, Melhem H, Niess JH, Suzuki T, Suzuki T, Suzuki S, Koda Y, Okamoto R, Mikami Y, Teratani T, Tanaka KF, Yoshimura A, Sato T, Kanai T. The gut microbiota-induced kynurenic acid recruits GPR35-positive macrophages to promote experimental encephalitis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113005. [PMID: 37590143 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The intricate interplay between gut microbes and the onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) remains poorly understood. Here, we uncover remarkable similarities between CD4+ T cells in the spinal cord and their counterparts in the small intestine. Furthermore, we unveil a synergistic relationship between the microbiota, particularly enriched with the tryptophan metabolism gene EC:1.13.11.11, and intestinal cells. This symbiotic collaboration results in the biosynthesis of kynurenic acid (KYNA), which modulates the recruitment and aggregation of GPR35-positive macrophages. Subsequently, a robust T helper 17 (Th17) immune response is activated, ultimately triggering the onset of EAE. Conversely, modulating the KYNA-mediated GPR35 signaling in Cx3cr1+ macrophages leads to a remarkable amelioration of EAE. These findings shed light on the crucial role of microbial-derived tryptophan metabolites in regulating immune responses within extraintestinal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Miyamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Miyarisan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Research Laboratory, 1-10-3, Kaminagazato, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0016, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Sujino
- Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Yosuke Harada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ashida
- Department of Bacterial Infection and Host Response, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan; Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Cyuo-ku, Chiba city, Chiba 260-8673, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yoshimatsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuki Yonemoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nemoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Michio Tomura
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Otani University, 3-11-1 Nshikiorikita, Tondabayshi, Osaka, 584-8584, Japan
| | - Hassan Melhem
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hendrik Niess
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; Clarunis-University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University Hospital Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Toshihiko Suzuki
- Department of Bacterial Infection and Host Response, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Toru Suzuki
- Division of Brain Sciences Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicne, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shohei Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuzo Koda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Okamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yohei Mikami
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Teratani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kenji F. Tanaka
- Division of Brain Sciences Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicne, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Toshiro Sato
- Department of Organoid Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takanori Kanai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, 1-7-1, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan.
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43
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Lurje I, Gaisa NT, Weiskirchen R, Tacke F. Mechanisms of organ fibrosis: Emerging concepts and implications for novel treatment strategies. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 92:101191. [PMID: 37236017 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, or tissue scarring, develops as a pathological deviation from the physiological wound healing response and can occur in various organs such as the heart, lung, liver, kidney, skin, and bone marrow. Organ fibrosis significantly contributes to global morbidity and mortality. A broad spectrum of etiologies can cause fibrosis, including acute and chronic ischemia, hypertension, chronic viral infection (e.g., viral hepatitis), environmental exposure (e.g., pneumoconiosis, alcohol, nutrition, smoking) and genetic diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency). Common mechanisms across organs and disease etiologies involve a sustained injury to parenchymal cells that triggers a wound healing response, which becomes deregulated in the disease process. A transformation of resting fibroblasts into myofibroblasts with excessive extracellular matrix production constitutes the hallmark of disease, however, multiple other cell types such as immune cells, predominantly monocytes/macrophages, endothelial cells, and parenchymal cells form a complex network of profibrotic cellular crosstalk. Across organs, leading mediators include growth factors like transforming growth factor-β and platelet-derived growth factor, cytokines like interleukin-10, interleukin-13, interleukin-17, and danger-associated molecular patterns. More recently, insights into fibrosis regression and resolution of chronic conditions have deepened our understanding of beneficial, protective effects of immune cells, soluble mediators and intracellular signaling. Further in-depth insights into the mechanisms of fibrogenesis can provide the rationale for therapeutic interventions and the development of targeted antifibrotic agents. This review gives insight into shared responses and cellular mechanisms across organs and etiologies, aiming to paint a comprehensive picture of fibrotic diseases in both experimental settings and in human pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Lurje
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Charité Mitte and Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine T Gaisa
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Charité Mitte and Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Cheon IS, Son YM, Sun J. Tissue-resident memory T cells and lung immunopathology. Immunol Rev 2023; 316:63-83. [PMID: 37014096 PMCID: PMC10524334 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Rapid reaction to microbes invading mucosal tissues is key to protect the host against disease. Respiratory tissue-resident memory T (TRM ) cells provide superior immunity against pathogen infection and/or re-infection, due to their presence at the site of pathogen entry. However, there has been emerging evidence that exuberant TRM -cell responses contribute to the development of various chronic respiratory conditions including pulmonary sequelae post-acute viral infections. In this review, we have described the characteristics of respiratory TRM cells and processes underlying their development and maintenance. We have reviewed TRM -cell protective functions against various respiratory pathogens as well as their pathological activities in chronic lung conditions including post-viral pulmonary sequelae. Furthermore, we have discussed potential mechanisms regulating the pathological activity of TRM cells and proposed therapeutic strategies to alleviate TRM -cell-mediated lung immunopathology. We hope that this review provides insights toward the development of future vaccines or interventions that can harness the superior protective abilities of TRM cells, while minimizing the potential for immunopathology, a particularly important topic in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Su Cheon
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Young Min Son
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea 17546
| | - Jie Sun
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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45
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Zhang CY, Liu S, Yang M. Treatment of liver fibrosis: Past, current, and future. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:755-774. [PMID: 37397931 PMCID: PMC10308286 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i6.755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis accompanies the progression of chronic liver diseases independent of etiologies, such as hepatitis viral infection, alcohol consumption, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. It is commonly associated with liver injury, inflammation, and cell death. Liver fibrosis is characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix components that are expressed by liver myofibroblasts such as collagens and alpha-smooth actin proteins. Activated hepatic stellate cells contribute to the major population of myofibroblasts. Many treatments for liver fibrosis have been investigated in clinical trials, including dietary supplementation (e.g., vitamin C), biological treatment (e.g., simtuzumab), drug (e.g., pegbelfermin and natural herbs), genetic regulation (e.g., non-coding RNAs), and transplantation of stem cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells). However, none of these treatments has been approved by Food and Drug Administration. The treatment efficacy can be evaluated by histological staining methods, imaging methods, and serum biomarkers, as well as fibrosis scoring systems, such as fibrosis-4 index, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score. Furthermore, the reverse of liver fibrosis is slowly and frequently impossible for advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. To avoid the life-threatening stage of liver fibrosis, anti-fibrotic treatments, especially for combined behavior prevention, biological treatment, drugs or herb medicines, and dietary regulation are needed. This review summarizes the past studies and current and future treatments for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ye Zhang
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Radiology,The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
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46
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Pei Q, Yi Q, Tang L. Liver Fibrosis Resolution: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119671. [PMID: 37298621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a critical system for metabolism in human beings, which plays an essential role in an abundance of physiological processes and is vulnerable to endogenous or exogenous injuries. After the damage to the liver, a type of aberrant wound healing response known as liver fibrosis may happen, which can result in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and then cause cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously endangering human health and causing a great economic burden. However, few effective anti-fibrotic medications are clinically available to treat liver fibrosis. The most efficient approach to liver fibrosis prevention and treatment currently is to eliminate its causes, but this approach's efficiency is too slow, or some causes cannot be fully eliminated, which causes liver fibrosis to worsen. In cases of advanced fibrosis, the only available treatment is liver transplantation. Therefore, new treatments or therapeutic agents need to be explored to stop the further development of early liver fibrosis or to reverse the fibrosis process to achieve liver fibrosis resolution. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development of liver fibrosis is necessary to find new therapeutic targets and drugs. The complex process of liver fibrosis is regulated by a variety of cells and cytokines, among which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the essential cells, and their continued activation will lead to further progression of liver fibrosis. It has been found that inhibiting HSC activation, or inducing apoptosis, and inactivating activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) can reverse fibrosis and thus achieve liver fibrosis regression. Hence, this review will concentrate on how HSCs become activated during liver fibrosis, including intercellular interactions and related signaling pathways, as well as targeting HSCs or liver fibrosis signaling pathways to achieve the resolution of liver fibrosis. Finally, new therapeutic compounds targeting liver fibrosis are summarized to provide more options for the therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Abstract
The understanding of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis has been dominated by models in which chronic hepatocellular injury is the initiating step as is seen with viral infections. The increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, and the increases in liver fibrosis due to metabolic syndrome driven non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), has made it a priority to understand how this type of liver fibrosis is similar to, and different from, pure hepatocellular injury driven liver fibrosis. Both types of liver fibrosis have the transformation of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) into a myofibroblast as a key step. In metabolic syndrome, there is little evidence that metabolite changes such as high levels of glucose and free fatty acids are directly inducing HSC transdifferentiation, however, metabolite changes may lead to reductions in immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective molecules such as lipoxins, resolvins and Interleukin (IL)-22. Cells of the innate immune system are known to be important intermediaries between hepatocellular damage and HSC transdifferentiation, primarily by producing cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF). Resident and infiltrating macrophages are the dominant innate immune cells, but others (dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killer T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells) also have important roles in inducing and resolving liver fibrosis. CD8+ and CD4+ T cells of the adaptive immune system have been identified to have greater profibrotic roles than previously realised by inducing hepatocyte death (auto-aggressive CD8+T) cells and cytokines producing (TH17 producing CD4+T) cells. Finally, the cellular networks present in NASH fibrosis are being identified and suggest that once fibrosis has developed cell-to-cell communication is dominated by myofibroblasts autocrine signalling followed by communication with cholangiocytes and endothelial cells, with myofibroblast-hepatocyte, and myofibroblast-macrophage signalling having minor roles. Such information is essential to the development of antifibrotic strategies for different stages of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajahat Mehal
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Gupta B, Rai RP, Pal PB, Chaudhary S, Chiaro A, Seaman S, Singhi AD, Monga SP, Iyer SS, Raeman R. Selective targeting of α 4 β 7 /MAdCAM-1 axis suppresses liver fibrosis by reducing proinflammatory T cell recruitment to the liver. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.20.528201. [PMID: 36865167 PMCID: PMC9980010 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.20.528201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Integrin α 4 β 7 + T cells perpetuate tissue injury in chronic inflammatory diseases, yet their role in hepatic fibrosis progression remains poorly understood. Here we report increased accumulation of α 4 β 7 + T cells in the liver of people with cirrhosis relative to disease controls. Similarly, hepatic fibrosis in the established mouse model of CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis was associated with enrichment of intrahepatic α 4 β 7 + CD4 and CD8 T cells. Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-mediated blockade of α 4 β 7 or its ligand mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM)-1 attenuated hepatic inflammation and prevented fibrosis progression in CCl 4 treated mice. Improvement in liver fibrosis was associated with a significant decrease in the infiltration of α 4 β 7 + CD4 and CD8 T cells suggesting that α 4 β 7 /MAdCAM-1 axis regulates both CD4 and CD8 T cell recruitment to the fibrotic liver, and α 4 β 7 + T cells promote hepatic fibrosis progression. Analysis of hepatic α 4 β 7 + and α 4 β 7 -CD4 T cells revealed that α 4 β 7 + CD4 T cells enriched for markers of activation and proliferation demonstrating an effector phenotype. Notably, blockade of α 4 β 7 or MAdCAM-1 did not affect the recruitment of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, demonstrating the specificity of α 4 β 7 /MAdCAM-1 axis in regulating effector T cell recruitment to the liver. The findings suggest that α 4 β 7 + T cells play a critical role in promoting hepatic fibrosis progression, and mAb-mediated blockade of α 4 β 7 or MAdCAM-1 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for slowing hepatic fibrosis progression in chronic liver diseases.
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49
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Tacke F, Puengel T, Loomba R, Friedman SL. An integrated view of anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic targets for the treatment of NASH. J Hepatol 2023:S0168-8278(23)00218-0. [PMID: 37061196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Successful development of treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been challenging. Because NASH and fibrosis lead to NAFLD progression towards cirrhosis and to clinical outcomes, approaches have either sought to attenuate metabolic dysregulation and cell injury, or directly target the inflammation and fibrosis that ensue. Targets for reducing the activation of inflammatory cascades include nuclear receptor agonists (thyroid hormone receptor-beta, e.g. resmetirom, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [PPAR], e.g. lanifibranor, farnesoid X receptor [FXR], e.g. obeticholic acid), modulators of lipotoxicity (e.g. aramchol, acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors) or modification of genetic variants (e.g. PNPLA3 gene silencing). Extrahepatic inflammatory signals from circulation, adipose tissue or gut are targets of hormonal agonists (e.g. glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] like semaglutide, fibroblast growth factor [FGF]-19 or FGF21), microbiota or lifestyle (weight loss, diet, exercise) interventions. Stress signals and hepatocyte death activate immune responses engaging innate (macrophages, lymphocytes) and adaptive (auto-aggressive T-cells) mechanisms. Therapies seek to blunt immune cell activation, recruitment (chemokine receptor inhibitors) and responses (e.g. galectin 3 inhibition, anti-platelet drugs). The disease-driving pathways of NASH converge to elicit fibrosis, which is reversible. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into matrix-producing myofibroblasts can be inhibited by antagonizing soluble factors (e.g. integrins, cytokines), cellular crosstalk (e.g. with macrophages), and agonizing nuclear receptor signaling (e.g. FXR or PPAR agonists). In advanced fibrosis, cell therapy with restorative macrophages or reprogrammed T-cells (e.g., CAR T) may accelerate repair through HSC deactivation or killing, or by enhancing matrix degradation. Heterogeneity of disease - either due to genetics or divergent disease drivers - is an obstacle to defining effective drugs for all patients with NASH that will be incrementally overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tobias Puengel
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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50
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Yang C, Qian Q, Zhao Y, Huang B, Chen R, Gong Q, Ji H, Wang C, Xia L, You Z, Zhang J, Chen X. Fibrinogen-like protein 1 promotes liver-resident memory T-cell exhaustion in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112672. [PMID: 36993960 PMCID: PMC10040674 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112672] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aimsThe key role of tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells in the immune regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been investigated and reported, but the regulatory mechanism of tumor microenvironment on TRM cells is still unclear. Lymphocyte activating gene 3 (LAG-3) is a promising next-generation immune checkpoint that is continuously expressed due to persistent antigen exposure in the tumor microenvironment. Fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) is a classical ligand of LAG-3 and can promote T cell exhaustion in tumors. Here, we excavated the effect of FGL1-LAG3 regulatory axis on TRM cells in HCC.MethodsThe function and phenotype of intrahepatic CD8+ TRM cells in 35 HCC patients were analyzed using multicolor flow cytometry. Using a tissue microarray of 80 HCC patients, we performed the prognosis analysis. Moreover, we investigated the suppressive effect of FGL1 on CD8+ TRM cells both in in vitro induction model and in vivo orthotopic HCC mouse model.ResultsThere was an increase in LAG3 expression in CD8+ TRM cells in end-stage HCC; moreover, FGL1 levels were negatively correlated with CD103 expression and related to poor outcomes in HCC. Patients with high CD8+ TRM cell proportions have better outcomes, and FGL1-LAG3 binding could lead to the exhaustion of CD8+ TRM cells in tumors, indicating its potential as a target for immune checkpoint therapy of HCC. Increased FGL1 expression in HCC may result in CD8+ TRM cell exhaustion, causing tumor immune escape.ConclusionsWe identified CD8+TRM cells as a potential immunotherapeutic target and reported the effect of FGL1-LAG3 binding on CD8+ TRM cell function in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjie Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiwei Qian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yudong Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingyuan Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruilin Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiyu Gong
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Ji
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengrui You
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaosong Chen, ; Jianjun Zhang,
| | - Xiaosong Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaosong Chen, ; Jianjun Zhang,
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