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de Kivit S, Mensink M, Kostidis S, Derks RJE, Zaal EA, Heijink M, Verleng LJ, de Vries E, Schrama E, Blomberg N, Berkers CR, Giera M, Borst J. Immune suppression by human thymus-derived effector Tregs relies on glucose/lactate-fueled fatty acid synthesis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114681. [PMID: 39180751 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114681] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress pro-inflammatory conventional T cell (Tconv) responses. As lipids impact cell signaling and function, we compare the lipid composition of CD4+ thymus-derived (t)Tregs and Tconvs. Lipidomics reveal constitutive enrichment of neutral lipids in Tconvs and phospholipids in tTregs. TNFR2-co-stimulated effector tTregs and Tconvs are both glycolytic, but only in tTregs are glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle linked to a boost in fatty acid (FA) synthesis (FAS), supported by relevant gene expression. FA chains in tTregs are longer and more unsaturated than in Tconvs. In contrast to Tconvs, tTregs effectively use either lactate or glucose for FAS and rely on this process for proliferation. FASN and SCD1, enzymes responsible for FAS and FA desaturation, prove essential for the ability of tTregs to suppress Tconvs. These data illuminate how effector tTregs can thrive in inflamed or cancerous tissues with limiting glucose but abundant lactate levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander de Kivit
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Mark Mensink
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sarantos Kostidis
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Rico J E Derks
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Esther A Zaal
- Division of Cell Biology, Metabolism, and Cancer, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Heijink
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte J Verleng
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Evert de Vries
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen Schrama
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Niek Blomberg
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Celia R Berkers
- Division of Cell Biology, Metabolism, and Cancer, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Giera
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jannie Borst
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Spiliopoulou P, Kaur P, Hammett T, Di Conza G, Lahn M. Targeting T regulatory (T reg) cells in immunotherapy-resistant cancers. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:2. [PMID: 38318526 PMCID: PMC10838381 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Primary or secondary (i.e., acquired) resistance is a common occurrence in cancer patients and is often associated with high numbers of T regulatory (Treg) cells (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+). The approval of ipilimumab and the development of similar pharmacological agents targeting cell surface proteins on Treg cells demonstrates that such intervention may overcome resistance in cancer patients. Hence, the clinical development and subsequent approval of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) targeting agents can serve as a prototype for similar agents. Such new agents aspire to be highly specific and have a reduced toxicity profile while increasing effector T cell function or effector T/T regulatory (Teff/Treg) ratio. While clinical development with large molecules has shown the greatest advancement, small molecule inhibitors that target immunomodulation are increasingly entering early clinical investigation. These new small molecule inhibitors often target specific intracellular signaling pathways [e.g., phosphoinositide-3-kinase delta (PI3K-δ)] that play an important role in regulating the function of Treg cells. This review will summarize the lessons currently applied to develop novel clinical agents that target Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Spiliopoulou
- Department of Drug Development Program, Phase I Unit, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Center, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Paramjit Kaur
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Tracey Hammett
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Giusy Di Conza
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Michael Lahn
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
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Golzari-Sorkheh M, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Development and function of FOXP3+ regulators of immune responses. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 213:13-22. [PMID: 37085947 PMCID: PMC10324550 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad048] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3) protein is an essential transcription factor for the development and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), involved in the maintenance of immunological tolerance. Although extensive research over the last decade has investigated the critical role of FOXP3+ cells in preserving immune homeostasis, our understanding of their specific functions remains limited. Therefore, unveiling the molecular mechanisms underpinning the up- and downstream transcriptional regulation of and by FOXP3 is crucial for developing Treg-targeted therapeutics. Dysfunctions in FOXP3+ Tregs have also been found to be inherent drivers of autoimmune disorders and have been shown to exhibit multifaceted functions in the context of cancer. Recent research suggests that these cells may also be involved in tissue-specific repair and regeneration. Herein, we summarize current understanding of the thymic-transcriptional regulatory landscape of FOXP3+ Tregs, their epigenetic modulators, and associated signaling pathways. Finally, we highlight the contributions of FOXP3 on the functional development of Tregs and reflect on the clinical implications in the context of pathological and physiological immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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