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Jiang D, Soo N, Tan CY, Dankwa S, Wang HY, Theriot BS, Ardeshir A, Siddiqui NY, Van Rompay KKA, De Paris K, Permar SR, Goswami R, Surana NK. Commensal bacteria inhibit viral infections via a tryptophan metabolite. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.21.589969. [PMID: 38659737 PMCID: PMC11042330 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.21.589969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
There is growing appreciation that commensal bacteria impact the outcome of viral infections, though the specific bacteria and their underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Studying a simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-challenged cohort of pediatric nonhuman primates, we bioinformatically associated Lactobacillus gasseri and the bacterial family Lachnospiraceae with enhanced resistance to infection. We experimentally validated these findings by demonstrating two different Lachnospiraceae isolates, Clostridium immunis and Ruminococcus gnavus, inhibited HIV replication in vitro and ex vivo. Given the link between tryptophan catabolism and HIV disease severity, we found that an isogenic mutant of C. immunis that lacks the aromatic amino acid aminotransferase (ArAT) gene, which is key to metabolizing tryptophan into 3-indolelactic acid (ILA), no longer inhibits HIV infection. Intriguingly, we confirmed that a second commensal bacterium also inhibited HIV in an ArAT-dependent manner, thus establishing the generalizability of this finding. In addition, we found that purified ILA inhibited HIV infection by agonizing the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Given that the AhR has been implicated in the control of multiple viral infections, we demonstrated that C. immunis also inhibited human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in an ArAT-dependent manner. Importantly, metagenomic analysis of individuals at-risk for HIV revealed that those who ultimately acquired HIV had a lower fecal abundance of the bacterial ArAT gene compared to individuals who did not, which indicates our findings translate to humans. Taken together, our results provide mechanistic insights into how commensal bacteria decrease susceptibility to viral infections. Moreover, we have defined a microbiota-driven antiviral pathway that offers the potential for novel therapeutic strategies targeting a broad spectrum of viral pathogens.
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Xu L, Lin L, Xie N, Chen W, Nong W, Li R. Role of aryl hydrocarbon receptors in infection and inflammation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1367734. [PMID: 38680494 PMCID: PMC11045974 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1367734] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that is activated by various ligands, including pollutants, microorganisms, and metabolic substances. It is expressed extensively in pulmonary and intestinal epithelial cells, where it contributes to barrier defense. The expression of AhR is pivotal in regulating the inflammatory response to microorganisms. However, dysregulated AhR expression can result in endocrine disorders, leading to immunotoxicity and potentially promoting the development of carcinoma. This review focuses on the crucial role of the AhR in facilitating and limiting the proliferation of pathogens, specifically in relation to the host cell type and the species of etiological agents involved in microbial pathogen infections. The activation of AhR is enhanced through the IDO1-AhR-IDO1 positive feedback loop, which is manipulated by viruses. AhR primarily promotes the infection of SARS-CoV-2 by inducing the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. AhR also plays a significant role in regulating various types of T-cells, including CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells, in the context of pulmonary infections. The AhR pathway plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses within the respiratory and intestinal barriers when they are invaded by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Additionally, we propose that targeting the agonist and antagonist of AhR signaling pathways could serve as a promising therapeutic approach for combating pathogen infections, especially in light of the growing prevalence of drug resistance to multiple antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linglan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Research on Clinical Molecular Diagnosis for High Incidence Diseases in Western Guangxi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Luping Lin
- Key Laboratory of Research on Clinical Molecular Diagnosis for High Incidence Diseases in Western Guangxi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Nan Xie
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Weihua Nong
- Key Laboratory of Research on Clinical Molecular Diagnosis for High Incidence Diseases in Western Guangxi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Ranhui Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases and Affiliated Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases, University of South China, Changsha, China
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Guan D, Yang Y, Pang M, Liu X, Li Y, Huang P, Shang H, Wei H, Ye Z. Indole-3-carboxaldehyde ameliorates ionizing radiation-induced hematopoietic injury by enhancing hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell quiescence. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:313-323. [PMID: 37067732 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04732-0] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Indole-3-carboxaldehyde (I3A), one of tryptophan metabolites derived from gut microbiota, extends the lifespan of mice after high-dose ionizing radiation exposure. Persistent myelosuppression is the most common and fatal complication for victims of nuclear accidents and patients undergoing radiotherapy, with few therapeutic options available. However, whether and how I3A protects ionizing radiation-induced hematopoietic toxicity remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that I3A treatment effectively ameliorated radiation-induced hematopoietic injury through accelerating peripheral blood cells recovery, promoting bone marrow cellularity restoration and enhancing functional HSPC regeneration. Additionally, I3A also suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species production and inhibited apoptosis in irradiated HSPCs. Mechanistically, I3A treatment significantly increased HSPC quiescence, thus conferring HSPCs with resistance against radiation injury. Finally, I3A treatment could improve survival of lethally irradiated mice. Taken together, our data suggest that I3A acts as a gut microbiota-derived paracrine factor that regulates HSPC regeneration and may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for ionizing radiation-induced myelosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Guan
- Laboratary Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
- Stem Cell Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
| | - Yonghao Yang
- Laboratary Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Mao Pang
- Laboratary Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Xinlei Liu
- Laboratary Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Yang Li
- Laboratary Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Pengju Huang
- Laboratary Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Haitao Shang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Zhijia Ye
- Laboratary Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
- Stem Cell Research Center, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
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Schmidt JR, Haupt J, Riemschneider S, Kämpf C, Löffler D, Blumert C, Reiche K, Koehl U, Kalkhof S, Lehmann J. Transcriptomic signatures reveal a shift towards an anti-inflammatory gene expression profile but also the induction of type I and type II interferon signaling networks through aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation in murine macrophages. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1156493. [PMID: 37287978 PMCID: PMC10242070 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1156493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates a broad range of target genes involved in the xenobiotic response, cell cycle control and circadian rhythm. AhR is constitutively expressed in macrophages (Mϕ), acting as key regulator of cytokine production. While proinflammatory cytokines, i.e., IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, are suppressed through AhR activation, anti-inflammatory IL-10 is induced. However, the underlying mechanisms of those effects and the importance of the specific ligand structure are not yet completely understood. Methods Therefore, we have compared the global gene expression pattern in activated murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) subsequently to exposure with either benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) or indole-3-carbinol (I3C), representing high-affinity vs. low-affinity AhR ligands, respectively, by means of mRNA sequencing. AhR dependency of observed effects was proved using BMMs from AhR-knockout (Ahr-/-) mice. Results and discussion In total, more than 1,000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) could be mapped, covering a plethora of AhR-modulated effects on basal cellular processes, i.e., transcription and translation, but also immune functions, i.e., antigen presentation, cytokine production, and phagocytosis. Among DEGs were genes that are already known to be regulated by AhR, i.e., Irf1, Ido2, and Cd84. However, we identified DEGs not yet described to be AhR-regulated in Mϕ so far, i.e., Slpi, Il12rb1, and Il21r. All six genes likely contribute to shifting the Mϕ phenotype from proinflammatory to anti-inflammatory. The majority of DEGs induced through BaP were not affected through I3C exposure, probably due to higher AhR affinity of BaP in comparison to I3C. Mapping of known aryl hydrocarbon response element (AHRE) sequence motifs in identified DEGs revealed more than 200 genes not possessing any AHRE, and therefore being not eligible for canonical regulation. Bioinformatic approaches modeled a central role of type I and type II interferons in the regulation of those genes. Additionally, RT-qPCR and ELISA confirmed a AhR-dependent expressional induction and AhR-dependent secretion of IFN-γ in response to BaP exposure, suggesting an auto- or paracrine activation pathway of Mϕ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes R. Schmidt
- Department of Preclinical Development and Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Janine Haupt
- Department of Preclinical Development and Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sina Riemschneider
- Department of Preclinical Development and Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Kämpf
- Department of Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dennis Löffler
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Conny Blumert
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kristin Reiche
- Department of Diagnostics, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Kalkhof
- Department of Preclinical Development and Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Applied Sciences, Institute for Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Coburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Lehmann
- Department of Preclinical Development and Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Leipzig, Germany
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Hu J, Ding Y, Liu W, Liu S. When AHR signaling pathways meet viral infections. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:42. [PMID: 36829212 PMCID: PMC9951170 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcriptional factor widely expressed among immune, epithelial, endothelial and stromal cells in barrier tissues. It can be activated by small molecules provided by pollutants, microorganisms, food, and metabolism. It has been demonstrated that AHR plays an important role in modulating the response to many microbial pathogens, and the abnormal expression of AHR signaling pathways may disrupt endocrine, cause immunotoxicity, and even lead to the occurrence of cancer. Most humans are infected with at least one known human cancer virus. While the initial infection with these viruses does not cause major disease, the metabolic activity of infected cells changes, thus affecting the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways. In the past few years, lots of studies have shown that viral infections can affect disease progression by regulating the transmission of multiple signaling pathways. This review aims to discuss the potential effects of virus infections on AHR signaling pathways so that we may find a new strategy to minimize the adverse effects of the AHR pathway on diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieke Hu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 1677 Wutaishan Road, Qingdao, 266555, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Qingdao University Medical College, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yuan Ding
- Department of Special Examination, Qingdao Women & Children Hospital, Qingdao, 266035, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Qingdao University Medical College, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Shuzhen Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 1677 Wutaishan Road, Qingdao, 266555, China.
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Grishanova AY, Perepechaeva ML. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Oxidative Stress as a Double Agent and Its Biological and Therapeutic Significance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126719. [PMID: 35743162 PMCID: PMC9224361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has long been implicated in the induction of a battery of genes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds. AhR is a ligand-activated transcription factor necessary for the launch of transcriptional responses important in health and disease. In past decades, evidence has accumulated that AhR is associated with the cellular response to oxidative stress, and this property of AhR must be taken into account during investigations into a mechanism of action of xenobiotics that is able to activate AhR or that is susceptible to metabolic activation by enzymes encoded by the genes that are under the control of AhR. In this review, we examine various mechanisms by which AhR takes part in the oxidative-stress response, including antioxidant and prooxidant enzymes and cytochrome P450. We also show that AhR, as a participant in the redox balance and as a modulator of redox signals, is being increasingly studied as a target for a new class of therapeutic compounds and as an explanation for the pathogenesis of some disorders.
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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation by Benzo[ a]pyrene Prevents Development of Septic Shock and Fatal Outcome in a Mouse Model of Systemic Salmonella enterica Infection. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040737. [PMID: 35203386 PMCID: PMC8870598 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study focused on immunomodulatory effects of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation through benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) during systemic bacterial infection. Using a well-established mouse model of systemic Salmonella enterica (S.E.) infection, we studied the influence of BaP on the cellular and humoral immune response and the outcome of disease. BaP exposure significantly reduced mortality, which is mainly caused by septic shock. Surprisingly, the bacterial burden in BaP-exposed surviving mice was significantly higher compared to non-exposed mice. During the early phase of infection (days 1-3 post-infection (p.i.)), the transcription of proinflammatory factors (i.e., IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18) was induced faster under BaP exposure. Moreover, BaP supported the activity of antigen-presenting cells (i.e., CD64 (FcγRI), MHC II, NO radicals, phagocytosis) at the site of infection. However, early in infection, the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-22 were also locally and systemically upregulated in BaP-exposed S.E.-infected mice. BaP-exposure resulted in long-term persistence of salmonellae up to day 90 p.i., which was accompanied by significantly elevated S.E.-specific antibody responses (i.e., IgG1, IgG2c). In summary, these data suggest that BaP-induced AhR activation is capable of preventing a fatal outcome of systemic S.E. infection, but may result in long-term bacterial persistence, which, in turn, may support the development of chronic inflammation.
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Targeting Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Enhances Type I Interferon-Independent Resistance to Herpes Simplex Virus. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0047321. [PMID: 34668726 PMCID: PMC8528105 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00473-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcript factor that plays an important role in regulating immunity and cell differentiation. However, its role in cell-autonomous antiviral resistance has not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that interruption of AHR signaling in human cells by a chemical antagonist or genetic targeting led to significant reductions in the replication of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), revealing an unexpected proviral function of AHR. Interestingly, the enhanced viral control in the absence of AHR is independent of type I interferon (IFN) signaling. Together, these results reveal a previously unknown function of AHR in promoting viral replication in vitro and suggest a potential intervention point for treating viral disease. IMPORTANCE This study describes how a virus might utilize host aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling to promote its replication, even in the presence of type I interferons.
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