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Kamińska A, Pardyak L, Lustofin S, Gielata K, Arent Z, Pietsch-Fulbiszewska A, Hejmej A. 9-cis-retinoic acid signaling in Sertoli cells regulates their immunomodulatory function to control lymphocyte physiology and Treg differentiation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:75. [PMID: 38926848 PMCID: PMC11202360 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01246-2] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testis is an immune privileged organ, which prevents the immune response against sperm antigens and inflammation. Testicular cells responsible for immune tolerance are mainly Sertoli cells, which form the blood-testis barrier and produce immunosuppressive factors. Sertoli cells prevent inflammation in the testis and maintain immune tolerance by inhibiting proliferation and inducing lymphocyte apoptosis. It has been shown that 9-cis-retinoic acid (9cRA) blocks ex vivo apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes and promotes the differentiation of Treg cells in the gut. However, the role of retinoid signaling in regulating the immune privilege of the testes remains unknown. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether 9cRA, acting via the retinoic acid receptors (RAR) and the retinoic X receptors (RXR), controls the immunomodulatory functions of Sertoli cells by influencing the secretion of anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory factors, lymphocyte physiology and Treg cell differentiation. METHODS Experiments were performed using in vitro model of co-cultures of murine Sertoli cells and T lymphocytes. Agonists and antagonists of retinoic acid receptors were used to inhibit/stimulate retinoid signaling in Sertoli cells. RESULTS Our results have demonstrated that 9cRA inhibits the expression of immunosuppressive genes and enhances the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in Sertoli cells and lymphocytes, increases lymphocyte viability and decreases apoptosis rate. Moreover, we have found that 9cRA blocks lymphocyte apoptosis acting through both RAR and RXR and inhibiting FasL/Fas/Caspase 8 and Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase 9 pathways. Finally, we have shown that 9cRA signaling in Sertoli cells inhibits Treg differentiation. CONCLUSION Collectively, our results indicate that retinoid signaling negatively regulates immunologically privileged functions of Sertoli cells, crucial for ensuring male fertility. 9cRA inhibits lymphocyte apoptosis, which can be related to the development of autoimmunity, inflammation, and, in consequence, infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Kamińska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, Krakow, 30-387, Poland.
| | - Laura Pardyak
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Krakow, 30-248, Poland
| | - Sylwia Lustofin
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Karolina Gielata
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Arent
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Krakow, 30-248, Poland
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Krakow, 30-059, Poland
| | | | - Anna Hejmej
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
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Feng Y, Wu J, Lei R, Zhang Y, Qiao M, Zhou J, Xu Z, Li Z, Sun H, Peng X, Mei S. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Ameliorates BPAF-Induced Porcine Sertoli Cell Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest via Inhibiting the ROS Level. TOXICS 2023; 11:923. [PMID: 37999575 PMCID: PMC10675769 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is a newly identified contaminant in the environment that has been linked to impairment of the male reproductive system. However, only a few studies have systematically studied the mechanisms underlying BPAF-induced toxicity in testicular Sertoli cells. Hence, this study primarily aims to explore the toxic mechanism of BPAF on the porcine Sertoli cell line (ST cells). The effects of various concentrations of BPAF on ST cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The results demonstrated that exposure to a high concentration of BPAF (above 50 μM) significantly inhibited ST cell viability due to marked cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry analysis further confirmed that BPAF facilitated apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Moreover, BPAF exposure upregulated the expression of pro-apoptotic markers BAD and BAX while downregulating anti-apoptotic and cell proliferation markers BCL-2, PCNA, CDK2, and CDK4. BPAF exposure also resulted in elevated intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), alongside reduced activities of the antioxidants glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) effectively blocked BPAF-triggered apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Therefore, this study suggests that BPAF induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in ST cells by activating ROS-mediated pathways. These findings enhance our understanding of BPAF's role in male reproductive toxicity and provide a foundation for future toxicological assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Feng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (R.L.); (Y.Z.); (M.Q.); (J.Z.); (Z.X.); (Z.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Junjing Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (R.L.); (Y.Z.); (M.Q.); (J.Z.); (Z.X.); (Z.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Runyu Lei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (R.L.); (Y.Z.); (M.Q.); (J.Z.); (Z.X.); (Z.L.); (H.S.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (R.L.); (Y.Z.); (M.Q.); (J.Z.); (Z.X.); (Z.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Mu Qiao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (R.L.); (Y.Z.); (M.Q.); (J.Z.); (Z.X.); (Z.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (R.L.); (Y.Z.); (M.Q.); (J.Z.); (Z.X.); (Z.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Zhong Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (R.L.); (Y.Z.); (M.Q.); (J.Z.); (Z.X.); (Z.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Zipeng Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (R.L.); (Y.Z.); (M.Q.); (J.Z.); (Z.X.); (Z.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Hua Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (R.L.); (Y.Z.); (M.Q.); (J.Z.); (Z.X.); (Z.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Xianwen Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (R.L.); (Y.Z.); (M.Q.); (J.Z.); (Z.X.); (Z.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Shuqi Mei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (R.L.); (Y.Z.); (M.Q.); (J.Z.); (Z.X.); (Z.L.); (H.S.)
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
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3
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Gao J, Yang T, Song B, Ma X, Ma Y, Lin X, Wang H. Abnormal tryptophan catabolism in diabetes mellitus and its complications: Opportunities and challenges. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115395. [PMID: 37657259 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115395] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the incidence rate of diabetes mellitus (DM), including type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), has increased year by year and has become a major global health problem. DM can lead to serious complications of macrovascular and microvascular. Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid for the human body. Trp is metabolized in the body through the indole pathway, kynurenine (Kyn) pathway and serotonin (5-HT) pathway, and is regulated by intestinal microorganisms to varying degrees. These three metabolic pathways have extensive regulatory effects on the immune, endocrine, neural, and energy metabolism systems of the body, and are related to the physiological and pathological processes of various diseases. The key enzymes and metabolites in the Trp metabolic pathway are also deeply involved in the pathogenesis of DM, playing an important role in pancreatic function, insulin resistance (IR), intestinal barrier, and angiogenesis. In DM and its complications, there is a disruption of Trp metabolic balance. Several therapy approaches for DM and complications have been proven to modify tryptophan metabolism. The metabolism of Trp is becoming a new area of focus for DM prevention and care. This paper reviews the impact of the three metabolic pathways of Trp on the pathogenesis of DM and the alterations in Trp metabolism in these diseases, expecting to provide entry points for the treatment of DM and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialiang Gao
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Bohan Song
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiaojie Ma
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yichen Ma
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiaowei Lin
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Hongwu Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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4
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Washburn RL, Dufour JM. Complementing Testicular Immune Regulation: The Relationship between Sertoli Cells, Complement, and the Immune Response. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043371. [PMID: 36834786 PMCID: PMC9965741 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells within the testis are instrumental in providing an environment for spermatogenesis and protecting the developing germ cells from detrimental immune responses which could affect fertility. Though these immune responses consist of many immune processes, this review focuses on the understudied complement system. Complement consists of 50+ proteins including regulatory proteins, immune receptors, and a cascade of proteolytic cleavages resulting in target cell destruction. In the testis, Sertoli cells protect the germ cells from autoimmune destruction by creating an immunoregulatory environment. Most studies on Sertoli cells and complement have been conducted in transplantation models, which are effective in studying immune regulation during robust rejection responses. In grafts, Sertoli cells survive activated complement, have decreased deposition of complement fragments, and express many complement inhibitors. Moreover, the grafts have delayed infiltration of immune cells and contain increased infiltration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells as compared to rejecting grafts. Additionally, anti-sperm antibodies and lymphocyte infiltration have been detected in up to 50% and 30% of infertile testes, respectively. This review seeks to provide an updated overview of the complement system, describe its relationship with immune cells, and explain how Sertoli cells may regulate complement in immunoprotection. Identifying the mechanism Sertoli cells use to protect themselves and germ cells against complement and immune destruction is relevant for male reproduction, autoimmunity, and transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Washburn
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA
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5
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Xia Y, Hao L, Li Y, Li Y, Chen J, Li L, Han X, Liu Y, Wang X, Li D. Embryonic 6:2 FTOH exposure causes reproductive toxicity by disrupting the formation of the blood-testis barrier in offspring mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 250:114497. [PMID: 36608565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, subchronic developmental and reproductive toxicity in rats exposed to fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH). However, the effects of embryonic 6:2 FTOH exposure on the reproductive system of offspring mice remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the reproductive toxic effects of embryonic 6:2 FTOH exposure on offspring male mice and the related molecular mechanisms. Therefore, the pregnant mice were given corn oil or 6:2 FTOH by gavage from gestational days 12.5-21.5. The results demonstrated that embryonic 6:2 FTOH exposure resulted in disrupted testicular structure, low expression of tight junction protein between Sertoli cells (SCs), impaired blood-testis barrier (BTB) formation and maturation, reduced sperm viability and increased malformation, and induced testicular inflammation in the offspring of mice. Further in vitro studies showed that 6:2 FTOH treatment upregulated MMP-8 expression by activating AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway, which in turn enhanced occludin cleavage leading to the disruption of SCs barrier integrity. In summary, this study demonstrated that 6:2 FTOH exposure caused reproductive dysfunction in male offspring through disruption of BTB, which provided new insights into the effects of 6:2 FTOH exposure on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhui Xia
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Lanxiang Hao
- Endocrinology Department, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School; The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224001, China
| | - Yueyang Li
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, China
| | - Yifan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Junhan Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Lei Li
- Endocrinology Department, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School; The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224001, China
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Yanmei Liu
- Endocrinology Department, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School; The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224001, China.
| | - Xiaojian Wang
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, China.
| | - Dongmei Li
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China.
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6
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Sertoli cell survival and barrier function are regulated by miR-181c/d-Pafah1b1 axis during mammalian spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:498. [PMID: 36008729 PMCID: PMC9411099 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04521-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells contribute to the formation of the blood-testis barrier (BTB), which is necessary for normal spermatogenesis. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as posttranscriptional regulatory elements in BTB function during spermatogenesis. Our previous study has shown that miR-181c or miR-181d (miR-181c/d) is highly expressed in testes from boars at 60 days old compared with at 180 days old. Herein, we found that overexpression of miR-181c/d via miR-181c/d mimics in murine Sertoli cells (SCs) or through injecting miR-181c/d-overexpressing lentivirus in murine testes perturbs BTB function by altering BTB-associated protein distribution at the Sertoli cell-cell interface and F-actin organization, but this in vivo perturbation disappears approximately 6 weeks after the final treatment. We also found that miR-181c/d represses Sertoli cell proliferation and promotes its apoptosis. Moreover, miR-181c/d regulates Sertoli cell survival and barrier function by targeting platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase 1b regulatory subunit 1 (Pafah1b1) gene. Furthermore, miR-181c/d suppresses PAFAH1B1 expression, reduces the complex of PAFAH1B1 with IQ motif-containing GTPase activating protein 1, and inhibits CDC42/PAK1/LIMK1/Cofilin pathway which is required for F-actin stabilization. In total, our results reveal the regulatory axis of miR-181c/d-Pafah1b1 in cell survival and barrier function of Sertoli cells and provide additional insights into miRNA functions in mammalian spermatogenesis.
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7
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Santacroce L, Imbimbo C, Ballini A, Crocetto F, Scacco S, Cantore S, Di Zazzo E, Colella M, Jirillo E. Testicular Immunity and Its Connection with the Microbiota. Physiological and Clinical Implications in the Light of Personalized Medicine. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1335. [PMID: 36013286 PMCID: PMC9409709 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is a complex process, which is based on the cooperation between the endocrine-immune system and the microbiota. Testicular immunity is characterized by the so-called immune privilege, a mechanism that avoids autoimmune attacks against proteins expressed by spermatozoa. Testicular microbiota is connected with the gut microbiota, the most prevalent site of commensals inthe body. Both microbiotas take part inthe development of the immune system and protection againstpathogen invasion. Dysbiosis is caused by concurrent pathologies, such as obesity, diabetes, infections and trauma. The substitution of beneficial bacteria with pathogens may lead to destruction of spermatozoa directly or indirectly and, ultimately, to male infertility. Novel therapeutic interventions, i.e., nutritional interventions and supplementation of natural products, such as, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants and polyphenols, may lead to the restoration of the otherwise-impaired male reproductive potential, even if experimental and clinical results are not always concordant. In this review, the structure and immune function of the testis will be described with special reference to the blood-testisbarrier. The regulatory role of both the gut and testicular microbiota will be illustrated in health and disease, also emphasizing therapeutic attempts with natural products for the correction of male infertility, in the era of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Santacroce
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ciro Imbimbo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballini
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scacco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Cantore
- Independent Researcher, Sorriso & Benessere—Ricerca e Clinica, 70129 Bari, Italy
| | - Erika Di Zazzo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Marica Colella
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Emilio Jirillo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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8
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Washburn RL, Hibler T, Kaur G, Dufour JM. Sertoli Cell Immune Regulation: A Double-Edged Sword. Front Immunol 2022; 13:913502. [PMID: 35757731 PMCID: PMC9218077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.913502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The testis must create and maintain an immune privileged environment to protect maturing germ cells from autoimmune destruction. The establishment of this protective environment is due, at least in part, to Sertoli cells. Sertoli cells line the seminiferous tubules and form the blood-testis barrier (BTB), a barrier between advanced germ cells and the immune system. The BTB compartmentalizes the germ cells and facilitates the appropriate microenvironment necessary for spermatogenesis. Further, Sertoli cells modulate innate and adaptive immune processes through production of immunoregulatory compounds. Sertoli cells, when transplanted ectopically (outside the testis), can also protect transplanted tissue from the recipient’s immune system and reduce immune complications in autoimmune diseases primarily by immune regulation. These properties make Sertoli cells an attractive candidate for inflammatory disease treatments and cell-based therapies. Conversely, the same properties that protect the germ cells also allow the testis to act as a reservoir site for infections. Interestingly, Sertoli cells also have the ability to mount an antimicrobial response, if necessary, as in the case of infections. This review aims to explore how Sertoli cells act as a double-edged sword to both protect germ cells from an autoimmune response and activate innate and adaptive immune responses to fight off infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Washburn
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Immunology and Infectious Disease Concentration, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Taylor Hibler
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Immunology and Infectious Disease Concentration, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Immunology and Infectious Disease Concentration, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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9
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Yang Y, Li Q, Huang R, Xia H, Tang Y, Mai W, Liang J, Ma S, Chen D, Feng Y, Lei Y, Zhang Q, Huang Y. Small-Molecule-Driven Direct Reprogramming of Fibroblasts into Functional Sertoli-Like Cells as a Model for Male Reproductive Toxicology. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101184. [PMID: 35212192 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are vital to providing morphological and nutritional support for spermatogenesis. Defects in SCs often lead to infertility. SCs transplantation is a promising potential strategy to compensate for SC dysfunction. However, isolation of SCs from testes is impractical due to obvious and ethical limitations. Here, a molecular cocktail is identified comprising of pan-BET family inhibitor (I-BET151), retinoic acid, and riluzole that enables the efficient conversion of fibroblasts into functional Sertoli-like cells (CiSCs). The gene expression profiles of CiSCs resemble those of mature SCs and exhibit functional properties such as the formation of testicular seminiferous tubules, engulfment of apoptotic sperms, supporting the survival of germ cells, and suppressing proliferation of primary lymphocytes in vitro. Moreover, CiSCs are sensitive to toxic substances, making them an alternative model to study the deleterious effects of toxicants on SCs. The study provides an efficient approach to reprogram fibroblasts into functional SCs by using pure chemical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Quan Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Rufei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Huan Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Wanwen Mai
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jinlian Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Siying Ma
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Derong Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuqing Feng
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yaling Lei
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qihao Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yadong Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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10
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Immune homeostasis and disorder in the testis —roles of Sertoli cells. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 152:103625. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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11
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Mancuso F, Arato I, Di Michele A, Antognelli C, Angelini L, Bellucci C, Lilli C, Boncompagni S, Fusella A, Bartolini D, Russo C, Moretti M, Nocchetti M, Gambelunghe A, Muzi G, Baroni T, Giovagnoli S, Luca G. Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Porcine Prepubertal Sertoli Cells: An " In Vitro" Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 12:751915. [PMID: 35046890 PMCID: PMC8762334 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.751915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing use of nanomaterials in a variety of industrial, commercial, medical products, and their environmental spreading has raised concerns regarding their potential toxicity on human health. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) represent one of the most commonly used nanoparticles. Emerging evidence suggested that exposure to TiO2 NPs induced reproductive toxicity in male animals. In this in vitro study, porcine prepubertal Sertoli cells (SCs) have undergone acute (24 h) and chronic (from 1 up to 3 weeks) exposures at both subtoxic (5 µg/ml) and toxic (100 µg/ml) doses of TiO2 NPs. After performing synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles, we focused on SCs morphological/ultrastructural analysis, apoptosis, and functionality (AMH, inhibin B), ROS production and oxidative DNA damage, gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, proinflammatory/immunomodulatory cytokines, and MAPK kinase signaling pathway. We found that 5 µg/ml TiO2 NPs did not induce substantial morphological changes overtime, but ultrastructural alterations appeared at the third week. Conversely, SCs exposed to 100 µg/ml TiO2 NPs throughout the whole experiment showed morphological and ultrastructural modifications. TiO2 NPs exposure, at each concentration, induced the activation of caspase-3 at the first and second week. AMH and inhibin B gene expression significantly decreased up to the third week at both concentrations of nanoparticles. The toxic dose of TiO2 NPs induced a marked increase of intracellular ROS and DNA damage at all exposure times. At both concentrations, the increased gene expression of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and HO-1 was observed whereas, at the toxic dose, a clear proinflammatory stress was evaluated along with the steady increase in the gene expression of IL-1α and IL-6. At both concentrations, an increased phosphorylation ratio of p-ERK1/2 was observed up to the second week followed by the increased phosphorylation ratio of p-NF-kB in the chronic exposure. Although in vitro, this pilot study highlights the adverse effects even of subtoxic dose of TiO2 NPs on porcine prepubertal SCs functionality and viability and, more importantly, set the basis for further in vivo studies, especially in chronic exposure at subtoxic dose of TiO2 NPs, a condition closer to the human exposure to this nanoagent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Antognelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- International Biotechnological Center for Endocrine, Metabolic and Embryo-Reproductive Translational Research (CIRTEMER), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luca Angelini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Catia Bellucci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Lilli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Simona Boncompagni
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST) and Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences (DNICS), University G. d’Annunzio (Ud’A) of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Aurora Fusella
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST) and Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences (DNICS), University G. d’Annunzio (Ud’A) of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Desirée Bartolini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carla Russo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimo Moretti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Morena Nocchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Gambelunghe
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Muzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tiziano Baroni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- International Biotechnological Center for Endocrine, Metabolic and Embryo-Reproductive Translational Research (CIRTEMER), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- International Biotechnological Center for Endocrine, Metabolic and Embryo-Reproductive Translational Research (CIRTEMER), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy
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12
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Salvadori L, Chiappalupi S, Arato I, Mancuso F, Calvitti M, Marchetti MC, Riuzzi F, Calafiore R, Luca G, Sorci G. Sertoli Cells Improve Myogenic Differentiation, Reduce Fibrogenic Markers, and Induce Utrophin Expression in Human DMD Myoblasts. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1504. [PMID: 34680138 PMCID: PMC8533898 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease caused by mutations in DMD gene translating in lack of functional dystrophin and resulting in susceptibility of myofibers to rupture during contraction. Inflammation and fibrosis are critical hallmarks of DMD muscles, which undergo progressive degeneration leading to loss of independent ambulation in childhood and death by early adulthood. We reported that intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated Sertoli cells (SeC) in dystrophic mice translates into recovery of muscle morphology and performance thanks to anti-inflammatory effects and induction of the dystrophin paralogue, utrophin at the muscle level, opening new avenues in the treatment of DMD. The aim of this study is to obtain information about the direct effects of SeC on myoblasts/myotubes, as a necessary step in view of a translational application of SeC-based approaches to DMD. We show that (i) SeC-derived factors stimulate cell proliferation in the early phase of differentiation in C2C12, and human healthy and DMD myoblasts; (ii) SeC delay the expression of differentiation markers in the early phase nevertheless stimulating terminal differentiation in DMD myoblasts; (iii) SeC restrain the fibrogenic potential of fibroblasts, and inhibit myoblast-myofibroblast transdifferentiation; and, (iv) SeC provide functional replacement of dystrophin in preformed DMD myotubes regardless of the mutation by inducing heregulin β1/ErbB2/ERK1/2-dependent utrophin expression. Altogether, these results show that SeC are endowed with promyogenic and antifibrotic effects on dystrophic myoblasts, further supporting their potential use in the treatment of DMD patients. Our data also suggest that SeC-based approaches might be useful in improving the early phase of muscle regeneration, during which myoblasts have to adequately proliferate to replace the damaged muscle mass.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Cell Transdifferentiation/genetics
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dystrophin/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation/genetics
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/genetics
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/metabolism
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/pathology
- Humans
- Inflammation/genetics
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Inflammation/pathology
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- MAP Kinase Signaling System/genetics
- Male
- Mice
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Myoblasts/metabolism
- Neuregulin-1/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Regeneration/genetics
- Sertoli Cells/metabolism
- Sertoli Cells/pathology
- Utrophin/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Salvadori
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy; (S.C.); (F.R.)
| | - Sara Chiappalupi
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy; (S.C.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie (CIB), 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Maria Cristina Marchetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Francesca Riuzzi
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy; (S.C.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie (CIB), 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
- Centro Biotecnologico Internazionale di Ricerca Traslazionale ad Indirizzo Endocrino, Metabolico ed Embrio-Riproduttivo (CIRTEMER), 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
- Centro Biotecnologico Internazionale di Ricerca Traslazionale ad Indirizzo Endocrino, Metabolico ed Embrio-Riproduttivo (CIRTEMER), 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Centro Universitario di Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale (CURGeF), 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Sorci
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy; (S.C.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie (CIB), 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Centro Biotecnologico Internazionale di Ricerca Traslazionale ad Indirizzo Endocrino, Metabolico ed Embrio-Riproduttivo (CIRTEMER), 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Centro Universitario di Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale (CURGeF), 06132 Perugia, Italy
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13
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Krupa A, Kowalska I. The Kynurenine Pathway-New Linkage between Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Autoimmune Endocrinopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9879. [PMID: 34576041 PMCID: PMC8469440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) is highly regulated in the immune system, where it promotes immunosuppression in response to infection or inflammation. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), the main enzyme of KP, has a broad spectrum of activity on immune cells regulation, controlling the balance between stimulation and suppression of the immune system at sites of local inflammation, relevant to a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Various autoimmune diseases, among them endocrinopathies, have been identified to date, but despite significant progress in their diagnosis and treatment, they are still associated with significant complications, morbidity, and mortality. The precise cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to the onset and development of autoimmune disease remain poorly clarified so far. In breaking of tolerance, the cells of the innate immunity provide a decisive microenvironment that regulates immune cells' differentiation, leading to activation of adaptive immunity. The current review provided a comprehensive presentation of the known role of IDO1 and KP activation in the regulation of the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Significant attention has been paid to the immunoregulatory role of IDO1 in the most prevalent, organ-specific autoimmune endocrinopathies-type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and autoimmune thyroiditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Krupa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Irina Kowalska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
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14
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Kaur G, Wright K, Mital P, Hibler T, Miranda JM, Thompson LA, Halley K, Dufour JM. Neonatal Pig Sertoli Cells Survive Xenotransplantation by Creating an Immune Modulatory Environment Involving CD4 and CD8 Regulatory T Cells. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720947102. [PMID: 32841048 PMCID: PMC7564626 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720947102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The acute cell-mediated immune response presents a significant barrier to
xenotransplantation. Immune-privileged Sertoli cells (SC) can prolong the
survival of co-transplanted cells including xenogeneic islets, hepatocytes, and
neurons by protecting them from immune rejection. Additionally, SC survive as
allo- and xenografts without the use of any immunosuppressive drugs suggesting
elucidating the survival mechanism(s) of SC could be used to improve survival of
xenografts. In this study, the survival and immune response generated toward
neonatal pig SC (NPSC) or neonatal pig islets (NPI), nonimmune-privileged
controls, was compared after xenotransplantation into naïve Lewis rats without
immune suppression. The NPSC survived throughout the study, while NPI were
rejected within 9 days. Analysis of the grafts revealed that macrophages and T
cells were the main immune cells infiltrating the NPSC and NPI grafts. Further
characterization of the T cells within the grafts indicated that the NPSC grafts
contained significantly more cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) and cluster of
differentiation 8 (CD8) regulatory T cells (Tregs) at early time points than the
NPI grafts. Additionally, the presence of increased amounts of interleukin 10
(IL-10) and transforming growth factor (TGF) β and decreased levels of tumor
necrosis factor (TNF) α and apoptosis in the NPSC grafts compared to NPI grafts
suggests the presence of regulatory immune cells in the NPSC grafts. The NPSC
expressed several immunoregulatory factors such as TGFβ, thrombospondin-1
(THBS1), indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase, and galectin-1, which could
promote the recruitment of these regulatory immune cells to the NPSC grafts. In
contrast, NPI grafts had fewer Tregs and increased apoptosis and inflammation
(increased TNFα, decreased IL-10 and TGFβ) suggestive of cytotoxic immune cells
that contribute to their early rejection. Collectively, our data suggest that a
regulatory graft environment with regulatory immune cells including CD4 and
CD8 Tregs in NPSC grafts could be attributed to the prolonged survival of the
NPSC xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Medical Education, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Kandis Wright
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Payal Mital
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Taylor Hibler
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan M Miranda
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Lea Ann Thompson
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Katelyn Halley
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Medical Education, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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15
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Washburn RL, Hibler T, Thompson LA, Kaur G, Dufour JM. Therapeutic application of Sertoli cells for treatment of various diseases. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:10-23. [PMID: 33910764 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are immune privileged cells found in the testis that function to immunologically protect maturing germ cells from immune destruction. This immune protection is due to the blood-testis-barrier, which prevents infiltration of cytotoxic immune cells and antibodies, and SC production of immunomodulatory factors, that favor a tolerogenic environment. The ability of SCs to create an immune privileged environment has led to the exploration of their potential use in the treatment of various diseases. SCs have been utilized to create a tolerogenic ectopic microenvironment, to protect co-grafted cells, and to deliver therapeutic proteins through gene therapy. To date, numerous studies have reported the potential use of SCs for the treatment of diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and restoration of spermatogenesis. Additionally, SCs have been investigated as a delivery vehicle for therapeutic products to treat other diseases like Laron syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and infections. This review will provide an overview of these therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Washburn
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Taylor Hibler
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Lea Ann Thompson
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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16
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Xu J, He L, Zhang Y, Hu Z, Su Y, Fang Y, Peng M, Fan Z, Liu C, Zhao K, Zhang H. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 and Male Reproduction: Relationship, Explanations, and Clinical Remedies. Front Physiol 2021; 12:651408. [PMID: 33935803 PMCID: PMC8079781 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.651408] [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] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been an ongoing pandemic and worldwide public health emergency, having drawn a lot of attention around the world. The pathogenesis of COVID-19 is characterized by infecting angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-expressing cells, including testis-specific cells, namely, Leydig, Sertoli, and spermatogenic cells, which are closely related to male reproduction. This leads to aberrant hyperactivation of the immune system generating damage to the infected organs. An impairment in testicular function through uncontrolled immune responses alerts more attention to male infertility. Meanwhile, the recent clinical data indicate that the infection of the human testis with SARS-CoV-2 may impair male germ cell development, leading to germ cell loss and higher immune cell infiltration. In this review, we investigated the evidence of male reproductive dysfunction associated with the infection with SARS-CoV-2 and its possible immunological explanations and clinical remedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liting He
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyong Hu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufang Su
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiwei Fang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meilin Peng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zunpan Fan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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17
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Kaur G, Wright K, Verma S, Haynes A, Dufour JM. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Testicular Immune Regulation: A Delicate Balance Between Immune Function and Immune Privilege. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:21-47. [PMID: 34453730 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The testis is one of several immune privilege sites. These sites are necessary to decrease inflammation and immune responses that could be damaging to the host. For example, inflammation in the brain, eye or placenta could result in loss of cognitive function, vision or rejection of the semi-allogeneic fetus, respectively. In the testis, immune privilege is "good" as it is necessary for protection of the developing auto-immunogenic germ cells. However, there is also a downside or "bad" part of immune privilege, where pathogens and cancers can take advantage of this privilege and persist in the testis as a sanctuary site. Even worse, the "ugly" of privilege is how re-emerging viruses, such as Ebola and Zika viruses, can establish persistence in the testes and be sexually transmitted even months after they have been cleared from the bloodstream. In this review, we will discuss the delicate balance within the testis that provides immune privilege to protect the germ cells while still allowing for immune function to fight off pathogens and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Kandis Wright
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Saguna Verma
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Allan Haynes
- Department of Urology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
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18
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Gong J, Zeng Q, Yu D, Duan YG. T Lymphocytes and Testicular Immunity: A New Insight into Immune Regulation in Testes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010057. [PMID: 33374605 PMCID: PMC7793097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune privilege of the testes is necessary to prevent immune attacks to gamete-specific antigens and paternal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, allowing for normal spermatogenesis. However, infection and inflammation of the male genital tract can break the immune tolerance and represent a significant cause of male infertility. Different T cell subsets have been identified in mammalian testes, which may be involved in the maintenance of immune tolerance and pathogenic immune responses in testicular infection and inflammation. We reviewed the evidence in the published literature on different T subtypes (regulatory T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, γδ T cells, and natural killer T cells) in human and animal testes that support their regulatory roles in infertility and the orchitis pathology. While many in vitro studies have indicated the regulation potential of functional T cell subsets and their possible interaction with Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and spermatogenesis, both under physiological and pathological processes, there have been no in situ studies to date. Nevertheless, the normal distribution and function of T cell subsets are essential for the immune privilege of the testes and intact spermatogenesis, and T cell-mediated immune response drives testicular inflammation. The distinct function of different T cell subsets in testicular homeostasis and the orchitis pathology suggests a considerable potential of targeting specific T cell subsets for therapies targeting chronic orchitis and immune infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialei Gong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Qunxiong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Di Yu
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
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19
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Lustig L, Guazzone VA, Theas MS, Pleuger C, Jacobo P, Pérez CV, Meinhardt A, Fijak M. Pathomechanisms of Autoimmune Based Testicular Inflammation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:583135. [PMID: 33101310 PMCID: PMC7546798 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.583135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection and inflammation of the male reproductive tract are relevant causes of infertility. Inflammatory damage occurs in the special immunosuppressive microenvironment of the testis, a hallmark termed testicular immune privilege, which allows tolerance to neo-antigens from developing germ cells appearing at puberty, long after the establishment of systemic immune tolerance. Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a well-established rodent model of chronic testicular inflammation and organ specific autoimmunity that offers a valuable in vivo tool to investigate the pathological and molecular mechanisms leading to the breakdown of the testicular immune privilege. The disease is characterized by the infiltration of the interstitium by immune cells (mainly macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells), formation of autoantibodies against testicular antigens, production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, MCP1, TNFα, IL6, or activins and dysregulation of steroidogenesis with reduced levels of serum testosterone. EAO leads to sloughing of germ cells, atrophic seminiferous tubules and fibrotic remodeling, parameters all found similarly to changes in human biopsies from infertile patients with inflammatory infiltrates. Interestingly, testosterone supplementation during the course of EAO leads to expansion of the regulatory T cell population and inhibition of disease development. Knowledge of EAO pathogenesis aims to contribute to a better understanding of human testicular autoimmune disease as an essential prerequisite for improved diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Lustig
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tècnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa A Guazzone
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tècnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María S Theas
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tècnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Christiane Pleuger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Patricia Jacobo
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tècnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia V Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tècnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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20
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Cari L, Montanucci P, Basta G, Petrillo MG, Ricci E, Pescara T, Greco A, Cipriani S, Shimizu J, Migliorati G, Nocentini G, Calafiore R, Riccardi C. Microencapsulated G3C Hybridoma Cell Graft Delays the Onset of Spontaneous Diabetes in NOD Mice by an Expansion of Gitr + Treg Cells. Diabetes 2020; 69:965-980. [PMID: 32169893 DOI: 10.2337/db19-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
As an alternative to lifelong insulin supplementation, potentiation of immune tolerance in patients with type 1 diabetes could prevent the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic islet β-cells. This study was aimed to assess whether the G3c monoclonal antibody (mAb), which triggers the glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related (Gitr) costimulatory receptor, promotes the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in SV129 (wild-type) and diabetic-prone NOD mice. The delivery of the G3c mAb via G3C hybridoma cells enveloped in alginate-based microcapsules (G3C/cps) for 3 weeks induced Foxp3+ Treg-cell expansion in the spleen of wild-type mice but not in Gitr-/- mice. G3C/cps also induced the expansion of nonconventional Cd4+Cd25-/lowFoxp3lowGitrint/high (GITR single-positive [sp]) Tregs. Both Cd4+Cd25+GitrhighFoxp3+ and GITRsp Tregs (including also antigen-specific cells) were expanded in the spleen and pancreas of G3C/cps-treated NOD mice, and the number of intact islets was higher in G3C/cps-treated than in empty cps-treated and untreated animals. Consequently, all but two G3C/cps-treated mice did not develop diabetes and all but one survived until the end of the 24-week study. In conclusion, long-term Gitr triggering induces Treg expansion, thereby delaying/preventing diabetes development in NOD mice. This therapeutic approach may have promising clinical potential for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Cari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pia Montanucci
- Section of Internal Medicine and Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Department of Medicine, and Laboratory for Endocrine Cell Transplants and Biohybrid Organs, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basta
- Section of Internal Medicine and Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Department of Medicine, and Laboratory for Endocrine Cell Transplants and Biohybrid Organs, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria G Petrillo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Erika Ricci
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Teresa Pescara
- Section of Internal Medicine and Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Department of Medicine, and Laboratory for Endocrine Cell Transplants and Biohybrid Organs, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessia Greco
- Section of Internal Medicine and Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Department of Medicine, and Laboratory for Endocrine Cell Transplants and Biohybrid Organs, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Cipriani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Jun Shimizu
- Center for Innovation in Immunoregulative Technology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Graziella Migliorati
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nocentini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Section of Internal Medicine and Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Department of Medicine, and Laboratory for Endocrine Cell Transplants and Biohybrid Organs, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carlo Riccardi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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21
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Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, Khodamoradi K, Khosravizadeh Z, Ramasamy R. How defective spermatogenesis affects sperm DNA integrity. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13615. [PMID: 32324913 DOI: 10.1111/and.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the essential process to maintain and promote male fertility. It is extraordinarily complex with many regulatory elements and numerous steps. The process involves several cell types, regulatory molecules, repair mechanisms and epigenetic regulators. Evidence has shown that fertility can be negatively impacted by reduced sperm DNA integrity. Sources of sperm DNA damage include replication errors and causes of DNA fragmentation which include abortive apoptosis, defective maturation and oxidative stress. This review outlines the process of spermatogenesis, spermatogonial regulation and sperm differentiation; additionally, DNA damage and currently studied DNA repair mechanisms in spermatozoon are also covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kuchakulla
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Manish Narasimman
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kajal Khodamoradi
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zahra Khosravizadeh
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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22
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Loretelli C, Assi E, Seelam AJ, Ben Nasr M, Fiorina P. Cell therapy for type 1 diabetes. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:887-897. [PMID: 32299257 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1748596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a lifelong condition resulting from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β-cells. Islet or whole-pancreas transplantation is limited by the shortage of donors and need for chronic immune suppression. Novel strategies are needed to prevent β-cell loss and to rescue production of endogenous insulin. AREAS COVERED This review covers the latest advances in cell-based therapies for the treatment and prevention of T1D. Topics include adoptive transfer of cells with increased immunoregulatory potential for β-cell protection, and β-cell replacement strategies such as generation of insulin-producing β-like cells from unlimited sources. EXPERT OPINION Cell therapy provides an opportunity to prevent or reverse T1D. Adoptive transfer of autologous cells having enhanced immunomodulatory properties can suppress autoimmunity and preserve β-cells. Such therapies have been made possible by a combination of genome-editing techniques and transplantation of tolerogenic cells. In-vitro modified autologous hematopoietic stem cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells may protect endogenous and newly generated β-cells from a patient's autoimmune response without hampering immune surveillance for infectious agents and malignant cellular transformations. However, methods to generate cells that meet quality and safety standards for clinical applications require further refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Loretelli
- International Center for T1D, Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science L. Sacco, Università Degli Studi Di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | - Emma Assi
- International Center for T1D, Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science L. Sacco, Università Degli Studi Di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | - Andy Joe Seelam
- International Center for T1D, Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science L. Sacco, Università Degli Studi Di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | - Moufida Ben Nasr
- International Center for T1D, Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science L. Sacco, Università Degli Studi Di Milano , Milan, Italy.,Nephrology Division, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paolo Fiorina
- International Center for T1D, Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science L. Sacco, Università Degli Studi Di Milano , Milan, Italy.,Nephrology Division, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco , Milan, Italy
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23
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Saeidikhoo S, Ezi S, Khatmi A, Aghajanpour F, Soltani R, Abdollahifar MA, Jahanian A, Aliaghaei A. Effect of Sertoli Cell Transplantation on Reducing Neuroinflammation-Induced Necroptosis and Improving Motor Coordination in the Rat Model of Cerebellar Ataxia Induced by 3-Acetylpyridine. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:1153-1163. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01522-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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24
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Hutka M, Smith LB, Goossens E, Wallace WHB, Stukenborg JB, Mitchell RT. Exogenous Gonadotrophin Stimulation Induces Partial Maturation of Human Sertoli Cells in a Testicular Xenotransplantation Model for Fertility Preservation. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9010266. [PMID: 31963729 PMCID: PMC7019512 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The future fertility of prepubertal boys with cancer may be irreversibly compromised by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Successful spermatogenesis has not been achieved following the xenotransplantation of prepubertal human testis tissue, which is likely due to the failure of somatic cell maturation and function. We used a validated xenograft model to identify the factors required for Leydig and Sertoli cell development and function in immature human testis. Importantly, we compared the maturation status of Sertoli cells in xenografts with that of human testis tissues (n = 9, 1 year-adult). Human fetal testis (n = 6; 14–21 gestational weeks) tissue, which models many aspects of prepubertal testicular development, was transplanted subcutaneously into castrated immunocompromised mice for ~12 months. The mice received exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 20IU, 3×/week). In xenografts exposed continuously to hCG, we demonstrate the maintenance of Leydig cell steroidogenesis, the acquisition of features of Sertoli cell maturation (androgen receptor, lumen development), and the formation of the blood–testis barrier (connexin 43), none of which were present prior to the transplantation or in xenografts in which hCG was withdrawn after 7 months. These studies provide evidence that hCG plays a role in Sertoli cell maturation, which is relevant for future investigations, helping them generate functional gametes from immature testis tissue for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsida Hutka
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (M.H.); (L.B.S.)
| | - Lee B. Smith
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (M.H.); (L.B.S.)
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - W. Hamish B. Wallace
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 9 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1LF, UK;
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna SE-17164, Sweden;
| | - Rod T. Mitchell
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (M.H.); (L.B.S.)
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 9 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1LF, UK
- Correspondence:
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25
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Arato I, Milardi D, Giovagnoli S, Grande G, Bellucci C, Lilli C, Bartoli S, Corneli S, Mazzone P, Calvitti M, Baroni T, Calafiore R, Mancuso F, Luca G. In "Vitro" Lps-Stimulated Sertoli Cells Pre-Loaded With Microparticles: Intracellular Activation Pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:611932. [PMID: 33488524 PMCID: PMC7817811 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.611932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SC) are immune privileged cells with the capacity of modulating the immune response by expressing several immune-regulatory factors. SC have the capacity to respond to external stimuli through innate phagocytic and antibacterial activities. This evidence evoked a potential role of SC as drug carriers and therapeutic agents. Such stimuli drive SC towards a still unknown evolution, the clinical relevance of which as yet remains undisclosed. This study sought to investigate the effects of external stimuli in the form of polymeric microparticles (MP) and bacteria derived endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), in order to identify the pathways potentially involved in cell phenotype modifications. Compared to single stimulation, when combined, MP and LPS provoked a significant increase in the gene expression of IDO, PD-L1, FAS-L, TLR-3, TLR-4, MHC-II, ICAM-1, TFGβ1, BDF123, BDF129, BDF3 and pEP2C. Western Blotting analysis demonstrated up-regulation of the ERK 1-2 and NF-kB p65 phosphorylation ratios. Our study, showing the exponential increase of these mediators upon combined MP and LPS stimulation, suggests a "switch" of SC function from typical cells of the blood-testicular barrier to nonprofessional tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells. Further studies should target the clinical and technological implications of such stimuli-induced SC transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Domenico Milardi
- International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli”, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- 2nd Department of Medicine, “Ca’ Foncello” Regional Hospital, ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Catia Bellucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Lilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Bartoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Corneli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | - Piera Mazzone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tiziano Baroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Francesca Mancuso,
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy
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26
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Gualdoni GS, Jacobo PV, Sobarzo CM, Pérez CV, Matzkin ME, Höcht C, Frungieri MB, Hill M, Anegon I, Lustig L, Guazzone VA. Role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in testicular immune-privilege. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15919. [PMID: 31685866 PMCID: PMC6828782 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52192-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Male meiotic germ cell including the spermatozoa represent a great challenge to the immune system, as they appear long after the establishment of normal immune tolerance mechanisms. The capacity of the testes to tolerate autoantigenic germ cells as well as survival of allogeneic organ engrafted in the testicular interstitium have led to consider the testis an immunologically privileged site. Disruption of this immune privilege following trauma, tumor, or autoimmune orchitis often results in male infertility. Strong evidence indicates that indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) has been implicated in fetal and allograft tolerance, tumor immune resistance, and regulation of autoimmune diseases. IDO and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) catalyze the same rate-limiting step of tryptophan metabolism along a common pathway, which leads to tryptophan starvation and generation of catabolites collectively known as kynurenines. However, the relevance of tryptophan metabolism in testis pathophysiology has not yet been explored. Here we assessed the in vivo role of IDO/TDO in experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO), a model of autoimmune testicular inflammation and immunologically impaired spermatogenesis. EAO was induced in adult Wistar rats with testicular homogenate and adjuvants. Control (C) rats injected with saline and adjuvants and normal untreated rats (N) were also studied. mRNA expression of IDO decreased in whole testes and in isolated Sertoli cells during EAO. TDO and IDO localization and level of expression in the testis were analyzed by immunostaining and Western blot. TDO is expressed in granulomas from EAO rats, and similar protein levels were observed in N, C, and EAO groups. IDO was detected in mononuclear and endothelial cells and reduced IDO expression was detected in EAO group compared to N and C rats. This phenomenon was concomitant with a significant reduction of IDO activity in EAO testis measured by tryptophan and kynurenine concentrations (HPLC). Finally, in vivo inhibition of IDO with 1-methyl-tryptophan increased severity of the disease, demonstrating down regulation of IDO-based tolerance when testicular immune regulation was disrupted. We present evidence that an IDO-based mechanism is involved in testicular immune privilege.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela S Gualdoni
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II., Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Patricia V Jacobo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II., Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Cristian M Sobarzo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II., Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Cecilia V Pérez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - María E Matzkin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Christian Höcht
- Cátedra de Farmacología. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, UBA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Mónica B Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Hill
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Inflammation, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Immunobiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Republic, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ignacio Anegon
- Inserm, Université de Nantes, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, Nantes, France, INSERM UMR 1064, France
| | - Livia Lustig
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II., Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Vanesa A Guazzone
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología/Unidad Académica II., Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina. .,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina.
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27
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Chiappalupi S, Salvadori L, Luca G, Riuzzi F, Calafiore R, Donato R, Sorci G. Do porcine Sertoli cells represent an opportunity for Duchenne muscular dystrophy? Cell Prolif 2019; 52:e12599. [PMID: 30912260 PMCID: PMC6536415 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SeC) are responsible for the immunoprivileged status of the testis thanks to which allogeneic or xenogeneic engraftments can survive without pharmacological immune suppression if co‐injected with SeC. This peculiar ability of SeC is dependent on secretion of a plethora of factors including maturation factors, hormones, growth factors, cytokines and immunomodulatory factors. The anti‐inflammatory and trophic properties of SeC have been largely exploited in several experimental models of diseases, diabetes being the most studied. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X‐linked recessive pathology in which lack of functional dystrophin leads to progressive muscle degeneration culminating in loss of locomotion and premature death. Despite a huge effort to find a cure, DMD patients are currently treated with anti‐inflammatory steroids. Recently, encapsulated porcine SeC (MC‐SeC) have been injected ip in the absence of immunosuppression in an animal model of DMD resulting in reduction of muscle inflammation and amelioration of muscle morphology and functionality, thus opening an additional avenue in the treatment of DMD. The novel protocol is endowed with the advantage of being potentially applicable to all the cohort of DMD patients regardless of the mutation. This mini‐review addresses several issues linked to the possible use of MC‐SeC injected ip in dystrophic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Chiappalupi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Salvadori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Riuzzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Rosario Donato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Perugia, Italy.,Centro Universitario di Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Sorci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Perugia, Italy.,Centro Universitario di Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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28
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Orabona C, Mondanelli G, Puccetti P, Grohmann U. Immune Checkpoint Molecules, Personalized Immunotherapy, and Autoimmune Diabetes. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:931-941. [PMID: 30236470 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Although significant progress has been made in understanding autoimmunity, no immunotherapy to effectively halt immune-mediated destruction of β cells in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is currently available. For successful immunotherapy it will be necessary to identify novel drug targets as well as robust immunologic biomarkers to predict disease heterogeneity and patient responsiveness. Inhibition of immune checkpoint mechanisms represents a novel and effective strategy in tumor immunotherapy. Because they are fundamental to rewiring immune circuits, the underlying mechanisms could be therapeutically enhanced and used as biomarkers in T1D. We examine here current knowledge of immune checkpoint molecules in T1D. One specific immune checkpoint mechanism, namely tryptophan metabolism, may meet the need for a valid drug target and robust biomarker in the quest for effective and personalized immunotherapy in T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciriana Orabona
- University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Puccetti
- University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Ursula Grohmann
- University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy.
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29
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Kaur G, Thompson LA, Babcock RL, Mueller K, Dufour JM. Sertoli Cells Engineered to Express Insulin to Lower Blood Glucose in Diabetic Mice. DNA Cell Biol 2018; 37:680-690. [PMID: 29927618 PMCID: PMC6080125 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2017.3937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term survival of allo- and xenotransplanted immune-privileged Sertoli cells (SCs) is well documented suggesting that SCs can be used to deliver foreign proteins for cell-based gene therapy. The aim of this study was to use a lentivirus carrying proinsulin cDNA to achieve stable expression and lowering of blood glucose levels (BGLs). A SC line transduced with the lentivirus (MSC-LV-mI) maintained stable insulin expression in vitro. These MSC-LV-mI cells were transplanted and grafts were analyzed for cell survival, continued proinsulin mRNA, and insulin protein expression. All grafts contained MSC-LV-mI cells that expressed proinsulin mRNA and insulin protein. Transplantation of MSC-LV-mI cells into diabetic mice significantly lowered BGLs for 4 days after transplantation. Interestingly, in three transplanted SCID mice and one transplanted BALB/c mouse, the BGLs again significantly lowered by day 50 and 70, respectively. This is the first time SC transduced with a lentiviral vector was able to stably express insulin and lower BGLs. In conclusion, a SC line can be modified to stably express therapeutic proteins (e.g., insulin), thus taking us one step further in the use of SCs as an immune-privileged vehicle for cell-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Lubbock, Texas
| | - Lea Ann Thompson
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Lubbock, Texas
| | - Rachel L Babcock
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Lubbock, Texas
| | - Karl Mueller
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Lubbock, Texas
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Lubbock, Texas
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30
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Luca G, Arato I, Sorci G, Cameron DF, Hansen BC, Baroni T, Donato R, White DGJ, Calafiore R. Sertoli cells for cell transplantation: pre-clinical studies and future perspectives. Andrology 2018; 6:385-395. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction; University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital; Terni Italy
| | - I. Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - G. Sorci
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
- Inter-University Institute of Myology (IIM)
| | - D. F. Cameron
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology; Morsani College of Medicine; University of South Florida; Tampa FL USA
| | - B. C. Hansen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics; Morsani College of Medicine; University of South Florida; Tampa FL USA
| | - T. Baroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - R. Donato
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
- Inter-University Institute of Myology (IIM)
- Centro Universitario per la Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale; Perugia Italy
| | - D. G. J. White
- Robarts Research Institute; University of Western Ontario; London ON Canada
| | - R. Calafiore
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction; University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital; Terni Italy
- Department of Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
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31
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Orabona C, Mondanelli G, Pallotta MT, Carvalho A, Albini E, Fallarino F, Vacca C, Volpi C, Belladonna ML, Berioli MG, Ceccarini G, Esposito SM, Scattoni R, Verrotti A, Ferretti A, De Giorgi G, Toni S, Cappa M, Matteoli MC, Bianchi R, Matino D, Iacono A, Puccetti M, Cunha C, Bicciato S, Antognelli C, Talesa VN, Chatenoud L, Fuchs D, Pilotte L, Van den Eynde B, Lemos MC, Romani L, Puccetti P, Grohmann U. Deficiency of immunoregulatory indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1in juvenile diabetes. JCI Insight 2018; 3:96244. [PMID: 29563329 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.96244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A defect in indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), which is responsible for immunoregulatory tryptophan catabolism, impairs development of immune tolerance to autoantigens in NOD mice, a model for human autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D). Whether IDO1 function is also defective in T1D is still unknown. We investigated IDO1 function in sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from children with T1D and matched controls. These children were further included in a discovery study to identify SNPs in IDO1 that might modify the risk of T1D. T1D in children was characterized by a remarkable defect in IDO1 function. A common haplotype, associated with dysfunctional IDO1, increased the risk of developing T1D in the discovery and also confirmation studies. In T1D patients sharing such a common IDO1 haplotype, incubation of PBMCs in vitro with tocilizumab (TCZ) - an IL-6 receptor blocker - would, however, rescue IDO1 activity. In an experimental setting with diabetic NOD mice, TCZ was found to restore normoglycemia via IDO1-dependent mechanisms. Thus, functional SNPs of IDO1 are associated with defective tryptophan catabolism in human T1D, and maneuvers aimed at restoring IDO1 function would be therapeutically effective in at least a subgroup of T1D pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciriana Orabona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giada Mondanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria T Pallotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Elisa Albini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Carmine Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Volpi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria L Belladonna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria G Berioli
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Ceccarini
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Pediatric Clinic of S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Susanna Mr Esposito
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Pediatric Clinic of S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Raffaella Scattoni
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Pediatric Clinic of S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Pediatric Clinic of S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni De Giorgi
- Pediatric Clinic of S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sonia Toni
- Juvenile Diabetes Center, Anna Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Cappa
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria C Matteoli
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Bianchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Davide Matino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberta Iacono
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Matteo Puccetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Silvio Bicciato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cinzia Antognelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo N Talesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lucienne Chatenoud
- INSERM U1013, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades and Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Luc Pilotte
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology and.,De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoît Van den Eynde
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology and.,De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Manuel C Lemos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luigina Romani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Puccetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ursula Grohmann
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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32
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Volpi C, Fallarino F, Mondanelli G, Macchiarulo A, Grohmann U. Opportunities and challenges in drug discovery targeting metabotropic glutamate receptor 4. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:411-423. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1443076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Volpi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giada Mondanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ursula Grohmann
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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33
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Arato I, Luca G, Mancuso F, Bellucci C, Lilli C, Calvitti M, Hansen BC, Milardi D, Grande G, Calafiore R. An in vitro prototype of a porcine biomimetic testis-like cell culture system: a novel tool for the study of reassembled Sertoli and Leydig cells. Asian J Androl 2018; 20. [PMID: 29148520 PMCID: PMC5858101 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_47_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, there is no reliable in vitro assembled prepubertal testis-like biomimetic organ culture system designed to assess the functional effects of human gonadotropins on Sertoli and Leydig cells. Spermatogenesis is regulated by endocrine, paracrine, and juxtacrine factors (testicular cross-talk), mainly orchestrated by gonadotropins such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that play a pivotal role by stimulating Leydig and Sertoli cells, respectively. The aim of our study was to set up an in vitro prepubertal porcine bioengineered construct as a new model for experimental studies on reassembled Sertoli and Leydig cells. We have evaluated Sertoli and Leydig cells obtained from 15- to 20-day-old neonatal pig testes in terms of purity and function. Subsequently, purified Sertoli and enriched Leydig cells were subjected to coincubation to obtain an in vitro prepubertal porcine testis-like culture system. We performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, and testosterone secretion in the medium, and Real-Time PCR analysis of AMH, inhibin B, FSH-r, aromatase, LHr, and 3β-HSD mRNA expression levels. This in vitro testis-like system was highly responsive to the effects of human gonadotropins and testosterone. AMH mRNA expression and secretion declined, and inhibin-B increased, while FSH-receptor expression was downregulated upon FSH/LH exposure/treatment. Finally, the production of testosterone was increased selectively upon LH treatment. In summary, our proposed model could help to better determine the action of human gonadotropins on Sertoli and Leydig cells. The potential usefulness of the system for shedding light into male infertility-related issues is evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06100, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06100, Italy,Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital, Terni 05100, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06100, Italy,
Correspondence: Dr. F Mancuso ()
| | - Catia Bellucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06100, Italy
| | - Cinzia Lilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06100, Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06100, Italy
| | - Barbara C Hansen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa 33612, FL, USA
| | - Domenico Milardi
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital, Terni 05100, Italy,Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06100, Italy
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34
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Employment of Microencapsulated Sertoli Cells as a New Tool to Treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/jfmk2040047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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35
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Kaur G, Vadala S, Dufour JM. An overview of a Sertoli cell transplantation model to study testis morphogenesis and the role of the Sertoli cells in immune privilege. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2017; 3:dvx012. [PMID: 29492314 PMCID: PMC5804552 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvx012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Advanced testicular germ cells, expressing novel cell surface and intracellular proteins, appear after the establishment of central tolerance and thus are auto-immunogenic. However, due to testis immune privilege these germ cells normally do not evoke a detrimental immune response. The Sertoli cell (SC) barrier (also known as the blood-testis barrier) creates a unique microenvironment required for the completion of spermatogenesis and sequesters the majority of the advanced germ cells from the immune system. Given that an intact SC barrier is necessary for spermatogenesis and that disruption of the SC barrier results in loss of advanced germ cells independent of an immune response, this dual role of the SC barrier makes it difficult to directly test the importance of the SC barrier in immune privilege. The ability of SCs to survive and protect co-grafted cells when transplanted ectopically (outside the testis) across immunological barriers is well-documented. Here, we will discuss the use of a SC transplantation model to investigate the role of SC and the SC barrier in immune privilege. Additionally, the formation of cord/tubule like structures in this model, containing both SCs and myoid cells, further extends its application to study testis morphogenesis. We will also discuss the potential use of this model to study the effects of drugs/environmental toxins on testis morphogenesis, tight junction formation and SC-myoid cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Scott Vadala
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Jannette M. Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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36
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Mondanelli G, Albini E, Pallotta MT, Volpi C, Chatenoud L, Kuhn C, Fallarino F, Matino D, Belladonna ML, Bianchi R, Vacca C, Bicciato S, Boon L, Ricci G, Grohmann U, Puccetti P, Orabona C. The Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib Controls Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 Breakdown and Restores Immune Regulation in Autoimmune Diabetes. Front Immunol 2017; 8:428. [PMID: 28450863 PMCID: PMC5390013 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bortezomib (BTZ) is a first-in-class proteasome inhibitor approved for the therapy of multiple myeloma that also displays unique regulatory activities on immune cells. The enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a tryptophan metabolizing enzyme exerting potent immunoregulatory effects when expressed in dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent antigen-presenting cells capable of promoting either immunity or tolerance. We previously demonstrated that, in inflammatory conditions, IDO1 is subjected to proteasomal degradation in DCs, turning these cells from immunoregulatory to immunostimulatory. In non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, an experimental model of autoimmune diabetes, we also identified an IDO1 defect such that the DCs do not develop tolerance toward pancreatic islet autoantigens. We found that BTZ rescues IDO1 protein expression in vitro in a particular subset of DCs, i.e., plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) from NOD mice. When administered in vivo to prediabetic mice, the drug prevented diabetes onset through IDO1- and pDC-dependent mechanisms. Although the drug showed no therapeutic activity when administered alone to overtly diabetic mice, its combination with otherwise suboptimal dosages of autoimmune-preventive anti-CD3 antibody resulted in disease reversal in 70% diabetic mice, a therapeutic effect similar to that afforded by full-dosage anti-CD3. Thus, our data indicate a potential for BTZ in the immunotherapy of autoimmune diabetes and further underline the importance of IDO1-mediated immune regulation in such disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Mondanelli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Albini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria T Pallotta
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Volpi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lucienne Chatenoud
- INSERM U1013, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | - Francesca Fallarino
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Davide Matino
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria L Belladonna
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberta Bianchi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carmine Vacca
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvio Bicciato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Ricci
- Animal Facility of the University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ursula Grohmann
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Puccetti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ciriana Orabona
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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37
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Tung KSK, Harakal J, Qiao H, Rival C, Li JCH, Paul AGA, Wheeler K, Pramoonjago P, Grafer CM, Sun W, Sampson RD, Wong EWP, Reddi PP, Deshmukh US, Hardy DM, Tang H, Cheng CY, Goldberg E. Egress of sperm autoantigen from seminiferous tubules maintains systemic tolerance. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:1046-1060. [PMID: 28218625 DOI: 10.1172/jci89927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune responses to meiotic germ cell antigens (MGCA) that are expressed on sperm and testis occur in human infertility and after vasectomy. Many MGCA are also expressed as cancer/testis antigens (CTA) in human cancers, but the tolerance status of MGCA has not been investigated. MGCA are considered to be uniformly immunogenic and nontolerogenic, and the prevailing view posits that MGCA are sequestered behind the Sertoli cell barrier in seminiferous tubules. Here, we have shown that only some murine MGCA are sequestered. Nonsequestered MCGA (NS-MGCA) egressed from normal tubules, as evidenced by their ability to interact with systemically injected antibodies and form localized immune complexes outside the Sertoli cell barrier. NS-MGCA derived from cell fragments that were discarded by spermatids during spermiation. They egressed as cargo in residual bodies and maintained Treg-dependent physiological tolerance. In contrast, sequestered MGCA (S-MGCA) were undetectable in residual bodies and were nontolerogenic. Unlike postvasectomy autoantibodies, which have been shown to mainly target S-MGCA, autoantibodies produced by normal mice with transient Treg depletion that developed autoimmune orchitis exclusively targeted NS-MGCA. We conclude that spermiation, a physiological checkpoint in spermatogenesis, determines the egress and tolerogenicity of MGCA. Our findings will affect target antigen selection in testis and sperm autoimmunity and the immune responses to CTA in male cancer patients.
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38
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White DJG. A cure for Type 2 diabetes? Xenotransplantation 2016; 23:427-428. [PMID: 27859686 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David J G White
- Emeritus Professor of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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39
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Routy JP, Routy B, Graziani GM, Mehraj V. The Kynurenine Pathway Is a Double-Edged Sword in Immune-Privileged Sites and in Cancer: Implications for Immunotherapy. Int J Tryptophan Res 2016; 9:67-77. [PMID: 27773992 PMCID: PMC5063567 DOI: 10.4137/ijtr.s38355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The term “immune privilege” was originally coined to describe the suppression of inflammatory responses within organs protected by anatomic barriers, ie, the eyes, brain, placenta, and testes. However, cellular and metabolic processes, which orchestrate immune responses, also control inflammation within these sites. Our current understanding of tolerogenic mechanisms has extended the definition of immune privilege to include hair follicles, the colon, and cancer. By catabolizing tryptophan, cells expressing the enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase produce kynurenine metabolites, which orchestrate local and systemic responses to control inflammation, thus maintaining immune privilege. This review highlights the double-edged role played by the kynurenine pathway (KP), which establishes and maintains immune-privileged sites while contributing to cancer immune escape. The identification of the underlying molecular drivers of the KP in immune-privileged sites and in cancer is essential for the development of novel therapies to treat autoimmunity and cancer and to improve transplantation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Routy
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.; The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.; Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.; Louis Lowenstein Chair in Hematology and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bertrand Routy
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.; INSERM U1015, Villejuif, France
| | - Gina M Graziani
- Research Associate, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vikram Mehraj
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.; Postdoctoral Fellow, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Luca G, Arato I, Mancuso F, Calvitti M, Falabella G, Murdolo G, Basta G, Cameron DF, Hansen BC, Fallarino F, Baroni T, Aglietti MC, Tortoioli C, Bodo M, Calafiore R. Xenograft of microencapsulated Sertoli cells restores glucose homeostasis in db/db mice with spontaneous diabetes mellitus. Xenotransplantation 2016; 23:429-439. [PMID: 27678013 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased abdominal fat and chronic inflammation in the expanded adipose tissue of obesity contribute to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The emerging immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of Sertoli cells have prompted their application to experimental models of autoimmune/inflammatory disorders, including diabetes. The main goal of this work was to verify whether transplantation of microencapsulated prepubertal porcine Sertoli cells (MC-SC) in the subcutaneous abdominal fat depot of spontaneously diabetic and obese db/db mice (homozygous for the diabetes spontaneous mutation [Leprdb ]) would: (i) improve glucose homeostasis and (ii) modulate local and systemic immune response and adipokines profiles. METHODS Porcine prepubertal Sertoli cells were isolated, according to previously established methods and enveloped in Barium alginate microcapsules by a mono air-jet device. MC-SC were then injected in the subcutaneous abdominal fat depot of db/db mice. RESULTS We have preliminarily shown that graft of MC-SC restored glucose homeostasis, with normalization of glycated hemoglobin values with improvement of the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test in 60% of the treated animals. These results were associated with consistent increase, in the adipose tissue, of uncoupling protein 1 expression, regulatory B cells, anti-inflammatory macrophages and a concomitant decrease of proinflammatory macrophages. Furthermore, the treated animals showed a reduction in inducible NOS and proinflammatory molecules and a significant increase in an anti-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-10 along with concomitant rise of circulating adiponectin levels. The anti-hyperglycemic graft effects also emerged from an increased expression of GLUT-4, in conjunction with downregulation of GLUT-2, in skeletal muscle and liver, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Preliminarily, xenograft of MC-SC holds promises for an effective cell therapy approach for treatment of experimental T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Falabella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdolo
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, Assisi Hospital, Assisi, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basta
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Don F Cameron
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Barbara C Hansen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Tiziano Baroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Bodo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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41
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Luca G, Bellezza I, Arato I, Di Pardo A, Mancuso F, Calvitti M, Falabella G, Bartoli S, Maglione V, Amico E, Favellato M, Basta G, Bodo M, Minelli A, Calafiore R, Frati L, Squitieri F. Terapeutic Potential of Microencapsulated Sertoli Cells in Huntington Disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2016; 22:686-90. [PMID: 27225886 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune dysfunction, promoted by pro-inflammatory cytokines, plays a pivotal role in neurodegeneration associated with Huntington's disease. AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate the emerging immunoregulatory and antiinflammatory properties of Sertoli cells in Huntington's disease. METHODS The experimental R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease was treated by a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated prepubertal porcine Sertoli cells and lifespan, motor performance and striatal inflammatory pattern have been evaluated. RESULTS The results of this study demonstrated that a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated prepubertal porcine Sertoli cells uniquely improved performances and extended the life expectancy of R6/2 Huntington's disease mice, by immune dysfunction modulation in brain. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the immunomodulatory and trophic role of Sertoli cells that could be of help in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bellezza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Falabella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Bartoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Basta
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Bodo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alba Minelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Zhang Y, Jalili RB, Kilani RT, Elizei SS, Farrokhi A, Khosravi-Maharlooei M, Warnock GL, Ao Z, Marzban L, Ghahary A. IDO-Expressing Fibroblasts Protect Islet Beta Cells From Immunological Attack and Reverse Hyperglycemia in Non-Obese Diabetic Mice. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:1964-73. [PMID: 26743772 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) induces immunological tolerance in physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, we used dermal fibroblasts with stable IDO expression as a cell therapy to: (i) Investigate the factors determining the efficacy of this cell therapy for autoimmune diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice; (ii) Scrutinize the potential immunological mechanisms. Newly diabetic NOD mice were randomly injected with either 10 × 10(6) (10M) or 15 × 10(6) (15M) IDO-expressing dermal fibroblasts. Blood glucose levels (BGLs), body weight, plasma kynurenine levels, insulitis severity, islet beta cell function, autoreactive CD8(+) T cells, Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were then investigated in these mice. IL-1β and cleaved caspase-3 levels were assessed in islets co-cultured with IDO-expressing fibroblasts. BGLs in 83% mice treated with 15M IDO-expressing fibroblasts recovered to normal up to 120 days. However, only 17% mice treated with 10M IDO-expressing cells were reversed to normoglycemia. A 15M IDO-expressing fibroblasts significantly reduced infiltrated immune cells in islets and recovered the functionality of remaining islet beta cells in NOD mice. Additionally, they successfully inhibited autoreactive CD8(+) T cells and Th17 cells as well as increased Tregs in different organs of NOD mice. Islet beta cells co-cultured with IDO-expressing fibroblasts had reduced IL-1β levels and cell apoptosis. Both cell number and IDO enzymatic activity contributes to the efficiency of IDO cell therapy. Optimized IDO-expressing fibroblasts successfully reverse the progression of diabetes in NOD mice through induction of Tregs as well as inhibition of beta cell specific autoreactive CD8(+) T cells and Th17 cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1964-1973, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Reza B Jalili
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ruhangiz T Kilani
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sanam Salimi Elizei
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ali Farrokhi
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Garth L Warnock
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ziliang Ao
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lucy Marzban
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aziz Ghahary
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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43
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Jalili RB, Zhang Y, Hosseini-Tabatabaei A, Kilani RT, Khosravi Maharlooei M, Li Y, Salimi Elizei S, Warnock GL, Ghahary A. Fibroblast Cell-Based Therapy for Experimental Autoimmune Diabetes. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146970. [PMID: 26765526 PMCID: PMC4713151 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from autoimmune destruction of insulin producing β cells of the pancreatic islets. Curbing autoimmunity at the initiation of T1D can result in recovery of residual β cells and consequently remission of diabetes. Here we report a cell-based therapy for autoimmune diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice using dermal fibroblasts. This was achieved by a single injection of fibroblasts, expressing the immunoregulatory molecule indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO), into peritoneal cavity of NOD mice shortly after the onset of overt hyperglycemia. Mice were then monitored for reversal of hyperglycemia and changes in inflammatory / regulatory T cell profiles. Blood glucose levels dropped into the normal range in 82% of NOD mice after receiving IDO-expressing fibroblasts while all control mice remained diabetic. We found significantly reduced islet inflammation, increased regulatory T cells, and decreased T helper 17 cells and β cell specific autoreactive CD8+ T cells following IDO cell therapy. We further showed that some of intraperitoneal injected fibroblasts migrated to local lymph nodes and expressed co-inhibitory molecules. These findings suggest that IDO fibroblasts therapy can reinstate self-tolerance and alleviate β cell autoreactivity in NOD mice, resulting in remission of autoimmune diabetes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Autoimmunity/genetics
- Autoimmunity/immunology
- Cell Movement/genetics
- Cell Movement/immunology
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/immunology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Gene Expression
- Hyperglycemia/genetics
- Hyperglycemia/metabolism
- Hyperglycemia/therapy
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/genetics
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/metabolism
- Insulin-Secreting Cells/metabolism
- Islets of Langerhans/immunology
- Islets of Langerhans/metabolism
- Islets of Langerhans/pathology
- Lymph Nodes/immunology
- Lymph Nodes/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Count
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Receptors, CCR7/metabolism
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza B. Jalili
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Ruhangiz T. Kilani
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Yunyuan Li
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sanam Salimi Elizei
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Garth L. Warnock
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aziz Ghahary
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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44
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Chiappalupi S, Luca G, Mancuso F, Madaro L, Fallarino F, Nicoletti C, Calvitti M, Arato I, Falabella G, Salvadori L, Di Meo A, Bufalari A, Giovagnoli S, Calafiore R, Donato R, Sorci G. Intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated Sertoli cells restores muscle morphology and performance in dystrophic mice. Biomaterials 2015; 75:313-326. [PMID: 26523508 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease characterized by progressive muscle degeneration leading to impaired locomotion, respiratory failure and premature death. In DMD patients, inflammatory events secondary to dystrophin mutation play a major role in the progression of the pathology. Sertoli cells (SeC) have been largely used to protect xenogeneic engraftments or induce trophic effects thanks to their ability to secrete trophic, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory factors. Here we have purified SeC from specific pathogen-free (SPF)-certified neonatal pigs, and embedded them into clinical grade alginate microcapsules. We show that a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated SPF SeC (SeC-MC) in an experimental model of DMD can rescue muscle morphology and performance in the absence of pharmacologic immunosuppressive treatments. Once i.p. injected, SeC-MC act as a drug delivery system that modulates the inflammatory response in muscle tissue, and upregulates the expression of the dystrophin paralogue, utrophin in muscles through systemic release of heregulin-β1, thus promoting sarcolemma stability. Analyses performed five months after single injection show high biocompatibility and long-term efficacy of SeC-MC. Our results might open new avenues for the treatment of patients with DMD and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Chiappalupi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Luca Madaro
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy; National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Unit of Histology, DAHFMO, La Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Giulia Falabella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Laura Salvadori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Meo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06126, Italy
| | - Antonello Bufalari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06126, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | | | - Rosario Donato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Guglielmo Sorci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy.
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Luca G, Cameron DF, Arato I, Mancuso F, Linden EH, Calvitti M, Falabella G, Szekeres K, Bodo M, Ricci G, Hansen BC, Calafiore R. Xenograft of microencapsulated Sertoli cells for the cell therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus in spontaneously diabetic nonhuman primates: preliminary data. Transplant Proc 2015; 46:1999-2001. [PMID: 25131093 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2014.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may be due to a chronic inflammation of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) leading to local and systemic increases in proinflammatory cytokines. Microencapsulated porcine Sertoli cells (MC-pSC), by provision of immunomodulatory and trophic factors, have been successfully used to reduce such inflammation in rodent animal models of type 1 diabetes with no complications or deleterious side effects. Herein, we have begun to investigate this novel and safe therapeutic approach in the spontaneously obese nonhuman primate with spontaneous, insulin-dependent T2DM. After MC-pSC intraperitoneal injection we have evaluated, throughout a 6-month follow-up period, daily ad libitum fed glucose levels, daily exogenous insulin supplementation, biweekly body weight measurements, periodic fasting blood glucose concentrations, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, glucose tolerance tests (GTT), and fluorescence-activated cell sorting cytometry (FACS) assessment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Very preliminarily, we have observed a slight reduction in fasting (FPG) and mean nonfasting (NF) plasma glucose levels. We found minimal changes, only in 1 animal, in daily exogenous insulin requirements and HbA1c levels. Flow cytometric analysis was associated with decrease in CD8(+) cells only in 1 recipient with a reduction in mean regulatory T Cells (Treg), whereas interestingly, decrease of B lymphocytes was observed in both animals. These results may suggest that this novel MC-SC-based transplantation protocol might possibly impact the metabolic status of T2DM in higher mammals that are close to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - D F Cameron
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - I Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - F Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - E H Linden
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - M Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - G Falabella
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - K Szekeres
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - M Bodo
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - G Ricci
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - B C Hansen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - R Calafiore
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
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46
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Luca G, Mancuso F, Calvitti M, Arato I, Falabella G, Bufalari A, De Monte V, Tresoldi E, Nastruzzi C, Basta G, Fallarino F, Lilli C, Bellucci C, Baroni T, Aglietti MC, Giovagnoli S, Cameron DF, Bodo M, Calafiore R. Long-term stability, functional competence, and safety of microencapsulated specific pathogen-free neonatal porcine Sertoli cells: a potential product for cell transplant therapy. Xenotransplantation 2015; 22:273-83. [PMID: 26134468 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porcine Sertoli cells (pSCs) have been employed for cell therapy in pre-clinical studies for several chronic/immune diseases as they deliver molecules associated with trophic and anti-inflammatory effects. To be employed for human xenografts, pSCs products need to comply with safety and stability. To fulfill such requirements, we employed a microencapsulation technology to increase pre-transplant storage stability of specific pathogen-free pSCs (SPF-pSCs) and evaluated the in vivo long-term viability and safety of grafts. METHODS Specific pathogen free neonatal pigs underwent testis excision under sterility. pSCs were isolated, characterized by immunofluorescence (IF) and cytofluorimetric analysis (CA) and examined in terms of viability and function [namely, production of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TFGβ-1)]. After microencapsulation in barium alginate microcapsules (Ba-MC), long-term SPF-pSCs (Ba-MCpSCs) viability and barium concentrations were evaluated at 1, 24 throughout 40 h to establish pre-transplant storage conditions. RESULTS The purity of isolated pSCs was about 95% with negligible contaminating cells. Cultured pSCs monolayers, both prior to and after microencapsulation, maintained high function and full viability up to 24 h of storage. At 40 h post-encapsulation, pSCs viability decreased to 80%. Barium concentration in Ba-MCpSCs lagged below the normal maximum daily allowance and was stable for 4 months in mice with no evident side effects. CONCLUSIONS Such results suggest that this protocol for the isolation and microencapsulation of pSCs is compatible with long-haul transportation and that Ba-MCpSCs could be potentially employable for xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Falabella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonello Bufalari
- Department of Pathology, Diagnostic and Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina De Monte
- Department of Pathology, Diagnostic and Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Enrico Tresoldi
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardia and Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudio Nastruzzi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basta
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Lilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Catia Bellucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tiziano Baroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Don F Cameron
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Maria Bodo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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47
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Winnall WR, Lloyd SB, De Rose R, Alcantara S, Amarasena TH, Hedger MP, Girling JE, Kent SJ. Simian immunodeficiency virus infection and immune responses in the pig-tailed macaque testis. J Leukoc Biol 2015; 97:599-609. [PMID: 25605872 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.4a0914-438r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The testis is a site of immune privilege in rodents, and there is evidence that T cell responses are also suppressed in the primate testis. Local immunosuppression is a potential mechanism for HIV persistence in tissue reservoirs that few studies have examined. The response of the pig-tailed macaque testis to SIVmac239 infection was characterized to test this possibility. Testes were surgically removed during early-chronic (10 wk) and late-chronic (24-30 wk) SIV infection in 4 animals and compared with those from 7 uninfected animals. SIV infection caused only minor disruption to the seminiferous epithelium without marked evidence of inflammation or consistent changes in total intratesticular leukocyte numbers. Infection also led to an increase in the relative proportion of testicular effector memory CD8(+) T cell numbers and a corresponding reduction in central memory CD4(+) T cells. A decrease in the relative proportion of resident-type CD163(+) macrophages and DCs was also observed. SIV-specific CD8(+) T cells were detectable in the testis, 10-11 wk after infection by staining with SIV Gag-specific or Tat-specific MHC-I tetramers. However, testicular CD8(+) T cells from the infected animals had suppressed cytokine responses to mitogen activation. These results support the possibility that local immunosuppression in the testis may be restricting the ability of T cells to respond to SIV or HIV infection. Local immunosuppression in the testis may be an underexplored mechanism allowing HIV persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy R Winnall
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah B Lloyd
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert De Rose
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sheilajen Alcantara
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thakshila H Amarasena
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane E Girling
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen J Kent
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Nicholls PK, Stanton PG, Rainczuk KE, Qian H, Gregorevic P, Harrison CA. Lentiviral transduction of rat Sertoli cells as a means to modify gene expression. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 2:279-284. [PMID: 23248769 PMCID: PMC3521750 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.22516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Primary cell culture is an established and widely used technique to study Sertoli cell function in vitro. However, the relative difficulty of stably overexpressing or knocking down genes in Sertoli cell culture has limited progress in the field. In this technical report, we present a method to transduce 20 dpp rat Sertoli cell cultures with VSV-G pseudotyped lentiviral based vectors at a high rate (~80%), with stable reporter gene expression. Although high transgene expression is desirable, it was noted that at transduction rates > 60% inter-Sertoli cell tight junction integrity and, hence, Sertoli cell function, were transiently compromised. We envisage that this optimized procedure has the potential to stimulate Sertoli cell research, and motivate the use of Sertoli cells in various cell therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Nicholls
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research; Clayton, VIC Australia ; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Monash University; Clayton, VIC Australia
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Giovagnoli S, Mancuso F, Vannini S, Calvitti M, Piroddi M, Pietrella D, Arato I, Falabella G, Galli F, Moretti M, Neri L, Bodo M, Capitani S, Cameron D, Ricci M, Luca G, Calafiore R. Microparticle-loaded neonatal porcine Sertoli cells for cell-based therapeutic and drug delivery system. J Control Release 2014; 192:249-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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