Prostaglandin E2 suppresses the differentiation of retinoic acid-producing dendritic cells in mice and humans

A novel in vitro model of the small intestinal epithelium in co-culture with 'gut-like' dendritic cells

Cross-talk between dendritic cells (DCs) and the intestinal epithelium is important in the decision to mount a protective immune response to a pathogen or to regulate potentially damaging responses to food antigens and the microbiota. Failures in this decision-making process contribute to the development of intestinal inflammation, making the molecular signals that pass between DCs and intestinal epithelial cells potential therapeutic targets. Until now, in vitro models with sufficient complexity to understand these interactions have been lacking. Here, we outline the development of a co-culture model of in vitro differentiated 'gut-like' DCs with small intestinal organoids (enteroids). Sequential exposure of murine bone marrow progenitors to Flt3L, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) resulted in the generation of a distinct population of conventional DCs expressing CD11b+SIRPα+CD103+/- (cDC2) exhibiting retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (RALDH) activity. These 'gut-like' DCs extended transepithelial dendrites across the intact epithelium of enteroids. 'Gut-like' DC in co-culture with enteroids can be utilized to define how epithelial cells and cDCs communicate in the intestine under a variety of different physiological conditions, including exposure to different nutrients, natural products, components of the microbiota, or pathogens. Surprisingly, we found that co-culture with enteroids resulted in a loss of RALDH activity in 'gut-like' DCs. Continued provision of GM-CSF and RA during co-culture was required to oppose putative negative signals from the enteroid epithelium. Our data contribute to a growing understanding of how intestinal cDCs assess environmental conditions to ensure appropriate activation of the immune response.

Effects of Vitamin A on Immune Responses and Vitamin A Metabolism in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Necrotic Enteritis

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an important enteric inflammatory disease of poultry, and the effects of vitamin A (VitA) on NE birds are largely unknown. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of VitA on the immune responses and VitA metabolism of NE broilers as well as the underlying mechanisms. Using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, 336 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 7 replicates. Broilers in the control (Ctrl) group were fed a basal diet without extra VitA supplementation. Broilers in the VitA group were fed a basal diet supplemented with 12,000 IU/kg of VitA. Birds in NE and VitA + NE groups were fed corresponding diets and, in addition, co-infected with Eimeria spp. and Clostridium perfringens on days 14 to 20. Samples of the blood, jejunum, spleen and liver were obtained on day 28 for analysis, and meanwhile, lesion scores were also recorded. The results showed that NE challenge increased lesion score in the jejunum and decreased serum glucose, total glyceride, calcium, phosphorus and uric acid levels (p < 0.05). VitA supplementation reduced the levels of serum phosphorus, uric acid and alkaline phosphatase in NE-challenged birds and increased serum low-density lipoprotein content and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase (p < 0.05). Compared with the Ctrl group, the VitA and NE groups had higher mRNA expression of interferon-γ in the jejunum (p < 0.05). NE challenge up-regulated mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-13, transforming growth factor-β4, aldehyde dehydrogenase (RALDH)-2 and RALDH-3 in the jejunum, while VitA supplementation increased jejunal IL-13 mRNA expression and hepatic VitA content, but down-regulated splenic IL-13 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). The VitA + NE group had higher serum prostaglandin E₂ levels and the Ctrl group had higher splenic RALDH-3 mRNA expression than that of the other three groups (p < 0.05). NE challenge up-regulated jejunal retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-β and retinoid X receptor (RXR)-α as well as splenic RAR-α and RAR-β mRNA expression (p < 0.05). VitA supplementation up-regulated jejunal RAR-β expression but down-regulated mRNA expression of RXR-α, RXR-γ, signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 5 and STAT6 in the spleen (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the Ctrl group, the VitA and NE groups had down-regulated mRNA expression of jejunal and splenic Janus kinase (JAK) 1 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, NE challenge induced jejunal injury and expression of Th2 and Treg cell-related cytokines and enhanced RALDH and RAR/RXR mRNA expression, mainly in the jejunum of broilers. VitA supplementation did not alleviate jejunal injury or Th2 cell-related cytokine expression; however, it improved hepatic VitA deposition and inhibited the expression of RALDH-3, RXR and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the spleen of broilers. In short, the present study suggested the modulatory effects of vitamin A on the immune responses and vitamin A metabolism in broiler chickens challenged with necrotic enteritis.

Blocking Dectin-1 prevents colorectal tumorigenesis by suppressing prostaglandin E2 production in myeloid-derived suppressor cells and enhancing IL-22 binding protein expression

Dectin-1 (gene Clec7a), a receptor for β-glucans, plays important roles in the host defense against fungi and immune homeostasis of the intestine. Although this molecule is also suggested to be involved in the regulation of tumorigenesis, the role in intestinal tumor development remains to be elucidated. In this study, we find that azoxymethane-dextran-sodium-sulfate-induced and Apc^Min-induced intestinal tumorigenesis are suppressed in Clec7a^-/- mice independently from commensal microbiota. Dectin-1 is preferentially expressed on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). In the Clec7a^-/- mouse colon, the proportion of MDSCs and MDSC-derived prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) levels are reduced, while the expression of IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP; gene Il22ra2) is upregulated. Dectin-1 signaling induces PGE₂-synthesizing enzymes and PGE₂ suppresses Il22ra2 expression in vitro and in vivo. Administration of short chain β-glucan laminarin, an antagonist of Dectin-1, suppresses the development of mouse colorectal tumors. Furthermore, in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), the expression of CLEC7A is also observed in MDSCs and correlated with the death rate and tumor severity. Dectin-1 signaling upregulates PGE₂-synthesizing enzyme expression and PGE₂ suppresses IL22RA2 expression in human CRC-infiltrating cells. These observations indicate a role of the Dectin-1-PGE₂-IL-22BP axis in regulating intestinal tumorigenesis, suggesting Dectin-1 as a potential target for CRC therapy.

A novel 3D cell culture model to study the human small intestinal immune landscape

Several subsets of mononuclear phagocytes and DCs (MDC) populate the small intestine (SI), and these cells reportedly exert specialized functions in anti-microbial immunity and tolerance. Given the specialized phenotype of these cells, differing from other MDC family members, including their putative circulating blood precursors, local intestinal factors play key instructive roles in their differentiation. We designed an SI cell culture model composed of three intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) types, including absorptive enterocytes (E cells), antigen delivering microfold (M) cells, and mucus-producing goblet (G) cells plus T lymphocytes and soluble B cell-derived factors. This model was used to study the differentiation fate of CD34⁺ hematopoietic progenitor cell-derived monocyte/DC precursors. Progeny cells can be analyzed after a 3-week co-culture period, mimicking the physiologic turn-over time of intestinal MDC. A dominant monocyte differentiation pathway was suppressed, in favor of partial differentiation along DC and macrophage pathways, with low percentages of cells acquired DC or macrophage markers. Moreover, E and G cells play opposing roles in CX3CR1⁺ vs CD103^dim cell differentiation, indicating that both together might counter-balance M/DC differentiation. Thus, SI epithelial cells suppress M/DC differentiation, supporting a key role for exogenous factors in M/DC differentiation.

The intestinal microenvironment shapes macrophage and dendritic cell identity and function

The gut comprises the largest body interface with the environment and is continuously exposed to nutrients, food antigens, and commensal microbes, as well as to harmful pathogens. Subsets of both macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are present throughout the intestinal tract, where they primarily inhabit the gut-associate lymphoid tissue (GALT), such as Peyer's patches and isolated lymphoid follicles. In addition to their role in taking up and presenting antigens, macrophages and DCs possess extensive functional plasticity and these cells play complementary roles in maintaining immune homeostasis in the gut by preventing aberrant immune responses to harmless antigens and microbes and by promoting host defense against pathogens. The ability of macrophages and DCs to induce either inflammation or tolerance is partially lineage imprinted, but can also be dictated by their activation state, which in turn is determined by their specific microenvironment. These cells express several surface and intracellular receptors that detect danger signals, nutrients, and hormones, which can affect their activation state. DCs and macrophages play a fundamental role in regulating T cells and their effector functions. Thus, modulation of intestinal mucosa immunity by targeting antigen presenting cells can provide a promising approach for controlling pathological inflammation. In this review, we provide an overview on the characteristics, functions, and origins of intestinal macrophages and DCs, highlighting the intestinal microenvironmental factors that influence their functions during homeostasis. Unraveling the mechanisms by which macrophages and DCs regulate intestinal immunity will deepen our understanding on how the immune system integrates endogenous and exogenous signals in order to maintain the host's homeostasis.

Dendritic Cells: The Long and Evolving Road towards Successful Targetability in Cancer

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a unique myeloid cell lineage that play a central role in the priming of the adaptive immune response. As such, they are an attractive target for immune oncology based therapeutic approaches. However, targeting these cells has proven challenging with many studies proving inconclusive or of no benefit in a clinical trial setting. In this review, we highlight the known and unknown about this rare but powerful immune cell. As technologies have expanded our understanding of the complexity of DC development, subsets and response features, we are now left to apply this knowledge to the design of new therapeutic strategies in cancer. We propose that utilization of these technologies through a multiomics approach will allow for an improved directed targeting of DCs in a clinical trial setting. In addition, the DC research community should consider a consensus on subset nomenclature to distinguish new subsets from functional or phenotypic changes in response to their environment.

The application of the natural killer cells, macrophages and dendritic cells in treating various types of cancer

Innate immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are involved in the surveillance and clearance of tumor. Intensive research has exposed the mechanisms of recognition and elimination of tumor cells by these immune cells as well as how cancers evade immune response. Hence, harnessing the immune cells has proven to be an effective therapy in treating a variety of cancers. Strategies aimed to harness and augment effector function of these cells for cancer therapy have been the subject of intense researches over the decades. Different immunotherapeutic possibilities are currently being investigated for anti-tumor activity. Pharmacological agents known to influence immune cell migration and function include therapeutic antibodies, modified antibody molecules, toll-like receptor agonists, nucleic acids, chemokine inhibitors, fusion proteins, immunomodulatory drugs, vaccines, adoptive cell transfer and oncolytic virus–based therapy. In this review, we will focus on the preclinical and clinical applications of NK cell, macrophage and DC immunotherapy in cancer treatment.

Differential Expression of CREM/ICER Isoforms Is Associated with the Spontaneous Control of HIV Infection

A rare subset of HIV-infected individuals, termed elite controllers (ECs), can maintain long-term control over HIV replication in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). To elucidate the biological mechanism of resistance to HIV replication at the molecular and cellular levels, we performed RNA sequencing and identified alternative splicing variants from ECs, HIV-infected individuals undergoing ART, ART-naive HIV-infected individuals, and healthy controls. We identified differential gene expression patterns that are specific to ECs and may influence HIV resistance, including alternative RNA splicing and exon usage variants of the CREM/ICER gene (cyclic AMP [cAMP]-responsive element modulator/inducible cAMP early repressors). The knockout and knockdown of specific ICER exons that were found to be upregulated in ECs resulted in significantly increased HIV infection in a CD4⁺ T cell line and primary CD4⁺ T cells. Overexpression of ICER isoforms decreased HIV infection in primary CD4⁺ T cells. Furthermore, ICER regulated HIV long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter activity in a Tat-dependent manner. Together, these results suggest that ICER is an HIV host factor that may contribute to the HIV resistance of ECs. These findings will help elucidate the mechanisms of HIV control by ECs and may yield a new approach for treatment of HIV. IMPORTANCE A small group of HIV-infected individuals, termed elite controllers (ECs), display control of HIV replication in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, the mechanism of ECs' resistance to HIV replication is not clear. In our work, we found an increased expression of specific, small isoforms of ICER in ECs. Further experiments proved that ICER is a robust host factor to regulate viral replication. Furthermore, we found that ICER regulates HIV LTR promoter activity in a Tat-dependent manner. These findings suggest that ICER is related to spontaneous control of HIV infection in ECs. This study may help elucidate a novel target for treatment of HIV.

Cyclooxygenases and Prostaglandins in Tumor Immunology and Microenvironment of Gastrointestinal Cancer

Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for gastrointestinal cancer. The evidence that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs suppress the incidence, growth, and metastasis of gastrointestinal cancer supports the concept that a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug target, cyclooxygenase, and its downstream bioactive lipid products may provide one of the links between inflammation and cancer. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the cyclooxygenase-2-prostaglandin E₂ pathway can promote gastrointestinal cancer development. Although the role of this pathway in cancer has been investigated extensively for 2 decades, only recent studies have described its effects on host defenses against transformed epithelial cells. Overcoming tumor-immune evasion remains one of the major challenges in cancer immunotherapy. This review summarizes the impacts of the cyclooxygenase-2-prostaglandin E₂ pathway on gastrointestinal cancer development. Our focus was to highlight recent advances in our understanding of how this pathway induces tumor immune evasion.

Regulation of inflammation and COX-2 gene expression in benzo (a) pyrene induced lung carcinogenesis in mice by all trans retinoic acid (ATRA)

AIM

Inflammation provides favourable microenvironment for cancer development. An enhanced COX-2 gene expression is a key inflammatory mediator of cancers and the drug that inhibits it, helps to manage cancer effectively and increases survival rate. The objective is to analyse the inflammatory changes and COX-2 gene expression in benzo (a) pyrene induced mice and to evaluate the regulatory effect of all trans retinoic acid.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The body and organ weights were recorded in B(a)P induced mice. The haematological parameters and serum inflammatory markers of carcinogenesis were tested. The H & E stained liver and lung tissues were examined for histopathologic changes. The COX-2 gene expression was analysed by RT-PCR and qPCR in lung and liver.

KEY FINDINGS

The decreased body weight, increased organ weights and the damages in liver and lung were observed in B(a)P induced mice and were prevented significantly upon ATRA treatment. The lowered Hb, RBC and lymphocytes and an enhanced WBC, monocytes and neutrophils observed in B(a)P group were significantly reversed in treated group. A drastic increase in cancer associated inflammatory markers observed in B(a)P induced mice were significantly (P ≤ 0.001) reduced in treated mice. The RT-PCR product density of COX-2 gene was very high in B(a)P group (lung-0.43 ± 0.06; liver-0.39 ± 0.04) significantly lower in treated group (lung-0.12 ± 0.03; liver-0.08 ± 0.03) with a significant difference in RQ values (B(a)P lung-18.46 ± 0.04, liver-12.46 ± 0.08; treated lung-5.93 ± 0.07, liver-2.92 ± 0.10).

SIGNIFICANCE

The ATRA has decreased the inflammatory condition with downregulation of COX-2 gene expression and thereby prevented carcinogenesis during early stage of B(a)P induced cancer development.

Mega doses of retinol: A possible immunomodulation in Covid-19 illness in resource-limited settings

Of all the nutrients, vitamin A has been the most extensively evaluated for its impact on immunity. There are three main forms of vitamin A, retinol, retinal and retinoic acid (RA) with the latter being most biologically active and all‐trans‐RA (ATRA) its main derivative. Vitamin A is a key regulator of the functions of various innate and adaptive immune cells and promotes immune‐homeostasis. Importantly, it augments the interferon‐based innate immune response to RNA viruses decreasing RNA virus replication. Several clinical trials report decreased mortality in measles and Ebola with vitamin A supplementation.During the Covid‐19 pandemic interventions such as convalescent plasma, antivirals, monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulator drugs have been tried but most of them are difficult to implement in resource‐limited settings. The current review explores the possibility of mega dose vitamin A as an affordable adjunct therapy for Covid‐19 illness with minimal reversible side effects. Insight is provided into the effect of vitamin A on ACE‐2 expression in the respiratory tract and its association with the prognosis of Covid‐19 patients. Vitamin A supplementation may aid the generation of protective immune response to Covid‐19 vaccines. An overview of the dosage and safety profile of vitamin A is presented along with recommended doses for prophylactic/therapeutic use in randomised controlled trials in Covid‐19 patients.

Role of the Cyclooxygenase Pathway in the Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cancer

The objective of this review is to examine the findings that link obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with cancer and the role played by the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway in this association. Epidemiological studies in humans suggest a link between OSA and increased cancer incidence and mortality. Studies carried out in animal models have shown that intermittent hypoxia (IH) induces changes in several signaling pathways involved in the regulation of host immunological surveillance that results in tumor establishment and invasion. IH induces the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) that results in an increased synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 modulates the function of multiple cells involved in immune responses including T lymphocytes, NK cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In a mouse model blockage of COX-2/PGE2 abrogated the pro-oncogenic effects of IH. Despite the fact that aspirin inhibits PGE2 production and prevents the development of cancer, none of the epidemiological studies that investigated the association of OSA and cancer included aspirin use in the analysis. Studies are needed to investigate the regulation of the COX-2/PGE2 pathway and PGE2 production in patients with OSA, to better define the role of this axis in the physiopathology of OSA and the potential role of aspirin in preventing the development of cancer.

Dietary Glucose Consumption Promotes RALDH Activity in Small Intestinal CD103+CD11b+ Dendritic Cells

Retinal dehydrogenase (RALDH) enzymatic activities catalyze the conversion of vitamin A to its metabolite Retinoic acid (RA) in intestinal dendritic cells (DCs) and promote immunological tolerance. However, precise understanding of the exogenous factors that act as initial trigger of RALDH activity in these cells is still evolving. By using germ-free (GF) mice raised on an antigen free (AF) elemental diet, we find that certain components in diet are critically required to establish optimal RALDH expression and activity, most prominently in small intestinal CD103⁺CD11b⁺ DCs (siLP-DCs) right from the beginning of their lives. Surprisingly, systematic screens using modified diets devoid of individual dietary components indicate that proteins, starch and minerals are dispensable for this activity. On the other hand, in depth comparison between subtle differences in dietary composition among different dietary regimes reveal that adequate glucose concentration in diet is a critical determinant for establishing RALDH activity specifically in siLP-DCs. Consequently, pre-treatment of siLP-DCs, and not mesenteric lymph node derived MLNDCs with glucose, results in significant enhancement in the in vitro generation of induced Regulatory T (iTreg) cells. Our findings reveal previously underappreciated role of dietary glucose concentration in establishing regulatory properties in intestinal DCs, thereby extending a potential therapeutic module against intestinal inflammation.

A Subset of CCL25-Induced Gut-Homing T Cells Affects Intestinal Immunity to Infection and Cancer

Protective immunity relies upon differentiation of T cells into the appropriate subtype required to clear infections and efficient effector T cell localization to antigen-rich tissue. Recent studies have highlighted the role played by subpopulations of tissue-resident memory (T_RM) T lymphocytes in the protection from invading pathogens. The intestinal mucosa and associated lymphoid tissue are densely populated by a variety of resident lymphocyte populations, including αβ and γδ CD8⁺ intraepithelial T lymphocytes (IELs) and CD4⁺ T cells. While the development of intestinal γδ CD8⁺ IELs has been extensively investigated, the origin and function of intestinal CD4⁺ T cells have not been clarified. We report that CCR9 signals delivered during naïve T cell priming promote the differentiation of a population of α4β7+ IFN-γ-producing memory CD4⁺ T cells, which displays a T_RM molecular signature, preferentially localizes to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and associated lymphoid tissue and cannot be mobilized by remote antigenic challenge. We further show that this population shapes the immune microenvironment of GI tissue, thus affecting effector immunity in infection and cancer.

mPGES-1-Mediated Production of PGE2 and EP4 Receptor Sensing Regulate T Cell Colonic Inflammation

PGE₂ is a lipid mediator of the initiation and resolution phases of inflammation, as well as a regulator of immune system responses to inflammatory events. PGE₂ is produced and sensed by T cells, and autocrine or paracrine PGE₂ can affect T cell phenotype and function. In this study, we use a T cell-dependent model of colitis to evaluate the role of PGE₂ on pathological outcome and T-cell phenotypes. CD4⁺ T effector cells either deficient in mPGES-1 or the PGE₂ receptor EP4 are less colitogenic. Absence of T cell autocrine mPGES1-dependent PGE₂ reduces colitogenicity in association with an increase in CD4⁺RORγt⁺ cells in the lamina propria. In contrast, recipient mice deficient in mPGES-1 exhibit more severe colitis that corresponds with a reduced capacity to generate FoxP3⁺ T cells, especially in mesenteric lymph nodes. Thus, our research defines how mPGES-1-driven production of PGE₂ by different cell types in distinct intestinal locations impacts T cell function during colitis. We conclude that PGE₂ has profound effects on T cell phenotype that are dependent on the microenvironment.

Intestinal Dendritic Cells in Health and Gut Inflammation

Dendritic cells (DCs) mediate tolerance to food antigens, limit reactivity to the gut microbiota and are required for optimal response to intestinal pathogens. Intestinal DCs are heterogeneous but collectively generate both regulatory and effector T cell responses. The balance of outcomes is determined by the activity of functionally distinct DC subsets and their modulation by environmental cues. DCs constantly sample luminal content to monitor for pathogens; the significance of the various pathways by which this occurs is incompletely understood. Intestinal DC have distinctive properties shaped by local host, dietary and microbial signals. These properties include the ability to produce all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and imprint gut tropism on T cells they activate. In the steady-state, subsets of intestinal DC are potent generators of inducible Treg, aided by their ability to activate TGFβ and produce RA. However, responses induced by steady-state intestinal DCs are not exclusively regulatory in nature; effector T cells with specificity for commensal bacterial can be found in the healthy mucosa and these can be locally controlled to prevent inflammation. The ability of intestinal DCs to enhance effector responses in infection or sustain inflammation in disease is likely to involve both modulation of the local DC population and recruitment of additional populations. Immune pathways in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease can be mapped to DCs and in inflamed intestinal tissue, DCs show increased expression of microbial recognition machinery, activation, and production of key immunological mediators. Intestinal DCs may be targeted for disease therapy or to improve vaccine responses.

Impact of Retinoic Acid on Immune Cells and Inflammatory Diseases

Vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) plays important roles in cell growth, differentiation, organogenesis, and reproduction and a key role in mucosal immune responses. RA promotes dendritic cells to express CD103 and to produce RA, enhances the differentiation of Foxp3⁺ inducible regulatory T cells, and induces gut-homing specificity in T cells. Although vitamin A is crucial for maintaining homeostasis at the intestinal barrier and equilibrating immunity and tolerance, including gut dysbiosis, retinoids perform a wide variety of functions in many settings, such as the central nervous system, skin aging, allergic airway diseases, cancer prevention and therapy, and metabolic diseases. The mechanism of RA is interesting to explore as both a mucosal adjuvant and a combination therapy with other effective agents. Here, we review the effect of RA on innate and adaptive immunity with a special emphasis on inflammatory status.

The role of chemokine receptor 9/chemokine ligand 25 signaling: From immune cells to cancer cells

Chemokine ligand 25 (CCL25) and chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) are important regulators of migration, proliferation and apoptosis in leukocytes and cancer cells. Blocking of the CCR9/CCL25 signal has been demonstrated to be a potential novel cancer therapy. Research into CCR9 and CCL25 has revealed their associated upstream and downstream signaling pathways; CCR9 is regulated by several immunological factors, including NOTCH, interleukin 2, interleukin 4 and retinoic acid. NOTCH in particular, has been revealed to be a crucial upstream regulator of CCR9. Furthermore, proteins including matrix metalloproteinases, P-glycoprotein, Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin and Livin are regulated via phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B, which are in turn stimulated by CCR9/CCL25. This is a review of the current literature on the functions and signaling pathways of CCR9/CCL25.

Role of prostanoids in gastrointestinal cancer

Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for gastrointestinal cancer and other diseases. Most studies have focused on cytokines and chemokines as mediators connecting chronic inflammation to cancer, whereas the involvement of lipid mediators, including prostanoids, has not been extensively investigated. Prostanoids are among the earliest signaling molecules released in response to inflammation. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that prostanoids are involved in gastrointestinal cancer. In this Review, we discuss how prostanoids impact gastrointestinal cancer development. In particular, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of how prostaglandin E2 induces the immunosuppressive microenvironment in gastrointestinal cancers.

Retinoic Acid and Retinoic Acid Receptors as Pleiotropic Modulators of the Immune System

Vitamin A is a multifunctional vitamin implicated in a wide range of biological processes. Its control over the immune system and functions are perhaps the most pleiotropic not only for development but also for the functional fate of almost every cell involved in protective or regulatory adaptive or innate immunity. This is especially key at the intestinal border, where dietary vitamin A is first absorbed. Most effects of vitamin A are exerted by its metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), which through ligation of nuclear receptors controls transcriptional expression of RA target genes. In addition to this canonical function, RA and RA receptors (RARs), either as ligand-receptor or separately, play extranuclear, nongenomic roles that greatly expand the multiple mechanisms employed for their numerous and paradoxical functions that ultimately link environmental sensing with immune cell fate. This review discusses RA and RARs and their complex roles in innate and adaptive immunity.

Retinoid Metabolism in Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease in which progesterone resistance and inflammation have been found to be major mechanisms responsible for its development and progression. When compared to eutopic endometrium, key molecules have been found to be differentially expressed, which contribute to these mechanisms. One pathway that is aberrant in endometriotic tissue when compared to eutopic endometrium is the retinoic acid signaling pathway. This review focuses on the role of the retinoid signaling pathway in endometriosis and summarizes evidence that supports the use of retinoid compounds for the stimulation of pro-apoptotic activity in these cells.

Retinoic Acid and Its Role in Modulating Intestinal Innate Immunity

Vitamin A (VA) is amongst the most well characterized food-derived nutrients with diverse immune modulatory roles. Deficiency in dietary VA has not only been associated with immune dysfunctions in the gut, but also with several systemic immune disorders. In particular, VA metabolite all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) has been shown to be crucial in inducing gut tropism in lymphocytes and modulating T helper differentiation. In addition to the widely recognized role in adaptive immunity, increasing evidence identifies atRA as an important modulator of innate immune cells, such as tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Here, we focus on the role of retinoic acid in differentiation, trafficking and the functions of innate immune cells in health and inflammation associated disorders. Lastly, we discuss the potential involvement of atRA during the plausible crosstalk between DCs and ILCs.

Beta 1-integrin ligation and TLR ligation enhance GM-CSF-induced ALDH1A2 expression in dendritic cells, but differentially regulate their anti-inflammatory properties

Retinoic acid (RA)–producing CD103⁺ mature dendritic cells (DCs) in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) play crucial roles in gut immunity. GM-CSF and RA contribute to the expression of the RA-producing enzyme ALDH1A2. However, additional signals appeared to be required for inducing ALDH1A2^high mature DCs from immature DCs. We found here that TLR ligands (Ls) and immobilized E-cadherin could provide such signals in FLT3-L–generated bone marrow (BM)–derived DCs after treatment with GM-CSF and the RA receptor agonist Am80. The TLR-L-treated DCs produced proinflammatory cytokines unlike normal ALDH1A2^high MLN-DCs, whereas the E-cadherin-treated DCs did not. Immobilized VCAM-1 and semaphorin 7 A exerted effects similar to those of E-cadherin. Soluble anti-integrin β1 antibodies or inhibitors of integrin signaling molecules suppressed the effects of these immobilized proteins, whereas immobilized anti-integrin β1 antibodies enhanced the GM-CSF/Am80-induced ALDH1A2 expression without inducing proinflammatory cytokines. Sequential stimulation of splenic pre-DCs with GM-CSF/Am80 and immobilized E-cadherin or anti-integrin β1 antibody also induced differentiation to mature DCs with high ALDH activity. The E-cadherin-treated BM-DCs induced gut-tropic Foxp3⁺ T cells and alleviated DSS–induced colitis, whereas the TLR-L-treated DCs aggravated DSS–induced colitis. The results suggest that integrin β1-mediated signals contribute to the differentiation and maturation of RA-producing anti-inflammatory DCs.

Mechanisms of T cell organotropism

Protective immunity relies upon T cell differentiation and subsequent migration to target tissues. Similarly, immune homeostasis requires the localization of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to the sites where immunity takes place. While naïve T lymphocytes recirculate predominantly in secondary lymphoid tissue, primed T cells and activated Tregs must traffic to the antigen rich non-lymphoid tissue to exert effector and regulatory responses, respectively. Following priming in draining lymph nodes, T cells acquire the 'homing receptors' to facilitate their access to specific tissues and organs. An additional level of topographic specificity is provided by T cells receptor recognition of antigen displayed by the endothelium. Furthermore, co-stimulatory signals (such as those induced by CD28) have been shown not only to regulate T cell activation and differentiation, but also to orchestrate the anatomy of the ensuing T cell response. We here review the molecular mechanisms supporting trafficking of both effector and regulatory T cells to specific antigen-rich tissues.

Treatment of dextran sodium sulfate-induced experimental colitis by adoptive transfer of peritoneal cells

The adoptive transfer of the natural regulatory B cells and macrophages should be a useful treatment for inflammation and autoimmune disease. However, it is usually difficult to isolate these cells from the tissues and expand them. Here, we investigated the feasibility of adoptively transferring peritoneal cells (PCs) as a treatment for DSS-induced colitis. We found that peritoneal cavity can provide an easily accessible site for harvesting enough number of PCs, namely, two-dose PCs for the treatment from a mouse in one operation. Adoptive therapy of these cells from healthy mice or those with disease is effectively in reducing the disease activity score. The natural B cells and macrophages of the infused PCs can selectively migrate to lesion sites and regulate the expression of Stat3, NF−κB, Smad3 and Smad7. Additionally, PCs exert dual activity of IL-10 and TGF-β secreted spontaneously by both peritoneal B cells and macrophages, which in turn enhance the induction of regulatory B cells and Macrophages in microenvironment of inflammation. Moreover, PCs can re-establish immunological tolerance in the OVA-immunized mice. Thus, our findings provide a new strategy for colitis therapy and could be of importance in additional exploration of other inflammation and autoimmune diseases therapy.

The extent to which melanoma alters tissue-resident dendritic cell function correlates with tumorigenicity

We have shown that melanoma-derived factors alter the function of differentiated tissue-resident dendritic cells (DC) in a tumorigenicity-dependent manner. Soluble factors, including TGFβ1 and VEGF-A, contributed to dendritic cell dysfunction associated with a highly-aggressive melanoma and conferred a phenotype upon DC likely to favor immune escape and tumor outgrowth.

Pathogenesis of Endometriosis: Roles of Retinoids and Inflammatory Pathways

Endometriosis is a nonmalignant, but potentially metastatic, gynecological condition manifested by the extrauterine growth of inflammatory endometrial implants. Ten percent of reproductive-age women are affected and commonly suffer pelvic pain and/or infertility. The theories of endometriosis histogenesis remain controversial, but retrograde menstruation and metaplasia each infer mechanisms that explain the immune cell responses observed around the ectopic lesions. Recent findings from our laboratories and others suggest that retinoic acid metabolism and action are fundamentally flawed in endometriotic tissues and even generically in women with endometriosis. The focus of our ongoing research is to develop medical therapies as adjuvants or alternatives to the surgical excision of these lesions. On the basis of concepts put forward in this review, we predict that the pharmacological actions and anticipated low side-effect profiles of retinoid supplementation might provide a new treatment option for the long-term management of this chronic and debilitating gynecological disease.

Guardians of the Gut - Murine Intestinal Macrophages and Dendritic Cells

Intestinal mononuclear phagocytes find themselves in a unique environment, most prominently characterized by its constant exposure to commensal microbiota and food antigens. This anatomic setting has resulted in a number of specializations of the intestinal mononuclear phagocyte compartment that collectively contribute the unique steady state immune landscape of the healthy gut, including homeostatic innate lymphoid cells, B, and T cell compartments. As in other organs, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) orchestrate in addition the immune defense against pathogens, both in lymph nodes and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. Here, we will discuss origins and functions of intestinal DCs and macrophages and their respective subsets, focusing largely on the mouse and cells residing in the lamina propria.

Skin Metabolites Define a New Paradigm in the Localization of Skin Tropic Memory T Cells

The localization of memory T cells to human skin is essential for long-term immune surveillance and the maintenance of barrier integrity. The expression of CCR8 during naive T cell activation is controlled by skin-specific factors derived from epidermal keratinocytes and not by resident dendritic cells. In this study, we show that the CCR8-inducing factors are heat stable and protease resistant and include the vitamin D3 metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and PGE2. The effect of either metabolite alone on CCR8 expression was weak, whereas their combination resulted in robust CCR8 expression. Elevation of intracellular cAMP was essential because PGE2 could be substituted with the adenylyl cyclase agonist forskolin, and CCR8 expression was sensitive to protein kinase A inhibition. For effective induction, exposure of naive T cells to these epidermal factors needed to occur either prior to or during T cell activation even though CCR8 was only detected 4-5 d later in proliferating T cells. The importance of tissue environments in maintaining cellular immune surveillance networks within distinct healthy tissues provides a paradigm shift in adaptive immunity. Epidermal-derived vitamin D3 metabolites and PGs provide an essential cue for the localization of CCR8(+) immune surveillance T cells within healthy human skin.

Modulation of dendritic cell alternative activation and function by the vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid

Retinoic acid modulates the functions of IL-4 in alternatively activated DCs

The archetypal T_h2 cytokine IL-4 has previously been shown to alternatively activate murine macrophages and, more recently, dendritic cells (DCs) both in vitro and in vivo. IL-4 has also been shown to induce Aldh1a2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a2) expression in murine macrophages recruited to the peritoneal cavity. However, the influence of IL-4 on DC Aldh1a2 induction in vivo has not yet been addressed. In this work, we found that DCs show enhanced aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme activity in vivo, which led us to investigate the impact of the vitamin A metabolite all-trans retinoic acid (RA) on DC alternative activation and function. Antagonism of RA receptors reduced production of resistin-like molecule alpha by DCs responding to IL-4, while addition of exogenous RA enhanced production of this marker of alternative activation. Functionally, RA increased DC induction of CD4⁺ T-cell IL-10, while reducing CD4⁺ T-cell IL-4 and IL-13, revealing a previously unidentified role for RA in regulating the ability of alternatively activated DCs to influence T_h2 polarization.

Targeting of rotavirus VP6 to DEC-205 induces protection against the infection in mice

Rotavirus (RV) is the primary etiologic agent of severe gastroenteritis in human infants. Although two attenuated RV-based vaccines have been licensed to be applied worldwide, they are not so effective in low-income countries, and the induced protection mechanisms have not been clearly established. Thus, it is important to develop new generation vaccines that induce long lasting heterotypic immunity. VP6 constitutes the middle layer protein of the RV virion. It is the most conserved protein and it is the target of protective T-cells; therefore, it is a potential candidate antigen for a new generation vaccine against the RV infection. We determined whether targeting the DEC-205 present in dendritic cells (DCs) with RV VP6 could induce protection at the intestinal level. VP6 was cross-linked to a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against murine DEC-205 (αDEC-205:VP6), and BALB/c mice were inoculated subcutaneously (s.c.) twice with the conjugated containing 1.5 μg of VP6 in the presence of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) as adjuvant. As controls and following the same protocol, mice were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) cross-linked to the mAb anti-DEC-205 (αDEC-205:OVA), VP6 cross-linked to a control isotype mAb (Isotype:VP6), 3 μg of VP6 alone, Poly I:C or PBS. Two weeks after the last inoculation, mice were orally challenged with a murine RV. Mice immunized with α-DEC-205:VP6 and VP6 alone presented similar levels of serum Abs to VP6 previous to the virus challenge. However, after the virus challenge, only α-DEC-205:VP6 induced up to a 45% IgA-independent protection. Memory T-helper (Th) cells from the spleen and the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) showed a Th1-type response upon antigen stimulation in vitro. These results show that when VP6 is administered parenterally targeting DEC-205, it can induce protection at the intestinal level at a very low dose, and this protection may be Th1-type cell dependent.

Leukocyte homing, fate, and function are controlled by retinoic acid

Although vitamin A was recognized as an "anti-infective vitamin" over 90 years ago, the mechanism of how vitamin A regulates immunity is only beginning to be understood. Early studies which focused on the immune responses in vitamin A-deficient (VAD) animals clearly demonstrated compromised immunity and consequently increased susceptibility to infectious disease. The active form of vitamin A, retinoic acid (RA), has been shown to have a profound impact on the homing and differentiation of leukocytes. Both pharmacological and genetic approaches have been applied to the understanding of how RA regulates the development and differentiation of various immune cell subsets, and how RA influences the development of immunity versus tolerance. These studies clearly show that RA profoundly impacts on cell- and humoral-mediated immunity. In this review, the early findings on the complex relationship between VAD and immunity are discussed as well as vitamin A metabolism and signaling within hematopoietic cells. Particular attention is focused on how RA impacts on T-cell lineage commitment and plasticity in various diseases.

An inflammatory mediator, prostaglandin E2, in colorectal cancer

It is widely accepted that intake of dietary fats and chronic inflammation are risk factors for developing colorectal cancer. Arachidonic acid is a major component of animal fats, and the bioactive lipids produced from this substrate play critical roles in a variety of biologic processes, including cancer. Cyclooxygenase-derived prostaglandin E2 is a known proinflammatory lipid mediator that promotes tumor progression. Metabolism of arachidonic acid by the cyclooxygenase pathway provides one mechanism for the contribution of dietary fats and chronic inflammation to carcinogenesis. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of how a proinflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 promotes colorectal cancer immune evasion. These findings may provide a rationale for the development of new therapeutic approaches to subvert tumor-induced immunosuppression.

Modulation of T cell and innate immune responses by retinoic Acid

Retinoic acid (RA) is produced by a number of cell types, including macrophages and dendritic cells, which express retinal dehydrogenases that convert vitamin A to its main biologically active metabolite, all-trans RA. All-trans RA binds to its nuclear retinoic acid receptors that are expressed in lymphoid cells and act as transcription factors to regulate cell homing and differentiation. RA production by CD103(+) dendritic cells and alveolar macrophages functions with TGF-β to promote conversion of naive T cells into Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells and, thereby, maintain mucosal tolerance. Furthermore, RA inhibits the differentiation of naive T cells into Th17 cells. However, Th1 and Th17 responses are constrained during vitamin A deficiency and in nuclear RA receptor α-defective mice. Furthermore, RA promotes effector T cell responses during infection or autoimmune diseases. Thus, RA plays a role in immune homeostasis in the steady-state but activates pathogenic T cells in conditions of inflammation.

Retinoic acid and GM-CSF coordinately induce retinal dehydrogenase 2 (RALDH2) expression through cooperation between the RAR/RXR complex and Sp1 in dendritic cells

Retinoic acid (RA)-producing dendritic cells (DCs) play critical roles in gut immunity. Retinal dehydrogenase 2 (RALDH2) encoded by Aldh1a2 is a key enzyme for generating RA in DCs. Granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) potently induces RALDH2 expression in DCs in an RA-dependent manner, and RA alone weakly induces the expression. However, how GM-CSF and RA induce RALDH2 expression remains unclear. Here, we show that GM-CSF-induced activation of the transcription factor Sp1 and RA-dependent signaling via the RA receptor (RAR)/retinoid X receptor (RXR) complex contribute to Aldh1a2 expression. The RAR antagonist LE540 and the Sp1 inhibitor mithramycin A inhibited GM-CSF-induced Aldh1a2 expression in fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand-generated bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DCs). ERK and p38 MAPK inhibitors suppressed GM-CSF-induced nuclear translocation of Sp1 and Aldh1a2 expression. Sp1 and the RARα/RXRα complex bound to GC-rich Sp1-binding sites and an RA response element (RARE) half-site, respectively, near the TATA box in the mouse Aldh1a2 promoter. The DNA sequences around these sites were highly conserved among different species. In the presence of RA, ectopic expression of RARα/RXRα and Sp1 synergistically enhanced Aldh1a2 promoter-reporter activity. GM-CSF did not significantly induce Aldh1a2 expression in plasmacytoid DCs, peritoneal macrophages, or T cells, and the Aldh1a2 promoter in these cells was mostly unmethylated. These results suggest that GM-CSF/RA-induced RALDH2 expression in DCs requires cooperative binding of Sp1 and the RAR/RXR complex to the Aldh1a2 promoter, and can be regulated by a DNA methylation-independent mechanism.

Interleukin-22 binding protein (IL-22BP) is constitutively expressed by a subset of conventional dendritic cells and is strongly induced by retinoic acid

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is mainly produced at barrier surfaces by T cells and innate lymphoid cells and is crucial to maintain epithelial integrity. However, dysregulated IL-22 action leads to deleterious inflammation and is involved in diseases such as psoriasis, intestinal inflammation, and cancer. IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP) is a soluble inhibitory IL-22 receptor and may represent a crucial regulator of IL-22. We show both in rats and mice that, in the steady state, the main source of IL-22BP is constituted by a subset of conventional dendritic cells (DCs) in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues. In mouse intestine, IL-22BP was specifically expressed in lamina propria CD103(+)CD11b(+) DC. In humans, IL-22BP was expressed in immature monocyte-derived DC and strongly induced by retinoic acid but dramatically reduced upon maturation. Our data suggest that a subset of immature DCs may actively participate in the regulation of IL-22 activity in the gut by producing high levels of IL-22BP.

Regulation of cyp26a1 on Th17 cells in mouse peri-implantation

Cytochrome P450 26A1 (cyp26a1) is expressed in the mouse uterus during peri-implantation. The repression of this protein is closely associated with a reduction in implantation sites, suggesting a specific role for cyp26a1 in pregnancy and prompting questions concerning how a metabolic enzyme can generate this distinct outcome. To explore the effective downstream targets of cyp26a1 and confirm if its role in peri-implantation depends on its metabolic substrate RA (retinoic acid), we characterized the changes in the peripheral blood, spleen and uterine implantation sites using the cyp26a1 gene vaccine constructed before. Flow cytometry results showed a significant increase in CD4⁺RORγt⁺ Th17 cells in both the peripheral blood and spleen in the experimental group. The expression of RORγt and IL-17 presented the Th17 cells reduction in uterus followed by the suppression of cyp26a1 expression. For greater certainty, cyp26a1 antibody blocking model and RNA interference model were constructed to determine the precise target immune cell group. High performance liquid chromatography results showed a significant increase in uterine at-RA followed by the immunization of cyp26a1 gene vaccine. Both the ascertain by measuring RARα protein levels in peri-implantation uterus after gene vaccine immunization and researches using the specific agonist and antagonist against RARα suggested that RARα may be the main RA receptor for signal transduction. These results provided more evidence for the signal messenger role of RA in cyp26a1 regulation from the other side. Here, we showed that the cyp26a1-regulated Th17 cells are dependent on at-RA signalling, which is delivered through RARα in mouse peri-implantation.

Human CD1c⁺ myeloid dendritic cells acquire a high level of retinoic acid-producing capacity in response to vitamin D₃

All-trans-retinoic acid (RA) plays a critical role in maintaining immune homeostasis. Mouse intestinal CD103⁺ dendritic cells (DCs) produce a high level of RA by highly expressing retinal dehydrogenase (RALDH)2, an enzyme that converts retinal to RA, and induce gut-homing T cells. However, it has not been identified which subset of human DCs produce a high level of RA. In this study, we show that CD1c⁺ blood myeloid DCs (mDCs) but not CD141(high) mDCs or plasmacytoid DCs exhibited a high level of RALDH2 mRNA and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity in an RA- and p38-dependent manner when stimulated with 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (VD₃) in the presence of GM-CSF. The ALDH activity was abrogated by TLR ligands or TNF. CD103⁻ rather than CD103⁺ human mesenteric lymph node mDCs gained ALDH activity in response to VD₃. Furthermore, unlike in humans, mouse conventional DCs in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes gained ALDH activity in response to GM-CSF alone. RALDH2(high) CD1c⁺ mDCs stimulated naive CD4⁺ T cells to express gut-homing molecules and to produce Th2 cytokines in an RA-dependent manner. This study suggests that CD1c⁺ mDCs are a major human DC subset that produces RA in response to VD₃ in the steady state. The "vitamin D-CD1c⁺mDC-RA" axis may constitute an important immune component for maintaining tissue homeostasis in humans.

Tumor-altered dendritic cell function: implications for anti-tumor immunity

Dendritic cells (DC) are key regulators of both innate and adaptive immunity, and the array of immunoregulatory functions exhibited by these cells is dictated by their differentiation, maturation, and activation status. Although a major role for these cells in the induction of immunity to pathogens has long been appreciated, data accumulated over the last several years has demonstrated that DC are also critical regulators of anti-tumor immune responses. However, despite the potential for stimulation of robust anti-tumor immunity by DC, tumor-altered DC function has been observed in many cancer patients and tumor-bearing animals and is often associated with tumor immune escape. Such dysfunction has significant implications for both the induction of natural anti-tumor immune responses as well as the efficacy of immunotherapeutic strategies that target endogenous DC in situ or that employ exogenous DC as part of anti-cancer immunization maneuvers. In this review, the major types of tumor-altered DC function will be described, with emphasis on recent insights into the mechanistic bases for the inhibition of DC differentiation from hematopoietic precursors, the altered programing of DC precursors to differentiate into myeloid-derived suppressor cells or tumor-associated macrophages, the suppression of DC maturation and activation, and the induction of immunoregulatory DC by tumors, tumor-derived factors, and tumor-associated cells within the milieu of the tumor microenvironment. The impact of these tumor-altered cells on the quality of the overall anti-tumor immune response will also be discussed. Finally, this review will also highlight questions concerning tumor-altered DC function that remain unanswered, and it will address factors that have limited advances in the study of this phenomenon in order to focus future research efforts in the field on identifying strategies for interfering with tumor-associated DC dysfunction and improving DC-mediated anti-tumor immunity.

Host and microbial factors in regulation of T cells in the intestine

The intestine is divided into specialized tissue areas that provide distinct microenvironments for T cells. Regulation of T-cell responses in the gut has been a major focus of recent research activities in the field. T cells in the intestine are regulated by the interplay between host and microbial factors. In the small intestine, retinoic acid (RA) is a major tissue factor that plays important roles in regulation of immune responses. In the large intestine, the influence of RA diminishes, but that of commensal bacterial products increases. RA, gut microbiota, and inflammatory mediators co-regulate differentiation, distribution, and/or effector functions of T cells. Coordinated regulation of immune responses by these factors promotes well-balanced immunity and immune tolerance. Dysregulation of this process can increase infection and inflammatory diseases.

E-type prostanoid receptor 4 (EP4) in disease and therapy

The large variety of biological functions governed by prostaglandin (PG) E2 is mediated by signaling through four distinct E-type prostanoid (EP) receptors. The availability of mouse strains with genetic ablation of each EP receptor subtype and the development of selective EP agonists and antagonists have tremendously advanced our understanding of PGE2 as a physiologically and clinically relevant mediator. Moreover, studies using disease models revealed numerous conditions in which distinct EP receptors might be exploited therapeutically. In this context, the EP4 receptor is currently emerging as most versatile and promising among PGE2 receptors. Anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and vasoprotective effects have been proposed for the EP4 receptor, along with its recently described unfavorable tumor-promoting and pro-angiogenic roles. A possible explanation for the diverse biological functions of EP4 might be the multiple signaling pathways switched on upon EP4 activation. The present review attempts to summarize the EP4 receptor-triggered signaling modules and the possible therapeutic applications of EP4-selective agonists and antagonists.

Manifestations of immune tolerance in the human female reproductive tract

Like other mucosal surfaces (e.g., the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract), the human female reproductive tract acts as an initial barrier to foreign antigens. In this role, the epithelial surface and subepithelial immune cells must balance protection against pathogenic insults against harmful inflammatory reactions and acceptance of particular foreign antigens. Two common examples of these acceptable foreign antigens are the fetal allograft and human semen/sperm. Both are purposely deposited into the female genital tract and appropriate immunologic response to these non-self antigens is essential to the survival of the species. In light of the weight of this task, it is not surprising that multiple, redundant and overlapping mechanisms are involved. For instance, cells at the immunologic interface between self (female reproductive tract epithelium) and non-self (placental trophoblast cells or human sperm) express glycosylation patterns that mimic those on many metastatic cancer cells and successful pathogens. The cytokine/chemokine milieu at this interface is altered through endocrine and immunologic mechanisms to favor tolerance of non-self. The “foreign” cells themselves also play an integral role in their own immunologic acceptance, since sperm and placental trophoblast cells are unusual and unique in their antigen presenting molecule expression patterns. Here, we will discuss these and other mechanisms that allow the human female reproductive tract to perform this delicate and indispensible balancing act.

Contributions of dendritic cells and macrophages to intestinal homeostasis and immune defense

Intestinal mononuclear phagocytes have collectively emerged as key players in the maintenance of gut homeostasis, the development of gut inflammation and its resolution. Moreover, recent intense research efforts of many laboratories have revealed evidence for critical labor division between lamina propria-resident CD103(+) dendritic cells and CX3CR1(+) macrophages. In depth understanding of the respective activities of these cells in the mucosal landscape might pave the way for novel treatments of inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD).

Intestinal DC in migrational imprinting of immune cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) have a pivotal role in instructing antigen-specific immune responses, processing and presenting antigens to CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and producing factors capable to modulate the quality of T-cell responses. In this review, we will provide an historic overview on the identification of the mechanisms controlling lymphocyte migration into the largest immune organ of the body: the gut, and we will describe how in recent years an unexpected role for DCs has emerged as the architects in programming gut-homing immune cells. Specifically, we will review how intestinal DCs utilize the dietary vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) to program gut-homing lymphocytes and how intestinal DCs acquire the unique capacity to become RA producers.

Memory T cell subsets, migration patterns, and tissue residence

Tissues such as the skin and mucosae are frequently exposed to microbial pathogens. Infectious agents must be quickly and efficiently controlled by our immune system, but the low frequency of naive T cells specific for any one pathogen means dependence on primary responses initiated in draining lymph nodes, often allowing time for serious infection to develop. These responses imprint effectors with the capacity to home to infected tissues; this process, combined with inflammatory signals, ensures the effective targeting of primary immunity. Upon vaccination or previous pathogen exposure, increased pathogen-specific T cell numbers together with altered migratory patterns of memory T cells can greatly improve immune efficacy, ensuring infections are prevented or at least remain subclinical. Until recently, memory T cell populations were considered to comprise central memory T cells (TCM), which are restricted to the secondary lymphoid tissues and blood, and effector memory T cells (TEM), which broadly migrate between peripheral tissues, the blood, and the spleen. Here we review evidence for these two memory populations, highlight a relatively new player, the tissue-resident memory T cell (TRM), and emphasize the potential differences between the migratory patterns of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. This new understanding raises important considerations for vaccine design and for the measurement of immune parameters critical to the control of infectious disease, autoimmunity, and cancer.

Upregulation of retinal dehydrogenase 2 in alternatively activated macrophages during retinoid-dependent type-2 immunity to helminth infection in mice

Although the vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) plays a critical role in immune function, RA synthesis during infection is poorly understood. Here, we show that retinal dehydrogenases (Raldh), required for the synthesis of RA, are induced during a retinoid-dependent type-2 immune response elicited by Schistosoma mansoni infection, but not during a retinoid-independent anti-viral immune response. Vitamin A deficient mice have a selective defect in T_H2 responses to S. mansoni, but retained normal LCMV specific T_H1 responses. A combination of in situ imaging, intra-vital imaging, and sort purification revealed that alternatively activated macrophages (AAMφ) express high levels of Raldh2 during S. mansoni infection. IL-4 induces Raldh2 expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages in vitro and peritoneal macrophages in vivo. Finally, in vivo derived AAMφ have an enhanced capacity to induce Foxp3 expression in CD4+ cells through an RA dependent mechanism, especially in combination with TGF-β. The regulation of Raldh enzymes during infection is pathogen specific and reflects differential requirements for RA during effector responses. Specifically, AAMφ are an inducible source of RA synthesis during helminth infections and T_H2 responses that may be important in regulating immune responses.

Vitamin A deficiency, a major global health concern, increases morbidity and death due to infectious diseases. For vitamin A to be utilized by the immune system, it must be metabolized into retinoic acid (RA), its active form. RA is a key determinant of T cell activity. However, its contribution to protective immunity during infection is poorly understood, as is the regulation of its synthesis in this context. We examined RA synthesis by immune cells responding to helminth infection and virus infection. While intestinal T cell responses were vitamin A-dependent during both infections, only T cell responses elicited by helminth infection were vitamin A-dependent in the liver. Consistent with this finding, the enzymes necessary for RA synthesis were expressed by inflammatory cells recruited to the liver during helminth, but not virus, infection. We identified alternatively-activated macrophages as a source of RA synthesis within immune cells responding to helminth infection and find that they can induce regulatory T cells. Our findings provide a better understanding of vitamin A utilization during infection and demonstrate that RA synthesis is an inducible component of protective immunity.

Nuclear hormone receptors enable macrophages and dendritic cells to sense their lipid environment and shape their immune response

A key issue in the immune system is to generate specific cell types, often with opposing activities. The mechanisms of differentiation and subtype specification of immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells are critical to understand the regulatory principles and logic of the immune system. In addition to cytokines and pathogens, it is increasingly appreciated that lipid signaling also has a key role in differentiation and subtype specification. In this review we explore how intracellular lipid signaling via a set of transcription factors regulates cellular differentiation, subtype specification, and immune as well as metabolic homeostasis. We introduce macrophages and dendritic cells and then we focus on a group of transcription factors, nuclear receptors, which regulate gene expression upon receiving lipid signals. The receptors we cover are the ones with a recognized physiological function in these cell types and ones which heterodimerize with the retinoid X receptor. These are as follows: the receptor for a metabolite of vitamin A, retinoic acid: retinoic acid receptor (RAR), the vitamin D receptor (VDR), the fatty acid receptor: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), the oxysterol receptor liver X receptor (LXR), and their obligate heterodimeric partner, the retinoid X receptor (RXR). We discuss how they can get activated and how ligand is generated and eliminated in these cell types. We also explore how activation of a particular target gene contributes to biological functions and how the regulation of individual target genes adds up to the coordination of gene networks. It appears that RXR heterodimeric nuclear receptors provide these cells with a coordinated and interrelated network of transcriptional regulators for interpreting the lipid milieu and the metabolic changes to bring about gene expression changes leading to subtype and functional specification. We also show that these networks are implicated in various immune diseases and are amenable to therapeutic exploitation.