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Zhu Y, He L, Zhu Y, Yao H, Jiang J, Lu H. IRF4 affects the protective effect of regulatory T cells on the pulmonary vasculature of a bronchopulmonary dysplasia mouse model by regulating FOXP3. Mol Med 2024; 30:6. [PMID: 38195465 PMCID: PMC10777489 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00770-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic lung disease in preterm infants, characterised by compromised alveolar development and pulmonary vascular abnormalities. Emerging evidence suggests that regulatory T cells (Tregs) may confer protective effects on the vasculature. Knockdown of their transcription factor, interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), has been shown to promote vascular endothelial hyperplasia. However, the involvement of Tregs and IRF4 in the BPD pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of Tregs by IRF4 and elucidate its potential role in pulmonary vasculature development in a BPD mouse model. METHODS The BPD model was established using 85% hyperoxia exposure, with air exposure as the normal control. Lung tissues were collected after 7 or 14 days of air or hyperoxia exposure, respectively. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to assess lung tissue pathology. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) level, flow cytometry to quantify Treg numbers, and Western blot to assess vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3), and IRF4 protein levels. We also examined the co-expression of IRF4 and FOXP3 proteins using immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence double staining. Furthermore, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock down the IRF4 gene and observed changes in the aforementioned indicators to validate its effect on pulmonary vasculature development in mice. RESULTS Elevated IRF4 levels in BPD model mice led to FOXP3 downregulation, reduced Treg numbers, and impaired pulmonary vascular development. Knockdown of IRF4 resulted in improved pulmonary vascular development and upregulated FOXP3 level. CONCLUSION IRF4 may affect the protective role of Tregs in the proliferation of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells and pulmonary vascular development in BPD model mice by inhibiting the FOXP3 level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Langyue He
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Huici Yao
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jianfeng Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hongyan Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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Lyu Y, Wang T, Huang S, Zhang Z. Mitochondrial Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns and Metabolism in the Regulation of Innate Immunity. J Innate Immun 2023; 15:665-679. [PMID: 37666239 PMCID: PMC10601681 DOI: 10.1159/000533602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system, as the host's first line of defense against intruders, plays a critical role in recognizing, identifying, and reacting to a wide range of microbial intruders. There is increasing evidence that mitochondrial stress is a major initiator of innate immune responses. When mitochondria's integrity is disrupted or dysfunction occurs, the mitochondria's contents are released into the cytosol. These contents, like reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial DNA, and double-stranded RNA, among others, act as damage-related molecular patterns (DAMPs) that can bind to multiple innate immune sensors, particularly pattern recognition receptors, thereby leading to inflammation. To avoid the production of DAMPs, in addition to safeguarding organelles integrity and functionality, mitochondria may activate mitophagy or apoptosis. Moreover, mitochondrial components and specific metabolic regulations modify properties of innate immune cells. These include macrophages, dendritic cells, innate lymphoid cells, and so on, in steady state or in stimulation that are involved in processes ranging from the tricarboxylic acid cycle to oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism. Here we provide a brief summary of mitochondrial DAMPs' initiated and potentiated inflammatory response in the innate immune system. We also provide insights into how the state of activation, differentiation, and functional polarization of innate immune cells can be influenced by alteration to the metabolic pathways in mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmin Lyu
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuhong Huang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaoqiang Zhang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Chen Y, Huang A, Tan G, Liu H. Antagonism of m3 Alleviates Type 2 Inflammation in Allergic Rhinitis Mice. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2022; 37:264-272. [PMID: 36343939 DOI: 10.1177/19458924221137977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background Type 2 immune cells play a pivotal role in allergic rhinitis (AR). Increasing evidence shows that inhibition of cholinergic nerve activity decreases the severity of airway diseases including asthma and AR. However, the role of the cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (m3) in type 2 inflammation in AR is unknown. Objective We aimed to investigate the effect of m3 on the type 2 immune response, including both T helper 2 (Th2)-mediated and type 2 innate lymphocyte (ILC2)-mediated inflammation, in AR. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from human were cultured in vitro. Treatment with the m3 antagonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide (4-DAMP) was used. The percentages of Th2 and ILC2 cells in PBMCs were evaluated by flow cytometry. AR mouse models were established by house dust mite (HDM) sensitization, and treated with tiotropium intranasally. The expression of Th2 cytokines, ILC2 cytokines and related factors in the nasal mucosa was assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum HDM-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Both Th2 and ILC2 percentages in PBMCs were decreased after 4-DAMP treatment. Similarly, the levels of Th2 cytokines (interleukin 4 [IL-4] and IL-13) and ILC2 cytokines and related factors (IL-25, IL-33, GATA3 and RORα) were significantly decreased in the nasal mucosa of AR mice after tiotropium treatment. Furthermore, tiotropium treatment decreased the nasal symptom score, the serum sIgE level and eosinophil infiltration in AR mice. In addition, tiotropium decreased phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1), PLCγ2, nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 (NFATc1), and NFATc2 mRNA levels in AR mice. Conclusion Antagonism of m3 alleviated type 2 inflammation in the nasal mucosa of AR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head Neck Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Aijie Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head Neck Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guolin Tan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head Neck Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Honghui Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head Neck Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Basu MN, Mortz CG, Jensen TK, Barington T, Lambertsen KL, Halken S. Biomarkers in asthma in the context of atopic dermatitis in young children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13823. [PMID: 35871461 PMCID: PMC9544684 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diverse pathways stemming from a history of atopic dermatitis (AD) might modulate different biomarkers associated with the development of asthma. Biomarkers associated with AD and asthma separately have been investigated, but none have characterized a combined AD+asthma phenotype. We investigated the clinical and molecular characteristics associated with an AD+asthma phenotype compared with AD, asthma and controls. METHODS From a prospective birth cohort and the outpatient allergy clinic, we included four groups of 6-12-year-old children: (1) healthy controls (2) previous, current, or present AD without asthma, (3) previous, current, or present AD and current asthma and (4) current asthma without AD. We performed clinical examinations and interviews and measured serum IgE, natural moisturizing factors (NMF), and plasma cytokine levels. RESULTS We found an increased number of IgE sensitizations in AD+asthma, prominent after stratifying for food allergens (p < .05). Pro-Th2 cytokines CCL18, TSLP, and Eotaxin-3 were elevated in AD+asthma, though not significantly higher than asthma, and elevated in asthma compared with controls. NMF levels were decreased in AD compared with asthma and control groups (p = .019, p < .001, respectively). NMF levels correlated negatively to sensitization (p = .026), though nonsignificant with only the patient groups. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that Th2 cytokines and increased number of sensitizations are associated with AD + asthma phenotypes compared with AD alone and that skin barrier impairment as well as decreased airway epithelial integrity may play a role in sensitization and immune modulation. Our findings suggest candidate biomarkers that should be further explored for their functional roles and prognostic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millie Nguyen Basu
- Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Open Patient Data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Charlotte G Mortz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis (ORCA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Open Patient Data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Torben Barington
- Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kate Lykke Lambertsen
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Brain Research-Inter-Disciplinary Guided Excellence (BRIDGE), Odense, Denmark
| | - Susanne Halken
- Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Wirtz S, Schulz-Kuhnt A, Neurath MF, Atreya I. Functional Contribution and Targeted Migration of Group-2 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Inflammatory Lung Diseases: Being at the Right Place at the Right Time. Front Immunol 2021; 12:688879. [PMID: 34177944 PMCID: PMC8222800 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.688879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, group-2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have been discovered and successfully established as crucial mediators of lung allergy, airway inflammation and fibrosis, thus affecting the pathogenesis and clinical course of many respiratory diseases, like for instance asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic rhinosinusitis. As an important regulatory component in this context, the local pulmonary milieu at inflammatory tissue sites does not only determine the activation status of lung-infiltrating ILC2s, but also influences their motility and migratory behavior. In general, many data collected in recent murine and human studies argued against the former concept of a very strict tissue residency of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and instead pointed to a context-dependent homing capacity of peripheral blood ILC precursors and the inflammation-dependent capacity of specific ILC subsets for interorgan trafficking. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the so far described molecular mechanisms underlying the pulmonary migration of ILC2s and thereby the numeric regulation of local ILC2 pools at inflamed or fibrotic pulmonary tissue sites and discuss their potential to serve as innovative therapeutic targets in the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Wirtz
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Schulz-Kuhnt
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus F. Neurath
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Imke Atreya
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Pelaia C, Busceti MT, Crimi C, Carpagnano GE, Lombardo N, Terracciano R, Vatrella A, Pelaia G. Real-Life effects of benralizumab on exacerbation number and lung hyperinflation in atopic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110444. [PMID: 32593131 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The humanized monoclonal antibody benralizumab targets the α subunit of the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor and the FcγRIIIa receptor expressed by natural killer cells. Through this dual mechanism of action, benralizumab neutralizes the pro-eosinophil functions of IL-5 and promotes eosinophil apoptosis. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS The present real-life study aimed to evaluate, in 22 allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, the effects of benralizumab on asthma exacerbations and lung hyperinflation. RESULTS In this regard here we show that, after 24 weeks of add-on treatment, benralizumab completely depleted peripheral blood eosinophils (from 810 to 0 cells/μL; p < 0.0001), and significantly decreased both asthma exacerbation number (from 4 to 0; p < 0.0001) and residual volume (from 2720 to 2300 mL; p < 0.01). Moreover, at the same time point (24 weeks) benralizumab also increased pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (from 1295 to 1985 mL; p < 0.0001), FVC (from 2390 to 2974 mL; p < 0.0001), FEF25-75 (from 0.6 to 1.42 L/sec; p < 0.0001), IC (from 1940 to 2460 mL; not significant), and ACT score (from 14.73 to 22.95; p < 0.0001), as well as reduced prednisone intake (from 25 to 0 mg; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In conclusion, our results suggest that via its anti-eosinophil actions benralizumab improved airflow limitation, lung hyperinflation, and respiratory symptoms, as well as lowered asthma exacerbation rate and abrogated OCS consumption in most patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro - Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Busceti
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro - Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania - Catania, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Lombardo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro - Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro - Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, University of Salerno - Salerno, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro - Catanzaro, Italy.
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