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Chen H, Ge X, Li C, Zeng J, Wang X. Structure and assembly of the human IL-12 signaling complex. Structure 2024; 32:1640-1651.e5. [PMID: 39111304 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-12 is a heterodimeric pro-inflammatory cytokine. Our cryoelectron microscopy structure determination of human IL-12 in complex with IL-12Rβ1 and IL-12Rβ2 at a resolution of 3.75 Å reveals that IL-12Rβ2 primarily interacts with the IL-12p35 subunit via its N-terminal Ig-like domain, while IL-12Rβ1 binds to the p40 subunit with its N-terminal fibronectin III domain. This binding mode of IL-12 with its receptors is similar to that of IL-23 but shows notable differences with other cytokines. Through structural information and biochemical assays, we identified Y62, Y189, and K192 as key residues in IL-12p35, which bind to IL-12Rβ2 with high affinity and mediate IL-12 signal transduction. Furthermore, structural comparisons reveal two distinctive conformational states and structural plasticity of the heterodimeric interface in IL-12. As a result, our study advances our understanding of IL-12 signal initiation and opens up new opportunities for the engineering and therapeutic targeting of IL-12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqin Chen
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaofei Ge
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chun Li
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianwei Zeng
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Xinquan Wang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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2
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Lungu CN, Mangalagiu II, Gurau G, Mehedinti MC. Variations of VEGFR2 Chemical Space: Stimulator and Inhibitory Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7787. [PMID: 39063029 PMCID: PMC11276785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The kinase pathway plays a crucial role in blood vessel function. Particular attention is paid to VEGFR type 2 angiogenesis and vascular morphogenesis as the tyrosine kinase pathway is preferentially activated. In silico studies were performed on several peptides that affect VEGFR2 in both stimulating and inhibitory ways. This investigation aims to examine the molecular properties of VEGFR2, a molecule primarily involved in the processes of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. These relationships were defined by the interactions between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and the structural features of the systems. The chemical space of the inhibitory peptides and stimulators was described using topological and energetic properties. Furthermore, chimeric models of stimulating and inhibitory proteins (for VEGFR2) were computed using the protein system structures. The interaction between the chimeric proteins and VEGFR was computed. The chemical space was further characterized using complex manifolds and high-dimensional data visualization. The results show that a slightly similar chemical area is shared by VEGFR2 and stimulating and inhibitory proteins. On the other hand, the stimulator peptides and the inhibitors have distinct chemical spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu N. Lungu
- Department of Functional and Morphological Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dunarea de Jos University, 800010 Galati, Romania; (G.G.); (M.C.M.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol 1st Bvd, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ionel I. Mangalagiu
- Faculty of Chemistry, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol 1st Bvd, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabriela Gurau
- Department of Functional and Morphological Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dunarea de Jos University, 800010 Galati, Romania; (G.G.); (M.C.M.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol 1st Bvd, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihaela Cezarina Mehedinti
- Department of Functional and Morphological Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dunarea de Jos University, 800010 Galati, Romania; (G.G.); (M.C.M.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol 1st Bvd, 700506 Iasi, Romania
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3
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Andres-Martin F, James C, Catalfamo M. IL-27 expression regulation and its effects on adaptive immunity against viruses. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1395921. [PMID: 38966644 PMCID: PMC11222398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1395921] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
IL-27, a member of the IL-6/IL-12 cytokine superfamily, is primarily secreted by antigen presenting cells, specifically by dendric cells, macrophages and B cells. IL-27 has antiviral activities and modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses against viruses. The role of IL-27 in the setting of viral infections is not well defined and both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions have been described. Here, we discuss the latest advancements in the role of IL-27 in several viral infection models of human disease. We highlight important aspects of IL-27 expression regulation, the critical cell sources at different stages of the infection and their impact in cell mediated immunity. Lastly, we discuss the need to better define the antiviral and modulatory (pro-inflammatory vs anti-inflammatory) properties of IL-27 in the context of human chronic viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Catalfamo
- Department of Microbiology Immunology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
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4
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Bloch Y, Felix J, Merceron R, Provost M, Symakani RA, De Backer R, Lambert E, Mehdipour AR, Savvides SN. Structures of complete extracellular receptor assemblies mediated by IL-12 and IL-23. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:591-597. [PMID: 38287195 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01190-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Cell-surface receptor complexes mediated by pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23, both validated therapeutic targets, are incompletely understood due to the lack of structural insights into their complete extracellular assemblies. Furthermore, there is a paucity of structural details describing the IL-12-receptor interaction interfaces, in contrast to IL-23-receptor complexes. Here we report structures of fully assembled mouse IL-12/human IL-23-receptor complexes comprising the complete extracellular segments of the cognate receptors determined by electron cryo-microscopy. The structures reveal key commonalities but also surprisingly diverse features. Most notably, whereas IL-12 and IL-23 both utilize a conspicuously presented aromatic residue on their α-subunit as a hotspot to interact with the N-terminal Ig domain of their high-affinity receptors, only IL-12 juxtaposes receptor domains proximal to the cell membrane. Collectively, our findings will help to complete our understanding of cytokine-mediated assemblies of tall cytokine receptors and will enable a cytokine-specific interrogation of IL-12/IL-23 signaling in physiology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehudi Bloch
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Structural Biology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit c/o DESY, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Felix
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Unit for Structural Biology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Romain Merceron
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Structural Biology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Eurofins DiscoverX Products France, Celle-Lévescault, France
| | - Mathias Provost
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Structural Biology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Argenx, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Royan Alipour Symakani
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Structural Biology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robin De Backer
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Structural Biology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Lambert
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Structural Biology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Solvias, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Savvas N Savvides
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Unit for Structural Biology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.
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5
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Aschenbrenner I, Siebenmorgen T, Lopez A, Parr M, Ruckgaber P, Kerle A, Rührnößl F, Catici D, Haslbeck M, Frishman D, Sattler M, Zacharias M, Feige MJ. Assembly-dependent Structure Formation Shapes Human Interleukin-23 versus Interleukin-12 Secretion. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168300. [PMID: 37805067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) family cytokines connect the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system and regulate immune responses. A unique characteristic of this family is that each member is anα:βheterodimer. For human αsubunits it has been shown that they depend on theirβsubunit for structure formation and secretion from cells. Since subunits are shared within the family and IL-12 as well as IL-23 use the same βsubunit, subunit competition may influence cytokine secretion and thus downstream immunological functions. Here, we rationally design a folding-competent human IL-23α subunit that does not depend on itsβsubunit for structure formation. This engineered variant still forms a functional heterodimeric cytokine but shows less chaperone dependency and stronger affinity in assembly with its βsubunit. It forms IL-23 more efficiently than its natural counterpart, skewing the balance of IL-12 and IL-23 towards more IL-23 formation. Together, our study shows that folding-competent human IL-12 familyαsubunits are obtainable by only few mutations and compatible with assembly and function of the cytokine. These findings might suggest that human α subunits have evolved for assembly-dependent folding to maintain and regulate correct IL-12 family member ratios in the light of subunit competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Aschenbrenner
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Garching, Germany
| | - Till Siebenmorgen
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Garching, Germany; Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets & Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Abraham Lopez
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, Garching, Germany; Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets & Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marina Parr
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Life Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics, Freising, Germany
| | - Philipp Ruckgaber
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Garching, Germany
| | - Anna Kerle
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Garching, Germany
| | - Florian Rührnößl
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Garching, Germany
| | - Dragana Catici
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Garching, Germany
| | - Martin Haslbeck
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Garching, Germany
| | - Dmitrij Frishman
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Life Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics, Freising, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, Garching, Germany; Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets & Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Zacharias
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Garching, Germany
| | - Matthias J Feige
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Garching, Germany.
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6
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Hildenbrand K, Bohnacker S, Menon PR, Kerle A, Prodjinotho UF, Hartung F, Strasser PC, Catici DA, Rührnößl F, Haslbeck M, Schumann K, Müller SI, da Costa CP, Esser-von Bieren J, Feige MJ. Human interleukin-12α and EBI3 are cytokines with anti-inflammatory functions. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg6874. [PMID: 37878703 PMCID: PMC10599630 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg6874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Interleukins are secreted proteins that regulate immune responses. Among these, the interleukin 12 (IL-12) family holds a central position in inflammatory and infectious diseases. Each family member consists of an α and a β subunit that together form a composite cytokine. Within the IL-12 family, IL-35 remains particularly ill-characterized on a molecular level despite its key role in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Here we show that both IL-35 subunits, IL-12α and EBI3, mutually promote their secretion from cells but are not necessarily secreted as a heterodimer. Our data demonstrate that IL-12α and EBI3 are stable proteins in isolation that act as anti-inflammatory molecules. Both reduce secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and induce the development of regulatory T cells. Together, our study reveals IL-12α and EBI3, the subunits of IL-35, to be functionally active anti-inflammatory immune molecules on their own. This extends our understanding of the human cytokine repertoire as a basis for immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Hildenbrand
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Sina Bohnacker
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Priyanka Rajeev Menon
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Anna Kerle
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Ulrich F. Prodjinotho
- Institute for Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Center for Global Health, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Hartung
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick C. Strasser
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Dragana A. M. Catici
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Florian Rührnößl
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Martin Haslbeck
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schumann
- Institute for Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie I. Müller
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Clarissa Prazeres da Costa
- Institute for Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Center for Global Health, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection and Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Esser-von Bieren
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 80802 Munich, Germany
- Department of Immunobiology, Université de Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Matthias J. Feige
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
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7
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Liebl K, Aschenbrenner I, Schiller L, Kerle A, Protzer U, Feige MJ. Modeling of the human interleukin 12:receptor complex allows to engineer attenuated cytokine variants. Mol Immunol 2023; 162:38-44. [PMID: 37639747 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) plays major roles in immune defense against intracellular pathogens. By activating T cells and increasing antigen presentation, it is also a very potent anti-tumor molecule. Strong immune activation and systemic toxicity, however, so far limit its potential therapeutic use. Building on recent experimental structures of IL-12 related cytokine:receptor complexes, we here provide a high-resolution computational model of the human IL-12:receptor complex. We design attenuated IL-12 variants with lower receptor binding affinities based on molecular dynamics simulations, and subsequently validate them experimentally. These variants show reduced activation of natural killer cells while maintaining T cell activation. This immunological signature is important to develop IL-12 for cancer treatment, where natural killer cells contribute to severe side-effects. Taken together, our study provides detailed insights into structure and dynamics of the human IL-12:receptor complex and leverages them for engineering attenuated variants to elicit fewer side-effects while maintaining relevant biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korbinian Liebl
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Isabel Aschenbrenner
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Lisa Schiller
- Institute of Virology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Kerle
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany.
| | - Matthias J Feige
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany.
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8
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Cesaro A, Lin S, Pardi N, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Advanced delivery systems for peptide antibiotics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114733. [PMID: 36804008 PMCID: PMC10771258 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as alternatives to traditional antibiotics for preventing and treating multidrug-resistant infections. Although they have potent antimicrobial efficacy, AMPs are mainly limited by their susceptibility to proteases and potential off-site cytotoxicity. Designing the right delivery system for peptides can help to overcome such limitations, thus improving the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of these drugs. The versatility of peptides and their genetically encodable structure make them suitable for both conventional and nucleoside-based formulations. In this review, we describe the main drug delivery procedures developed so far for peptide antibiotics: lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, hydrogels, functionalized surfaces, and DNA- and RNA-based delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cesaro
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shuangzhe Lin
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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9
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Fukuhara H, Sato YT, Hou J, Iwai M, Todo T. Fusion peptide is superior to co-expressing subunits for arming oncolytic herpes virus with interleukin 12. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2023; 3:40. [PMID: 36966232 PMCID: PMC10039936 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-023-00270-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND G47∆ is a triple-mutated oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) recently approved as a new drug for malignant glioma in Japan. As the next-generation, we develop armed oncolytic HSV-1 using G47∆ as the backbone. Because oncolytic HSV-1 elicits specific antitumor immunity, interleukin 12 (IL-12) can function as an effective payload to enhance the efficacy. METHODS We evaluate the optimal methods for expressing IL-12 as a payload for G47∆-based oncolytic HSV-1. Two new armed viruses are generated for evaluation by employing different methods to express IL-12: T-mfIL12 expresses murine IL-12 as a fusion peptide, with the genes of two subunits (p35 and p40) linked by bovine elastin motifs, and T-mIL12-IRES co-expresses the subunits, with the two genes separated by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence. RESULTS T-mfIL12 is significantly more efficient in producing IL-12 than T-mIL12-IRES in all cell lines tested, whereas the expression methods do not affect the replication capabilities and cytopathic effects. In two syngeneic mouse subcutaneous tumor models of Neuro2a and TRAMP-C2, T-mfIL12 exhibits a significantly higher efficacy than T-mIL12-IRES when inoculated intratumorally. Furthermore, T-mfIL12 shows a significantly higher intratumoral expression of functional IL-12, causing stronger stimulation of specific antitumor immune responses than T-mIL12-IRES. CONCLUSIONS The results implicate that a fusion-type expression of IL-12 is a method superior to co-expression of separate subunits, due to higher production of functional IL-12 molecules. This study led to the creation of triple-mutated oncolytic HSV-1 armed with human IL-12 currently used in phase 1/2 trial for malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fukuhara
- Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
- Department of Urology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo, 181-8611, Japan
| | - Yuzuri Tsurumaki Sato
- Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Jiangang Hou
- Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Miwako Iwai
- Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Tomoki Todo
- Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
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10
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Orlova E, Loginova O, Shirshev S. Leptin regulates thymic plasmacytoid dendritic cell ability to influence the thymocyte distribution in vitro. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109912. [PMID: 36857934 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109912] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Leptin, the adipocyte-derived hormone, involved in regulating food intake and body weight, plays an important role in immunity and reproduction. Leptin signals via the specific membrane receptors expressed in most types of immune cells including dendritic cells (DCs) and thymocytes. Leptin enhances thymopoiesis and modulates T-cell-mediated immunity. Thymic plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) are predominated in the thymus. They play an important role in thymocyte differentiation. We have analyzed whether leptin mediates its effects on human thymocytes by influencing on pDCs. We used leptin at concentration corresponding to its level during II-III trimesters of physiological pregnancy. We cultivated leptin-primed pDCs with autologous thymocytes and estimated the main thymocyte subsets expressing αβ chains of the T-cell receptor (αβTCR), natural regulatory T-cells (tTreg), natural T-helpers producing interleukin-17 (nTh17) and invariant natural killer T-cells (iNKT) in vitro. We have shown that leptin augmented CD86, CD276 expressions and depressed IL-10 productions by pDCs. Leptin-primed pDCs decreased the percentage of CD4+CD8+αβTCR+ thymocytes, increased CD4hiCD8-/loαβTCR+ cells. pDCs cultivated with leptin decreased the number of iNKT precursors, and did not change the number of tTreg and nTh17 precursors. Thus, leptin's important role in regulation of thymic pDC abilities to influence on the thymocyte distribution was indicated in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Orlova
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Perm Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13A Lenina str., 614015 Perm, Russia.
| | - Olga Loginova
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Perm Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13A Lenina str., 614015 Perm, Russia.
| | - Sergei Shirshev
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Perm Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13A Lenina str., 614015 Perm, Russia.
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11
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Mideksa YG, Aschenbrenner I, Fux A, Kaylani D, Weiß CA, Nguyen TA, Bach NC, Lang K, Sieber SA, Feige MJ. A comprehensive set of ER protein disulfide isomerase family members supports the biogenesis of proinflammatory interleukin 12 family cytokines. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102677. [PMID: 36336075 PMCID: PMC9731863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines of the interleukin 12 (IL-12) family are assembled combinatorially from shared α and β subunits. A common theme is that human IL-12 family α subunits remain incompletely structured in isolation until they pair with a designate β subunit. Accordingly, chaperones need to support and control specific assembly processes. It remains incompletely understood, which chaperones are involved in IL-12 family biogenesis. Here, we site-specifically introduce photocrosslinking amino acids into the IL-12 and IL-23 α subunits (IL-12α and IL-23α) for stabilization of transient chaperone-client complexes for mass spectrometry. Our analysis reveals that a large set of endoplasmic reticulum chaperones interacts with IL-12α and IL-23α. Among these chaperones, we focus on protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family members and reveal IL-12 family subunits to be clients of several incompletely characterized PDIs. We find that different PDIs show selectivity for different cysteines in IL-12α and IL-23α. Despite this, PDI binding generally stabilizes unassembled IL-12α and IL-23α against degradation. In contrast, α:β assembly appears robust, and only multiple simultaneous PDI depletions reduce IL-12 secretion. Our comprehensive analysis of the IL-12/IL-23 chaperone machinery reveals a hitherto uncharacterized role for several PDIs in this process. This extends our understanding of how cells accomplish the task of specific protein assembly reactions for signaling processes. Furthermore, our findings show that cytokine secretion can be modulated by targeting specific endoplasmic reticulum chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan G. Mideksa
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Isabel Aschenbrenner
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Anja Fux
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Dinah Kaylani
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Caroline A.M. Weiß
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Tuan-Anh Nguyen
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Nina C. Bach
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Kathrin Lang
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany,Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan A. Sieber
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Matthias J. Feige
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany,For correspondence: Matthias J. Feige
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12
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Luo WJ, Yu SL, Chang CC, Chien MH, Chang YL, Liao KM, Lin PC, Chung KP, Chuang YH, Chen JJW, Yang PC, Su KY. HLJ1 amplifies endotoxin-induced sepsis severity by promoting IL-12 heterodimerization in macrophages. eLife 2022; 11:76094. [PMID: 35983991 PMCID: PMC9457701 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76094] [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: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock protein (HSP) 40 has emerged as a key factor in both innate and adaptive immunity, whereas the role of HLJ1, a molecular chaperone in HSP40 family, in modulating endotoxin-induced sepsis severity is still unclear. During lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxic shock, HLJ1 knockout mice shows reduced organ injury and IFN-γ (interferon-γ)-dependent mortality. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we characterize mouse liver nonparenchymal cell populations under LPS stimulation, and show that HLJ1 deletion affected IFN-γ-related gene signatures in distinct immune cell clusters. In CLP models, HLJ1 deletion reduces IFN-γ expression and sepsis mortality rate when mice are treated with antibiotics. HLJ1 deficiency also leads to reduced serum levels of IL-12 in LPS-treated mice, contributing to dampened production of IFN-γ in natural killer cells but not CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, and subsequently to improved survival rate. Adoptive transfer of HLJ1-deleted macrophages into LPS-treated mice results in reduced IL-12 and IFN-γ levels and protects the mice from IFN-γ-dependent mortality. In the context of molecular mechanisms, HLJ1 is an LPS-inducible protein in macrophages and converts misfolded IL-12p35 homodimers to monomers, which maintains bioactive IL-12p70 heterodimerization and secretion. This study suggests HLJ1 causes IFN-γ-dependent septic lethality by promoting IL-12 heterodimerization, and targeting HLJ1 has therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases involving activated IL-12/IFN-γ axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jia Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Liang Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ching Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Min-Hui Chien
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ling Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Mao Liao
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chun Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Pin Chung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hui Chuang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jeremy J W Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pan-Chyr Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Yi Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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13
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Hildenbrand K, Aschenbrenner I, Franke FC, Devergne O, Feige MJ. Biogenesis and engineering of interleukin 12 family cytokines. Trends Biochem Sci 2022; 47:936-949. [PMID: 35691784 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) family cytokines are secreted proteins that regulate immune responses. Each family member is a heterodimer and nature uses shared building blocks to assemble the functionally distinct IL-12 cytokines. In recent years we have gained insights into the molecular principles and cellular regulation of IL-12 family biogenesis. For each of the family members, generally one subunit depends on its partner to acquire its native structure and be secreted from immune cells. If unpaired, molecular chaperones retain these subunits in cells. This allows cells to regulate and control secretion of the highly potent IL-12 family cytokines. Molecular insights gained into IL-12 family biogenesis, structure, and function now allow us to engineer IL-12 family cytokines to develop novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Hildenbrand
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Isabel Aschenbrenner
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Fabian C Franke
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Odile Devergne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (Cimi-Paris), 75 013 Paris, France.
| | - Matthias J Feige
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany.
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14
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Farasati Far B, Bokov D, Widjaja G, Setia Budi H, Kamal Abdelbasset W, Javanshir S, Seif F, Pazoki-Toroudi H, Dey SK. Metronidazole, acyclovir and tetrahydrobiopterin may be promising to treat COVID-19 patients, through interaction with interleukin-12. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-19. [PMID: 35446232 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2064917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 patients have shown overexpressed serum levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a high mortality rate due to numerous complications. Also, previous studies demonstrated that the metronidazole (MTZ) administration reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved the treatment outcomes for inflammatory disorders. However, the effect and mechanism of action of MTZ on cytokines have not been studied yet. Thus, the current study aimed to identify anti-cytokine therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with cytokine storm. The interaction of MTZ with key cytokines was investigated using molecular docking studies. MTZ-analogues, and its structurally similar FDA-approved drugs were also virtually screened against interleukin-12 (IL-12). Moreover, their mechanism of inhibition regarding IL-12 binding to IL-12 receptor was investigated by measuring the change in volume and area. IL-12-metronidazole complex is found to be more stable than all other cytokines under study. Our study also revealed that the active sites of IL-12 are inhibited from binding to its target, IL-12 receptor, by modifying the position of the methyl and hydroxyl functional groups in MTZ. Three MTZ analogues, metronidazole phosphate, metronidazole benzoate, 1-[1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-5-nitroimidazol-2-yl]-N-methylmethanimine-oxide, and two FDA-approved drugs acyclovir (ACV), and tetrahydrobiopterin (THB) were also found to prevent binding of IL-12 to IL-12 receptor similar to MTZ by changing the surface and volume of IL-12 upon IL-12-drug/ligand complex formation. According to the RMSD results, after 100 ns MD simulations of human IL-12-MTZ/ACV/THB drug complexes, it was also observed that each complex was swinging within a few Å compared to their corresponding docking poses, indicating that the docking poses were reliable. The current study demonstrates that three FDA-approved drugs, namely, metronidazole, acyclovir and tetrahydrobiopterin, are potential repurposable treatment options for overexpressed serum cytokines found in COVID-19 patients. Similar approach is also useful to develop therapeutics against other human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Farasati Far
- Heterocyclic Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dmitry Bokov
- Institute of Pharmacy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Federal Research Center of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Gunawan Widjaja
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Hendrik Setia Budi
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Shahrzad Javanshir
- Heterocyclic Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Seif
- Department of Immunology & Allergy, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Pazoki-Toroudi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanjay Kumar Dey
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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15
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Gerber AN, Abdi K, Singh NJ. The subunits of IL-12, originating from two distinct cells, can functionally synergize to protect against pathogen dissemination in vivo. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109816. [PMID: 34644571 PMCID: PMC8569637 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are typically single gene products, except for the heterodimeric interleukin (IL)-12 family. The two subunits (IL-12p40 and IL-12p35) of the prototype IL-12 are known to be simultaneously co-expressed in activated myeloid cells, which secrete the fully active heterodimer to promote interferon (IFN)γ production in innate and adaptive cells. We find that chimeric mice containing mixtures of cells that can only express either IL-12p40 or IL-12p35, but not both together, generate functional IL-12. This alternate two-cell pathway requires IL-12p40 from hematopoietic cells to extracellularly associate with IL-12p35 from radiation-resistant cells. The two-cell mechanism is sufficient to propel local T cell differentiation in sites distal to the initial infection and helps control systemic dissemination of a pathogen, although not parasite burden, at the site of infection. Broadly, this suggests that early secretion of IL-12p40 monomers by sentinel cells at the infection site may help prepare distal host tissues for potential pathogen arrival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison N Gerber
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, HSF1, Room 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Kaveh Abdi
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
| | - Nevil J Singh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, HSF1, Room 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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16
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Qiu X, Sun H, Wang D, Ren J, Wang X, Zhang A, Yang K, Zhou H. Stimulus-Specific Expression, Selective Generation and Novel Function of Grass Carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella) IL-12 Isoforms: New Insights Into the Heterodimeric Cytokines in Teleosts. Front Immunol 2021; 12:734535. [PMID: 34603315 PMCID: PMC8481787 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.734535] [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: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of a p35 subunit specific to IL-12 and a p40 subunit shared with IL-23. In this study, we unveiled the existence of two p35 paralogues in grass carp (named gcp35a and gcp35b). Notably, gcp35a and gcp35b displayed distinct inducible expression patterns, as poly I:C merely induced the gene expression of gcp35a but not gcp35b, while recombinant grass carp interferon-gamma (rgcIfn-γ) only enhanced the transcription of gcp35b but not gcp35a. Moreover, the signaling mechanisms responsible for the inducible expression of gcp35a and gcp35b mRNA were elucidated. Because of the existence of three grass carp p40 genes (gcp40a, gcp40b and gcp40c) and two p35 paralogues, six gcIl-12 isoforms were predicted by 3D modeling. Results showed that gcp40a and gcp40b but not gcp40c had the potential for forming heterodimers with both gcp35 paralogues via the disulfide bonds. Non-reducing electrophoresis experiments further disclosed that only gcp40b but not gcp40a or gcp40c could form heterodimers with gcp35 to produce secretory heterodimeric gcp35a/gcp40b (gcIl-12AB) and gcp35b/gcp40b (gcIl-12BB), which prompted us to prepare their recombinant proteins. These two recombinant proteins exhibited their extensive regulation on Ifn-γ production in various immune cells. Intriguingly, both gcIl-12 isoforms significantly enhanced the transcription of il-17a/f1 and il-22 in lymphocytes, and their regulation on il-17a/f1 expression was mediated by Stat3/Rorγt signaling, supporting the potential of gcIl-12 isoforms for inducing Th17-like responses. Additionally, stimulatory effects of gcIl-12 isoforms on il-17a/f1 and ifn-γ expression were attenuated by gcTgf-β1 via suppressing the activation of Stat3 signaling, implying that their signaling could be manipulated. In brief, our works provide new insights into the inducible expression pattern, heterodimeric generation and functional novelty of Il-12 isoforms in teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyang Qiu
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingqi Ren
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Anying Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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17
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Liu T, Amos SH, Ganga AL, Bullins CM, Jennings CD, Arnold WS, Joseph M. Evaluation of cytokine response to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Artif Organs 2021; 46:146-154. [PMID: 34606116 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14079] [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: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Increased cytokine response is common in patients receiving extracorporeal life support and is often a poor prognostic indicator. There is interest in using adjunctive cytokine adsorption technologies to reduce inflammatory burden, However, it is debated whether extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) itself provides therapeutic benefit beyond gas exchange. Thus, we sought to characterize the inflammatory profile of ECMO in the first 72-96 h of and quantify its effect on cytokine levels in a case series of patients undergoing ECMO. METHODS Eight patients initiating ECMO were studied. Of these, we measured cytokines pre- and post-oxygenator over 96 h. Comparisons of cytokine levels were made across the oxygenator and over time. RESULTS The average age of patients was 64.3 years with 62% being male. Centrally cannulated patients had higher IL-6 levels (820.43 vs. 6907.53 pg/ml, p < 0.03), whereas peripherally cannulated patients had higher IL-12p70 levels (7.73 vs. 2.59 pg/ml, p < 0.05). Cytokine levels on day one included IL-12p70 (4.17 ± 2.56), IL-6 (4971.23 ± 8569.88), TNF (undetected), IL-8 (346.68 ± 670.18), IL-1B (undetected), and IL-10 (72.27 ± 87.9). Cytokine levels increased over 96 h; however, no significant differences were appreciated despite blood product transfusion. On day 3, IL-12p70 levels were significantly lower post-oxygenator (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The inflammatory profile of ECMO does not change significantly over the early course of illness when accounting for transfusion. However, the decrease in IL-12p70 specifically at day 3 of ECMO may indicate adsorption of specific inflammatory markers by the oxygenator although the clinical significance of this is still unknown. Further investigation of the oxygenator on cytokine response is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Liu
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Shayna H Amos
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Anil L Ganga
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Charles M Bullins
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Cathy D Jennings
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - W Scott Arnold
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Banner University Medical Center at University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Mark Joseph
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
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18
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Wang Y, Shin I, Li J, Liu A. Crystal structure of human cysteamine dioxygenase provides a structural rationale for its function as an oxygen sensor. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101176. [PMID: 34508780 PMCID: PMC8503633 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cysteamine dioxygenase (ADO) plays a vital role in regulating thiol metabolism and preserving oxygen homeostasis in humans by oxidizing the sulfur of cysteamine and N-terminal cysteine-containing proteins to their corresponding sulfinic acids using O2 as a cosubstrate. However, as the only thiol dioxygenase that processes both small-molecule and protein substrates, how ADO handles diverse substrates of disparate sizes to achieve various reactions is not understood. The knowledge gap is mainly due to the three-dimensional structure not being solved, as ADO cannot be directly compared with other known thiol dioxygenases. Herein, we report the first crystal structure of human ADO at a resolution of 1.78 Å with a nickel-bound metal center. Crystallization was achieved through both metal substitution and C18S/C239S double mutations. The metal center resides in a tunnel close to an entry site flanked by loops. While ADO appears to use extensive flexibility to handle substrates of different sizes, it also employs proline and proline pairs to maintain the core protein structure and to retain the residues critical for catalysis in place. This feature distinguishes ADO from thiol dioxygenases that only oxidize small-molecule substrates, possibly explaining its divergent substrate specificity. Our findings also elucidate the structural basis for ADO functioning as an oxygen sensor by modifying N-degron substrates to transduce responses to hypoxia. Thus, this work fills a gap in structure–function relationships of the thiol dioxygenase family and provides a platform for further mechanistic investigation and therapeutic intervention targeting impaired oxygen sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Inchul Shin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jiasong Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Aimin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas, USA.
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19
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Min B, Kim D, Feige MJ. IL-30 † (IL-27A): a familiar stranger in immunity, inflammation, and cancer. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:823-834. [PMID: 34045653 PMCID: PMC8178335 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00630-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the years, interleukin (IL)-27 has received much attention because of its highly divergent, sometimes even opposing, functions in immunity. IL-30, the p28 subunit that forms IL-27 together with Ebi3 and is also known as IL-27p28 or IL-27A, has been considered a surrogate to represent IL-27. However, it was later discovered that IL-30 can form complexes with other protein subunits, potentially leading to overlapping or discrete functions. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence that IL-30 itself may perform immunomodulatory functions independent of Ebi3 or other binding partners and that IL-30 production is strongly associated with certain cancers in humans. In this review, we will discuss the biology of IL-30 and other IL-30-associated cytokines and their functions in inflammation and cancer. Studying the ways that interleukin IL-30 regulates immune responses may provide novel insights into tumor development and inflammatory conditions. Interleukins are a diverse family of proteins involved in intercellular communications and immunity, where they can exert divergent and even opposing functions. Booki Min at Northwestern University in Chicago, USA, and co-workers reviewed the current understanding of IL-30 and its links to inflammation and cancer. IL-30 forms the IL-27 complex with the Ebi3 protein and was thought to be a surrogate for IL-27 in terms of activity. However, recent insights suggest that IL-30 may perform discrete immune modulation functions. Elevated IL-30 secretion is linked to prostate and breast cancer development. Extensive research is needed into the formation of IL-30, its associated protein interactions, and the development of a suitable animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Booki Min
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Dongkyun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Matthias J Feige
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
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20
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Glassman CR, Mathiharan YK, Jude KM, Su L, Panova O, Lupardus PJ, Spangler JB, Ely LK, Thomas C, Skiniotis G, Garcia KC. Structural basis for IL-12 and IL-23 receptor sharing reveals a gateway for shaping actions on T versus NK cells. Cell 2021; 184:983-999.e24. [PMID: 33606986 PMCID: PMC7899134 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23 are heterodimeric cytokines that are produced by antigen-presenting cells to regulate the activation and differentiation of lymphocytes, and they share IL-12Rβ1 as a receptor signaling subunit. We present a crystal structure of the quaternary IL-23 (IL-23p19/p40)/IL-23R/IL-12Rβ1 complex, together with cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) maps of the complete IL-12 (IL-12p35/p40)/IL-12Rβ2/IL-12Rβ1 and IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) complexes, which reveal "non-canonical" topologies where IL-12Rβ1 directly engages the common p40 subunit. We targeted the shared IL-12Rβ1/p40 interface to design a panel of IL-12 partial agonists that preserved interferon gamma (IFNγ) induction by CD8+ T cells but impaired cytokine production from natural killer (NK) cells in vitro. These cell-biased properties were recapitulated in vivo, where IL-12 partial agonists elicited anti-tumor immunity to MC-38 murine adenocarcinoma absent the NK-cell-mediated toxicity seen with wild-type IL-12. Thus, the structural mechanism of receptor sharing used by IL-12 family cytokines provides a protein interface blueprint for tuning this cytokine axis for therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb R Glassman
- Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yamuna Kalyani Mathiharan
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kevin M Jude
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Leon Su
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ouliana Panova
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Patrick J Lupardus
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lauren K Ely
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Christoph Thomas
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Georgios Skiniotis
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - K Christopher Garcia
- Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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21
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Ongaro T, Guarino SR, Scietti L, Palamini M, Wulhfard S, Neri D, Villa A, Forneris F. Inference of molecular structure for characterization and improvement of clinical grade immunocytokines. J Struct Biol 2021; 213:107696. [PMID: 33493635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The use of immunomodulatory agents for the treatment of cancer is gaining a growing biopharmaceutical interest. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, namely immunocytokines, represent a promising solution for the regulation of the immune system at the site of disease. The three-dimensional arrangement of these molecules can profoundly influence their biological activity and pharmacokinetic properties. Structural techniques might provide important insight in the 3D arrangement of immunocytokines. Here, we performed structure investigations on clinical grade fusion proteins L19-IL2, IL12-L19L19 and L19L19-IL2 to elucidate their quaternary organization. Crystallographic characterization of the common L19 antibody fragment at a resolution of 2.0-Å was combined with low-resolution studies of the full-length chimeric molecules using small-angle synchrotron X-ray scattering (SAXS) and negative stain electron microscopy. Characterization of the full-length quaternary structures of the immunocytokines in solution by SAXS consistently supported the diabody structure in the L19-IL2 immunocytokine and allowed generation of low-resolution models of the chimeric proteins L19L19-IL2 and IL12-L19L19. Comparison with 3D reconstructions obtained from negative-stain electron microscopy revealed marked flexibility associated to the linker regions connecting the cytokine and the antibody components of the chimeric proteins. Collectively, our results indicate that low-resolution molecular structure characterizations provide useful complementary insights for the quality control of immunocytokines, constituting a powerful tool to guide the design and the subsequent optimization steps towards clinical enhancement of these chimeric protein reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Ongaro
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy; Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore R Guarino
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy
| | - Luigi Scietti
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy
| | - Martina Palamini
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy
| | - Sarah Wulhfard
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | | | - Federico Forneris
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy.
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22
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Mozhei O, G. Teschemacher A, Kasparov S. Viral Vectors as Gene Therapy Agents for Treatment of Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3724. [PMID: 33322507 PMCID: PMC7764372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we scrutinize the idea of using viral vectors either as cytotoxic agents or gene delivery tools for treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in light of the experience that our laboratory has accumulated over ~20 years when using similar vectors in experimental neuroscience. We review molecular strategies and current clinical trials and argue that approaches which are based on targeting a specific biochemical pathway or a characteristic mutation are inherently prone to failure because of the high genomic instability and clonal selection characteristics of GBM. For the same reasons, attempts to develop a viral system which selectively transduces only GBM cells are also unlikely to be universally successful. One of the common gene therapy approaches is to use cytotoxic viruses which replicate and cause preferential lysis of the GBM cells. This strategy, in addition to its reliance on the specific biochemical makeup of the GBM cells, bears a risk of necrotic cell death accompanied by release of large quantities of pro-inflammatory molecules. On the other hand, engaging the immune system in the anti-GBM response seems to be a potential avenue to explore further. We suggest that a plausible strategy is to focus on viral vectors which efficiently transduce brain cells via a non-selective, ubiquitous mechanism and which target (ideally irreversibly) processes that are critical only for dividing tumor cells and are dispensable for quiescent brain cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Mozhei
- School of Life Sciences, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Anja G. Teschemacher
- School of Physiology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK;
| | - Sergey Kasparov
- School of Life Sciences, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
- School of Physiology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK;
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23
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Bohnacker S, Hildenbrand K, Aschenbrenner I, Müller SI, Bieren JEV, Feige MJ. Influence of glycosylation on IL-12 family cytokine biogenesis and function. Mol Immunol 2020; 126:120-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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24
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IL-12 and IL-23-Close Relatives with Structural Homologies but Distinct Immunological Functions. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102184. [PMID: 32998371 PMCID: PMC7600943 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines of the IL-12 family show structural similarities but have distinct functions in the immune system. Prominent members of this cytokine family are the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IL-23. These two cytokines share cytokine subunits and receptor chains but have different functions in autoimmune diseases, cancer and infections. Accordingly, structural knowledge about receptor complex formation is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies preventing and/or inhibiting cytokine:receptor interaction. In addition, intracellular signaling cascades can be targeted to inhibit cytokine-mediated effects. Single nucleotide polymorphisms can lead to alteration in the amino acid sequence and thereby influencing protein functions or protein–protein interactions. To understand the biology of IL-12 and IL-23 and to establish efficient targeting strategies structural knowledge about cytokines and respective receptors is crucial. A highly efficient therapy might be a combination of different drugs targeting extracellular cytokine:receptor assembly and intracellular signaling pathways.
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25
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Pastor-Fernández G, Mariblanca IR, Navarro MN. Decoding IL-23 Signaling Cascade for New Therapeutic Opportunities. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092044. [PMID: 32906785 PMCID: PMC7563346 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The interleukin 23 (IL-23) is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. The pathological consequences of excessive IL-23 signaling have been linked to its ability to promote the production of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-17, IL-22, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating (GM-CSF), or the tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) by target populations, mainly Th17 and IL-17-secreting TCRγδ cells (Tγδ17). Due to their pivotal role in inflammatory diseases, IL-23 and its downstream effector molecules have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets, leading to the development of neutralizing antibodies against IL-23 and IL-17 that have shown efficacy in different inflammatory diseases. Despite the success of monoclonal antibodies, there are patients that show no response or partial response to these treatments. Thus, effective therapies for inflammatory diseases may require the combination of multiple immune-modulatory drugs to prevent disease progression and to improve quality of life. Alternative strategies aimed at inhibiting intracellular signaling cascades using small molecule inhibitors or interfering peptides have not been fully exploited in the context of IL-23-mediated diseases. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about proximal signaling events triggered by IL-23 upon binding to its membrane receptor to bring to the spotlight new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in IL-23-mediated pathologies.
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26
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Frank M, Beccati D, Leeflang BR, Vliegenthart JFG. C-Mannosylation Enhances the Structural Stability of Human RNase 2. iScience 2020; 23:101371. [PMID: 32739833 PMCID: PMC7399192 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101371] [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: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
C-Mannosylation is a relatively rare form of protein glycosylation involving the attachment of an α-mannopyranosyl residue to C-2 of the indole moiety of the amino acid tryptophan. This type of linkage was initially discovered in RNase 2 from human urine but later confirmed to be present in many other important proteins. Based on NMR experiments and extensive molecular dynamics simulations on the hundred microsecond timescale we demonstrate that, for isolated glycopeptides and denatured RNase 2, the C-linked mannopyranosyl residue exists as an ensemble of conformations, among which 1C4 is the most abundant. However, for native RNase 2, molecular dynamics and NMR studies revealed that the mannopyranosyl residue favors a specific conformation, which optimally stabilizes the protein fold through a network of hydrogen bonds and which leads to a significant reduction of the protein dynamics on the microsecond timescale. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the biological role of C-mannosylation. NMR and MD show that C-linked mannose exists as an ensemble of conformations Conformation of mannose is influenced by the protein environment and solvent In RNase 2 mannose favors a conformation that optimally stabilizes the protein fold Efficient methods for analysis of a large number of MD trajectories are presented
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Beccati
- Bijvoet Center, Division of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Bas R Leeflang
- Bijvoet Center, Division of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes F G Vliegenthart
- Bijvoet Center, Division of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands.
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27
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Metcalfe RD, Putoczki TL, Griffin MDW. Structural Understanding of Interleukin 6 Family Cytokine Signaling and Targeted Therapies: Focus on Interleukin 11. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1424. [PMID: 32765502 PMCID: PMC7378365 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are small signaling proteins that have central roles in inflammation and cell survival. In the half-century since the discovery of the first cytokines, the interferons, over fifty cytokines have been identified. Amongst these is interleukin (IL)-6, the first and prototypical member of the IL-6 family of cytokines, nearly all of which utilize the common signaling receptor, gp130. In the last decade, there have been numerous advances in our understanding of the structural mechanisms of IL-6 family signaling, particularly for IL-6 itself. However, our understanding of the detailed structural mechanisms underlying signaling by most IL-6 family members remains limited. With the emergence of new roles for IL-6 family cytokines in disease and, in particular, roles of IL-11 in cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and cancer, there is an emerging need to develop therapeutics that can progress to clinical use. Here we outline our current knowledge of the structural mechanism of signaling by the IL-6 family of cytokines. We discuss how this knowledge allows us to understand the mechanism of action of currently available inhibitors targeting IL-6 family cytokine signaling, and most importantly how it allows for improved opportunities to pharmacologically disrupt cytokine signaling. We focus specifically on the need to develop and understand inhibitors that disrupt IL-11 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley D Metcalfe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Technology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tracy L Putoczki
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael D W Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Technology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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28
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Esch A, Masiarz A, Mossner S, Moll JM, Grötzinger J, Schröder J, Scheller J, Floss DM. Deciphering site 3 interactions of interleukin 12 and interleukin 23 with their cognate murine and human receptors. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:10478-10492. [PMID: 32518162 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 belong to the IL-12 type family and are composite cytokines, consisting of the common β subunit p40 and the specific cytokine α subunit p35 and p19, respectively. IL-12 signals via the IL-12Rβ1·IL-12Rβ2 receptor complex, and IL-23 uses also IL-12Rβ1 but engages IL-23R as second receptor. Importantly, binding of IL-12 and IL-23 to IL-12Rβ1 is mediated by p40, and binding to IL-12Rβ2 and IL-23R is mediated by p35 and p19, respectively. Previously, we have identified a W157A substitution at site 3 of murine IL-23p19 that abrogates binding to murine IL-23R. Here, we demonstrate that the analogous Y185R site 3 substitution in murine and Y189R site 3 substitution in human IL-12p35 abolishes binding to IL-12Rβ2 in a cross-species manner. Although Trp157 is conserved between murine and human IL-23p19 (Trp156 in the human ortholog), the site 3 W156A substitution in hIL-23p19 did not affect signaling of cells expressing human IL-12Rβ1 and IL-23R, suggesting that the interface of murine IL-23p19 required for binding to IL-23R is different from that in the human ortholog. Hence, we introduced additional hIL-23p19 substitutions within its binding interface to hIL-23R and found that the combined site 3 substitutions of W156A and L160E, which become buried at the complex interface, disrupt binding of hIL-23p19 to hIL-23R. In summary, we have identified substitutions in IL-12p35 and IL-23p19 that disrupt binding to their cognate receptors IL-12Rβ2 and IL-23R in a murine/human cross-species manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Esch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Masiarz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sofie Mossner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jens M Moll
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Grötzinger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jutta Schröder
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Doreen M Floss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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29
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Mideksa YG, Fottner M, Braus S, Weiß CAM, Nguyen TA, Meier S, Lang K, Feige MJ. Site-Specific Protein Labeling with Fluorophores as a Tool To Monitor Protein Turnover. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1861-1867. [PMID: 32011787 PMCID: PMC7383901 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Proteins that terminally fail to acquire their native structure are detected and degraded by cellular quality control systems. Insights into cellular protein quality control are key to a better understanding of how cells establish and maintain the integrity of their proteome and of how failures in these processes cause human disease. Here we have used genetic code expansion and fast bio‐orthogonal reactions to monitor protein turnover in mammalian cells through a fluorescence‐based assay. We have used immune signaling molecules (interleukins) as model substrates and shown that our approach preserves normal cellular quality control, assembly processes, and protein functionality and works for different proteins and fluorophores. We have further extended our approach to a pulse‐chase type of assay that can provide kinetic insights into cellular protein behavior. Taken together, this study establishes a minimally invasive method to investigate protein turnover in cells as a key determinant of cellular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan G Mideksa
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Maximilian Fottner
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Sebastian Braus
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Current address: Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline A M Weiß
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Tuan-Anh Nguyen
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Susanne Meier
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Kathrin Lang
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstr.2a, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Matthias J Feige
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstr.2a, 85748, Garching, Germany
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30
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Allen SJ, Lumb KJ. Protein-protein interactions: a structural view of inhibition strategies and the IL-23/IL-17 axis. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 121:253-303. [PMID: 32312425 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions are central to biology and provide opportunities to modulate disease with small-molecule or protein therapeutics. Recent developments in the understanding of the tractability of protein-protein interactions are discussed with a focus on the ligandable nature of protein-protein interaction surfaces. General principles of inhibiting protein-protein interactions are illustrated with structural biology examples from six members of the IL-23/IL-17 signaling family (IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23 RORγT and TNFα). These examples illustrate the different approaches to discover protein-protein interaction inhibitors on a target-specific basis that has proven fruitful in terms of discovering both small molecule and biologic based protein-protein interaction inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Allen
- Lead Discovery & Profiling, Discovery Sciences, Janssen R&D LLC, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Kevin J Lumb
- Lead Discovery & Profiling, Discovery Sciences, Janssen R&D LLC, Spring House, PA, United States
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31
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The molecular basis of chaperone-mediated interleukin 23 assembly control. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4121. [PMID: 31511508 PMCID: PMC6739322 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The functionality of most secreted proteins depends on their assembly into a defined quaternary structure. Despite this, it remains unclear how cells discriminate unassembled proteins en route to the native state from misfolded ones that need to be degraded. Here we show how chaperones can regulate and control assembly of heterodimeric proteins, using interleukin 23 (IL-23) as a model. We find that the IL-23 α-subunit remains partially unstructured until assembly with its β-subunit occurs and identify a major site of incomplete folding. Incomplete folding is recognized by different chaperones along the secretory pathway, realizing reliable assembly control by sequential checkpoints. Structural optimization of the chaperone recognition site allows it to bypass quality control checkpoints and provides a secretion-competent IL-23α subunit, which can still form functional heterodimeric IL-23. Thus, locally-restricted incomplete folding within single-domain proteins can be used to regulate and control their assembly. It is unclear how unassembled secretory pathway proteins are discriminated from misfolded ones. Here the authors combine biophysical and cellular experiments to study the folding of heterodimeric interleukin 23 and describe how ER chaperones recognize unassembled proteins and aid their assembly into protein complexes while preventing the premature degradation of unassembled units.
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32
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Kim D, Lee SH, Lee H, Kim SJ, Lee KH, Song SK. Analyses of the gene structure and function of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) interleukin 12 (IL-12). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 92:151-164. [PMID: 31108176 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
IL-12 is an important cytokine that connects the innate and adaptive immune systems. The complete gene structure of olive flounder IL-12 and its characteristics have not yet been formally reported. Here, we report the complete sequences of both subunits of olive flounder IL-12 (IL-12p35 and IL-12p40). In addition, its function was analyzed by generating the single-chain rIL-12 of which subunits were fused by a GS linker and the rIL-12-specific mouse antibody. The cDNA sequences of IL-12p35 and IL-12p40 were 1059 nucleotides and 1319 nucleotides, respectively. The analyses of their gene structures, deduced amino acid sequences, protein model structures, and phylogenetic trees confirmed the accurate identification of olive flounder IL-12. The protein structure model suggested that an inter-subunit disulfide bond might be formed between the Cys177 of p35 and Cys74 of p40 to link the subunits. Olive flounder expressed IL-12p40 at higher levels than IL-12p35 in the various tissues under natural conditions although both expression levels were low. However, when infected by Edwardsiella tarda or stimulated by LPS, the flounder expressed both of the subunit genes at similar maximized levels in 6 h and gradually reduced thereafter. Olive flounder PBMC induced with the rIL-12 increased IFN-γ and TNF-α expression but decreased IL-10 expression as did treatment with LPS. However, when the LPS-treated PBMC were neutralized with the rIL-12-specific antibody, the pattern of cytokine expression was precisely reversed. In conclusion, we have formally identified the gene structure and function of olive flounder IL-12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kim
- School of Life Science, Handong University, 558 Handong-ro, Pohang-city, Gyeongbuk, 37554, South Korea
| | - Soon Ho Lee
- School of Life Science, Handong University, 558 Handong-ro, Pohang-city, Gyeongbuk, 37554, South Korea
| | - Hayoung Lee
- School of Life Science, Handong University, 558 Handong-ro, Pohang-city, Gyeongbuk, 37554, South Korea
| | - Seong-Jung Kim
- School of Life Science, Handong University, 558 Handong-ro, Pohang-city, Gyeongbuk, 37554, South Korea
| | - Kwan Hee Lee
- Immunus (Co. Ltd.) Nehemiah hall Rm. 301, Handong University, 558 Handong-ro, Pohang-city, Gyeongbuk, 37554, South Korea
| | - Seong Kyu Song
- School of Life Science, Handong University, 558 Handong-ro, Pohang-city, Gyeongbuk, 37554, South Korea.
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33
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Morris R, Kershaw NJ, Babon JJ. The molecular details of cytokine signaling via the JAK/STAT pathway. Protein Sci 2019; 27:1984-2009. [PMID: 30267440 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 476] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
More than 50 cytokines signal via the JAK/STAT pathway to orchestrate hematopoiesis, induce inflammation and control the immune response. Cytokines are secreted glycoproteins that act as intercellular messengers, inducing proliferation, differentiation, growth, or apoptosis of their target cells. They act by binding to specific receptors on the surface of target cells and switching on a phosphotyrosine-based intracellular signaling cascade initiated by kinases then propagated and effected by SH2 domain-containing transcription factors. As cytokine signaling is proliferative and often inflammatory, it is tightly regulated in terms of both amplitude and duration. Here we review molecular details of the cytokine-induced signaling cascade and describe the architectures of the proteins involved, including the receptors, kinases, and transcription factors that initiate and propagate signaling and the regulatory proteins that control it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon Morris
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3050, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nadia J Kershaw
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3050, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey J Babon
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3050, Victoria, Australia
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Bastian D, Wu Y, Betts BC, Yu XZ. The IL-12 Cytokine and Receptor Family in Graft-vs.-Host Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 10:988. [PMID: 31139181 PMCID: PMC6518430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is performed with curative intent for high- risk blood cancers and bone marrow failure syndromes; yet the development of acute and chronic graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) remain preeminent causes of death and morbidity. The IL-12 family of cytokines is comprised of IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, IL-35, and IL-39. This family of cytokines is biologically distinct in that they are composed of functional heterodimers, which bind to cognate heterodimeric receptor chains expressed on T cells. Of these, IL-12 and IL-23 share a common β cytokine subunit, p40, as well as a receptor chain: IL-12Rβ1. IL-12 and IL-23 have been documented as proinflammatory mediators of GVHD, responsible for T helper 1 (Th1) differentiation and T helper 17 (Th17) stabilization, respectively. The role of IL-27 is less defined, seemingly immune suppressive via IL-10 secretion by Type 1 regulatory (Tr1) cells yet promoting inflammation through impairing CD4+ T regulatory (Treg) development and/or enhancing Th1 differentiation. More recently, IL-35 was described as a potent anti-inflammatory agent produced by regulatory B and T cells. The role of the newest member, IL-39, has been implicated in proinflammatory B cell responses but has not been explored in the context of allo-HCT. This review is directed at discussing the current literature relevant to each IL-12-family cytokine and cognate receptor engagement, as well as the consequential downstream signaling implications, during GVHD pathogenesis. Additionally, we will provide an overview of translational strategies targeting the IL-12 family cytokines, their receptors, and subsequent signal transduction to control GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bastian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Yongxia Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Brian C Betts
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Xue-Zhong Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.,Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Müller SI, Aschenbrenner I, Zacharias M, Feige MJ. An Interspecies Analysis Reveals Molecular Construction Principles of Interleukin 27. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:2383-2393. [PMID: 31034891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 27 (IL-27) is a cytokine that regulates inflammatory responses. It is composed of an α subunit (IL-27α) and a β subunit (EBI3), which together form heterodimeric IL-27. Despite this general principle, IL-27 from different species shows distinct characteristics: Human IL-27α is not secreted autonomously while EBI3 is. In mice, the subunits show a reciprocal behavior. The molecular basis and the evolutionary conservation of these differences have remained unclear. They are biologically important, however, since secreted IL-27 subunits can act as cytokines on their own. Here, we show that formation of a single disulfide bond is an evolutionary conserved trait, which determines secretion-competency of IL-27α. Furthermore, combining cell-biological with computational approaches, we provide detailed structural insights into IL-27 heterodimerization and find that it relies on a conserved interface. Lastly, our study reveals a hitherto unknown construction principle of IL-27: one secretion-competent subunit generally pairs with one that depends on the other to induce its secretion. Taken together, these findings significantly extend our understanding of IL-27 biogenesis as a key cytokine and highlight how protein assembly can influence immunoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie I Müller
- Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Department of Chemistry and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Isabel Aschenbrenner
- Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Department of Chemistry and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Martin Zacharias
- Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Physics Department, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany.
| | - Matthias J Feige
- Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Department of Chemistry and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany.
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36
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Identification of a Recombinant Human Interleukin-12 (rhIL-12) Fragment in Non-Reduced SDS-PAGE. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24071210. [PMID: 30925680 PMCID: PMC6479496 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past two decades, recombinant human interleukin-12 (rhIL-12) has emerged as one of the most potent cytokines in mediating antitumor activity in a variety of preclinical models and clinical studies. Purity is a critical quality attribute (CQA) in the quality control system of rhIL-12. In our study, rhIL-12 bulks from manufacturer B showed a different pattern in non-reduced SDS-PAGE compared with size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)-HPLC. A small fragment was only detected in non-reduced SDS-PAGE but not in SEC-HPLC. The results of UPLC/MS and N-terminal sequencing confirmed that the small fragment was a 261–306 amino acid sequence of a p40 subunit of IL-12. The cleavage occurs between Lys260 and Arg261, a basic rich region. With the presence of 0.2% SDS, the small fragment appeared in both native PAGE and in SEC-HPLC, suggesting that it is bound to the remaining part of the IL-12 non-covalently, and is dissociated in a denatured environment. The results of a bioassay showed that the fractured rhIL-12 proteins had deficient biological activity. These findings provide an important reference for the quality control of the production process and the final products of rhIL-12.
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37
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Detry S, Składanowska K, Vuylsteke M, Savvides SN, Bloch Y. Revisiting the combinatorial potential of cytokine subunits in the IL-12 family. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 165:240-248. [PMID: 30885765 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The four core members of the Interleukin-12 (IL-12) family of cytokines, IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 and IL-35 are heterodimers which share α- and β-cytokine subunits. All four cytokines are immune modulators and have been proposed to play divergent roles in inflammatory arthritis. In recent years additional combinations of α- and β-cytokine subunits belonging to the IL-12 family have been proposed to form novel cytokines such as IL-39. However, the actual extent of the combinatorial potential of the cytokine subunits in the human IL-12 family is not known. Here, we identify several combinations of subunits that form secreted heterodimeric assemblies based on a systematic orthogonal approach. The heterodimers are detected in the conditioned media harvested from mammalian cell cultures transfected with unfused pairs of cytokine subunits. While certain previously reported subunit combinations could not be recapitulated, our approach showed robustly that all four of the canonical members could be secreted. Furthermore, we provide evidence for the interaction between Cytokine Receptor Like Factor 1 (CRLF1) and Interleukin-12 subunit alpha (p35). Similar to IL-27 and IL-35 this novel heterodimer is not abundantly secreted rendering isolation from the conditioned medium very challenging, unlike IL-12 and IL-23. Our findings set the stage for fine-tuning approaches towards the biochemical reconstitution of IL-12 family cytokines for biochemical, cellular, and structural studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammy Detry
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Structural Biology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katarzyna Składanowska
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Structural Biology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Savvas N Savvides
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Structural Biology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Yehudi Bloch
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Structural Biology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
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38
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A folding switch regulates interleukin 27 biogenesis and secretion of its α-subunit as a cytokine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:1585-1590. [PMID: 30651310 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1816698116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A common design principle of heteromeric signaling proteins is the use of shared subunits. This allows encoding of complex messages while maintaining evolutionary flexibility. How cells regulate and control assembly of such composite signaling proteins remains an important open question. An example of particular complexity and biological relevance is the interleukin 12 (IL-12) family. Four functionally distinct αβ heterodimers are assembled from only five subunits to regulate immune cell function and development. In addition, some subunits act as independent signaling molecules. Here we unveil key molecular mechanisms governing IL-27 biogenesis, an IL-12 family member that limits infections and autoimmunity. In mice, the IL-27α subunit is secreted as a cytokine, whereas in humans only heterodimeric IL-27 is present. Surprisingly, we find that differences in a single amino acid determine if IL-27α can be secreted autonomously, acting as a signaling molecule, or if it depends on heterodimerization for secretion. By combining computer simulations with biochemical experiments, we dissect the underlying structural determinants: a protein folding switch coupled to disulfide bond formation regulates chaperone-mediated retention versus secretion. Using these insights, we rationally change folding and assembly control for this protein. This provides the basis for a more human-like IL-27 system in mice and establishes a secretion-competent human IL-27α that signals on its own and can regulate immune cell function. Taken together, our data reveal a close link between protein folding and immunoregulation. Insights into the underlying mechanisms can be used to engineer immune modulators.
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39
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Chen X, Wang P, Zhao C, Yan L, Lin H, Qiu L. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of IL-12p40 from Chinese sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) under biotic and abiotic stresses. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 83:373-385. [PMID: 30227255 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Interleukins are critical cytokines that are ubiquitously present in both vertebrates and invertebrates and constitute the front line of host innate immunity. Here, we identified and analyzed IL-12p40 from the Chinese sea bass Lateolabrax maculatus (LmIL-12p40). The LmIL-12p40 gene is expressed as a 1386-base pair transcript that encodes a polypeptide of 321 amino acids. Transcriptional expression analysis indicated that LmIL-12p40 mRNA was ubiquitously expressed in all tested tissues and had a comparatively high expression level in immune-associated tissues (head-kidney and intestines). Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments showed that, after Vibro harveyi and Streptococus agalactiae infection, LmIL-12p40 mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in the spleen, liver and head-kidney. To further clarify the immune function of LmIL-12p40 after bacterial challenge, the recombinant LmIL-12p40 protein was acquired using a prokaryotic expression method. Furthermore, the LmIL-12p40 dimer (LmIL-12p80) could be produced via protein-protein interactions by incubating p40 monomer expressed from the pET28a vector (pET28a-LmIL-12p40) with p40 monomer expressed from the pGEX4T-1 vector (pGEX4T-1-LmIL-12p40). The antimicrobial activity of the purified LmIL-12p40 and LmIL-12p80 proteins were further studied in vitro using a bacterial growth inhibition test (for both liquid and solid cultures) and in vivo (using a bacterial growth inhibition test with the head-kidney tissues). Furthermore, BL21 (DE3) E. coli cells transformed with the recombinant pET28a-LmIL-12p40 vector were dramatically protected in response to metal toxicity and H2O2-related oxidative stress. In summary, this study will provide foundational information regarding the role of LmIL-12p40 in defending against various biotic and abiotic stresses in fishes, which should help to further clarify the functional mechanism of interleukins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Lulu Yan
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Heizhao Lin
- Shenzhen Base of South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Lihua Qiu
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, PR China.
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40
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Sayago C, Gonzalez Valcarcel IC, Qian Y, Lee J, Alsina-Fernandez J, Fite NC, Carrillo JJ, Zhang FF, Chalmers MJ, Dodge JA, Broughton H, Espada A. Deciphering Binding Interactions of IL-23R with HDX-MS: Mapping Protein and Macrocyclic Dodecapeptide Ligands. ACS Med Chem Lett 2018; 9:912-916. [PMID: 30258540 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular characterization of the binding epitope of IL-23R and its cognate cytokine IL-23 is paramount to understand the role in autoimmune diseases and to support the discovery of new inhibitors of this protein-protein interaction. Our results revealed that HDX-MS was able to identify the binding epitope of IL-23R:IL-23, which opened the way to evaluate a peptide macrocycle described in the literature as disrupter of this autoimmune target. Thus, the characterization of the interactions of this chemotype by HDX-MS in combination with computational approaches was achieved. To our knowledge, this is the first reported structural evidence regarding the site where a small compound binds to IL-23R.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuewei Qian
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - John Lee
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Jorge Alsina-Fernandez
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Nathan C. Fite
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Juan J. Carrillo
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Feiyu F. Zhang
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Michael J. Chalmers
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Jeffrey A. Dodge
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | | | - Alfonso Espada
- Centro de Investigación Lilly S.A., 28108-Alcobendas, Spain
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41
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Garnier P, Mummery R, Forster MJ, Mulloy B, Gibbs RV, Rider CC. The localisation of the heparin binding sites of human and murine interleukin-12 within the carboxyterminal domain of the P40 subunit. Cytokine 2018; 110:159-168. [PMID: 29753267 PMCID: PMC6109204 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate differences in the specificity of heparin binding between human and murine IL-12s. Heparin predominantly protects the p40 subunit against proteolysis by LysC. A truncated IL-12 polypeptide lacking the carboxyterminal D3 domain fails to bind heparin. The C′D′ loop of the D3 domain contains a large cluster of surface accessible basic residues. This loop is the region of greatest sequence variation between murine and human p40s.
We have previously shown that the heterodimeric cytokine interleukin-12, and the homodimer of its larger subunit p40, both bind to heparin and heparan sulfate with relatively high affinity. In the present study we characterised these interactions using a series of chemically modified heparins as competitive inhibitors. Human interleukin-12 and p40 homodimer show indistinguishable binding profiles with a panel of heparin derivatives, but that of murine interleukin-12 is distinct. Heparin markedly protects the human and murine p40 subunits, but not the p35 subunits, from cleavage by the bacterial endoprotease LysC, further implicating the larger subunit as the location of the heparin binding site. Moreover the essential role of the carboxyterminal D3 domain in heparin binding is established by the failure of a truncated construct of the p40 subunit lacking this domain to bind. Predictive docking calculations indicate that a cluster of basic residues at the tip of the exposed C′D′ loop within D3 is important in heparin binding. However since the human and murine C′D′ loops differ considerably in length, the mode and three dimensional orientation of heparin binding are likely to differ substantially between the human and murine p40s. Thus overall the binding of IL-12 via its p40 subunit to heparin-related polysaccharides of the extracellular matrix appears to be functionally important since it has been conserved across mammalian species despite this structural divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Garnier
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Rosemary Mummery
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Mark J Forster
- National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3QG, UK; Scientific Computing Department, Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4AD, UK(2)
| | - Barbara Mulloy
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK; National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Roslyn V Gibbs
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, Hants PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Christopher C Rider
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
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42
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Desmyter A, Spinelli S, Boutton C, Saunders M, Blachetot C, de Haard H, Denecker G, Van Roy M, Cambillau C, Rommelaere H. Neutralization of Human Interleukin 23 by Multivalent Nanobodies Explained by the Structure of Cytokine-Nanobody Complex. Front Immunol 2017; 8:884. [PMID: 28871249 PMCID: PMC5566574 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The heterodimeric cytokine interleukin (IL) 23 comprises the IL12-shared p40 subunit and an IL23-specific subunit, p19. Together with IL12 and IL27, IL23 sits at the apex of the regulatory mechanisms shaping adaptive immune responses. IL23, together with IL17, plays an important role in the development of chronic inflammation and autoimmune inflammatory diseases. In this context, we generated monovalent antihuman IL23 variable heavy chain domain of llama heavy chain antibody (VHH) domains (Nanobodies®) with low nanomolar affinity for human interleukin (hIL) 23. The crystal structure of a quaternary complex assembling hIL23 and several nanobodies against p19 and p40 subunits allowed identification of distinct epitopes and enabled rational design of a multivalent IL23-specific blocking nanobody. Taking advantage of the ease of nanobody formatting, multivalent IL23 nanobodies were assembled with properly designed linkers flanking an antihuman serum albumin nanobody, with improved hIL23 neutralization capacity in vitro and in vivo, as compared to the monovalent nanobodies. These constructs with long exposure time are excellent candidates for further developments targeting Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Desmyter
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), UMR 7257, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Marseille, France.,Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), UMR 7257, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Silvia Spinelli
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), UMR 7257, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Marseille, France.,Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), UMR 7257, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christian Cambillau
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), UMR 7257, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Marseille, France.,Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), UMR 7257, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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43
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Jayanthi S, Koppolu BP, Nguyen KG, Smith SG, Felber BK, Kumar TKS, Zaharoff DA. Modulation of Interleukin-12 activity in the presence of heparin. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5360. [PMID: 28706183 PMCID: PMC5509706 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05382-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), especially heparin and heparan sulfate (HS), modulate the functions of numerous cytokines. The aims of this multidisciplinary research were to characterize heparin binding to interleukin-12 (IL-12) and determine the mechanism(s) by which heparin influences IL-12 bioactivity. Heparin and HS were found to bind human IL-12 (hIL-12) with low micromolar affinity and increase hIL-12 bioactivity by more than 6-fold. Conversely, other GAGs did not demonstrate significant binding, nor did their addition affect hIL-12 bioactivity. Biophysical studies demonstrated that heparin induced only minor conformational changes while size-exclusion chromatography and small angle X-ray scattering studies indicated that heparin induced dimerization of hIL-12. Heparin modestly protected hIL-12 from proteolytic degradation, however, this was not a likely mechanism for increased cytokine activity in vitro. Flow cytometry studies revealed that heparin increased the amount of hIL-12 bound to cell surfaces. Heparin also facilitated hIL-12 binding and signaling in cells in which both hIL-12 receptor subunits were functionally deleted. Results of this study demonstrate a new role for heparin in modulating the biological activity of IL-12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Jayanthi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Bhanu Prasanth Koppolu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Khue G Nguyen
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sean G Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch-National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Thallapuranam Krishnaswamy Suresh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA. .,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.
| | - David A Zaharoff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA. .,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, USA. .,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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44
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Reitberger S, Haimerl P, Aschenbrenner I, Esser-von Bieren J, Feige MJ. Assembly-induced folding regulates interleukin 12 biogenesis and secretion. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:8073-8081. [PMID: 28325840 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.782284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the IL-12 family perform essential functions in immunoregulation by connecting innate and adaptive immunity and are emerging therapeutic targets. They are unique among other interleukins in forming heterodimers that arise from extensive subunit sharing within the family, leading to the production of at least four functionally distinct heterodimers from only five subunits. This raises important questions about how the assembly of IL-12 family members is regulated and controlled in the cell. Here, using cell-biological approaches, we have dissected basic principles that underlie the biogenesis of the founding member of the family, IL-12. Within the native IL-12 heterodimer, composed of IL-12α and IL-12β, IL-12α possesses three intramolecular and one intermolecular disulfide bridges. We show that, in isolation, IL-12α fails to form its native structure but, instead, misfolds, forming incorrect disulfide bonds. Co-expression of its β subunit inhibits misfolding and thus allows secretion of biologically active heterodimeric IL-12. On the basis of these findings, we identified the disulfide bonds in IL-12α that are critical for assembly-induced secretion and biological activity of IL-12 versus misfolding and degradation of IL-12α. Surprisingly, two of the three disulfide bridges in IL-12α are dispensable for IL-12 secretion, stability, and biological activity. Extending our findings, we show that misfolding also occurs for IL-23α, another IL-12 family protein. Our results indicate that assembly-induced folding is key in IL-12 family biogenesis and secretion. The identification of essential disulfide bonds that underlie this process lays the basis for a simplified yet functional IL-12 cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Reitberger
- From the Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Department of Chemistry and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany and
| | - Pascal Haimerl
- the Center of Allergy and Environment, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Aschenbrenner
- From the Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Department of Chemistry and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany and
| | - Julia Esser-von Bieren
- the Center of Allergy and Environment, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias J Feige
- From the Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Department of Chemistry and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany and
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Venetz D, Koovely D, Weder B, Neri D. Targeted Reconstitution of Cytokine Activity upon Antigen Binding using Split Cytokine Antibody Fusion Proteins. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:18139-47. [PMID: 27402834 PMCID: PMC5000063 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.737734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The targeted assembly of antibody products upon antigen binding represents a novel strategy for the reconstitution of potent therapeutic activity at the site of disease, sparing healthy tissues. We demonstrate that interleukin-12, a heterodimeric pro-inflammatory cytokine consisting of the disulfide-linked p40 and p35 subunits, can be reconstituted by sequential reassembly of fusion proteins based on antibody fragments and interleukin-12 subunit mutants. Analysis of the immunostimulatory properties of interleukin-12 and its derivatives surprisingly revealed that the mutated p35 subunit partially retained the activity of the parental cytokine, whereas the p40 subunit alone was not able to stimulate T cells or natural killer cells. The concept of stepwise antibody-based reassembly of split cytokines could be useful for the development of other anticancer therapeutics with improved safety and tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Venetz
- From the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Danil Koovely
- From the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Bruce Weder
- From the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- From the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Bootz F, Venetz D, Ziffels B, Neri D. Different tissue distribution properties for glycosylation variants of fusion proteins containing the p40 subunit of murine interleukin-12. Protein Eng Des Sel 2016; 29:445-455. [PMID: 27515704 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzw038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based fusion proteins are gaining increasing importance for therapeutic applications, but the impact of glycosylation on in vivo biopharmaceutical performance is not always completely understood. In this article, we have analyzed biochemical and pharmaceutical properties of fusion proteins, consisting of the F8 antibody (specific to the EDA domain of fibronectin, a marker of tissue remodeling and of angiogenesis) and of the p40 subunit of interleukin-12, an inhibitor of inflammation. The corresponding fusion protein (F8-IL12p40), which inhibits colitis development in mice, is a glycosylated protein with suboptimal disease targeting properties in vivo Since the protein was extensively glycosylated, as evidenced by PNGase F treatment and mass spectrometric analysis, we mutated four asparagine residues in various combinations. The corresponding proteins exhibited similar biochemical and antigen-binding properties, but differences in thermal stability and bioactivity. Asparagine mutations did not lead to recovery of disease targeting performance in vivo, as evidenced by quantitative biodistribution studies with radioiodinated protein preparations in tumor-bearing mice. By contrast, an almost complete recovery of targeting was achieved with an enzymatically deglycosylated protein preparation. These findings reinforce the concept that different glycostructures can have an impact on tissue distribution properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bootz
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich (Switzerland)
| | - D Venetz
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich (Switzerland)
| | - B Ziffels
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich (Switzerland)
| | - D Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich (Switzerland)
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Matsumoto M, Hayashi K, Suetake H, Yamamoto A, Araki K. Identification and functional characterization of multiple interleukin 12 in amberjack (Seriola dumerili). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 55:281-292. [PMID: 27238429 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL) -12 is a heterodimeric cytokine mainly produced by monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells in mammals. IL-12p70 composed of IL-12p35 and IL-12p40, is known to play a crucial role in promoting cell-mediated immunity (CMI) through Th1 differentiation and IFN-γ production. Although two types of IL-12p35 (p35a, p35b) and three types of IL-12p40 (p40a, p40b and p40c) have been identified in several fish species, the knowledge on functional characteristics of teleost IL-12 is still limited. In the present study, we cloned two types of IL-12p35 and three types of IL-12p40 genes in amberjack and yellowtail, and analyzed their expressions in response to stimulation with Nocardia seriolae in amberjack. As a result, four types of IL-12 (IL-12p35a, p35b, p40a and p40b) and IFN-γ mRNA were increased by live-N. seriolae stimulation but not by formalin-killed N. seriolae, suggesting that four types of IL-12 (p35, p35b, p40a and p40c) participate in promoting CMI. Subsequently, we produced six types of recombinant IL-12p70 (rIL12p70) protein in insect cells. Head kidney leukocytes were cultured with formalin-killed N. seriolae and six types of rIL-12p70 to elucidate the role of amberjack IL-12p70 in induction of CMI. After stimulation, IFN-γ expression was elevated whereas IL-10 expression was suppressed in Head kidney leukocytes stimulated with four types of rIL-12 (p40a/p35a, p40c/p35a, p40a/p35b, p40a/p35b). On the other hand, two types of rIL-12 (p40b/p35a, p40b/p35b) only elicited down regulation of IL-10 expression. These results indicate that all amberjack IL-12p70 isoforms are involved in Th1 -differentiation and promotion of CMI with different manners. Fish IL-12 has a potential for the promising vaccine adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Matsumoto
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-8580, Japan
| | - Kazuma Hayashi
- Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, 4-50-20 Shimoarata, Kagoshima 890-0056, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suetake
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama, Fukui 917-0003, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yamamoto
- Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, 4-50-20 Shimoarata, Kagoshima 890-0056, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Araki
- Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, 4-50-20 Shimoarata, Kagoshima 890-0056, Japan.
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de Pinheiro CGM, Pedrosa MDO, Teixeira NC, Ano Bom APD, van Oers MM, Oliveira GGDS. Optimization of canine interleukin-12 production using a baculovirus insect cell expression system. BMC Res Notes 2016; 9:36. [PMID: 26795376 PMCID: PMC4722752 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-016-1843-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interleukin-12 is an important cytokine in mediating cellular immune responses. Results Recombinant single-chain canine IL-12 was produced in a baculovirus-insect cell system with the aim of conducting further studies on modulation of immune responses in dogs. To optimize the production of recombinant canine IL-12, a classical baculovirus and a modified vector (chitinase A and v-cathepsin knockout) were used containing a native or an optimized insert of canine IL-12.
The optimized IL-12 construct contained the GP64 signal peptide and was synthesized with optimized codons for expression in Trichoplusia ni cells. Dot-blot and Western blot analysis showed the highest production levels of recombinant IL-12 protein by the use of the modified baculovirus vector containing the optimized insert, at a multiplicity of infection of five and at 48 h after infection. The recombinant cytokine was successfully purified and showed a good degree of purity, integrity, folding, and yield, with very little endotoxin contamination. Recombinant canine IL-12 induced IFN-γ in canine lymphocytes, indicating that it was biologically active. Conclusion Therefore, this study describes an efficient method to produce adequate amounts of biologically active canine IL-12, useful for immunomodulation studies in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Garboggini Melo de Pinheiro
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. .,Programa Nacional de Pós Doutorado-CAPES/Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia em Saúde e Medicina Investigativa, Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Ana Paula Dinis Ano Bom
- Laboratório de Macromoléculas, Bio-Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Monique M van Oers
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Geraldo Gileno de Sá Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Salvador, Brazil.
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Abdi K, Singh NJ. Making many from few: IL-12p40 as a model for the combinatorial assembly of heterodimeric cytokines. Cytokine 2015; 76:53-7. [PMID: 26242928 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
How dendritic cells (DCs) gather information from the local milieu at a site of infection or injury and communicate this to influence adaptive immunity is not well understood. We and others have reported that soon after microbial encounter, DCs secrete the p40 subunit of IL-12, by itself, in a monomeric form. Based on recent data that this p40 monomer subsequently associates with p35 released from other cells to generate functional IL-12, we proposed that p40 can function as a DC-derived probe which samples the composition of the local milieu by looking for other binding partners. In this opinion, we discuss how such a sampling function might generate an elaborate combinatorial "code" of heterodimeric cytokines, capable of conveying location-specific information to cells downstream of DC activation, including NK and T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Abdi
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Twinbrook II 12441 Parklawn Dr., Rockville, MD 20852, United States
| | - Nevil J Singh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W Baltimore St, HSF1, Room 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States.
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Iacob RE, Krystek SR, Huang RYC, Wei H, Tao L, Lin Z, Morin PE, Doyle ML, Tymiak AA, Engen JR, Chen G. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry applied to IL-23 interaction characteristics: potential impact for therapeutics. Expert Rev Proteomics 2015; 12:159-69. [PMID: 25711416 DOI: 10.1586/14789450.2015.1018897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
IL-23 is an important therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Adnectins are targeted protein therapeutics that are derived from domain III of human fibronectin and have a similar protein scaffold to antibodies. Adnectin 2 was found to bind to IL-23 and compete with the IL-23/IL-23R interaction, posing a potential protein therapeutic. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and computational methods were applied to probe the binding interactions between IL-23 and Adnectin 2 and to determine the correlation between the two orthogonal methods. This review summarizes the current structural knowledge about IL-23 and focuses on the applicability of hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to investigate the higher order structure of proteins, which plays an important role in the discovery of new and improved biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana E Iacob
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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