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Tabar MMM, Fathi M, Kazemi F, Bazregari G, Ghasemian A. STING pathway as a cancer immunotherapy: Progress and challenges in activating anti-tumor immunity. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:487. [PMID: 38578532 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09418-4] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The stimulator of the interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in innate immunity by detecting cytoplasmic DNA and initiating antiviral host defense mechanisms. The STING cascade is triggered when the enzyme cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) binds cytosolic DNA and synthesizes the secondary messenger cGAMP. cGAMP activates the endoplasmic reticulum adaptor STING, leading to the activation of kinases TBK1 and IRF3 that induce interferon production. Secreted interferons establish an antiviral state in infected and adjacent cells. Beyond infections, aberrant DNA in cancer cells can also activate the STING pathway. Preclinical studies have shown that pharmacological STING agonists like cyclic dinucleotides elicit antitumor immunity when administered intratumorally by provoking innate and adaptive immunity. Combining STING agonists with immune checkpoint inhibitors may improve outcomes by overcoming tumor immunosuppression. First-generation STING agonists encountered challenges like poor pharmacokinetics, limited tumor specificity, and systemic toxicity. The development of the next-generation STING-targeted drugs to realize the full potential of engaging this pathway for cancer treatment can be a solution to overcome the current challenges, but further studies are required to determine optimal applications and combination regimens for the clinic. Notably, the controlled activation of STING is needed to preclude adverse effects. This review explores the mechanisms and effects of STING activation, its role in cancer immunotherapy, and current challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahnaz Fathi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kazemi
- Faculty of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Ghazal Bazregari
- Department of Hematology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
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Cao L, Qian W, Li W, Ma Z, Xie S. Type III interferon exerts thymic stromal lymphopoietin in mediating adaptive antiviral immune response. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1250541. [PMID: 37809098 PMCID: PMC10556530 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1250541] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, it was believed that type III interferon (IFN-III) has functions similar to those of type I interferon (IFN-I). However, recently, emerging findings have increasingly indicated the non-redundant role of IFN-III in innate antiviral immune responses. Still, the regulatory activity of IFN-III in adaptive immune response has not been clearly reported yet due to the low expression of IFN-III receptors on most immune cells. In the present study, we reviewed the adjuvant, antiviral, antitumor, and disease-moderating activities of IFN-III in adaptive immunity; moreover, we further elucidated the mechanisms of IFN-III in mediating the adaptive antiviral immune response in a thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)-dependent manner, a pleiotropic cytokine involved in mucosal adaptive immunity. Research has shown that IFN-III can enhance the antiviral immunogenic response in mouse species by activating germinal center B (GC B) cell responses after stimulating TSLP production by microfold (M) cells, while in human species, TSLP exerts OX40L for regulating GC B cell immune responses, which may also depend on IFN-III. In conclusion, our review highlights the unique role of the IFN-III/TSLP axis in mediating host adaptive immunity, which is mechanically different from IFN-I. Therefore, the IFN-III/TSLP axis may provide novel insights for clinical immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luhong Cao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiwei Qian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, and Disaster Medical Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanlin Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiyue Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shenglong Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Eskandari SK, Allos H, Safadi JM, Sulkaj I, Sanders JSF, Cravedi P, Ghobrial IM, Berger SP, Azzi JR. Type I interferons augment regulatory T cell polarization in concert with ancillary cytokine signals. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1149334. [PMID: 38993887 PMCID: PMC11235373 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1149334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
In the transplant community, research efforts exploring endogenous alternatives to inducing tolerogenic allo-specific immune responses are much needed. In this regard, CD4 + FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are appealing candidates due to their intrinsic natural immunosuppressive qualities. To date, various homeostatic factors that dictate Treg survival and fitness have been elucidated, particularly the non-redundant roles of antigenic CD3ζ/T-cell-receptor, co-stimulatory CD28, and cytokine interleukin (IL-)2 dependent signaling. Many of the additional biological signals that affect Tregs remain to be elucidated, however, especially in the transplant context. Previously, we demonstrated an unexpected link between type I interferons (IFNs) and Tregs in models of multiple myeloma (MM)-where MM plasmacytes escaped immunological surveillance by enhancing type I IFN signaling and precipitating upregulated Treg responses that could be overturned with specific knockdown of type I IFN signaling. Here, we elaborated on these findings by assessing the role of type I IFN signaling (IFN-α and -β) on Treg homeostasis within an alloimmune context. Specifically, we studied the induction of Tregs from naïve CD4 T cells. Using in vitro and in vivo models of murine skin allotransplantation, we found that type I IFN indeed spatiotemporally enhanced the polarization of naïve CD4 T cells into FoxP3+ Tregs. Notably, however, this effect was not independent of, and rather co-dependent on, ancillary cytokine signals including IL-2. These findings provide evidence for the relevance of type I IFN pathway in modulating FoxP3+ Treg responses and, by extension, stipulate an additional means of facilitating Treg fitness via type I IFNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siawosh K. Eskandari
- Transplantation Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Hazim Allos
- Transplantation Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jenelle M. Safadi
- Transplantation Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ina Sulkaj
- Transplantation Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jan S. F. Sanders
- Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Translational Transplant Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Irene M. Ghobrial
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stefan P. Berger
- Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jamil R. Azzi
- Transplantation Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Raugh A, Allard D, Bettini M. Nature vs. nurture: FOXP3, genetics, and tissue environment shape Treg function. Front Immunol 2022; 13:911151. [PMID: 36032083 PMCID: PMC9411801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.911151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in preventing autoimmunity has been well established; however, the precise alterations in Treg function in autoimmune individuals and how underlying genetic associations impact the development and function of Tregs is still not well understood. Polygenetic susceptibly is a key driving factor in the development of autoimmunity, and many of the pathways implicated in genetic association studies point to a potential alteration or defect in regulatory T cell function. In this review transcriptomic control of Treg development and function is highlighted with a focus on how these pathways are altered during autoimmunity. In combination, observations from autoimmune mouse models and human patients now provide insights into epigenetic control of Treg function and stability. How tissue microenvironment influences Treg function, lineage stability, and functional plasticity is also explored. In conclusion, the current efficacy and future direction of Treg-based therapies for Type 1 Diabetes and other autoimmune diseases is discussed. In total, this review examines Treg function with focuses on genetic, epigenetic, and environmental mechanisms and how Treg functions are altered within the context of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Raugh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Denise Allard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Maria Bettini
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- *Correspondence: Maria Bettini,
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Hann A, Oo YH, Perera MTPR. Regulatory T-Cell Therapy in Liver Transplantation and Chronic Liver Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:719954. [PMID: 34721383 PMCID: PMC8552037 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.719954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The constant exposure of the liver to gut derived foreign antigens has resulted in this organ attaining unique immunological characteristics, however it remains susceptible to immune mediated injury. Our understanding of this type of injury, in both the native and transplanted liver, has improved significantly in recent decades. This includes a greater awareness of the tolerance inducing CD4+ CD25+ CD127low T-cell lineage with the transcription factor FoxP3, known as regulatory T-Cells (Tregs). These cells comprise 5-10% of CD4+ T cells and are known to function as an immunological "braking" mechanism, thereby preventing immune mediated tissue damage. Therapies that aim to increase Treg frequency and function have proved beneficial in the setting of both autoimmune diseases and solid organ transplantations. The safety and efficacy of Treg therapy in liver disease is an area of intense research at present and has huge potential. Due to these cells possessing significant plasticity, and the potential for conversion towards a T-helper 1 (Th1) and 17 (Th17) subsets in the hepatic microenvironment, it is pre-requisite to modify the microenvironment to a Treg favourable atmosphere to maintain these cells' function. In addition, implementation of therapies that effectively increase Treg functional activity in the liver may result in the suppression of immune responses and will hinder those that destroy tumour cells. Thus, fine adjustment is crucial to achieve this immunological balance. This review will describe the hepatic microenvironment with relevance to Treg function, and the role these cells have in both native diseased and transplanted livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Hann
- The Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ye H Oo
- The Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Disease (ERN-Rare Liver Centre), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - M Thamara P R Perera
- The Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Quercetin Administration Suppresses the Cytokine Storm in Myeloid and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158349. [PMID: 34361114 PMCID: PMC8348289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) can be divided by lineage into myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). They both are present in mucosal tissues and regulate the immune response by secreting chemokines and cytokines. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by a leaky intestinal barrier and the consequent translocation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the basolateral side. This results in DCs activation, but the response of pDCs is still poorly characterized. In the present study, we compared mDCs and pDCs responses to LPS administration. We present a broad panel of DCs secreted factors, including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Our recent studies demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin administration, but to date, there is no evidence about quercetin’s effects on pDCs. The results of the present study demonstrate that pDCs can respond to LPS and that quercetin exposure modulates soluble factors release through the same molecular pathway used by mDCs (Slpi, Hmox1, and AP-1).
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Kim MS, Lee S, Park S, Kim KE, Park HJ, Cho D. Erythroid Differentiation Regulator 1 Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis via Activation of Regulatory T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249555. [PMID: 33334006 PMCID: PMC7765345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (Erdr1) has been identified as an anti-inflammatory factor in several disease models, including collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), but its exact mechanisms are still not fully understood. Here, the involvement of regulatory T (Treg) cells in Erdr1-improved CIA was investigated. In the CIA model, Erdr1 was confirmed to reduce collagen-specific IgM in plasma and plasma cells in draining lymph nodes. Importantly, the downregulated Treg cell ratio in draining lymph nodes from CIA mice was recovered by Erdr1 treatment. In addition, administration of Erdr1 improved the CIA score and joint tissue damage, while it revealed no effect in Treg cell-depleted CIA mice, indicating that Treg cells mediate the therapeutic effects of Erdr1 in the CIA model. Results from in vitro experiments also demonstrated that Erdr1 significantly induced Treg cell differentiation and the expression of Treg activation markers, including CD25, CD69, and CTLA4 in CD4+Foxp3+ cells. Furthermore, Erdr1-activated Treg cells dramatically suppressed the proliferation of responder T cells, suggesting that they are functionally active. Taken together, these results show that Erdr1 induces activation of Treg cells and ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis via Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myun Soo Kim
- Korea University Kine Sciences Research Institute, Kine Sciences, 525, Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06149, Korea; (M.S.K.); (S.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Sora Lee
- Korea University Kine Sciences Research Institute, Kine Sciences, 525, Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06149, Korea; (M.S.K.); (S.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Sunyoung Park
- Korea University Kine Sciences Research Institute, Kine Sciences, 525, Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06149, Korea; (M.S.K.); (S.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Kyung Eun Kim
- Department of Cosmetic Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil 100 (Cheongpa-dong 2ga), Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Korea;
| | - Hyun Jeong Park
- Institute of Convergence Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - Daeho Cho
- Korea University Kine Sciences Research Institute, Kine Sciences, 525, Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06149, Korea; (M.S.K.); (S.L.); (S.P.)
- Institute of Convergence Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-3290-3739; Fax: +82-2-928-8273
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