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Li J, Vranjkovic A, Read D, Delaney SP, Stanford WL, Cooper CL, Crawley AM. Lasting differential gene expression of circulating CD8 T cells in chronic HCV infection with cirrhosis identifies a role for Hedgehog signaling in cellular hyperfunction. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1375485. [PMID: 38887299 PMCID: PMC11180750 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1375485] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The impact of chronic hepatic infection on antigen non-specific immune cells in circulation remains poorly understood. We reported lasting global hyperfunction of peripheral CD8 T cells in HCV-infected individuals with cirrhosis. Whether gene expression patterns in bulk CD8 T cells are associated with the severity of liver fibrosis in HCV infection is not known. Methods RNA sequencing of blood CD8 T cells from treatment naïve, HCV-infected individuals with minimal (Metavir F0-1 ≤ 7.0 kPa) or advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis (F4 ≥ 12.5 kPa), before and after direct-acting antiviral therapy, was performed. CD8 T cell function was assessed by flow cytometry. Results In CD8 T cells from pre-DAA patients with advanced compared to minimal fibrosis, Gene Ontology analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis identified differential gene expression related to cellular function and metabolism, including upregulated Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, IFN-α, -γ, TGF-β response genes, apoptosis, apical surface pathways, phospholipase signaling, phosphatidyl-choline/inositol activity, and second-messenger-mediated signaling. In contrast, genes in pathways associated with nuclear processes, RNA transport, cytoskeletal dynamics, cMyc/E2F regulation, oxidative phosphorylation, and mTOR signaling, were reduced. Hh signaling pathway was the top featured gene set upregulated in cirrhotics, wherein hallmark genes GLI1 and PTCH1 ranked highly. Inhibition of Smo-dependent Hh signaling ablated the expression of IFN-γ and perforin in stimulated CD8 T cells from chronic HCV-infected patients with advanced compared to minimal fibrosis. CD8 T cell gene expression profiles post-DAA remained clustered with pre-DAA profiles and disparately between advanced and minimal fibrosis, suggesting a persistent perturbation of gene expression long after viral clearance. Conclusions This analysis of bulk CD8 T cell gene expression in chronic HCV infection suggests considerable reprogramming of the CD8 T cell pool in the cirrhotic state. Increased Hh signaling in cirrhosis may contribute to generalized CD8 T cell hyperfunction observed in chronic HCV infection. Understanding the lasting nature of immune cell dysfunction may help mitigate remaining clinical challenges after HCV clearance and more generally, improve long term outcomes for individuals with severe liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Li
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Agatha Vranjkovic
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Read
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sean P. Delaney
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - William L. Stanford
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Curtis L. Cooper
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Angela M. Crawley
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Hanna J, de la Roche M. Hedgehog signalling in CD4 + T helper cell polarisation. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 168:106518. [PMID: 38216086 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106518] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
CD4+ T cells are critical in orchestrating immune responses against various pathogens and cancer but can also be drivers of autoimmune disease, allergy and pro-tumour responses. Naïve CD4+ T cells polarise into specialised T helper cell subsets with unique effector functions. While the guiding transcription factors and effector molecules of the T helper cell lineages are well understood, the signalling pathways orchestrating the intricate T helper cell polarisation programmes remain poorly understood. Here we review an emerging role of Hedgehog signalling - a classical morphogen signalling pathway - in T helper cell polarisation. Importantly, the Hedgehog pathway is pharmacologically highly tractable and existing clinically-approved Hedgehog inhibitors may prove useful therapeutic modulators of T helper cell-driven immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Hanna
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Maike de la Roche
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK.
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Wang S, Song G, Barkestani MN, Tobiasova Z, Wang Q, Jiang Q, Lopez R, Adelekan-Kamara Y, Fan M, Pober JS, Tellides G, Jane-wit D. Hedgehog costimulation during ischemia-reperfusion injury potentiates cytokine and homing responses of CD4 + T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1248027. [PMID: 37915586 PMCID: PMC10616247 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1248027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) confers worsened outcomes and is an increasing clinical problem in solid organ transplantation. Previously, we identified a "PtchHi" T-cell subset that selectively received costimulatory signals from endothelial cell-derived Hedgehog (Hh) morphogens to mediate IRI-induced vascular inflammation. Methods Here, we used multi-omics approaches and developed a humanized mouse model to resolve functional and migratory heterogeneity within the PtchHi population. Results Hh-mediated costimulation induced oligoclonal and polyclonal expansion of clones within the PtchHi population, and we visualized three distinct subsets within inflamed, IRI-treated human skin xenografts exhibiting polyfunctional cytokine responses. One of these PtchHi subsets displayed features resembling recently described T peripheral helper cells, including elaboration of IFN-y and IL-21, expression of ICOS and PD-1, and upregulation of positioning molecules conferring recruitment and retention within peripheral but not lymphoid tissues. PtchHi T cells selectively homed to IRI-treated human skin xenografts to cause accelerated allograft loss, and Hh signaling was sufficient for this process to occur. Discussion Our studies define functional heterogeneity among a PtchHi T-cell population implicated in IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, West Haven Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, West Haven, CT, United States
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Guiyu Song
- Department of Cardiology, West Haven Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, West Haven, CT, United States
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mahsa Nouri Barkestani
- Department of Cardiology, West Haven Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, West Haven, CT, United States
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Zuzana Tobiasova
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Qianxun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, West Haven Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, West Haven, CT, United States
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Quan Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, West Haven Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, West Haven, CT, United States
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Roberto Lopez
- Yale College, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Matthew Fan
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jordan S. Pober
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dan Jane-wit
- Department of Cardiology, West Haven Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, West Haven, CT, United States
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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4
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Li Y, Tong R, Li Z, Zhang X, Pan L, Li Y, Zhang N. Toxicological mechanism of ammonia-N on haematopoiesis and apoptosis of haemocytes in Litopenaeus vannamei. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:163039. [PMID: 36966842 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia, as an important pollutant, contributed to the reduction of immunity, disruption of physiology in animals. RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to understand the function of astakine (AST) in haematopoiesis and apoptosis in Litopenaeus vannamei under ammonia-N exposure. Shrimps were exposed to 20 mg/L ammonia-N from 0 to 48 h with injection of 20 μg AST dsRNA. Further, shrimps were exposed to 0, 2, 10 and 20 mg/L ammonia-N also from 0 to 48 h. The results showed that the total haemocytes count (THC) decreased under ammonia-N stress and the knockdown of AST resulted in a further decrease of THC, suggesting that 1) the proliferation was decreased through the reduction of AST and Hedgehog, the differentiation was interfered by Wnt4, Wnt5 and Notch, and the migration was inhibited by the decrease of VEGF; 2) oxidative stress was induced under ammonia-N stress, leading to the increase of DNA damage with the up-regulated gene expression of death receptor, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways; 3) the changes of THC resulted from the decrease of proliferation, differentiation and migration of haematopoiesis cells and the increase of apoptosis of haemocytes. This study helps to deepen our understanding of risk management in shrimp aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufen Li
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Ruixue Tong
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Zeyuan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Luqing Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
| | - Yaobing Li
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Ning Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
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5
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Jiang B, Wang S, Song G, Jiang Q, Fan M, Fang C, Li X, Soh CL, Manes TD, Cheru N, Qin L, Ren P, Jortner B, Wang Q, Quaranta E, Yoo P, Geirsson A, Davis RP, Tellides G, Pober JS, Jane-Wit D. Hedgehog-induced ZFYVE21 promotes chronic vascular inflammation by activating NLRP3 inflammasomes in T cells. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eabo3406. [PMID: 36943921 PMCID: PMC10061549 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abo3406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The zinc finger protein ZFYVE21 is involved in immune signaling. Using humanized mouse models, primary human cells, and patient samples, we identified a T cell-autonomous role for ZFYVE21 in promoting chronic vascular inflammation associated with allograft vasculopathy. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) stimulated endothelial cells to produce Hedgehog (Hh) ligands, which in turn induced the production of ZFYVE21 in a population of T memory cells with high amounts of the Hh receptor PTCH1 (PTCHhi cells, CD3+CD4+CD45RO+PTCH1hiPD-1hi), vigorous recruitment to injured endothelia, and increased effector responses in vivo. After priming by interferon-γ (IFN-γ), Hh-induced ZFYVE21 activated NLRP3 inflammasome activity in T cells, which potentiated IFN-γ responses. Hh-induced NLRP3 inflammasomes and T cell-specific ZFYVE21 augmented the vascular sequelae of chronic inflammation in mice engrafted with human endothelial cells or coronary arteries that had been subjected to IRI before engraftment. Moreover, the population of PTCHhi T cells producing high amounts of ZFYVE21 was expanded in patients with renal transplant-associated IRI, and sera from these patients expanded this population in control T cells in a manner that depended on Hh signaling. We conclude that Hh-induced ZFYVE21 activates NLRP3 inflammasomes in T cells, thereby promoting chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiang
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Shaoxun Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Guiyu Song
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Quan Jiang
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Matthew Fan
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Caodi Fang
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Xue Li
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Chien Lin Soh
- University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Hills Rd., Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Thomas D Manes
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Nardos Cheru
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Lingfeng Qin
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Pengwei Ren
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Bianca Jortner
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Qianxun Wang
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Emma Quaranta
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Peter Yoo
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Arnar Geirsson
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Robert P Davis
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jordan S Pober
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Dan Jane-Wit
- Division of Cardiology, West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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6
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Hanna J, Beke F, O'Brien LM, Kapeni C, Chen HC, Carbonaro V, Kim AB, Kishore K, Adolph TE, Skjoedt MO, Skjoedt K, de la Roche M, de la Roche M. Cell-autonomous Hedgehog signaling controls Th17 polarization and pathogenicity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4075. [PMID: 35835905 PMCID: PMC9281293 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31722-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Th17 cells are key drivers of autoimmune disease. However, the signaling pathways regulating Th17 polarization are poorly understood. Hedgehog signaling regulates cell fate decisions during embryogenesis and adult tissue patterning. Here we find that cell-autonomous Hedgehog signaling, independent of exogenous ligands, selectively drives the polarization of Th17 cells but not other T helper cell subsets. We show that endogenous Hedgehog ligand, Ihh, signals to activate both canonical and non-canonical Hedgehog pathways through Gli3 and AMPK. We demonstrate that Hedgehog pathway inhibition with either the clinically-approved small molecule inhibitor vismodegib or genetic ablation of Ihh in CD4+ T cells greatly diminishes disease severity in two mouse models of intestinal inflammation. We confirm that Hedgehog pathway expression is upregulated in tissue from human ulcerative colitis patients and correlates with Th17 marker expression. This work implicates Hedgehog signaling in Th17 polarization and intestinal immunopathology and indicates the potential therapeutic use of Hedgehog inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Hanna
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Flavio Beke
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Louise M O'Brien
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Chrysa Kapeni
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Hung-Chang Chen
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Valentina Carbonaro
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Alexander B Kim
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Kamal Kishore
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Timon E Adolph
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mikkel-Ole Skjoedt
- Rigshospitalet - University Hospital Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karsten Skjoedt
- University of Southern Denmark, J.B.Winslows Vej, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Marc de la Roche
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Maike de la Roche
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.
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Xiang X, Zhou L, Lin Z, Qu X, Chen Y, Xia H. Metformin regulates macrophage polarization via the Shh signaling pathway to improve pulmonary vascular development in bronchopulmonary dysplasia. IUBMB Life 2021; 74:259-271. [PMID: 34910358 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metformin has potential anti-inflammatory properties and accelerates wound healing by enhancing vascular development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of metformin on pulmonary vascular development and the underlying mechanism. Newborn mice were subcutaneously injected with metformin from day 2 after exposure to hyperoxia. Pulmonary vascular development, inflammation, and Shh signaling pathway-related protein expression were evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. M2 macrophage polarization was measured by flow cytometry. The effect of metformin on macrophage polarization was determined using RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to 90% oxygen in vitro. The role of metformin and purmorphamine on M1 and M2 polarization was observed by flow cytometry. M2 polarization of pulmonary macrophages was inhibited after hyperoxic exposure, and metformin increased the number of M2 macrophages in the lung on postnatal day 14. Metformin upregulated CD31 expression and suppressed inflammation in the lung of mice exposed to hyperoxia on postnatal days 7 and 14. Metformin downregulated the Gli1 expression in macrophages in the lung after exposure to hyperoxia on postnatal day 14. In vitro studies showed that metformin inhibited the Gli1 expression in RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to 90% oxygen, which was reversed after purmorphamine pretreatment. Exposure to 90% oxygen inhibited the polarization of M2 macrophages, whereas metformin increased the number of M2 macrophages. Purmorphamine reversed the effects of metformin on M2 polarization and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) upregulation in RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to hyperoxia. In conclusion, metformin regulates macrophage polarization via the Shh signaling pathway to improve pulmonary vascular development in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Xiang
- Department of Neonatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Neonatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwei Lin
- Department of Neonatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Qu
- Department of Neonatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanru Chen
- Department of Neonatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongping Xia
- Department of Neonatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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8
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Haycook CP, Balsamo JA, Glass EB, Williams CH, Hong CC, Major AS, Giorgio TD. PEGylated PLGA Nanoparticle Delivery of Eggmanone for T Cell Modulation: Applications in Rheumatic Autoimmunity. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:1215-1228. [PMID: 32110018 PMCID: PMC7036983 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s234850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Helper T cell activity is dysregulated in a number of diseases including those associated with rheumatic autoimmunity. Treatment options are limited and usually consist of systemic immune suppression, resulting in undesirable consequences from compromised immunity. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in the activation of T cells and the formation of the immune synapse, but remains understudied in the context of autoimmunity. Modulation of Hh signaling has the potential to enable controlled immunosuppression but a potential therapy has not yet been developed to leverage this opportunity. Methods In this work, we developed biodegradable nanoparticles to enable targeted delivery of eggmanone (Egm), a specific Hh inhibitor, to CD4+ T cell subsets. We utilized two FDA-approved polymers, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and polyethylene glycol, to generate hydrolytically degradable nanoparticles. Furthermore, we employed maleimide-thiol mediated conjugation chemistry to decorate nanoparticles with anti-CD4 F(ab') antibody fragments to enable targeted delivery of Egm. Results Our novel delivery system achieved a highly specific association with the majority of CD4+ T cells present among a complex cell population. Additionally, we have demonstrated antigen-specific inhibition of CD4+ T cell responses mediated by nanoparticle-formulated Egm. Conclusion This work is the first characterization of Egm's immunomodulatory potential. Importantly, this study also suggests the potential benefit of a biodegradable delivery vehicle that is rationally designed for preferential interaction with a specific immune cell subtype for targeted modulation of Hh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Haycook
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Joseph A Balsamo
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Evan B Glass
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Charles H Williams
- Department of Medicine, Division of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Charles C Hong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Amy S Major
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Todd D Giorgio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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9
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Wang XZ, Zhang HH, Qian YL, Tang LF. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and CC chemokine ligand 2 signaling pathways in asthma. J Chin Med Assoc 2019; 82:343-350. [PMID: 31058710 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in which many cells are involved, including mast cells, eosinophils, T lymphocytes, and so on. During the process, many chemokines and mediators are released to engage in recruiting and activating eosinophils and other inflammatory cells. Also, some signaling pathways are involved in the pathobiology of asthma. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is one of the members of hedgehog gene families. Shh signaling plays a critical role in the embryonic development, including the lung. Previous findings from our team reveal that Shh is involved in the asthma pathogenesis. Recombinant Shh could induce the CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) overexpressing and Smo inhibitor GDC-O449 could inhibit CCL2 expression in airway epithelial cells, monocytes, or macrophages. Hence, we reviewed the effects of Shh and CCL2 signaling pathways, and the interaction between signaling pathways in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hang-Hu Zhang
- Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Ling Qian
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lan-Fang Tang
- Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Hedgehog pathway activation in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia predicts response to SMO and GLI1 inhibitors. Blood 2016; 128:2642-2654. [PMID: 27694322 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-03-703454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive childhood leukemia that is caused by the accumulation of multiple genomic lesions resulting in transcriptional deregulation and increased cell proliferation and survival. Through analysis of gene expression data, we provide evidence that the hedgehog pathway is activated in 20% of T-ALL samples. Hedgehog pathway activation is associated with ectopic expression of the hedgehog ligands Sonic hedgehog (SHH) or Indian hedgehog (IHH), and with upregulation of the transcription factor GLI1 Ectopic expression of SHH or IHH in mouse T cells in vivo caused hedgehog pathway activation in both lymphoid and epithelial cells in the thymus and resulted in increased expression of important T-cell stimulatory ligands (Dll4, Il7, and Vegf) by thymic epithelial cells. In T-ALL cell lines, pharmacological inhibition or short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of SMO or GLI1 led to decreased cell proliferation. Moreover, primary T-ALL cases with high GLI1 messenger RNA levels, but not those with low or undetectable GLI1 expression, were sensitive to hedgehog pathway inhibition by GANT61 or GDC-0449 (vismodegib) using ex vivo cultures and in vivo xenograft models. We identify the hedgehog pathway as a novel therapeutic target in T-ALL and demonstrate that hedgehog inhibitors approved by the US Food and Drug Administration could be used for the treatment of this rare leukemia.
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Furmanski AL, Barbarulo A, Solanki A, Lau CI, Sahni H, Saldana JI, D'Acquisto F, Crompton T. The transcriptional activator Gli2 modulates T-cell receptor signalling through attenuation of AP-1 and NFκB activity. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:2085-95. [PMID: 25908851 PMCID: PMC4450292 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.165803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Different tissues contain diverse and dynamic cellular niches, providing distinct signals to tissue-resident or migratory infiltrating immune cells. Hedgehog (Hh) proteins are secreted inter-cellular signalling molecules, which are essential during development and are important in cancer, post-natal tissue homeostasis and repair. Hh signalling mediated by the Hh-responsive transcription factor Gli2 also has multiple roles in T-lymphocyte development and differentiation. Here, we investigate the function of Gli2 in T-cell signalling and activation. Gene transcription driven by the Gli2 transcriptional activator isoform (Gli2A) attenuated T-cell activation and proliferation following T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation. Expression of Gli2A in T-cells altered gene expression profiles, impaired the TCR-induced Ca2+ flux and nuclear expression of NFAT2, suppressed upregulation of molecules essential for activation, and attenuated signalling pathways upstream of the AP-1 and NFκB complexes, leading to reduced activation of these important transcription factors. Inhibition of physiological Hh-dependent transcription increased NFκB activity upon TCR ligation. These data are important for understanding the molecular mechanisms of immunomodulation, particularly in tissues where Hh proteins or other Gli-activating ligands such as TGFβ are upregulated, including during inflammation, tissue damage and repair, and in tumour microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Furmanski
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Alessandro Barbarulo
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anisha Solanki
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ching-In Lau
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Hemant Sahni
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Jose Ignacio Saldana
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Fulvio D'Acquisto
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, QMUL, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Kumari S, Chaurasia SN, Kumar K, Dash D. Anti-apoptotic role of sonic hedgehog on blood platelets. Thromb Res 2014; 134:1311-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2014.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Michel KD, Uhmann A, Dressel R, van den Brandt J, Hahn H, Reichardt HM. The hedgehog receptor patched1 in T cells is dispensable for adaptive immunity in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61034. [PMID: 23577186 PMCID: PMC3620050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling modulates T cell development and function but its exact role remains a matter of debate. To further address this issue we made use of conditional knock-out mice in which the Hh receptor Patched1 (Ptch) is inactivated in the T cell lineage. Thymocyte development was moderately compromised by the deletion of Ptch as characterized by reduced numbers of CD4 and CD8 single-positive cells. In contrast, peripheral T cells were not affected. Proliferation and IFNγ secretion by Ptch-deficient T cells were indistinguishable from controls irrespectively of whether we used strong or suboptimal conditions for stimulation. Analysis of CTL and Treg cell functions did not reveal any differences between both genotypes, and T cell apoptosis induced by glucocorticoids or γ-irradiation was also similar. Surprisingly, absence of Ptch did not lead to an activation of canonic Hh signaling in peripheral T cells as indicated by unaltered expression levels of Gli1 and Gli2. To test whether we could uncover any role of Ptch in T cells in vivo we subjected the mutant mice to three different disease models, namely allogeneic bone marrow transplantation mimicking graft-versus-host disease, allergic airway inflammation as a model of asthma and growth of adoptively transferred melanoma cells as a means to test tumor surveillance by the immune system. Nonetheless, we were neither able to demonstrate any difference in the disease courses nor in any pathogenic parameter in these three models of adaptive immunity. We therefore conclude that the Hh receptor Ptch is dispensable for T cell function in vitro as well as in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai D. Michel
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anja Uhmann
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Dressel
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens van den Brandt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Heidi Hahn
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Holger M. Reichardt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Shen F, Cheng L, Douglas AE, Riobo NA, Manning DR. Smoothened is a fully competent activator of the heterotrimeric G protein G(i). Mol Pharmacol 2013; 83:691-7. [PMID: 23292797 DOI: 10.1124/mol.112.082511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Smoothened (Smo) is a 7-transmembrane protein essential to the activation of Gli transcription factors (Gli) by hedgehog morphogens. The structure of Smo implies interactions with heterotrimeric G proteins, but the degree to which G proteins participate in the actions of hedgehogs remains controversial. We posit that the G(i) family of G proteins provides to hedgehogs the ability to expand well beyond the bounds of Gli. In this regard, we evaluate here the efficacy of Smo as it relates to the activation of G(i), by comparing Smo with the 5-hydroxytryptamine(1A) (5-HT(1A)) receptor, a quintessential G(i)-coupled receptor. We find that with use of [(35)S]guanosine 5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate, first, with forms of G(i) endogenous to human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells made to express epitope-tagged receptors and, second, with individual forms of Gα(i) fused to the C terminus of each receptor, Smo is equivalent to the 5-HT(1A) receptor in the assay as it relates to capacity to activate G(i). This finding is true regardless of subtype of G(i) (e.g., G(i2), G(o), and G(z)) tested. We also find that Smo endogenous to HEK-293 cells, ostensibly through inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, decreases intracellular levels of cAMP. The results indicate that Smo is a receptor that can engage not only Gli but also other more immediate effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3610 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6084, USA
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GLI2 regulates TGF-β1 in human CD4+ T cells: implications in cancer and HIV pathogenesis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40874. [PMID: 22859956 PMCID: PMC3409217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of the immunoregulatory cytokine TGF-β1 in cancer and HIV infection have been linked to the suppression of protective immune responses. The transcriptional regulation of TGF-β1 is complex and still not completely understood. We report here for the first time that the transcription factor GLI2 regulates the expression of TGF-β1 in human CD4+ T cells. In silico screening revealed five novel putative GLI binding sites in the human TGF-β1 promoter. At least two of these sites within the human TGF-β1 promoter are regulated by the GLI2 activator as knockdown of GLI2 in regulatory CD4+CD25hi T cells, high producers of TGF-β1, significantly decreased TGF-β1 transcription. Additionally, naïve CD4+ T cells, low producers of TGF-β1, increased their basal level of TGF-β1 mRNA following lentiviral infection with GLI2. The transcriptional regulation of TGF-β1 by GLI2 is a new extension to Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and TGF-β1 cross-regulation and may provide insight into the detrimental elevation of TGF-β1 leading to pathogenesis in cancer and HIV infection.
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Abstract
Recent reports have suggested that the hedgehog (Hh) pathway is activated in lesional psoriatic skin, and that treatment with the Hh pathway antagonist cyclopamine may lead to rapid resolution of the disease. To assess Hh pathway activity in psoriasis, we isolated RNA from lesional and uninvolved skin of 58 psoriatic patients, and from 63 normal control subjects, and subjected these samples to global gene expression profiling on Affymetrix HU133 Plus 2.0 gene arrays. We were especially interested in Hh target genes (PTCH1 and GLI1), whose expression is elevated in response to Hh signaling. The microarray data demonstrated downregulation of PTCH1 expression in uninvolved and lesional skin (1.1-fold and 2-fold, respectively; P<0.0001). Additionally GLI1 mRNA was downregulated in lesional skin (1.7 fold; P<0.05). No significant changes were observed between lesional and uninvolved skin for the Hh ligands or Smoothened. Quantitative PCR confirmed these findings. In situ hybridization for GLI1 and PTCH1 was positive in basal cell carcinoma tumor cells, but was negligible in uninvolved or lesional psoriatic skin. The absence of elevated Hh target gene expression in lesional psoriatic skin indicates that the Hh pathway is not activated in this disease, raising questions regarding the proposed use of Hh antagonists as antipsoriatic agents.
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Crompton T, Outram SV, Hager-Theodorides AL. Sonic hedgehog signalling in T-cell development and activation. Nat Rev Immunol 2007; 7:726-35. [PMID: 17690714 DOI: 10.1038/nri2151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The production of mature functional T cells in the thymus requires signals from the thymic epithelium. Here, we review recent experiments showing that one way in which the epithelium controls the production of mature T cells is by the secretion of sonic hedgehog (SHH). We consider the increasing evidence that SHH-induced signalling is not only important for the differentiation and proliferation of early thymocyte progenitors, but also for modulating T-cell receptor signalling during repertoire selection, with implications for positive selection, CD4 versus CD8 lineage commitment, and clonal deletion of autoreactive cells. We also review the influence of hedgehog signalling in peripheral T-cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Crompton
- Immunobiology Unit, University College London Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Chen Y, Li X, Tian L, Lui VCH, Dallman MJ, Lamb JR, Tam PKH. Inhibition of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Reduces Chronic Rejection and Prolongs Allograft Survival in a Rat Orthotopic Small Bowel Transplantation Model. Transplantation 2007; 83:1351-7. [PMID: 17519786 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000262568.73590.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although acute graft rejection can be successfully controlled by immunosuppressive agents, chronic rejection (CR), which is characterized by arteriosclerosis in the donor organ vessels, is a major hurdle to long-term allograft survival. Sonic hedgehog (Shh), a morphogen critical in embryogenesis, also promotes peripheral immunity, which prompted us to investigate if inhibition of Shh signaling could reduce CR and thereby enhance allograft survival. METHODS In a rat orthotopic small bowel transplantation model, FK506 prevented acute rejection; however, recipients eventually lost their grafts by CR. Anti-Shh antibody or isotype control were administered to animals at day 30 postoperatively. Graft survival, tissue fibrosis, vascular occlusion, and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were investigated. RESULTS Immunostaining revealed that Shh and the Hedgehog receptor Patched 1 (Ptc1) are strongly expressed in CR grafts and that Ptc1 expression partially overlapped with that of ED-1, a macrophage marker. In contrast, only minimal expression of Shh and Ptc1 was detected in syngeneic grafts. Grafts survival was significantly prolonged after anti-Shh antibody treatment compared with the immunoglobulin G control (116 vs. 77.5 days). Collagen deposition and vascular occlusion in the mesentery were markedly reduced in recipients of the anti-Shh antibody. Specific transcripts and protein expression for VEGF, which was present mainly in the blood vessels, were reduced. CONCLUSION In a rat small bowel transplantation model, anti-Shh antibody treatment reduced CR and prolonged graft survival. These beneficial effects of Shh treatment may occur partly by reducing VEGF expression in the blood vessels of the allografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
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