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Zhao Y, Wang H, Jin L, Zhang Z, Liu L, Zhou M, Zhang X, Zhang L. Targeting fusion proteins of the interleukin family: A promising new strategy for the treatment of autoinflammatory diseases. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 192:106647. [PMID: 37984595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106647] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
As a means of communication between immune cells and non-immune cells, Interleukins (ILs) has the main functions of stimulating the proliferation and activation of inflammatory immune cells such as dendritic cells and lymphocytes, promote the development of blood cells and so on. However, dysregulation of ILs expression is a major feature of autoinflammatory diseases. The drugs targeting ILs or IL-like biologics have played an important role in the clinical treatment of autoinflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, the widespread use of IL products may result in significant off-target adverse reactions. Thus, there is a clear need to develop next-generation ILs products in the biomedical field. Fusion proteins are proteins created through the joining of two or more genes that originally coded for separate proteins. Over the last 30 years, there has been increasing interest in the use of fusion protein technology for developing anti-inflammatory drugs. In comparison to single-target drugs, fusion proteins, as multiple targets drugs, have the ability to enhance the cytokine therapeutic index, resulting in improved efficacy over classical drugs. The strategy of preparing ILs or their receptors as fusion proteins is increasingly used in the treatment of autoimmune and chronic inflammation. This review focuses on the efficacy of several fusion protein drugs developed with ILs or their receptors in the treatment of autoinflammatory diseases, in order to illustrate the prospects of this new technology as an anti-inflammatory drug development protocol in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Zhao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Han Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Lianghu Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Mengqi Zhou
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
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Akkenepally S, Yombo DJK, Yerubandi S, Geereddy BR, McCormack FX, Madala SK. Interleukin 31 receptor alpha augments muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 3-driven calcium signaling and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2564484. [PMID: 36824812 PMCID: PMC9949265 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2564484/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation, and goblet cell hyperplasia. Both Th1 and Th2 cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-13 have been shown to induce asthma; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We observed a significant increase in the expression of IL-31RA, but not its cognate ligand IL-31 during allergic asthma. In support of this, IFN-γ and Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, upregulated IL-31RA but not IL-31 in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC). Importantly, the loss of IL-31RA attenuated AHR but had no effects on inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia in allergic asthma or mice treated with IL-13 or IFN-γ. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that IL-31RA functions as a positive regulator of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 3 expression and calcium signaling in ASMC. Together, these results identified a novel role for IL-31RA in AHR distinct from airway inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santoshi Akkenepally
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio USA
- Division of Biochemistry, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Dan JK Yombo
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio USA
| | - Sanjana Yerubandi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio USA
| | | | - Francis X. McCormack
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio USA
| | - Satish K Madala
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio USA
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Lamb D, De Sousa D, Quast K, Fundel-Clemens K, Erjefält JS, Sandén C, Hoffmann HJ, Kästle M, Schmid R, Menden K, Delic D. RORγt inhibitors block both IL-17 and IL-22 conferring a potential advantage over anti-IL-17 alone to treat severe asthma. Respir Res 2021; 22:158. [PMID: 34022896 PMCID: PMC8141258 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01743-7] [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: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RORγt is a transcription factor that enables elaboration of Th17-associated cytokines (including IL-17 and IL-22) and is proposed as a pharmacological target for severe asthma. METHODS IL-17 immunohistochemistry was performed in severe asthma bronchial biopsies (specificity confirmed with in situ hybridization). Primary human small airway epithelial cells in air liquid interface and primary bronchial smooth muscle cells were stimulated with recombinant human IL-17 and/or IL-22 and pro-inflammatory cytokines measured. Balb/c mice were challenged intratracheally with IL-17 and/or IL-22 and airway hyperreactivity, pro-inflammatory cytokines and airway neutrophilia measured. Balb/c mice were sensitized intraperitoneally and challenged intratracheally with house dust mite extract and the effect of either a RORγt inhibitor (BIX119) or an anti-IL-11 antibody assessed on airway hyperreactivity, pro-inflammatory cytokines and airway neutrophilia measured. RESULTS We confirmed in severe asthma bronchial biopsies both the presence of IL-17-positive lymphocytes and that an IL-17 transcriptome profile in a severe asthma patient sub-population. Both IL-17 and IL-22 stimulated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine release from primary human lung cells and in mice. Furthermore, IL-22 in combination with IL-17, but neither alone, elicits airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in naïve mice. A RORγt inhibitor specifically blocked both IL-17 and IL-22, AHR and neutrophilia in a mouse house dust mite model unlike other registered or advanced pipeline modes of action. Full efficacy versus these parameters was associated with 90% inhibition of IL-17 and 50% inhibition of IL-22. In contrast, anti-IL-17 also blocked IL-17, but not IL-22, AHR or neutrophilia. Moreover, the deregulated genes in the lungs from these mice correlated well with deregulated genes from severe asthma biopsies suggesting that this model recapitulates significant severe asthma-relevant biology. Furthermore, these genes were reversed upon RORγt inhibition in the HDM model. Cell deconvolution suggested that the responsible cells were corticosteroid insensitive γδ-T-cells. CONCLUSION These data strongly suggest that both IL-17 and IL-22 are required for Th2-low endotype associated biology and that a RORγt inhibitor may provide improved clinical benefit in a severe asthma sub-population of patients by blocking both IL-17 and IL-22 biology compared with blocking IL-17 alone.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Animals
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents/pharmacology
- Asthma/drug therapy
- Asthma/immunology
- Asthma/metabolism
- Asthma/physiopathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epithelial Cells/drug effects
- Epithelial Cells/immunology
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Female
- Humans
- Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Interleukins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Interleukins/metabolism
- Lung/drug effects
- Lung/immunology
- Lung/metabolism
- Lung/physiopathology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Middle Aged
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/immunology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/metabolism
- Pyroglyphidae/immunology
- Signal Transduction
- Th17 Cells/drug effects
- Th17 Cells/immunology
- Th17 Cells/metabolism
- Young Adult
- Interleukin-22
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lamb
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany.
| | | | - Karsten Quast
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
| | - Katrin Fundel-Clemens
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Marc Kästle
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
| | - Ramona Schmid
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
| | - Kevin Menden
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
| | - Denis Delic
- Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach-an-der-Riss, Germany
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Wang M, Yang IV, Davidson EJ, Joetham A, Takeda K, O'Connor BP, Gelfand EW. Forkhead box protein 3 demethylation is associated with tolerance induction in peanut-induced intestinal allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 141:659-670.e2. [PMID: 28479331 PMCID: PMC5671381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T (Treg) cells play an essential role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis in allergic diseases. OBJECTIVES We sought to define the mechanisms underlying induction of tolerance to peanut protein and prevention of the development of peanut allergy. METHODS High or low doses of peanut extract were administered to pups every day for 2 weeks before peanut sensitization and challenge. After challenge, symptoms, Treg cell numbers, and forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3), TH2 and TH17 cytokine, and Tgfβ expression in mesenteric lymph node (MLN) CD4+ T cells and jejunum were monitored. Treg cell suppressive activity and Foxp3 methylation in MLN CD4+ T cells were assayed. RESULTS Feeding high but not low doses of peanut before sensitization induced tolerance, as demonstrated by prevention of diarrhea and peanut-specific IgE responses, increases in the percentage of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells in MLNs, and Foxp3 mRNA and protein expression in CD4+ cells from MLNs or jejunum. Feeding high doses of peanut before sensitization decreased percentages of CD3+CD4+IL-13+ and CD3+CD4+IL-17+ cells in MLNs and decreased Il13 and Il17a and increased Tgfβ mRNA expression in the jejunum; numbers of CD103+ dendritic cells in MLNs were significantly increased. Treg cell suppression was shown to be antigen specific. Foxp3 methylation was increased in peanut extract-sensitized and challenged mice, whereas in tolerized mice levels were significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS Feeding high doses of peanut to pups induced tolerance to peanut protein. Foxp3 demethylation was associated with tolerance induction, indicating that Treg cells play an important role in the regulation of peanut sensitivity and maintenance of immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqin Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - Ivana V Yang
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo; Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | | | - Anthony Joetham
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | | | - Brian P O'Connor
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo; Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - Erwin W Gelfand
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo.
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Tanaka S, Furuya K, Yamamoto K, Yamada K, Ichikawa M, Suda M, Makabe H. Procyanidin B2 gallates inhibit IFN-γ and IL-17 production in T cells by suppressing T-bet and RORγt expression. Int Immunopharmacol 2017; 44:87-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Zhao S, Jiang Y, Yang X, Guo D, Wang Y, Wang J, Wang R, Wang C. Lipopolysaccharides promote a shift from Th2-derived airway eosinophilic inflammation to Th17-derived neutrophilic inflammation in an ovalbumin-sensitized murine asthma model. J Asthma 2016; 54:447-455. [PMID: 27589490 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2016.1223687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The currently available treatments for severe asthma are insufficient. Infiltration of neutrophils rather than eosinophils into the airways is an important inflammatory characteristic of severe asthma. However, the mechanism of the phenotypic change from eosinophilic to neutrophilic inflammation has not yet been fully elucidated. METHODS In the current study, we examined the effect of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on eosinophilic asthmatic mice sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA), as well as the roles of interleukin (IL)-17A/T helper (Th) 17 cells on the change in the airway inflammatory phenotype from eosinophilic to neutrophilic inflammation in asthmatic lungs of IL-17A-deficient mice. RESULTS Following exposure of OVA-induced asthmatic mice to LPS, neutrophil-predominant airway inflammation rather than eosinophil-predominant inflammation was observed, with increases in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), the IL-17A level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and Th17 cells in the spleen and in the pulmonary hilar lymph nodes. Moreover, the neutrophilic asthmatic mice showed decreased mucus production and Th2 cytokine levels (IL-4 and IL-5). In contrast, IL-17A knockout (KO) mice exhibited eosinophil-predominant lung inflammation, decreased AHR, mucus overproduction and increased Th2 cytokine levels and Th2 cells. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the eosinophilic inflammatory phenotype of asthmatic lungs switches to the neutrophilic phenotype following exposure to LPS. The change in the inflammatory phenotype is strongly correlated with the increases in IL-17A and Th17 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengtao Zhao
- a Institute of Respiratory Disease, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Yunqiu Jiang
- a Institute of Respiratory Disease, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Xu Yang
- a Institute of Respiratory Disease, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Donglin Guo
- a Institute of Respiratory Disease, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Yijie Wang
- a Institute of Respiratory Disease, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Jun Wang
- a Institute of Respiratory Disease, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Ran Wang
- a Institute of Respiratory Disease, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Changzheng Wang
- a Institute of Respiratory Disease, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
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Jin R, Guo S, Wang MY, Li YH, Wu LX, Ma H, Lowrie DB, Fan XY, Zhang JH. Administration of mycobacterial Ag85A and IL-17A fusion protein attenuates airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 17:1067-74. [PMID: 24455775 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-17A contributes to the development of asthma, especially in severe asthma which has characteristic neutrophil infiltration in airways. However, IL-17A-blocking antibody could escalate T helper (Th) 2 cytokines, such as IL-13, IL-4 in murine models. We aimed at determining the effect of mycobacterial Ag85A and IL-17A fusion protein—Ag85A-IL-17A on airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma. IL-17A recombinant protein fused mycobacterial immunodominant antigen Ag85A was constructed, expressed and purified. The fusion protein was then administrated into BALB/c mice and its anti-inflammatory effects in the infiltration of inflammatory cells, Th2/Th17 cytokines in BALF, histopathological changes of lung tissues as well as chemokines in lung tissues were evaluated in the murine model of asthma. We found that administration of mycobacterial Ag85A and IL-17A fusion protein induced IL-17A specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G in sera and significantly decreased IL-17A and IL-6 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Ag85A-IL-17A vaccinated mice also showed marked reduction in the infiltration of inflammatory cells in peribronchiolar region and significant decrease in total cells, eosinophil cells and neutrophil cells in BALF. The increased levels of IL-13 and IL-4 in BALF of ovalbumin-sensitized mice were significantly reduced by the administration of Ag85A-IL-17A. Furthermore, CD3+CD4+IL-13+ splenocytes stimulated with OVA and CXCL1 mRNA, CCL2 mRNA and GATA-3 mRNA expressed in lung tissues were decreased markedly in Ag85A-IL-17A vaccinated group. Our results demonstrate remarkable antiallergic effects of Ag85A-IL-17A in a murine model of asthma and it may have protective effects on allergic asthma.
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Ashino S, Takeda K, Li H, Taylor V, Joetham A, Pine PR, Gelfand EW. Janus kinase 1/3 signaling pathways are key initiators of TH2 differentiation and lung allergic responses. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 133:1162-74. [PMID: 24365136 PMCID: PMC3972277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Janus kinases (JAKs) are regulators of signaling through cytokine receptors. The importance of JAK1/3 signaling on TH2 differentiation and development of lung allergic responses has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine a selective JAK1/3 inhibitor (R256) on differentiation of TH subsets in vitro and on development of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation in an experimental model of asthma. METHODS A selective JAK1/3 inhibitor was used to assay the importance of this pathway on induction of TH1, TH2, and TH17 differentiation in vitro. In vivo, the effects of inhibiting JAK1/3 signaling were examined by administering the inhibitor during the sensitization or allergen challenge phases in the primary challenge model or just before provocative challenge in the secondary challenge model. Airway inflammation and AHR were examined after the last airway challenge. RESULTS In vitro, R256 inhibited differentiation of TH2 but not TH1 or TH17 cells, which was associated with downregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 and STAT5 phosphorylation. However, once polarized, TH2 cells were unaffected by the inhibitor. In vivo, R256 administered during the OVA sensitization phase prevented the development of AHR, airway eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, and TH2 cytokine production without changes in TH1 and TH17 cytokine levels, indicating that selective blockade of TH2 differentiation was critical. Inhibitor administration after OVA sensitization but during the challenge phases in the primary or secondary challenge models similarly suppressed AHR, airway eosinophilia, and mucus hypersecretion without any reduction in TH2 cytokine production, suggesting the inhibitory effects were downstream of TH2 cytokine receptor signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Targeting the TH2-dependent JAK/STAT activation pathway represents a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Ashino
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - Katsuyuki Takeda
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - Hui Li
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, Calif
| | | | - Anthony Joetham
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - Polly R Pine
- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, Calif
| | - Erwin W Gelfand
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo.
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Wang M, Ramirez J, Han J, Jia Y, Domenico J, Seibold MA, Hagman JR, Gelfand EW. The steroidogenic enzyme Cyp11a1 is essential for development of peanut-induced intestinal anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 132:1174-1183.e8. [PMID: 23870673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytochrome P450, family 11, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (Cyp11a1), a cytochrome P450 enzyme, is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the steroidogenic pathway, converting cholesterol to pregnenolone. Cyp11a1 expression is increased in activated T cells. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the role of Cyp11a1 activation in the development of peanut allergy and TH cell functional differentiation. METHODS A Cyp11a1 inhibitor, aminoglutethimide (AMG), was administered to peanut-sensitized and challenged mice. Clinical symptoms, intestinal inflammation, and Cyp11a1 levels were assessed. The effects of Cyp11a1 inhibition on T(H)1, T(H)2, and T(H)17 differentiation were determined. Cyp11a1 gene silencing was performed with Cyp11a1-targeted short hairpin RNA. RESULTS Peanut sensitization and challenge resulted in diarrhea, inflammation, and increased levels of Cyp11a1, IL13, and IL17A mRNA in the small intestine. Inhibition of Cyp11a1 with AMG prevented allergic diarrhea and inflammation. Levels of pregnenolone in serum were reduced in parallel. AMG treatment decreased IL13 and IL17A mRNA expression in the small intestine without affecting Cyp11a1 mRNA or protein levels. In vitro the inhibitor decreased IL13 and IL17A mRNA and protein levels in differentiated T(H)2 and T(H)17 CD4 T cells, respectively, without affecting GATA3, retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), or T(H)1 cells and IFNG and T-bet expression. Short hairpin RNA-mediated silencing of Cyp11a1 in polarized T(H)2 CD4 T cells significantly decreased pregnenolone and IL13 mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSION Cyp11a1 plays an important role in the development of peanut allergy, regulating peanut-induced allergic responses through effects on steroidogenesis, an essential pathway in T(H)2 differentiation. Cyp11a1 thus serves as a novel target in the regulation and treatment of peanut allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqin Wang
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
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Inhibition of Pim1 kinase prevents peanut allergy by enhancing Runx3 expression and suppressing T(H)2 and T(H)17 T-cell differentiation. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 130:932-44.e12. [PMID: 22944483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The provirus integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus (Pim) 1 kinase is an oncogenic serine/threonine kinase implicated in cytokine-induced cell signaling, whereas Runt-related transcription factor (Runx) has been implicated in the regulation of T-cell differentiation. The interaction of Pim1 kinase and Runx3 in the pathogenesis of peanut allergy has not been defined. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the effects of Pim1 kinase modulation on Runx3 expression and T(H)2 and T(H)17 cell function in an experimental model of peanut allergy. METHODS A Pim1 kinase inhibitor was administered to peanut-sensitized and challenged wild-type and Runx3(+/-) mice. Symptoms, intestinal inflammation, and Pim1 kinase and Runx3 mRNA expression and protein levels were assessed. The effects of Pim1 kinase inhibition on T(H)1, T(H)2, and T(H)17 differentiation in vivo and in vitro were also determined. RESULTS Peanut sensitization and challenge resulted in accumulation of inflammatory cells and goblet cell metaplasia and increased levels of Pim1 kinase and T(H)2 and T(H)17 cytokine production but decreased levels of Runx3 mRNA and protein in the small intestines of wild-type mice. All of these findings were normalized with Pim1 kinase inhibition. In sensitized and challenged Runx3(+/-) mice, inhibition of Pim1 kinase had less effect on the development of the full spectrum of intestinal allergic responses. In vitro inhibition of Pim1 kinase attenuated T(H)2 and T(H)17 cell differentiation and expansion while maintaining Runx3 expression in T-cell cultures from wild-type mice; these effects were reduced in T-cell cultures from Runx3(+/-) mice. CONCLUSION These data support a novel regulatory axis involving Pim1 kinase and Runx3 in the control of food-induced allergic reactions through the regulation of T(H)2 and T(H)17 differentiation.
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Satoh T, Tajima M, Wakita D, Kitamura H, Nishimura T. The development of IL-17/IFN-γ-double producing CTLs from Tc17 cells is driven by epigenetic suppression of Socs3 gene promoter. Eur J Immunol 2012; 42:2329-42. [PMID: 22674086 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201142240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The plasticity of T lymphocytes induced by epigenetic modifications of gene promoters may play a pivotal role in controlling their effector functions, which are sometimes causally associated with immune disorders. IL -17-producing T cells, which induce type 17 immune responses, are newly identified pathogenic effector cells. The type 1 signature cytokine IFN-γ strongly inhibits their differentiation, indicating a mutually exclusive relationship between type 17- and type 1-immune responses. However, many reports indicate the presence of a unique IL-17/IFN-γ-double producing T-cell subset in various inflammatory settings, although the mechanisms responsible for their development and their precise functions remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that IL-12 permits the conversion of mouse IL-17-producing CD8(+) T (Tc17) cells to IL-17/IFN-γ-double producing CD8(+) T (Tc17/IFN-γ) cells, and that this conversion is due to repressive epigenetic modifications of Socs3 gene promoters. Moreover, we show that SOCS3 strongly regulates the capability of Tc17 cells to produce IL-17, in addition to regulating the expression of the type 17-master regulator RORγt. These findings elucidate the mechanisms underlying the conversion of Tc17 cells into Tc17/IFN-γ cells. As these cells are known to have potent antitumor activities, manipulation of these conversion mechanisms for therapeutic tumor immunity may be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Satoh
- Division of ROYCE' Health Bioscience, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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12
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Kitamura H, Kobayashi M, Wakita D, Nishimura T. Neuropeptide signaling activates dendritic cell-mediated type 1 immune responses through neurokinin-2 receptor. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:4200-8. [PMID: 22474018 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurokinin A (NKA), a neurotransmitter distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system, strictly controls vital responses, such as airway contraction, by intracellular signaling through neurokinin-2 receptor (NK2R). However, the function of NKA-NK2R signaling on involvement in immune responses is less-well defined. We demonstrate that NK2R-mediated neuropeptide signaling activates dendritic cell (DC)-mediated type 1 immune responses. IFN-γ stimulation significantly induced NK2R mRNA and remarkably enhanced surface protein expression levels of bone marrow-derived DCs. In addition, the DC-mediated NKA production level was significantly elevated after IFN-γ stimulation in vivo and in vitro. We found that NKA treatment induced type 1 IFN mRNA expressions in DCs. Transduction of NK2R into DCs augmented the expression level of surface MHC class II and promoted Ag-specific IL-2 production by CD4(+) T cells after NKA stimulation. Furthermore, blockade of NK2R by an antagonist significantly suppressed IFN-γ production by both CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T cells stimulated with the Ag-loaded DCs. Finally, we confirmed that stimulation with IFN-γ or TLR3 ligand (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid) significantly induced both NK2R mRNA and surface protein expression of human PBMC-derived DCs, as well as enhanced human TAC1 mRNA, which encodes NKA and Substance P. Thus, these findings indicate that NK2R-dependent neuropeptide signaling regulates Ag-specific T cell responses via activation of DC function, suggesting that the NKA-NK2R cascade would be a promising target in chronic inflammation caused by excessive type 1-dominant immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidemitsu Kitamura
- Division of Immunoregulation, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0815, Japan
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13
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Kobayashi M, Ashino S, Shiohama Y, Wakita D, Kitamura H, Nishimura T. IFN-γ elevates airway hyper-responsiveness via up-regulation of neurokinin A/neurokinin-2 receptor signaling in a severe asthma model. Eur J Immunol 2011; 42:393-402. [PMID: 22105467 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201141845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Revised: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The adoptive transfer of OVA-specific Th1 cells into WT mice followed by OVA inhalation induces a significant elevation of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) with neutrophilia but not mucus hypersecretion. Here, we demonstrate that the airway inflammation model, pathogenically characterized as severe asthma, was partly mimicked by i.n. administration of IFN-γ. The administration of IFN-γ instead of Th1 cells caused AHR elevation but not neutrophilia, and remarkably induced neurokinin-2 receptor (NK2R) expression along with neurokinin A (NKA) production in the lung. To evaluate whether NKA/NK2R was involved in airway inflammation, we first investigated the role of NKA/NK2R-signaling in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in vitro. NK2R mRNA expression was significantly augmented in tracheal tube-derived ASMCs of WT mice but not STAT-1(-/-) mice after stimulation with IFN-γ. In addition, methacholine-mediated Ca(2+) influx into the ASMCs was significantly reduced in the presence of NK2R antagonist. Moreover, the NK2R antagonist strongly inhibited IFN-γ-dependent AHR elevation in vivo. Thus, these results demonstrated that IFN-γ directly acts on ASMCs to elevate AHR via the NKA/NK2R-signaling cascade. Our present findings suggested that NK2R-mediated neuro-immuno crosstalk would be a promising target for developing novel drugs in Th1-cell-mediated airway inflammation, including severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Kobayashi
- Division of Immunoregulation, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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14
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Tajima M, Wakita D, Satoh T, Kitamura H, Nishimura T. IL-17/IFN- double producing CD8+ T (Tc17/IFN- ) cells: A novel cytotoxic T-cell subset converted from Tc17 cells by IL-12. Int Immunol 2011; 23:751-9. [DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxr086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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15
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Albrecht M, Chen HC, Preston-Hurlburt P, Ranney P, Hoymann HG, Maxeiner J, Staudt V, Taube C, Bottomly HK, Dittrich AM. T(H)17 cells mediate pulmonary collateral priming. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011; 128:168-177.e8. [PMID: 21459426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2011.01.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our laboratory has shown that inhalational sensitization to new antigens is facilitated through an ongoing T(H)2-polarized inflammation of the lung, a phenomenon we call "collateral priming." OBJECTIVE We were interested to analyze whether a T(H)1-polarized pulmonary inflammation also facilitates priming toward new antigens and which cytokine or cytokines are involved. METHODS T(H)1-polarized T cells were generated in vitro and transferred into congenic mice. Mice were challenged initially with cognate antigen and an unrelated antigen; consecutively, they received cognate antigen or the secondary antigen. Airway inflammation, antigen-specific IgG2a levels, and airway hyperresponsiveness were assessed to determine the inflammatory phenotype, with antibody blocking studies used to determine cytokine requirements for T(H)1 collateral priming. RESULTS Our experiments revealed that ongoing inflammation of the lung induced by the transfer of T(H)1-polarized cells also facilitates priming toward new antigens, which results in lymphocytic inflammation of the lung. Interestingly, blocking studies identified IL-17A as a major contributor to this pathology. Accordingly, we could demonstrate for the first time that T(H)17-polarized cells alone can facilitate priming toward new antigens, inducing lymphocytic airway inflammation and strong airway hyperresponsiveness. Flow cytometric analysis revealed priming of endogenous T cells for IL-17A secretion with a distinct memory/effector phenotype compared to T(H)1 cells, thus presenting an exciting model to further elucidate differentiation of T(H)17 cells. CONCLUSIONS We show that airway inflammation mediated by T(H)17 cells facilitates sensitization to new antigens and confers increased airway responsiveness in a murine model of polysensitization, suggesting a mechanism involving IL-17A behind the increased risk for allergic sensitization in polysensitized subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Albrecht
- Junior Research Group SFB 587, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Kurschus FC, Croxford AL, Heinen AP, Wörtge S, Ielo D, Waisman A. Genetic proof for the transient nature of the Th17 phenotype. Eur J Immunol 2011; 40:3336-46. [PMID: 21110317 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201040755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
IL-17-producing CD4(+) T cells (Th17) have been classified as a new T helper cell subset. Using an IL-17 fate mapping mouse strain, which genetically fixes the memory of IL-17 expression, we demonstrate that IL-17A/F-expressing T helper cells generated either in vitro or in vivo are not a stable T-cell subset. Upon adoptive transfer of IL-17F-reporter-positive Th17 cells to RAG-deficient or WT animals, encephalitogenic Th17 cells partially lose IL-17 expression and upregulate IFN-γ. Additionally, we show that Th1 cells can convert in vivo to IL-17A/IFN-γ-coexpressing cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes (mLN). Our data classify IL-17A and IL-17F as cytokines produced transiently in response to the local microenvironment, thus showing that IL-17 expression does not define an end-stage T helper cell subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian C Kurschus
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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Noguchi D, Wakita D, Ohkuri T, Tajima M, Chamoto K, Kitamura H, Nishimura T. Blockade of IL-6-signaling inhibits the pathogenesis of CD4+ T cell-mediated lethal graft-versus-host reaction against minor histocompatibility antigen. Immunol Lett 2011; 136:146-55. [PMID: 21256159 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2011.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Revised: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 01/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) is considered as a problem in hematopoietic cell transplantation. We found that CD45RB(high) CD62L(+) naïve CD4(+) T cells from wild-type B10D2 (H-2d MMTV6(-)) mice immediately differentiated into effector T cells producing high-levels of various cytokines after the transfer into BALB/c RAG2(-/-) (H-2d MMTV6(+)) mice. The expanded CD4(+) T cells, which have almost TCR Vβ3 chain, recognized the minor antigen of recipient mice and brought typical severe GVHR symptoms such as eyelid irritation, diarrhea, and liver failure. Eventually, all of the recipient mice transferred CD4(+) T cells was dead within 10 days. We demonstrated here that blockade of IL-6 signaling by administration of anti-IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) monoclonal antibody (mAb) remarkably inhibited the CD4(+) T cell-mediated lethal GVHR. In addition, we confirmed that the in vivo injection of anti-IL-6R mAb prevented the generation of effector CD4(+) T cells which produce the inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17. These findings indicated that IL-6 was a critical factor in the CD4(+) T cell-dependent acute GVHR induced by a minor-antigen, suggesting that IL-6-mediated signaling pathway would be a strong therapeutic target in T cell-mediated GVHR as well as other diseases including autoimmune and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Noguchi
- Division of Immunoregulation, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
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18
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Ikeda U, Wakita D, Ohkuri T, Chamoto K, Kitamura H, Iwakura Y, Nishimura T. 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and all-trans retinoic acid synergistically inhibit the differentiation and expansion of Th17 cells. Immunol Lett 2010; 134:7-16. [PMID: 20655952 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2010.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D3), the active form of vitamin D(3), is an immunoregulatory hormone with beneficial effects on Th1 cell-mediated inflammatory diseases. Although IL-17-producing CD4(+) T helper (Th17) cells have been recently identified as novel effector cells, the immunomodulating effects of 1,25D3 on Th17 cells have not been well defined. We confirmed here that 1,25D3 inhibited the generation of Th17 cells in vitro. Interestingly, 1,25D3 synergistically suppressed the generation of Th17 cells by the combination with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). 1,25D3 and ATRA suppressed the development of allergen-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in a mouse ear swelling model. In addition, we found that 1,25D3 and ATRA significantly inhibited the development of human Th17 cells from both naïve and memory human CD4(+) T cells. 1,25D3 and ATRA effectively suppressed mRNA expressions of IL-1R1, IL-21R, IL-23R, RORC, and AHR in human T cells. ATRA further suppressed IL-6R, whereas 1,25D3 did not. Finally, we found that 1,25D3 and ATRA remarkably blocked IL-22 as well as IL-17 mRNA expression in human memory CD4(+) T cells. Thus, we initially reveal that 1,25D3 and ATRA have synergistic effects on the generation of Th17 cells, suggesting that the combination with ATRA would provide a promising novel therapy for Th17 cell-related immune diseases including skin inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utako Ikeda
- Division of Immunoregulation, Section of Disease Control, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
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