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D'Addabbo P, Frezza D, Sulentic CE. Evolutive emergence and divergence of an Ig regulatory node: An environmental sensor getting cues from the aryl hydrocarbon receptor? Front Immunol 2023; 14:996119. [PMID: 36817426 PMCID: PMC9936319 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.996119] [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: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
One gene, the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene, is responsible for the expression of all the different antibody isotypes. Transcriptional regulation of the IgH gene is complex and involves several regulatory elements including a large element at the 3' end of the IgH gene locus (3'RR). Animal models have demonstrated an essential role of the 3'RR in the ability of B cells to express high affinity antibodies and to express different antibody classes. Additionally, environmental chemicals such as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands modulate mouse 3'RR activity that mirrors the effects of these chemicals on antibody production and immunocompetence in mouse models. Although first discovered as a mediator of the toxicity induced by the high affinity ligand 2,3,7,8-tetracholordibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin), understanding of the AhR has expanded to a physiological role in preserving homeostasis and maintaining immunocompetence. We posit that the AhR also plays a role in human antibody production and that the 3'RR is not only an IgH regulatory node but also an environmental sensor receiving signals through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, including the AhR. This review will 1) highlight the emerging role of the AhR as a key transducer between environmental signals and altered immune function; 2) examine the current state of knowledge regarding IgH gene regulation and the role of the AhR in modulation of Ig production; 3) describe the evolution of the IgH gene that resulted in species and population differences; and 4) explore the evidence supporting the environmental sensing capacity of the 3'RR and the AhR as a transducer of these cues. This review will also underscore the need for studies focused on human models due to the premise that understanding genetic differences in the human population and the signaling pathways that converge at the 3'RR will provide valuable insight into individual sensitivities to environmental factors and antibody-mediated disease conditions, including emerging infections such as SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro D'Addabbo
- Department of Biology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Frezza
- Department of Biology E. Calef, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Courtney E.W. Sulentic
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
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2
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Germolec DR, Lebrec H, Anderson SE, Burleson GR, Cardenas A, Corsini E, Elmore SE, Kaplan BL, Lawrence BP, Lehmann GM, Maier CC, McHale CM, Myers LP, Pallardy M, Rooney AA, Zeise L, Zhang L, Smith MT. Consensus on the Key Characteristics of Immunotoxic Agents as a Basis for Hazard Identification. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:105001. [PMID: 36201310 PMCID: PMC9536493 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Key characteristics (KCs), properties of agents or exposures that confer potential hazard, have been developed for carcinogens and other toxicant classes. KCs have been used in the systematic assessment of hazards and to identify assay and data gaps that limit screening and risk assessment. Many of the mechanisms through which pharmaceuticals and occupational or environmental agents modulate immune function are well recognized. Thus KCs could be identified for immunoactive substances and applied to improve hazard assessment of immunodulatory agents. OBJECTIVES The goal was to generate a consensus-based synthesis of scientific evidence describing the KCs of agents known to cause immunotoxicity and potential applications, such as assays to measure the KCs. METHODS A committee of 18 experts with diverse specialties identified 10 KCs of immunotoxic agents, namely, 1) covalently binds to proteins to form novel antigens, 2) affects antigen processing and presentation, 3) alters immune cell signaling, 4) alters immune cell proliferation, 5) modifies cellular differentiation, 6) alters immune cell-cell communication, 7) alters effector function of specific cell types, 8) alters immune cell trafficking, 9) alters cell death processes, and 10) breaks down immune tolerance. The group considered how these KCs could influence immune processes and contribute to hypersensitivity, inappropriate enhancement, immunosuppression, or autoimmunity. DISCUSSION KCs can be used to improve efforts to identify agents that cause immunotoxicity via one or more mechanisms, to develop better testing and biomarker approaches to evaluate immunotoxicity, and to enable a more comprehensive and mechanistic understanding of adverse effects of exposures on the immune system. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10800.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dori R. Germolec
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Herve Lebrec
- Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stacey E. Anderson
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Gary R. Burleson
- Burleson Research Technologies, Inc., Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarah E. Elmore
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Barbara L.F. Kaplan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Center for Environmental Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - B. Paige Lawrence
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Geniece M. Lehmann
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Curtis C. Maier
- In Vitro In Vivo Translation, Research and Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cliona M. McHale
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - L. Peyton Myers
- Division of Pharm/Tox, Office of Infectious Diseases, Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Marc Pallardy
- Inserm, Inflammation microbiome immunosurveillance, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Andrew A. Rooney
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren Zeise
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Luoping Zhang
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Martyn T. Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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Zhou J, Blevins LK, Crawford RB, Kaminski NE. Role of Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 and Lymphocyte Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase in the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor- Mediated Impairment of the IgM Response in Human CD5 + Innate-Like B Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:884203. [PMID: 35558082 PMCID: PMC9088000 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.884203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate-like B cells (ILBs) are a heterogeneous population B cells which participate in innate and adaptive immune responses. This diverse subset of B cells is characterized by the expression of CD5 and has been shown to secrete high levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the absence of infection or vaccination. Further, CD5+ ILBs have been shown to express high basal levels of lymphocyte specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), which are particularly sensitive to stimulation by interferon gamma (IFNγ). Previous studies have demonstrated that activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a cytosolic ligand-activated transcription factor, results in suppressed IgM responses and is dependent on LCK. A recent study showed that CD5+ ILBs are particularly sensitive to AHR activation as evidenced by a significant suppression of the IgM response compared to CD5- B cells, which were refractory. Therefore, the objective of this study was to further investigate the role of LCK and PD-1 signaling in AHR-mediated suppression of CD5+ ILBs. In addition, studies were conducted to establish whether IFNγ alters the levels of LCK and PD-1 in CD5+ ILBs. We found that AHR activation led to a significant upregulation of total LCK and PD-1 proteins in CD5+ ILBs, which correlated with suppression of IgM. Interestingly, treatment with recombinant IFNγ reduced LCK protein levels and reversed AHR-mediated IgM suppression in CD5+ ILBs in a similar manner as LCK inhibitors. Collectively, these results support a critical role for LCK and PD-1 in AHR-mediated suppression of the IgM response in human CD5+ ILBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Zhou
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute of Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Lance K. Blevins
- Institute of Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Robert B. Crawford
- Institute of Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Norbert E. Kaminski
- Institute of Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Sabuz Vidal O, Deepika D, Schuhmacher M, Kumar V. EDC-induced mechanisms of immunotoxicity: a systematic review. Crit Rev Toxicol 2022; 51:634-652. [PMID: 35015608 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2021.2009438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) refer to a group of chemicals that cause adverse effects in human health, impairing hormone production and regulation, resulting in alteration of homeostasis, reproductive, and developmental, and immune system impairments. The immunotoxicity of EDCs involves many mechanisms altering gene expression that depend on the activation of nuclear receptors such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), the estrogen receptor (ER), and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), which also results in skin and intestinal disorders, microbiota alterations and inflammatory diseases. This systematic review aims to review different mechanisms of immunotoxicity and immunomodulation of T cells, focusing on T regulatory (Treg) and Th17 subsets, B cells, and dendritic cells (DCs) caused by specific EDCs such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), bisphenols (BPs) and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). To achieve this objective, a systematic study was conducted searching various databases including PubMed and Scopus to find in-vitro, in-vivo, and biomonitoring studies that examine EDC-dependent mechanisms of immunotoxicity. While doing the systematic review, we found species- and cell-specific outcomes and a translational gap between in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. Finally, an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework is proposed, which explains mechanistically toxicity endpoints emerging from different EDCs having similar key events and can help to improve our understanding of EDCs mechanisms of immunotoxicity. In conclusion, this review provides insights into the mechanisms of immunotoxicity mediated by EDCs and will help to improve human health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Sabuz Vidal
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Deepika Deepika
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain.,IISPV, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Reus, Spain
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Ren H, Zhang T, Wang Y, Yao Q, Wang Z, Zhang L, Wang L. Tumor-Derived Autophagosomes (DRibbles) Activate Human B Cells to Induce Efficient Antigen-Specific Human Memory T-Cell Responses. Front Immunol 2021; 12:675822. [PMID: 34122437 PMCID: PMC8187759 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.675822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have reported that tumor-derived autophagosomes (DRibbles) were efficient carriers of tumor antigens and DRibbles antigens could be present by DRibbles-activated B cells to stimulate effect and naïve T cells in mice. However, the effect of DRibbles on human B cells remains unclear. Herein, we found that DRibbles can also efficiently induce proliferation and activation of human B cells and lead to the production of chemokines, cytokines and hematopoietic growth factors. We further demonstrated human B cells can effectively phagocytose DRibbles directly and cross-present DRibbles antigens to stimulate antigen-specific memory T cells. Furthermore, we found that membrane-bound high-mobility group B1 (HMGB1) on DRibbles was crucial for inducing human B cells activation. Therefore, these findings provide further evidence to promote the clinical application of B-DRibbles vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Ren
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongren Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Yao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Dolasia K, Nazar F, Mukhopadhyay S. Mycobacterium tuberculosis PPE18 protein inhibits MHC class II antigen presentation and B cell response in mice. Eur J Immunol 2020; 51:603-619. [PMID: 33084017 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201848071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PPE18 protein belongs to PE/PPE family of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We reported earlier that PPE18 protein provides survival advantage to M. tuberculosis during infection. In the current study, we found that PPE18 inhibits MHC class II-mediated antigen presentation by macrophages in a dose-dependent manner without affecting the surface level of MHC class II or co-stimulatory molecules. PPE18 does not affect antigen uptake or presentation of preprocessed peptide by macrophages. Antigen degradation was found to be inhibited by PPE18 protein due to perturbation in phagolysosomal acidification. PPE18-mediated inhibition of MHC class II antigen presentation caused poorer activation of CD4 T cells. Mice infected with M. smegmatis expressing PPE18 exhibited reduced maturation and activation of B cells and had decreased Mycobacteria-specific antibody titers. Thus M. tuberculosis probably utilizes PPE18 to inhibit MHC class II antigen presentation causing poorer activation of adaptive immune responses. This study may be useful in understanding host-pathogen interaction and open up directions of designing novel therapeutics targeting PPE18 to tackle this nefarious pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Dolasia
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India.,Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Faiza Nazar
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India
| | - Sangita Mukhopadhyay
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India
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7
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Dornbos P, Warren M, Crawford RB, Kaminski NE, Threadgill DW, LaPres JJ. Characterizing Serpinb2 as a Modulator of TCDD-Induced Suppression of the B Cell. Chem Res Toxicol 2018; 31:1248-1259. [PMID: 30339366 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlordibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) is an environmental pollutant that can cause various toxic effects, including chloracne, metabolic syndrome, and immune suppression. Most of the toxicity associated with TCDD is mediated through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Recent research has suggested the presence of a wide-range of interindividual variability in TCDD-mediated suppression of the Immunoglobulin-M (IgM) response across the human population. In an attempt to identify putative modifiers of AHR-mediated immunosuppression beyond the AHR, B cells were isolated from a panel of genetically diverse mouse strain to scan for modulators that drive interstrain differences in TCDD-mediated suppression of the IgM response. Results implicated a region of mouse Chromosome 1 near a gene encoding serine peptidase inhibitor, clade B, member 2 ( Serpinb2) whose human ortholog is plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI2). Further downstream analyses indicated that Serpinb2 is dysregulated by TCDD and, furthermore, that B cells from Serpinb2 -/- mice are significantly more sensitive to TCDD-mediated suppression as compared to littermate controls. This study suggests a protective role of Serpinb2 within TCDD-mediated immunosuppression and, furthermore, a novel function of Serpinb2-related activity in the IgM response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Dornbos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States.,Institute for Integrative Toxicology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - Melanie Warren
- Interdisciplinary Program in Toxicology , Texas A&M University , College Station , Texas 77843 , United States
| | - Robert B Crawford
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - Norbert E Kaminski
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - David W Threadgill
- Interdisciplinary Program in Toxicology , Texas A&M University , College Station , Texas 77843 , United States
| | - John J LaPres
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States.,Institute for Integrative Toxicology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
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8
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Zhou J, Henriquez J, Crawford R, Kaminski N. Suppression of the IgM Response by Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation in Human Primary B Cells Involves Impairment of Immunoglobulin Secretory Processes. Toxicol Sci 2018; 163:319-329. [PMID: 29462421 PMCID: PMC6659029 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation by 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is well established at suppressing humoral immunity. Previous studies in mouse B cells revealed that decreased IgM production was due to a significant suppression in the mRNA levels of the immunoglobulin M components (IgH, IgJ, and Igκ chains) and subsequent decrease in IgM synthesis. In contrast, the current study shows that activation of AHR in human B cells also results in a significant suppression of the number of IgM-secreting cells, but this is not due to a decrease in the transcription or translation of IgH, IgJ, and Igκ chains. Instead, the reduced humoral response is due to the impairment of IgM secretion. This is further evidenced by an accumulation of intracellular IgM in human B cells, which indicates that activation of AHR alters distinct regulatory pathways in human and mouse B cells leading to the suppressed primary IgM response. Collectively, these results demonstrate that although AHR activation mediates suppression of humoral immune responses across many different animal species, the mechanism of action is not necessarily conserved across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology
| | - Joseph Henriquez
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | | | - Norbert Kaminski
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
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9
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Immunotoxicity testing using human primary leukocytes: An adjunct approach for the evaluation of human risk. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2018; 3:25-29. [PMID: 29619412 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Historically, immunotoxicity testing for chemicals, pesticides and pharmaceuticals has relied heavily on animal models to identify effects on the immune system followed by extrapolation to humans. Substantial progress has been made in the past decade on understanding human immune cell regulation, adaptive and innate immune responses and its modulation. The human immune system is complex and there exists diversity within composition, localization, and activation of different immune cell types between individuals. The inherent variation in human populations owing to genetics and environment can have a significant influence on the response of the immune system to infectious agents, drugs, chemicals and other environmental factors. Several recent reports have highlighted that mouse models of sepsis and inflammation are poorly predictive of human disease physiology and pathology. Rodent and human immune cells differ in the expression of cell surface proteins and phenotypes expressed in disease models, which may significantly influence the mechanism of action of xenobiotics and susceptibility yielding a different profile of activity across animal species. In the light of these differences and recent trends toward precision medicine, personalized therapies and the 3Rs (reduce, replace and refine animal use) approaches, the importance of using 'all human' model systems cannot be overstated. Hence, this opinion piece aims to discuss new models used to assess the effects of environmental contaminants and immune modulators on the immune response in human cells, the advantages and challenges of using human primary cells in immunotoxicology research and the implication for the future of immunotoxicity testing.
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Henriquez J, Zhou J, Li J, Crawford R, Kaminski N. Application of gene specific mRNA level determinations in individual cells using flow cytometry-based PrimeFlow™ in immunotoxicology. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 337:39-44. [PMID: 29107001 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Determining changes in gene expression by measuring mRNA levels is an important capability in biological research. Real-Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is the most ubiquitous technique for measuring changes in mRNA transcript levels, but heterogeneity of cell populations and low cell number are serious technical limitations. Recent advances in flow cytometric analytical techniques have enabled the quantification of mRNA levels in individual cells. Here, we present examples demonstrating the strength and challenges of concurrently measuring mRNA using PrimeFlow™ with other endpoints in immunotoxicological studies. Specifically, we demonstrate how measuring gene specific mRNA levels on a per cell basis was used to study: 1) markers of activation and differentiation; 2) cell signaling by measuring intracellular proteins in mature and developing cell types; and 3) a cell type that constitutes a minor population in peripheral blood. We also discuss cell type-specific modifications to the parent technique, which facilitated optimal performance in these cells. While the examples provided are focused on immunotoxicological questions and endpoints, this new strategy can be applied to a wide variety of toxicological research problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Henriquez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jiajun Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jinpeng Li
- Department of Genetics,Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Robert Crawford
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Norbert Kaminski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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11
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Kovalova N, Nault R, Crawford R, Zacharewski TR, Kaminski NE. Comparative analysis of TCDD-induced AhR-mediated gene expression in human, mouse and rat primary B cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 316:95-106. [PMID: 27913140 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent environmental pollutant that activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) resulting in altered gene expression. In vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo studies have demonstrated that B cells are directly impaired by TCDD, and are a sensitive target as evidenced by suppression of antibody responses. The window of sensitivity to TCDD-induced suppression of IgM secretion among mouse, rat and human B cells is similar. Specifically, TCDD must be present within the initial 12h post B cell stimulation, indicating that TCDD disrupts early signaling network(s) necessary for B lymphocyte activation and differentiation. Therefore, we hypothesized that TCDD treatment across three different species (mouse, rat and human) triggers a conserved, B cell-specific mechanism that is involved in TCDD-induced immunosuppression. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to identify B cell-specific orthologous genes that are differentially expressed in response to TCDD in primary mouse, rat and human B cells. Time course studies identified TCDD-elicited differential expression of 515 human, 2371 mouse and 712 rat orthologous genes over the 24-h period. 28 orthologs were differentially expressed in response to TCDD in all three species. Overrepresented pathways enriched in all three species included cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and pathways in cancer. Differentially expressed genes functionally associated with cell-cell signaling in humans, immune response in mice, and oxidation reduction in rats. Overall, these results suggest that despite the conservation of the AhR and its signaling mechanism, TCDD elicits species-specific gene expression changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kovalova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Rance Nault
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Robert Crawford
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Timothy R Zacharewski
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Norbert E Kaminski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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SHP-1 is directly activated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and regulates BCL-6 in the presence of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 310:41-50. [PMID: 27546522 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), which is a strong AHR agonist, causes significant suppression of human B cell activation and differentiation. The current studies describe the identification of Src homology phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) encoded by the gene PTPN6 as a putative regulator of TCDD-mediated suppression of B cell activation. Shp-1 was initially identified through a genome-wide analysis of AHR binding in mouse B cells in the presence of TCDD. The binding of AHR to the PTPN6 promoter was further confirmed using electrophoretic mobility shift assays in which, specific binding of AHR was detected at four putative DRE sites within PTPN6 promoter. Time-course measurements performed in human B cells highlighted a significant increase in SHP-1 mRNA and protein levels in the presence of TCDD. The changes in the protein levels of SHP-1 were also observed in a TCDD concentration-dependent manner. The increase in SHP-1 levels was also seen to occur due to a change in early signaling events in the presence of TCDD. We have shown that BCL-6 regulates B cell activation by repressing activation marker CD80 in the presence of TCDD. TCDD-treatment led to a significant increase in the double positive (SHP-1hi BCL-6hi) population. Interestingly, treatment of naïve human B cells with SHP-1 inhibitor decreased BCL-6 protein levels suggesting possible regulation of BCL-6 by SHP-1 for the first time. Collectively, these results suggest that SHP-1 is regulated by AHR in the presence of TCDD and may, in part through BCL-6, regulate TCDD-mediated suppression of human B cell activation.
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Fracchiolla NS, Annaloro C, Guidotti F, Fattizzo B, Cortelezzi A. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) role in hematopoiesis and in hematologic diseases: A critical review. Toxicology 2016; 374:60-68. [PMID: 27765685 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dioxin exposure and its effect on hematopoiesis and cancer have been largely investigated in both human and non-human settings. Here we systematically reviewed literature to address the question of what we know about TCDD biology and exposure. Most effects are due to TCDD interaction with a receptor of xenobiotics called AHR, which is ubiquitously represented and also works on hematopoietic myeloid and lymphoid stem cells, inducing proliferation and stem cell release from bone marrow to peripheral circulation. Epidemiologic studies on TCDD exposure demonstrated an association with onco-hematologic diseases, particularly with non Hodgkin lymphomas and multiple myeloma, and non hematologic cancers, such as sarcomas, although these relationships are affected by multiple confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Stefano Fracchiolla
- UO Onco-Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milano, Italy.
| | - Claudio Annaloro
- UO Onco-Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Guidotti
- UO Onco-Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milano, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- UO Onco-Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milano, Italy
| | - Agostino Cortelezzi
- UO Onco-Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milano, Italy; UO Onco-Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F Sforza 35, 20100, Milano, Italy
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14
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Dornbos P, Crawford RB, Kaminski NE, Hession SL, LaPres JJ. The Influence of Human Interindividual Variability on the Low-Dose Region of Dose-Response Curve Induced by 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin in Primary B Cells. Toxicol Sci 2016; 153:352-60. [PMID: 27473338 PMCID: PMC5036619 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of interindividual variability is not typically assessed in traditional toxicological studies. Given that chemical exposures occur in heterogeneous populations, this knowledge gap has the potential to cause undue harm within the realms of public health and industrial and municipal finances. A recent report from the National Research Council (NRC) suggests that when accounting for interindividual variation in responses, traditionally assumed nonlinear dose-response relationships (DRRs) for noncancer-causing endpoints would better be explained with a linear relationship within the low-dose region. To address this knowledge gap and directly test the NRC's assumption, this study focused on assessing the DRR between 2,3,7,8-tetracholorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure and immune suppression in a cohort of unique human donors. Human B cells were isolated from 51 individual donors and treated with logarithmically increasing concentrations of TCDD (0-30 nM TCDD). Two endpoints sensitive to TCDD were assessed: (1) number of IgM-secreting B cells and (2) quantity of IgM secreted. The results show that TCDD significantly suppressed both the number of IgM-secreting B cells and the quantity of IgM secreted (P < .05). Statistical model comparisons indicate that the low-dose region of the two DRRs is best explained with a nonlinear relationship. Rather than assuming low-dose linearity for all noncancer-causing DRRs, our study suggests the need to consider the specific mode of action of toxicants and pharmaceuticals during risk-management decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Dornbos
- *Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Institute for Integrative Toxicology
| | | | - Norbert E Kaminski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Institute for Integrative Toxicology
| | | | - John J LaPres
- *Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Institute for Integrative Toxicology Center for Mitochondrial Science and Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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Angrish MM, Pleil JD, Stiegel MA, Madden MC, Moser VC, Herr DW. Taxonomic applicability of inflammatory cytokines in adverse outcome pathway (AOP) development. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2016; 79:184-96. [PMID: 26914248 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2016.1138923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines, low-molecular-weight messenger proteins that act as intercellular immunomodulatory signals, have become a mainstream preclinical marker for assessing the systemic inflammatory response to external stressors. The challenge is to quantitate from healthy subjects cytokine levels that are below or at baseline and relate those dynamic and complex cytokine signatures of exposures with the inflammatory and repair pathways. Thus, highly sensitive, specific, and precise analytical and statistical methods are critically important. Investigators at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have implemented advanced technologies and developed statistics for evaluating panels of inflammatory cytokines in human blood, exhaled breath condensate, urine samples, and murine biological media. Advanced multiplex, bead-based, and automated analytical platforms provided sufficient sensitivity, precision, and accuracy over the traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thus, baseline cytokine levels can be quantified from healthy human subjects and animals and compared to an in vivo exposure response from an environmental chemical. Specifically, patterns of cytokine responses in humans exposed to environmental levels of ozone and diesel exhaust, and in rodents exposed to selected pesticides (such as fipronil and carbaryl), were used as case studies to generally assess the taxonomic applicability of cytokine responses. The findings in this study may aid in the application of measureable cytokine markers in future adverse outcome pathway (AOP)-based toxicity testing. Data from human and animal studies were coalesced and the possibility of using cytokines as key events (KE) to bridge species responses to external stressors in an AOP-based framework was explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Angrish
- a Integrated Sciences and Toxicology Division, NHEERL/ORD , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina , USA
| | - Joachim D Pleil
- b Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division, NERL/ORD , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina , USA
| | - Matthew A Stiegel
- c ORISE, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina , USA
| | - Michael C Madden
- d Environmental Public Health Division, NHEERL/ORD , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Chapel Hill , North Carolina , USA
| | - Virginia C Moser
- e Neurotoxicology Branch/Toxicity Assessment Division NHEERL/ORD , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina , USA
| | - David W Herr
- f Toxicity Assessment Division, NHEERL/ORD , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina , USA
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