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Wang J, Chai Q, Lei Z, Wang Y, He J, Ge P, Lu Z, Qiang L, Zhao D, Yu S, Qiu C, Zhong Y, Li BX, Zhang L, Pang Y, Gao GF, Liu CH. LILRB1-HLA-G axis defines a checkpoint driving natural killer cell exhaustion in tuberculosis. EMBO Mol Med 2024:10.1038/s44321-024-00106-1. [PMID: 39030302 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00106-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic infections, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-caused tuberculosis (TB), can induce host immune exhaustion. However, the key checkpoint molecules involved in this process and the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain largely undefined, which impede the application of checkpoint-based immunotherapy in infectious diseases. Here, through adopting time-of-flight mass cytometry and transcriptional profiling to systematically analyze natural killer (NK) cell surface receptors, we identify leukocyte immunoglobulin like receptor B1 (LILRB1) as a critical checkpoint receptor that defines a TB-associated cell subset (LILRB1+ NK cells) and drives NK cell exhaustion in TB. Mechanistically, Mtb-infected macrophages display high expression of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), which upregulates and activates LILRB1 on NK cells to impair their functions by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling via tyrosine phosphatases SHP1/2. Furthermore, LILRB1 blockade restores NK cell-dependent anti-Mtb immunity in immuno-humanized mice. Thus, LILRB1-HLA-G axis constitutes a NK cell immune checkpoint in TB and serves as a promising immunotherapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyao Chai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zehui Lei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiru Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiehua He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pupu Ge
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Qiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongdong Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Changgen Qiu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanzhao Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing-Xi Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Pang
- Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - George Fu Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Cui Hua Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Xiang Z, Yin X, Wei L, Peng M, Zhu Q, Lu X, Guo J, Zhang J, Li X, Zou Y. LILRB4 Checkpoint for Immunotherapy: Structure, Mechanism and Disease Targets. Biomolecules 2024; 14:187. [PMID: 38397424 PMCID: PMC10887124 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
LILRB4, a myeloid inhibitory receptor belonging to the family of leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors (LILRs/LIRs), plays a pivotal role in the regulation of immune tolerance. LILRB4 primarily mediates suppressive immune responses by transmitting inhibitory signals through immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs). This immune checkpoint molecule has gained considerable attention due to its potent regulatory functions. Its ability to induce effector T cell dysfunction and promote T suppressor cell differentiation has been demonstrated, indicating the therapeutic potential of LILRB4 for modulating excessive immune responses, particularly in autoimmune diseases or the induction of transplant tolerance. Additionally, through intervening with LILRB4 molecules, immune system responsiveness can be adjusted, representing significant value in areas such as cancer treatment. Thus, LILRB4 has emerged as a key player in addressing autoimmune diseases, transplant tolerance induction, and other medical issues. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of LILRB4, encompassing its structure, expression, and ligand molecules as well as its role as a tolerance receptor. By exploring the involvement of LILRB4 in various diseases, its significance in disease progression is emphasized. Furthermore, we propose that the manipulation of LILRB4 represents a promising immunotherapeutic strategy and highlight its potential in disease prevention, treatment and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yizhou Zou
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (Z.X.); (X.Y.); (L.W.); (M.P.); (Q.Z.); (X.L.); (J.G.); (J.Z.); (X.L.)
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Wang S, Wang J, Xia Y, Zhang L, Jiang Y, Liu M, Gao Q, Zhang C. Harnessing the potential of HLA-G in cancer therapy: advances, challenges, and prospects. J Transl Med 2024; 22:130. [PMID: 38310272 PMCID: PMC10838004 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockades have been prized in circumventing and ablating the impediments posed by immunosuppressive receptors, reaching an exciting juncture to be an innovator in anticancer therapy beyond traditional therapeutics. Thus far, approved immune checkpoint blockades have principally targeted PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 with exciting success in a plethora of tumors and yet are still trapped in dilemmas of limited response rates and adverse effects. Hence, unveiling new immunotherapeutic targets has aroused immense scientific interest in the hope of expanding the clinical application of immune checkpoint blockades to scale new heights. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, is enriched on various malignant cells and is involved in the hindrance of immune effector cells and the facilitation of immunosuppressive cells. HLA-G stands out as a crucial next-generation immune checkpoint showing great promise for the benefit of cancer patients. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the expression pattern and immunological functions of HLA-G, as well as its interaction with well-characterized immune checkpoints. Since HLA-G can be shed from the cell surface or released by various cells as free soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) or as part of extracellular vesicles (EVs), namely HLA-G-bearing EVs (HLA-GEV), we discuss the potential of sHLA-G and HLA-GEV as predictive biomarkers. This review also addresses the advancement of HLA-G-based therapies in preclinical and clinical settings, with a focus on their clinical application in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yueqiang Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Cuntai Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Redondo-García S, Barritt C, Papagregoriou C, Yeboah M, Frendeus B, Cragg MS, Roghanian A. Human leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors in health and disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1282874. [PMID: 38022598 PMCID: PMC10679719 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1282874] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte immunoglobulin (Ig)-like receptors (LILR) are a family of 11 innate immunomodulatory receptors, primarily expressed on lymphoid and myeloid cells. LILRs are either activating (LILRA) or inhibitory (LILRB) depending on their associated signalling domains (D). With the exception of the soluble LILRA3, LILRAs mediate immune activation, while LILRB1-5 primarily inhibit immune responses and mediate tolerance. Abnormal expression and function of LILRs is associated with a range of pathologies, including immune insufficiency (infection and malignancy) and overt immune responses (autoimmunity and alloresponses), suggesting LILRs may be excellent candidates for targeted immunotherapies. This review will discuss the biology and clinical relevance of this extensive family of immune receptors and will summarise the recent developments in targeting LILRs in disease settings, such as cancer, with an update on the clinical trials investigating the therapeutic targeting of these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Redondo-García
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Barritt
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Lister Department of General Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Charys Papagregoriou
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Muchaala Yeboah
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Björn Frendeus
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- BioInvent International AB, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mark S. Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Roghanian
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Zeller T, Münnich IA, Windisch R, Hilger P, Schewe DM, Humpe A, Kellner C. Perspectives of targeting LILRB1 in innate and adaptive immune checkpoint therapy of cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1240275. [PMID: 37781391 PMCID: PMC10533923 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1240275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade is a compelling approach in tumor immunotherapy. Blocking inhibitory pathways in T cells has demonstrated clinical efficacy in different types of cancer and may hold potential to also stimulate innate immune responses. A novel emerging potential target for immune checkpoint therapy is leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 1 (LILRB1). LILRB1 belongs to the superfamily of leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors and exerts inhibitory functions. The receptor is expressed by a variety of immune cells including macrophages as well as certain cytotoxic lymphocytes and contributes to the regulation of different immune responses by interaction with classical as well as non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. LILRB1 has gained increasing attention as it has been demonstrated to function as a phagocytosis checkpoint on macrophages by recognizing HLA class I, which represents a 'Don't Eat Me!' signal that impairs phagocytic uptake of cancer cells, similar to CD47. The specific blockade of the HLA class I:LILRB1 axis may provide an option to promote phagocytosis by macrophages and also to enhance cytotoxic functions of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Currently, LILRB1 specific antibodies are in different stages of pre-clinical and clinical development. In this review, we introduce LILRB1 and highlight the features that make this immune checkpoint a promising target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Zeller
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ira A. Münnich
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Windisch
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Patricia Hilger
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Denis M. Schewe
- Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Humpe
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Kellner
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Mao J, Feng Y, Zhu X, Ma F. The Molecular Mechanisms of HLA-G Regulatory Function on Immune Cells during Early Pregnancy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1213. [PMID: 37627278 PMCID: PMC10452754 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical human major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) molecule with the membrane-bound and soluble types. HLA-G is primarily expressed by extravillous cytotrophoblast cells located at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy and is essential in establishing immune tolerance. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the multiple molecular mechanisms by which HLA-G regulates the immune function of NK cells. It highlights that HLA-G binds to microRNA to suppress NK cell cytotoxicity and stimulate the secretion of growth factors to support fetal growth. The interactions between HLA-G and NK cells also activate senescence signaling, promoting spiral artery remodeling and maintaining the balance of maternal-fetal immune responses. In addition, HLA-G can inhibit the function of decidual T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. Overall, the interaction between trophoblast cells and immune cells mediated by HLA-G plays a crucial role in understanding immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface and offers insights into potential treatments for pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Mao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Neurobiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Saresella M, Marventano I, Piancone F, Bolognesi E, Hernis A, Zanzottera M, La Rosa F, Agliardi C, Giraldo S, Chiappedi M, Guerini FR, Clerici M. Alterations of natural killer cells activatory molecules phenotype and function in mothers of ASD children: a pilot study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1190925. [PMID: 37545517 PMCID: PMC10398568 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1190925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is accompanied by complex immune alterations and inflammation, and the possible role played by Natural Killer (NK) in such alterations is only barely understood. Methods To address this question we analysed activating and inhibitory NK receptors, as well as NK cells phenotype and function in a group of mothers of children who developed ASD (ASD-MO; N=24) comparing results to those obtained in mothers of healthy children who did not develop (HC-MO; N=25). Results Results showed that in ASD-MO compared to HC-MO: 1) NK cells expressing the inhibitory receptor ILT2 are significantly decreased; 2) the activating HLA-G14bp+ polymorphism is more frequently observed and is correlated with the decrease of ILT2-expressing cells; 3) the CD56bright and CD56dim NK subsets are increased; 4) IFNγ and TNF production is reduced; and 5) perforin- and granzymes-releasing NK cells are increased even in unstimulated conditions and could not be upregulated by mitogenic stimulation. Discussion Results herein reinforce the hypothesis that ASD relatives present traits similar to, but not as severe as the defining features of ASD (Autism endophenotype) and identify a role for NK cells impairment in generating the inflammatory milieu that is observed in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ambra Hernis
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Russo E, Corrao S, Di Gaudio F, Alberti G, Caprnda M, Kubatka P, Kruzliak P, Miceli V, Conaldi PG, Borlongan CV, La Rocca G. Facing the Challenges in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: From Standard Treatments to the Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as a New Therapeutic Strategy. Cells 2023; 12:1664. [PMID: 37371134 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which counts more than 650 million cases and more than 6.6 million of deaths worldwide, affects the respiratory system with typical symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and fatigue. Other nonpulmonary manifestations are related with abnormal inflammatory response, the "cytokine storm", that could lead to a multiorgan disease and to death. Evolution of effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 provided multiple options to prevent the infection, but the treatment of the severe forms remains difficult to manage. The cytokine storm is usually counteracted with standard medical care and anti-inflammatory drugs, but researchers moved forward their studies on new strategies based on cell therapy approaches. The perinatal tissues, such as placental membranes, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord derivatives, are enriched in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that exert a well-known anti-inflammatory role, immune response modulation, and tissue repair. In this review, we focused on umbilical-cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) used in in vitro and in vivo studies in order to evaluate the weakening of the severe symptoms, and on recent clinical trials from different databases, supporting the favorable potential of UC-MSCs as therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Russo
- Section of Histology and Embryology, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Corrao
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per per i Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Giusi Alberti
- Section of Histology and Embryology, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Martin Caprnda
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, University Hospital Bratislava, 81499 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03649 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Peter Kruzliak
- Research and Development Services, Pradlacka 18, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vitale Miceli
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per per i Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Research Department, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per per i Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Cesario Venturina Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Giampiero La Rocca
- Section of Histology and Embryology, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Rubino V, Carriero F, Palatucci AT, Giovazzino A, Leone S, Nicolella V, Calabrò M, Montanaro R, Brancaleone V, Pane F, Chiurazzi F, Ruggiero G, Terrazzano G. Adaptive and Innate Cytotoxic Effectors in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) Subjects with Stable Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119596. [PMID: 37298547 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is characterised by the expansion of a neoplastic mature B cell clone. CLL clinical outcome is very heterogeneous, with some subjects never requiring therapy and some showing an aggressive disease. Genetic and epigenetic alterations and pro-inflammatory microenvironment influence CLL progression and prognosis. The involvement of immune-mediated mechanisms in CLL control needs to be investigated. We analyse the activation profile of innate and adaptive cytotoxic immune effectors in a cohort of 26 CLL patients with stable disease, as key elements for immune-mediated control of cancer progression. We observed an increase in CD54 expression and interferon (IFN)-γ production by cytotoxic T cells (CTL). CTL ability to recognise tumour-targets depends on human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-class I expression. We observed a decreased expression of HLA-A and HLA-BC on B cells of CLL subjects, associated with a significant reduction in intracellular calnexin that is relevant for HLA surface expression. Natural killer (NK) cells and CTL from CLL subjects show an increased expression of the activating receptor KIR2DS2 and a reduction of 3DL1 and NKG2A inhibiting molecules. Therefore, an activation profile characterises CTL and NK cells of CLL subjects with stable disease. This profile is conceivable with the functional involvement of cytotoxic effectors in CLL control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rubino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Carriero
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Angela Giovazzino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Leone
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Nicolella
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Calabrò
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabrizio Pane
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Chiurazzi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Ruggiero
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
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10
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Durmanova V, Kluckova K, Filova B, Minarik G, Kozak J, Rychly B, Svajdler M, Matejcik V, Steno J, Bucova M. HLA-G 5'URR regulatory polymorphisms are associated with the risk of developing gliomas. Int J Neurosci 2023; 133:365-374. [PMID: 33902385 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2021.1922401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) belongs to non-classical MHC class I molecules that is involved in the suppression of immune response. As HLA-G plays important role in the maintenance of fetal tolerance, its overexpression has been associated with tumor progression. For the regulation of HLA-G levels, genetic variants within the 5' upstream regulatory region (5'URR) are of crucial importance. Our study aimed to analyze the association between 16 HLA-G 5'URR variants, sHLA-G level and clinical variables in glioma patients. METHODS We investigated 59 patients with gliomas (mean age 54.70 ± 15.10 years) and 131 healthy controls (mean age 41.45 ± 9.75 years). Patient's blood was obtained on the day of surgical treatment. The HLA-G 5'URR polymorphisms were typed by direct sequencing and the plasma level of sHLA-G assessed by ELISA. RESULTS Haploblock within HLA-G 5'URR consisting of -762T, -716G, -689G, -666T, -633A, followed by -486C and -201A alleles were significantly more frequent in patients with gliomas than in the controls (p < 0.05). No correlation of HLA-G 5'URR variants with sHLA-G plasma level was found. Analysis of HLA-G 5'URR variants with main clinical variables in patients with grade IV gliomas revealed that haploblock carriers of -762CT, -716TG, -689AG, -666GT, -633GA, -486AC, -477GC, -201GA followed by -369AC carriers tend to have lower age at onset as compared to other genotype carriers (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Our results suggest genetic association of HLA-G 5'URR variants with risk of developing gliomas and possible contribution of HLA-G to disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimira Durmanova
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kristina Kluckova
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbora Filova
- Institute of Medical Physics, Biophysics, Informatics and Telemedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabriel Minarik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Kozak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Boris Rychly
- Department of Pathology, Cytopathos, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marian Svajdler
- Department of Pathology, Cytopathos, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Sikl's Department of Pathology, Charles University, The Faculty of Medicine and Faculty Hospital in Pilsen, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Viktor Matejcik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Steno
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Maria Bucova
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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11
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Adamova P, Lotto RR, Powell AK, Dykes IM. Are there foetal extracellular vesicles in maternal blood? Prospects for diagnostic biomarker discovery. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:65-81. [PMID: 36538060 PMCID: PMC9977902 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02278-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital disease improves clinical outcomes; however, as many as 50% of congenital heart disease cases are missed by current ultrasound screening methods. This indicates a need for improved screening technology. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted enormous interest in recent years for their potential in diagnostics. EVs mediate endocrine signalling in health and disease and are known to regulate aspects of embryonic development. Here, we critically evaluate recent evidence suggesting that EVs released from the foetus are able to cross the placenta and enter the maternal circulation. Furthermore, EVs from the mother appear to be transported in the reverse direction, whilst the placenta itself acts as a source of EVs. Experimental work utilising rodent models employing either transgenically encoded reporters or application of fluorescent tracking dyes provide convincing evidence of foetal-maternal crosstalk. This is supported by clinical data demonstrating expression of placental-origin EVs in maternal blood, as well as limited evidence for the presence of foetal-origin EVs. Together, this work raises the possibility that foetal EVs present in maternal blood could be used for the diagnosis of congenital disease. We discuss the challenges faced by researchers in translating these basic science findings into a clinical non-invasive prenatal test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Adamova
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.,Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Robyn R Lotto
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,School of Nursing and Allied Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Tithebarn St, Liverpool, L2 2ER, UK
| | - Andrew K Powell
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.,Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Iain M Dykes
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK. .,Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
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12
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Schiuma G, Beltrami S, Santi E, Scutiero G, Sanz JM, Semprini CM, Rizzo S, Fernandez M, Zidi I, Gafà R, Passaro A, Greco P, Bortolotti D, Rizzo R. Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy on CD147, ACE2 and HLA-G expression. Placenta 2023; 132:38-43. [PMID: 36628848 PMCID: PMC9814282 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies reported a differential expression of both ACE2 and CD147 in pregnant women associated to SARS-CoV-2 placental infection. The aim of this study is to further investigate the placental SARS-CoV-2 infection and the potential effect on protein expression (ACE2, CD147, HLA-G and CD56). METHODS The study was on three subgroups: i) 18 subjects positive for SARS-CoV-2 swab at delivery; ii) 9 subjects that had a positive SARS-CoV-2 swab during pregnancy but resulted negative at delivery; iii) 11 control subjects with physiological pregnancy and with no previous or concomitant SARS-CoV-2 swab positivity. None of the subjects were vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The placenta samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 NP (Nucleocapsid protein) positivity and the expression of ACE2, CD147, HLA-G and CD56. RESULTS We observed a higher percentage of SARS-CoV-2 NP positive placenta samples in the group of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive at delivery in comparison with SARS-CoV-2 PCR negative at delivery. The localization of SARS-CoV-2 NP positivity in placenta samples was mainly in syncytiotrophoblast (ST) of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive at delivery group and in extra-villous trophoblast (EVT) of SARS-CoV-2 PCR negative at delivery group. CD147, HLA-G positivity was higher in ST of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive at delivery group, while CD56-expressing immune cells were decreased in comparison with control subjects. DISCUSSION We confirmed the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect placenta tissues. The simultaneous SARS-CoV-2 swab positivity at delivery and the positivity of the placenta tissue for SARS-CoV-2 NP seems to create an environment that modifies the expression of specific molecules, as CD147 and HLA-G. These data suggest a possible impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, that might be worthy to be monitored also in vaccinated subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erica Santi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Obstetric and Gynecological Clinic, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gennaro Scutiero
- Department of Medical Sciences, Obstetric and Gynecological Clinic, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Juana Maria Sanz
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Marina Semprini
- Medical Department, University Hospital of Ferrara Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Via Aldo Moro, 8 Cona, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mercedes Fernandez
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ines Zidi
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angelina Passaro
- Medical Department, University Hospital of Ferrara Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Via Aldo Moro, 8 Cona, 44124, Ferrara, Italy,Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Department of Medical Sciences, Obstetric and Gynecological Clinic, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy; LTTA-Clinical Research Center, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46 - 44100, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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13
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Wang J, Zhao SJ, Wang LL, Lin XX, Mor G, Liao AH. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B: A novel immune checkpoint molecule at the maternal-fetal interface. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 155:103764. [PMID: 36434938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Due to their crucial roles in embryo implantation, maternal-fetal tolerance induction, and pregnancy progression, immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs), such as programmed cell death-1, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4, and T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3, are considered potential targets for clinical intervention in pregnancy complications. Despite the considerable progress on these molecules, our understanding of ICMs at the maternal-fetal interface is still limited. Identification of alternative and novel ICMs and the combination of multiple ICMs is urgently needed for deeply understanding the mechanism of maternal-fetal tolerance and to discover the causes of pregnancy complications. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B (LILRB) is a novel class of ICMs with strong negative regulatory effects on the immune response. Recent studies have revealed that LILRB is enriched in decidual immune cells and stromal cells at the maternal-fetal interface, which can modulate the biological behavior of immune cells and promote immune tolerance. In this review, we introduce the structural features, expression profiles, ligands, and orthologs of LILRB. In addition, the potential mechanisms and functions mediated by LILRB for sustaining the maternal-fetal tolerance microenvironment, remodeling the uterine spiral artery, and induction of pregnancy immune memory are summarized. We have also provided new suggestions for further understanding the roles of LILRB and potential therapeutic strategies for pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Si-Jia Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Li-Ling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xin-Xiu Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Gil Mor
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
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14
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Knabl J, Hüttenbrenner R, Mahner S, Kainer F, Desoye G, Jeschke U. Lower HLA-G levels in extravillous trophoblasts of human term placenta in gestational diabetes mellitus than in normal controls. Histochem Cell Biol 2022:10.1007/s00418-022-02163-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe non-classical human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule HLA-G is widely known to play a major role in feto-maternal tolerance. We tested the hypothesis that HLA-G expression is altered in placentas of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a specific pattern that depends on fetal sex. HLA-G expression was analysed in a total of 80 placentas (40 placentas from women with GDM and 40 healthy controls) by immunohistochemistry using the semi-quantitative immunoreactive score (IRS). Double immunofluorescence staining identified the cells expressing HLA-G in the decidua and allowed evaluation of the expression pattern. We found a significant (p < 0.001) reduction of HLA-G expression in extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVTs) in the placentas of women with GDM as compared to the healthy controls and were able to demonstrate that this downregulation was not due to a loss of cell number, but to a loss of expression intensity. A special change in the cell pattern of EVTs was observed, with these cells showing an obvious decrease in HLA-G expression on their cell surface. No significant differences according to fetal sex were found. These data show a possible association between decreased HLA-G expression and presence of GDM and provide new insights into altered placental function in women with GDM.
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15
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Yang Y, Wang W, Weng J, Li H, Ma Y, Liu L, Ma W. Advances in the study of HLA class Ib in maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:976289. [PMID: 36105800 PMCID: PMC9465335 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.976289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The HLA class Ib molecule is an alloantigen that causes transplant rejection on behalf of individual human and plays an important role in maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Early studies on HLA class Ib focused on the mechanism of HLA-G-induced immune escape, but in recent years, studies on the mechanism of HLA-G have deepened and gradually explored the mechanism of HLA-E and HLA-F, which are also HLA class Ib molecules. In the maternal-fetal interface, trophoblast cells express HLA class Ib molecules to protect the fetus from maternal immune cells by binding to inhibitory receptors of decidual immune cells (DICs) and shifting Th1/Th2 balance toward Th2 bias. Further studies on the molecular mechanism of HLA class Ib molecules provide a reference for its application in the field of clinical assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Yang
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wanning Wang
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Weng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Weng, ; Lingyan Liu,
| | - Huifang Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanmin Ma
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyan Liu
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Weng, ; Lingyan Liu,
| | - Wei Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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16
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Liu S, Bos NA, Verschuuren EAM, van Baarle D, Westra J. Biological Characteristics of HLA-G and Its Role in Solid Organ Transplantation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:902093. [PMID: 35769475 PMCID: PMC9234285 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.902093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ transplantation is a lifesaving option for patients with advanced diseases. Rejection is regarded as one of the most severe risk factors post-transplantation. A molecule that contributes to immune tolerance and resisting rejection is human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, which belongs to the non-classical major histocompatibility complex class (MHC) I family. HLA-G was originally found to play a role during pregnancy to maintain immune tolerance between mother and child. It is expressed in the placenta and detected in several body fluids as soluble factor as well as different membrane isoforms on cells. Recent findings on HLA-G show that it can also play multifaceted roles during transplantation. This review will explain the general characteristics and biological function of HLA-G and summarize the views supporting the tolerogenic and other roles of HLA-G to better understand its role in solid organ transplantation (SOT) and its complications. Finally, we will discuss potential future research on the role of HLA-G in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in SOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas A. Bos
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Erik A. M. Verschuuren
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Debbie van Baarle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Johanna Westra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Johanna Westra,
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17
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Papúchová H, Saxtorph MH, Hallager T, Jepsen IE, Eriksen JO, Persson G, Funck T, Weisdorf I, Macklon NS, Larsen LG, Hviid TVF. Endometrial HLA-F expression is influenced by genotypes and correlates differently with immune cell infiltration in IVF and recurrent implantation failure patients. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1816-1834. [PMID: 35689445 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-F protein expressed in mid-secretory endometrium, and are its expression levels influenced by HLA-F gene polymorphisms and correlated with the abundance of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages? SUMMARY ANSWER HLA-F protein is expressed in mid-secretory endometrium, and levels are correlated with immune cell infiltration, plasma progesterone concentrations and HLA-F single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), however, women experiencing recurrent implantation failure (RIF) show differences when compared to women attending their first IVF treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The immunomodulatory HLA class Ib molecules HLA-G and HLA-F are expressed on the extravillous trophoblast cells and interact with receptors on maternal immune cells. Little is known regarding HLA-F expression in endometrial stroma and HLA-F function; furthermore, HLA-F and HLA-G SNP genotypes and haplotypes have been correlated with differences in time-to-pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Primary endometrial stromal cell (ESC) cultures (n = 5) were established from endometrial biopsies from women attending IVF treatment at a fertility clinic. Basic HLA-F and HLA-G protein expression by the ESCs were investigated. A prospective controlled cohort study was performed including 85 women with a history of RIF and 36 control women beginning their first fertility treatment and with no history of RIF. In some analyses, the RIF group was divided into unknown cause, male infertility, female infertility, and both female and male infertility. Endometrial biopsies and blood samples were obtained the day equivalent to embryo transfer in a hormone-substituted cycle. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS HLA protein expression by ESCs was characterized using flow cytometry and western blot. In the cohort study, the specific immune markers HLA-F and HLA-G, CD56 and CD16 (NK cells), CD163 (M2 macrophages), FOXP3 (regulatory T cells) and CD138 (plasma cells) were analysed by immunohistochemistry and a digital image analysis system in endometrial biopsies. Endometrial receptivity was assessed by an endometrial receptivity array test (the ERA® test). Endometrial biopsies were examined according to modified Noyes' criteria. SNPs at the HLA-F gene and HLA-G haplotypes were determined. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE HLA-F protein is expressed in the endometrium at the time of implantation. Furthermore, the HLA-F protein levels were different according to the womeńs HLA-F SNP genotypes and diplotypes, which have previously been correlated with differences in time-to-pregnancy. Endometrial HLA-F was positively correlated with anti-inflammatory CD163+ M2 macrophage infiltration and CD56+ uNK cell abundance for the entire cohort. However, this was not the case for CD56+ in the female infertility RIF subgroup. HLA-F levels in the endometrial stroma were negatively correlated with plasma progesterone concentrations in the RIF subgroup with known female infertility. Conversely, HLA-F and progesterone were positively correlated in the RIF subgroup with infertility of the male partner and no infertility diagnosis of the woman indicating interconnections between progesterone, HLA-F and immune cell infiltration. Glandular sHLA-G expression was also positively correlated with uNK cell abundance in the RIF subgroup with no female infertility but negatively correlated in the RIF subgroup with a female infertility diagnosis. LARGE SCALE DATA Immunohistochemistry analyses of endometrial biopsies and DNA sequencing of HLA genes. Data will be shared upon reasonable request to the corresponding author. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The control group of women attending their first IVF treatment had an anticipated good prognosis but was not proven fertile. A significant age difference between the RIF group and the IVF group reflects the longer treatment period for women with a history of RIF. The standardization of hormonal endometrial preparation, which allowed consistent timing of endometrial and blood sampling, might be a strength because a more uniform hormonal background may more clearly show an influence on the immune marker profile and HLA class Ib levels in the endometrium by other factors, for example genetic polymorphisms. However, the immune marker profile might be different during a normal cycle. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings further highlight the importance of HLA-F and HLA-G at the implantation site and in early pregnancy for pregnancy success. Diagnostic measures and modulation of the complex interactions between HLA class Ib molecules, maternal immune cells and hormonal factors may have potential to improve fertility treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Region Zealand Health Sciences Research Foundation and the Zealand University Hospital through the ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH. The authors declared there are no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrieta Papúchová
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Malene Hviid Saxtorph
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Trine Hallager
- The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ida E Jepsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Jens O Eriksen
- The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Gry Persson
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Tina Funck
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Iben Weisdorf
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Nicholas S Macklon
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,London Women's Clinic, London, UK
| | - Lise Grupe Larsen
- The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The ReproHealth Research Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
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18
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Wang P, Greenland JR. HLA-G/ILT2 signaling on the path to tolerance. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022; 41:852-853. [PMID: 35382979 PMCID: PMC10842902 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - John R Greenland
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California; Medical Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California.
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19
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Khamri W, Gudd C, Liu T, Nathwani R, Krasniqi M, Azam S, Barbera T, Trovato FM, Possamai L, Triantafyllou E, Seoane RC, Lebosse F, Singanayagam A, Kumar N, Bernsmeier C, Mukherjee S, McPhail M, Weston CJ, Antoniades CG, Thursz MR. Suppressor CD4 + T cells expressing HLA-G are expanded in the peripheral blood from patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Gut 2022; 71:1192-1202. [PMID: 34344786 PMCID: PMC9120410 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-324071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identifying components of immuneparesis, a hallmark of chronic liver failure, is crucial for our understanding of complications in cirrhosis. Various suppressor CD4+ T cells have been established as potent inhibitors of systemic immune activation. Here, we establish the presence, regulation and mechanism of action of a suppressive CD4+ T cell subset expressing human leucocyte antigen G (HLA-G) in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis (AD). DESIGN Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion and immunophenotype of CD4+HLA-G+ T cells from peripheral blood of 20 healthy controls (HCs) and 98 patients with cirrhosis (28 with stable cirrhosis (SC), 20 with chronic decompensated cirrhosis (CD) and 50 with AD). Transcriptional and functional signatures of cell-sorted CD4+HLA-G+ cells were delineated by NanoString technology and suppression assays, respectively. The role of immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin (IL)-35 in inducing this population was investigated through in vitro blockade experiments. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and cultures of primary human Kupffer cells (KCs) were performed to assess cellular sources of IL-35. HLA-G-mediated T cell suppression was explored using neutralising antibodies targeting co-inhibitory pathways. RESULTS Patients with AD were distinguished by an expansion of a CD4+HLA-G+CTLA-4+IL-35+ immunosuppressive population associated with disease severity, clinical course of AD, infectious complications and poor outcome. Transcriptomic analyses excluded the possibility that these were thymic-derived regulatory T cells. IHC analyses and in vitro cultures demonstrate that KCs represent a potent source of IL-35 which can induce the observed HLA-G+ phenotype. These exert cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4-mediated impaired responses in T cells paralleled by an HLA-G-driven downregulation of T helper 17-related cytokines. CONCLUSION We have identified a cytokine-driven peripherally derived suppressive population that may contribute to immuneparesis in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Khamri
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Cathrin Gudd
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tong Liu
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rooshi Nathwani
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marigona Krasniqi
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sofia Azam
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Barbera
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Francesca M Trovato
- Department of Inflammation Biology, Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Lucia Possamai
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Evangelos Triantafyllou
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rocio Castro Seoane
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Fanny Lebosse
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Arjuna Singanayagam
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Naveenta Kumar
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christine Bernsmeier
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK,Department of Inflammation Biology, Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Sujit Mukherjee
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark McPhail
- Department of Inflammation Biology, Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Chris J Weston
- NIHR Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Charalambos Gustav Antoniades
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark R Thursz
- Section of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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20
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Effect of HLA-G5 Immune Checkpoint Molecule on the Expression of ILT-2, CD27, and CD38 in Splenic B cells. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:4829227. [PMID: 35600048 PMCID: PMC9119744 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4829227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is an immune checkpoint molecule with a complex network of interactions with several inhibitory receptors. Although the effect of HLA-G on T cells and NK cells is well studied, the effect of HLA-G on B cells is still largely elusive. B cells are of particular interest in the context of the HLA-G-ILT-2 interaction because the ILT-2 receptor is constitutively expressed on most B cells, whereas it is only present on some subsets of T and NK cells. To characterize the effect of HLA-G5 molecules on B cells, we studied splenic B cells derived from cytomegalovirus (CMV) sero-positive donors after CMV stimulation with antigens in the presence and absence of soluble HLA-G5. In the presence of HLA-G5, increased expression of the ITIM-bearing Ig-like transcript (ILT-2) was observed on B cells, but its expression was not affected by stimulation with CMV antigens. Moreover, it became evident that HLA-G5 exposure resulted in a decreased expression of CD27 and CD38 and, accordingly, in lower proportions of CD19+CD27+CD38+ and higher proportions of CD19+CD27-CD38- B cells. Taken together, our in vitro findings demonstrate that soluble HLA-G5 suppresses markers of B cell activation, suggesting that HLA-G5 has an impact on splenic B cell differentiation and activation. Based on these results, further investigation regarding the role of HLA-G as a prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic agent with respect to B cell function appears reasonable.
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21
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Bucova M, Kluckova K, Kozak J, Rychly B, Suchankova M, Svajdler M, Matejcik V, Steno J, Zsemlye E, Durmanova V. HLA-G 14bp Ins/Del Polymorphism, Plasma Level of Soluble HLA-G, and Association with IL-6/IL-10 Ratio and Survival of Glioma Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051099. [PMID: 35626255 PMCID: PMC9139224 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is an immune checkpoint molecule with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities, and its expression and level of its soluble form (sHLA-G) may play an important role in tumor prognosis. The HLA-G 14bp ins/del polymorphism and the plasma level of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) were investigated by a polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, respectively, in 59 glioma patients. A significantly higher proportion of glioma patients had the 14 nt insert in both homozygous and heterozygous states compared to the control group. Glioma patients also had higher plasma levels of sHLA-G. Patients with methylated MGMT promoters had lower levels of sHLA-G than those with unmethylated MGMT promoters. The level of sHLA-G negatively correlated with the overall survival of patients. Glioblastoma patients who survived more than one year after diagnosis had lower levels of sHLA-G than those surviving less than one year. Patients with sHLA-G levels below the cut-off value of 40 U/mL survived significantly longer than patients with sHLA-G levels above 40 U/mL. The levels of sHLA-G were also negatively correlated with the level of IL-6 (p = 0.0004) and positively with IL-10/IL-6 (p = 0.046). Conclusion: The presence of the 14 nt insert in both homozygous and heterozygous states of the HLA-G 14bp ins/del polymorphism is more frequent in glioma patients and the elevated plasma levels of sHLA-G are negatively associated with their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bucova
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Immunology, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.K.); (M.S.); (E.Z.); (V.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-59-357-351
| | - Kristina Kluckova
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Immunology, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.K.); (M.S.); (E.Z.); (V.D.)
| | - Jan Kozak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital, 833 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.K.); (V.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Boris Rychly
- Alpha Medical, Ltd., 841 01 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Magda Suchankova
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Immunology, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.K.); (M.S.); (E.Z.); (V.D.)
| | - Marian Svajdler
- Cytopathos Ltd., 831 03 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Sikl’s Department of Pathology, the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, 306 05 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Viktor Matejcik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital, 833 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.K.); (V.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Juraj Steno
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital, 833 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.K.); (V.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Eszter Zsemlye
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Immunology, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.K.); (M.S.); (E.Z.); (V.D.)
| | - Vladimira Durmanova
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Immunology, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.K.); (M.S.); (E.Z.); (V.D.)
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22
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Zoehler B, Fracaro L, Boldrini-Leite LM, da Silva JS, Travers PJ, Brofman PRS, Bicalho MDG, Senegaglia AC. HLA-G and CD152 Expression Levels Encourage the Use of Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as an Alternative for Immunosuppressive Therapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081339. [PMID: 35456019 PMCID: PMC9032010 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been used in immunosuppressive therapy due to their therapeutic effects, with the HLA-G molecule seeming to play a fundamental role. This work evaluated alternative MSC sources to bone marrow (BM), namely, umbilical cord tissue (UC), adipose tissue (AD) and dental pulp tissue (DP), and the influence of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and hypoxia on the cultivation of these cells for use in immunosuppression therapies. Expression of costimulatory markers CD40, CD80 and CD86 and immunosuppressive molecules CD152 and HLA-G was analyzed. Lymphocyte inhibition assays were also performed. Sequencing of the HLA-G gene from exons 1 to 5 was performed using next-generation sequencing to determine the presence of alleles. UC-derived MSCs (UCMSCs) expressed higher CD152 and HLA-G1 under standard cultivation. UCMSCs and DP-derived MSCs (DPSCs) secreted similar levels of HLA-G5. All MSC sources inhibited the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs); growth under regular versus hypoxic conditions resulted in similar levels of inhibition. When IFN-γ was added, PBMC growth was inhibited to a lesser extent by UCMSCs. The HLA-G*01:04:01:01 allele appears to generate a more efficient MSC response in inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation. However, the strength of this conclusion was limited by the small sample size. UCMSCs are an excellent alternative to BM in immunosuppressive therapy: they express high concentrations of inhibitory molecules and can be cultivated without stimuli, which minimizes cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Zoehler
- Immunogenetics and Histocompatibility Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-001, PR, Brazil; (J.S.d.S.); (M.d.G.B.)
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (A.C.S.)
| | - Letícia Fracaro
- Core for Cell Technology, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba 80910-215, PR, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.M.B.-L.); (P.R.S.B.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, INCT-REGENERA, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lidiane Maria Boldrini-Leite
- Core for Cell Technology, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba 80910-215, PR, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.M.B.-L.); (P.R.S.B.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, INCT-REGENERA, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Samuel da Silva
- Immunogenetics and Histocompatibility Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-001, PR, Brazil; (J.S.d.S.); (M.d.G.B.)
| | - Paul J. Travers
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK;
| | - Paulo Roberto Slud Brofman
- Core for Cell Technology, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba 80910-215, PR, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.M.B.-L.); (P.R.S.B.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, INCT-REGENERA, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria da Graça Bicalho
- Immunogenetics and Histocompatibility Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-001, PR, Brazil; (J.S.d.S.); (M.d.G.B.)
| | - Alexandra Cristina Senegaglia
- Core for Cell Technology, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba 80910-215, PR, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.M.B.-L.); (P.R.S.B.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, INCT-REGENERA, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (A.C.S.)
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23
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Physiological Function of the Dynamic Oxygen Signaling Pathway at the Maternal-fetal Interface. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103626. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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24
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Jasinski-Bergner S, Eckstein M, Taubert H, Wach S, Fiebig C, Strick R, Hartmann A, Seliger B. The Human Leukocyte Antigen G as an Immune Escape Mechanism and Novel Therapeutic Target in Urological Tumors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:811200. [PMID: 35185904 PMCID: PMC8855320 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.811200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-classical human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a potent regulatory protein involved in the induction of immunological tolerance. This is based on the binding of membrane-bound as well as soluble HLA-G to inhibitory receptors expressed on various immune effector cells, in particular NK cells and T cells, leading to their attenuated functions. Despite its restricted expression on immune-privileged tissues under physiological conditions, HLA-G expression has been frequently detected in solid and hematopoietic malignancies including urological cancers, such as renal cell and urothelial bladder carcinoma and has been associated with progression of urological cancers and poor outcome of patients: HLA-G expression protects tumor cells from anti-tumor immunity upon interaction with its inhibitory receptors by modulating both the phenotype and function of immune cells leading to immune evasion. This review will discuss the expression, regulation, functional and clinical relevance of HLA-G expression in urological tumors as well as its use as a putative biomarker and/or potential therapeutic target for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma as well as urothelial bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Helge Taubert
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Wach
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Fiebig
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reiner Strick
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Main Department of GMP Cell and Gene Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
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25
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HLA-G and Other Immune Checkpoint Molecules as Targets for Novel Combined Immunotherapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062925. [PMID: 35328349 PMCID: PMC8948858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is an HLA-class Ib molecule that is involved in the establishment of tolerance at the maternal/fetal interface during pregnancy. The expression of HLA-G is highly restricted in adults, but the de novo expression of this molecule may be observed in different hematological and solid tumors and is related to cancer progression. Indeed, tumor cells expressing high levels of HLA-G are able to suppress anti-tumor responses, thus escaping from the control of the immune system. HLA-G has been proposed as an immune checkpoint (IC) molecule due to its crucial role in tumor progression, immune escape, and metastatic spread. We here review data available in the literature in which the interaction between HLA-G and other IC molecules is reported, in particular PD-1, CTLA-4, and TIM-3, but also IDO and TIGIT. Clinical trials using monoclonal antibodies against HLA-G and other IC are currently ongoing with cancer patients where antibodies and inhibitors of PD-1 and CTLA-4 showed encouraging results. With this background, we may envisage that combined therapies using antibodies targeting HLA-G and another IC may be successful for clinical purposes. Indeed, such immunotherapeutic protocols may achieve a better rescue of effective anti-tumor immune response, thus improving the clinical outcome of patients.
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26
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Martín-Villa JM, Vaquero-Yuste C, Molina-Alejandre M, Juarez I, Suárez-Trujillo F, López-Nares A, Palacio-Gruber J, Barrera-Gutiérrez L, Fernández-Cruz E, Rodríguez-Sainz C, Arnaiz-Villena A. HLA-G: Too Much or Too Little? Role in Cancer and Autoimmune Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:796054. [PMID: 35154112 PMCID: PMC8829012 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.796054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-G is a non-classical HLA class I molecule with immunomodulatory properties. It was initially described at the maternal-fetal interface, and it was later found that this molecule was constitutively expressed on certain immuneprivileged tissues, such as cornea, endothelial and erythroid precursors, and thymus. The immunosuppressive effect of HLA-G is exerted through the interaction with its cognate receptors, expressed on immunocompetent cells, like ILT2, expressed on NK, B, T cells and APCs; ILT4, on APCs; KIR, found on the surface of NK cells; and finally, the co-receptor CD8. Because of these immunomodulatory functions, HLA-G has been involved in several processes, amongst which organ transplantation, viral infections, cancer progression, and autoimmunity. HLA-G neo-expression on tumors has been recently described in several types of malignancies. In fact, tumor progression is tightly linked to the presence of the molecule, as it exerts its tolerogenic function, inhibiting the cells of the immune system and favoring tumor escape. Several polymorphisms in the 3’UTR region condition changes in HLA-G expression (14bp and +3142C/G, among others), which have been associated with both the development and outcome of patients with different tumor types. Also, in recent years, several studies have shown that HLA-G plays an important role in the control of autoimmune diseases. The ability of HLA-G to limit the progression of these diseases has been confirmed and, in fact, levels of the molecule and several of its polymorphisms have been associated with increased susceptibility to the development of autoimmune diseases, as well as increased disease severity. Thus, modulating HLA-G expression in target tissues of oncology patients or patients with autoimmune diseases may be potential therapeutic approaches to treat these pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Martín-Villa
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Vaquero-Yuste
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Molina-Alejandre
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Juarez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabio Suárez-Trujillo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián López-Nares
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Palacio-Gruber
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Barrera-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fernández-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Sainz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Arnaiz-Villena
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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27
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Sun YX, Feng Q, Wang SW, Li X, Sheng Z, Peng J. HLA-G-ILT2 interaction contributes to suppression of bone marrow B cell proliferation in acquired aplastic anemia. Ann Hematol 2022; 101:739-748. [PMID: 35041051 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-022-04757-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell destruction in bone marrow. The non-classic human leukocyte class I antigen (HLA-) G interacts with multiple cell subsets, such as T cells and B cells. HLA-G exerts powerful immune suppression by binding with its receptors, immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILTs). Here, we compared 46 AA patients and 28 healthy controls. Soluble HLA-G levels in bone marrow supernatants from AA patients were higher than controls. The proportion of bone marrow B cells was decreased and the ILT2-expressing cells among CD19+ cells were increased in AA patients. In addition, the percentage of mature B cells among marrow B cells was increased in AA patient, while the percentage of pro-B plus pre-B cells was decreased. More immature B cells and pro-B plus pre-B cells expressed ILT2 in AA patients than in controls, while mature B cells expressing ILT2 did not differ significantly. Functional studies demonstrated that high-level soluble HLA-G inhibited bone marrow B cell proliferation by interacting with ILT2 in AA, and was blocked by anti-HLA-G and anti-ILT2 monoclonal antibodies. Together, these results suggest that the abnormal decrease of pro-B plus pre-B cells in AA patients was related to the enhanced suppression by the excess HLA-G and ILT2 proteins. Therapeutic blockade of the HLA-G-ILT2 interaction may help to normalize bone marrow B cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Xin Sun
- Department of Hemodialysis, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qi Feng
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunohematology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shu-Wen Wang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunohematology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunohematology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zi Sheng
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China. .,School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
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Li P, Wang N, Zhang Y, Wang C, Du L. HLA-G/sHLA-G and HLA-G-Bearing Extracellular Vesicles in Cancers: Potential Role as Biomarkers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:791535. [PMID: 34868081 PMCID: PMC8636042 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a non-classic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is expressed in fetal-maternal interface and immunoprivileged site only in healthy condition, and in pathological conditions such as cancer, it can be de novo expressed. It is now widely accepted that HLA-G is a key molecule in the process of immune escape of cancer cells, which is ubiquitously expressed in the tumor environment. This raises the possibility that it may play an adverse role in tumor immunity. The expression level of HLA-G has been demonstrated to be highly correlated with clinical parameters in many tumors, and its potential significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer has been postulated. However, because HLA-G itself has up to seven different subtypes, and for some subtypes, detected antibodies are few or absent, it is hard to evaluate the actual expression of HLA-G in tumors. In the present work, we described (a) the structure and three main forms of HLA-G, (b) summarized the mechanism of HLA-G in the immune escape of tumor cells, (c) discussed the potential role of HLA-G as a tumor marker, and reviewed (d) the methods for detecting and quantifying HLA-G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker Detection , Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Clinical Laboratory, Jinan, China
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29
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Skowron-Kandzia K, Tomsia M, Koryciak-Komarska H, Plewka D, Wieczorek P, Czekaj P. Gene Expression in Amnion-Derived Cells Cultured on Recombinant Laminin 332-A Preliminary Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:719899. [PMID: 34859000 PMCID: PMC8631290 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.719899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human amniotic cells (hAC) exhibit characteristics of undifferentiated cells and immunomodulatory properties. Recognition of the relationship between amniotic cells and components of the extracellular matrix is an important condition for their ex vivo preparation and further successful clinical application in regenerative medicine and transplantology. Laminin 332 (LN-332), as a natural component of the basement membrane of amniotic epithelial cells and a ligand for integrin receptors, may strongly influence the phenotype and fate of amniotic cells. We investigated the impact of recombinant LN-332 on hAC viability and expression of markers for pluripotency, early differentiation, adhesion, and immunomodulatory properties. During 14 days of culture, hAC were quantified and qualified by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry. Gene expression was assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) arrays and compared with differentiated cells originated from the three germ layers. LN-332 caused an over 2-fold increase in the total number of hAC, accompanied by a 75% reduction of SSEA-4-positive cells and an increase in HLA-ABC-positive cells. In particular, we observed that the presence of laminin 332 in the medium of a short-time culture modifies the effect of culture duration on hAC, enhancing time-dependent inhibition of expression of certain genes, including pluripotency and differentiation markers, laminin 332 subunits (which may be part of self-regulation of LN-332 synthesis by amniotic cells), and integrins. The changes observed in hAC were more distinct with respect to differentiated mesenchymal cells, resulting in more comparable phenotypes than those represented by differentiated endo- and ectodermal cells. We concluded that laminin 332 present in the culture medium influences to a certain extent proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation of amniotic cells in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Skowron-Kandzia
- Students Scientific Society, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marcin Tomsia
- Department of Cytophysiology, Chair of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Halina Koryciak-Komarska
- Department of Cytophysiology, Chair of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Danuta Plewka
- Department of Cytophysiology, Chair of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Patrycja Wieczorek
- Department of Cytophysiology, Chair of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Piotr Czekaj
- Department of Cytophysiology, Chair of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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30
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Bortolotti D, Simioni C, Neri LM, Rizzo R, Semprini CM, Occhionorelli S, Laface I, Sanz JM, Schiuma G, Rizzo S, Varano G, Beltrami S, Gentili V, Gafà R, Passaro A. Relevance of VEGF and CD147 in different SARS-CoV-2 positive digestive tracts characterized by thrombotic damage. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21969. [PMID: 34822202 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100821rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Several evidence suggests that, in addition to the respiratory tract, also the gastrointestinal tract is a main site of severe acute respiratory syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, as an example of a multi-organ vascular damage, likely associated with poor prognosis. To assess mechanisms SARS-CoV-2 responsible of tissue infection and vascular injury, correlating with thrombotic damage, specimens of the digestive tract positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein were analyzed deriving from three patients, negative to naso-oro-pharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2. These COVID-19-negative patients came to clinical observation due to urgent abdominal surgery that removed different sections of the digestive tract after thrombotic events. Immunohistochemical for the expression of SARS-CoV-2 combined with a panel of SARS-CoV-2 related proteins angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 was performed. Tissue samples were also evaluated by electron microscopy for ultrastructural virus localization and cell characterization. The damage of the tissue was assessed by ultrastructural analysis. It has been observed that CD147 expression levels correlate with SARS-CoV-2 infection extent, vascular damage and an increased expression of VEGF and thrombosis. The confirmation of CD147 co-localization with SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein binding on gastrointestinal tissues and the reduction of the infection level in intestinal epithelial cells after CD147 neutralization, suggest CD147 as a possible key factor for viral susceptibility of gastrointestinal tissue. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection of gastrointestinal tissue might be consequently implicated in abdominal thrombosis, where VEGF might mediate the vascular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA)-Electron Microscopy Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Maria Neri
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA)-Electron Microscopy Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Marina Semprini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Medical Department, University Hospital of Ferrara Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Savino Occhionorelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Surgery Department, University Hospital of Ferrara Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Laface
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Juana Maria Sanz
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gabriele Varano
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Oncological and Medical Department, University Hospital of Ferrara Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angelina Passaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Medical Department, University Hospital of Ferrara Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
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31
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HLA-G 14bp Ins/Del Polymorphism in the 3'UTR Region and Acute Rejection in Kidney Transplant Recipients: An Updated Meta-Analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57101007. [PMID: 34684043 PMCID: PMC8537269 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57101007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects the survival rate of kidney transplant organs and patients. Acute rejection (AR) due to AKI may lead to kidney transplantation failure. It is known that there is a relationship between human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), which is involved in immune regulation, and AR in transplant patients. Moreover, 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) region of the HLA-G gene is known to affect HLA-G expression. However, its relationship to AR is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism contributed to the development of AR in kidney transplant patients using a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: To perform our meta-analysis, eligible studies about HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and AR were searched in electronic databases until 1 June 2021. Finally, a total of 336 patients with AR and 952 patients without AR in relation to kidney transplantation were analyzed from a total of nine studies. Results: In our results, the Del allele and Ins/Del+Del/Del and Del/Del genotypes significantly increased susceptibility of AR in Asian populations [odds ratio (OR) = 2.359, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.568-3.550, p = 3.8 × 10-5; OR = 3.357, 95% CI = 1.769-6.370, p = 0.002; OR = 2.750, 95% CI = 1.354-5.587, p = 0.0052 in each model, respectively]. Conclusions: Evidence of the present results indicate that HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to AR in the Asian population.
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32
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Jasinski-Bergner S, Mandelboim O, Seliger B. Molecular mechanisms of human herpes viruses inferring with host immune surveillance. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000841. [PMID: 32616556 PMCID: PMC7333871 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several human herpes viruses (HHVs) exert oncogenic potential leading to malignant transformation of infected cells and/or tissues. The molecular processes induced by viral-encoded molecules including microRNAs, peptides, and proteins contributing to immune evasion of the infected host cells are equal to the molecular processes of immune evasion mediated by tumor cells independently of viral infections. Such major immune evasion strategies include (1) the downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines as well as the induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, (2) the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ia directly as well as indirectly by downregulation of the components involved in the antigen processing, and (3) the downregulation of stress-induced ligands for activating receptors on immune effector cells with NKG2D leading the way. Furthermore, (4) immune modulatory molecules like MHC class Ib molecules and programmed cell death1 ligand 1 can be upregulated on infections with certain herpes viruses. This review article focuses on the known molecular mechanisms of HHVs modulating the above-mentioned possibilities for immune surveillance and even postulates a temporal order linking regular tumor immunology with basic virology and offering putatively novel insights for targeting HHVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- Immunology & Cancer Research Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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33
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Chen H, Chen Y, Deng M, John S, Gui X, Kansagra A, Chen W, Kim J, Lewis C, Wu G, Xie J, Zhang L, Huang R, Liu X, Arase H, Huang Y, Yu H, Luo W, Xia N, Zhang N, An Z, Zhang CC. Antagonistic anti-LILRB1 monoclonal antibody regulates antitumor functions of natural killer cells. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2019-000515. [PMID: 32771992 PMCID: PMC7418854 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current immune checkpoint blockade strategies have been successful in treating certain types of solid cancer. However, checkpoint blockade monotherapies have not been successful against most hematological malignancies including multiple myeloma and leukemia. There is an urgent need to identify new targets for development of cancer immunotherapy. LILRB1, an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif-containing receptor, is widely expressed on human immune cells, including B cells, monocytes and macrophages, dendritic cells and subsets of natural killer (NK) cells and T cells. The ligands of LILRB1, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, activate LILRB1 and transduce a suppressive signal, which inhibits the immune responses. However, it is not clear whether LILRB1 blockade can be effectively used for cancer treatment. METHODS First, we measured the LILRB1 expression on NK cells from cancer patients to determine whether LILRB1 upregulated on NK cells from patients with cancer, compared with NK cells from healthy donors. Then, we developed specific antagonistic anti-LILRB1 monoclonal antibodies and studied the effects of LILRB1 blockade on the antitumor immune function of NK cells, especially in multiple myeloma models, in vitro and in vivo xenograft model using non-obese diabetic (NOD)-SCID interleukin-2Rγ-null mice. RESULTS We demonstrate that percentage of LILRB1+ NK cells is significantly higher in patients with persistent multiple myeloma after treatment than that in healthy donors. Further, the percentage of LILRB1+ NK cells is also significantly higher in patients with late-stage prostate cancer than that in healthy donors. Significantly, we showed that LILRB1 blockade by our antagonistic LILRB1 antibody increased the tumoricidal activity of NK cells against several types of cancer cells, including multiple myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors, in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that blocking LILRB1 signaling on immune effector cells such as NK cells may represent a novel strategy for the development of anticancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyu Chen
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yuanzhi Chen
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Mi Deng
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Samuel John
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology- Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xun Gui
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ankit Kansagra
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Weina Chen
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jaehyup Kim
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Cheryl Lewis
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Guojin Wu
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jingjing Xie
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lingbo Zhang
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ryan Huang
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaoye Liu
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Hisashi Arase
- Department of Immunochemistry, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases and Laboratory of Immunochemistry, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yang Huang
- School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hai Yu
- School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wenxin Luo
- School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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A Critical Assessment of the Association between HLA-G Expression by Carcinomas and Clinical Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158265. [PMID: 34361031 PMCID: PMC8347921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) conveys immunological tolerance at the maternal-foetal interface. HLA-G expression by tumour cells may also play such a role, resulting in tumour immune evasion, making HLA-G a potential target for immunotherapies. The aim of this review was to determine to what extent it is justified that HLA-G expression is considered as a target for immune checkpoint inhibiting therapy by critically assessing the association between HLA-G expression by carcinomas and clinical outcome of patients. The used HLA-G-detecting mAb, HLA-G quantification methods and statistically significant HLA-G-associated clinicopathological parameters are discussed. Tumour HLA-G expression correlated with poor clinical outcome in breast, esophageal, gastric and hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Tumour HLA-G expression was not associated with clinical outcome in ovarian and oral carcinoma patients. Cervical, colorectal, lung, and pancreatic carcinoma patients presented discrepant and therefore inconclusive results regarding the association between tumour HLA-G expression and clinical outcome. These disparities might partly be the result of differences in the methodological approach to quantify HLA-G expression between studies. Therefore, implementation of universal methodological procedures is strongly advised. Overall, HLA-G expression did not univocally result in poor clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. This implies that tumour HLA-G expression is not necessarily part of an inhibited tumour-immune response and tumour progression. Consequently, it remains elusive whether HLA-G expression by carcinomas functions as an immune checkpoint molecule affecting a tumour-immune response. It may also reflect derailed control of gene expression in tumours, with no real functional consequences.
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35
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Babay W, Boujelbene N, Ben Yahia H, Bortolotti D, Zemni I, Ouzari HI, Chelbi H, Mezlini A, Rizzo R, Zidi I. Prognostic significance of high circulating sHLA-G in ovarian carcinoma. HLA 2021; 98:357-365. [PMID: 34272932 DOI: 10.1111/tan.14374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
HLA-G is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex class Ib molecule. Its expression has been described in various cancer types, including ovarian cancer. HLA-G molecule has been implicated in immune escape and in progression of ovarian tumor cells. Our goal was to assess if total soluble (s)HLA-G molecules or HLA-G5 and sHLA-G1 isoforms could be considered as circulating ovarian tumor biomarkers, we measured the concentration of these molecules in ovarian carcinoma patients stratified according with their clinicopathological parameters. sHLA-G, sHLA-G1 and HLA-G5 concentrations were dosed in plasma samples by sandwich-ELISA. The sHLA-G dimerization was analyzed after immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE migration. Total sHLA-G and sHLA-G1 levels were significantly represented in plasma of ovarian carcinoma patients compared to healthy controls. sHLA-G1 isoform concentration was highly represented in ovarian carcinoma compared to HLA-G5 isoforms. Additionally, high sHLA-G molecules have been found in aged patients, as well as in patients with advanced stages, and those with metastatic lymph nodes and those with distant metastasis. Elsewhere, sHLA-G monomers were highly represented in ovarian carcinoma patients compared to controls. sHLA-G plasmatic protein was highly represented in ovarian carcinoma. In effect, HLA-G might be considered as a new checkpoint molecule that could be used to assess progression and recurrence of the disease, thus placing it as a potential biomarker for advanced and complicated ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Babay
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Boujelbene
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Pathology, Salah Azaiz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamza Ben Yahia
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Section Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ines Zemni
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Surgical oncology, Salah Azaiz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hadda-Imene Ouzari
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hanene Chelbi
- Laboratory of Medical Parasitology, Biotechnology and Biomolecules, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amel Mezlini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Salah Azaiz Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Section Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Inès Zidi
- Laboratory Microorganismes and Active Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epidemiological and clinical observations as well as familial clustering support the existence of a genetic predisposition to sarcoidosis. In this article, we review the most recent findings in genetics of sarcoidosis and discuss how the identification of risk alleles may help advancing our understanding of disease etiology and development. RECENT FINDINGS Genetic studies of sarcoidosis phenotypes have identified novel and ancestry-specific associations. Gene-environment interaction studies highlighted the importance of integrating genetic information when assessing the relationship between sarcoidosis and environmental exposures. A case-control-family study revealed that the heritability of sarcoidosis is only 49%, suggesting the existence of additional important contributors to disease risk. The application of whole-exome sequencing has identified associations with disease activity and prognosis. Finally, gene expression studies of circulating immune cells have identified shared and unique pathways between sarcoidosis and other granulomatous diseases. SUMMARY Sarcoidosis genetic research has led to the identification of a number of associations with both sarcoidoses per se and disease phenotypes. Newer sequencing technologies are likely to increase the number of genetic variants associated with sarcoidosis. However, studying phenotypically and ethnically homogeneous patient subsets remains critically important regardless of the genetic approach used.
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37
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Adolf IC, Almars A, Dharsee N, Mselle T, Akan G, Nguma IJ, Nateri AS, Atalar F. HLA-G and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with cancer in African populations: Implications in personal medicine. Genes Dis 2021; 9:1220-1233. [PMID: 35873024 PMCID: PMC9293715 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays an important role in protecting the body against malignancy. During cancer immunoediting, the immune system can recognize and keep checking the tumor cells by down-expression of some self-molecules or by increasing expression of some novel molecules. However, the microenvironment created in the course of cancer development hampers the immune ability to recognize and destroy the transforming cells. Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) is emerging as immune checkpoint molecule produced more by cancer cells to weaken the immune response against them. HLA-G is a non-classical HLA class I molecule which is normally expressed in immune privileged tissues as a soluble or membrane-bound protein. HLA-G locus is highly polymorphic in the non-coding 3′ untranslated region (UTR) and in the 5′ upstream regulatory region (5′ URR). HLA-G expression is controlled by polymorphisms located in these regions, and several association studies between these polymorphic sites and disease predisposition, response to therapy, and/or HLA-G protein expression have been reported. Various polymorphisms are demonstrated to modulate its expression and this is increasingly finding more significance in cancer biology. This review focuses on the relevance of the HLA-G gene and its polymorphisms in cancer development. We highlight population genetics of HLA-G as evidence to espouse the need and importance of exploring potential utility of HLA-G in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and immunotherapy in the currently understudied African population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Chatita Adolf
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, P.O Box 608, Tanzania
| | - Amany Almars
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Nazima Dharsee
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 3592, Tanzania
| | - Teddy Mselle
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Gokce Akan
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Irene Jeremiah Nguma
- Clinical Oncology Department, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH), Mbeya P.O Box 419, Tanzania
| | - Abdolrahman S. Nateri
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Corresponding author.
| | - Fatmahan Atalar
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
- Child Health Institute, Department of Rare Diseases, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
- Corresponding author. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS Genetic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, P.O Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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Chen QY, Chen YX, Han QY, Zhang JG, Zhou WJ, Zhang X, Ye YH, Yan WH, Lin A. Prognostic Significance of Immune Checkpoints HLA-G/ILT-2/4 and PD-L1 in Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:679090. [PMID: 34054869 PMCID: PMC8155601 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.679090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a promising area of research for cancer treatment. In addition to the well-known ICIs targeting PD-1/PD-L1, HLA-G/ILT-2/-4 is relatively new immune checkpoint that has been evaluated in early clinical trials in patients with advanced solid tumors. In this study, the expression of HLA-G (n=157), ILT-2/4 (n=82), and PD-L1 (n=70) in epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-positive colorectal cancer (CRC) cells was analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry, and the prognostic significance of these molecules was evaluated. In EpCAM+ CRC cells, the median percentages of HLA-G, ILT-2, ILT-4, and PD-L1 were 14.90%, 67.70%, 8.55% and 80.30%, respectively. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between them (all p<0.001). Higher levels of these immune checkpoint proteins are associated with lymph node metastasis. In addition to the AJCC stage (p=0.001), Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that higher levels of HLA-G (p=0.041), ILT-2 (p=0.060), ILT-4 (p<0.001), PD-L1 (p=0.012), HLA-GILT4 (p<0.001) and ILT-2ILT-4 (p<0.001) were significantly associated with shorter survival of CRC patients. When CRC patients were stratified by early and advanced AJCC stages, HLA-G levels were only related to the survival among CRC patients with early disease stage (p=0.024), while ILT-4 levels were significant for both CRC patients with early (p=0.001) and advanced (p=0.020) disease stages. Multivariate cox regression analysis revealed that advanced AJCC stage (HR=2.435; p=0.005) and higher ILT-4 levels (HR=2.198; p=0.063) were independent risk factors for poor outcomes in patients with CRC. In summary, among the immune checkpoints, HLA-G/ILT-2/4 and PD-L1, ILT-4 is the most significant prognostic indicator of CRC. This finding indicated that a combination of immunotherapy strategies, such as ILT-4 blockade, could improve the clinical outcomes in patients with cancer. Moreover, multicolor flow cytometry can be employed as a reliable and efficient, alternative to immunohistochemistry, for evaluating the immune checkpoint proteins expressed in tumor lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Yuan Chen
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Yu-Xin Chen
- Alberta Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiu-Yue Han
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Jiang-Gang Zhang
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Yao-Han Ye
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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Liu Y, Gao S, Zhao Y, Wang H, Pan Q, Shao Q. Decidual Natural Killer Cells: A Good Nanny at the Maternal-Fetal Interface During Early Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:663660. [PMID: 34054831 PMCID: PMC8149889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.663660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidual natural killer (dNK) cells are the tissue-resident and major subpopulation of NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface. It has been demonstrated that dNK cells play pivotal roles in pregnancy, including keeping maternal-fetal immune tolerance, promoting extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell invasion, and driving uterine spiral artery remodeling. However, the molecular mechanisms haven't been elucidated until recent years. In this review, we systemically introduce the generation, subsets, and surface or soluble molecules of dNK cells, which are critical for maintaining the functions of dNK cells. Further, new functions of dNK cells including well-controlled cytotoxicity, immunosurveillance and immunotrophism supporting via the cell-cell interaction between dNK cells and EVT cells are mainly focused. The molecular mechanisms involved in these functions are also illustrated. Moreover, pregnancy-associated diseases caused by the dNK cells abnormalities are discussed. It will be important for future investigations about the mechanism of maintenance of pregnancy and parturition and potential clinical applications of dNK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuefang Liu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, the Huai'an Maternity and Child Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shujun Gao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yangjing Zhao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qiong Pan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, the Huai'an Maternity and Child Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Qixiang Shao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
- Jiangsu College of Nursing, School of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Huai'an, China
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40
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Kniotek M, Roszczyk A, Zych M, Szafarowska M, Jerzak M. Differences in the Expression of KIR, ILT Inhibitory Receptors, and VEGF Production in the Induced Decidual NK Cell Cultures of Fertile and RPL Women. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6673427. [PMID: 33997038 PMCID: PMC8112925 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6673427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
RESULTS KIR2DL1 and ILT-2 expression on idNK cells was higher in healthy women than in RPL patients. Sildenafil enhanced NKG2A expression in RPL patients. VEGF concentration was higher in fertile woman idNK cell cultures. idNK cells were more sensitive for necrosis in RPL than in fertile women. SC did not influence VEGF production or idNK cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS A combination of hypoxia, IL-15, and AZA promotes the conversion of pbNK into idNK cells CD56+CD16--expressing KIR receptors and produces VEGF. Alterations in KIR2DL1 and ILT-2 expression as well as impaired VEGF production were associated with RPL. SC affects NKG2A expression on RPL idNK cells. SC had no effect on VEGF release or idNK cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kniotek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, Warsaw, 02-006 Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland
| | - Aleksander Roszczyk
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, Warsaw, 02-006 Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland
| | - Michał Zych
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, Warsaw, 02-006 Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland
| | - Monika Szafarowska
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Military Institute of Health Sciences, Szaserów 128, Warsaw, 04-141 Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Jerzak
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Military Institute of Health Sciences, Szaserów 128, Warsaw, 04-141 Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland
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41
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Li Y, Deshpande P, Hertzman RJ, Palubinsky AM, Gibson A, Phillips EJ. Genomic Risk Factors Driving Immune-Mediated Delayed Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions. Front Genet 2021; 12:641905. [PMID: 33936169 PMCID: PMC8085493 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.641905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) remain associated with significant mortality. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) that occur greater than 6 h following drug administration are T-cell mediated with many severe DHRs now associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) risk alleles, opening pathways for clinical prediction and prevention. However, incomplete negative predictive value (NPV), low positive predictive value (PPV), and a large number needed to test (NNT) to prevent one case have practically prevented large-scale and cost-effective screening implementation. Additional factors outside of HLA contributing to risk of severe T-cell-mediated DHRs include variation in drug metabolism, T-cell receptor (TCR) specificity, and, most recently, HLA-presented immunopeptidome-processing efficiencies via endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase (ERAP). Active research continues toward identification of other highly polymorphic factors likely to impose risk. These include those previously associated with T-cell-mediated HLA-associated infectious or auto-immune disease such as Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), epistatically linked with HLA class I to regulate NK- and T-cell-mediated cytotoxic degranulation, and co-inhibitory signaling pathways for which therapeutic blockade in cancer immunotherapy is now associated with an increased incidence of DHRs. As such, the field now recognizes that susceptibility is not simply a static product of genetics but that individuals may experience dynamic risk, skewed toward immune activation through therapeutic interventions and epigenetic modifications driven by ecological exposures. This review provides an updated overview of current and proposed genetic factors thought to predispose risk for severe T-cell-mediated DHRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueran Li
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Pooja Deshpande
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Rebecca J. Hertzman
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Amy M. Palubinsky
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Andrew Gibson
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Elizabeth J. Phillips
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, TN, United States
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42
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Bu X, Zhong J, Li W, Cai S, Gao Y, Ping B. Immunomodulating functions of human leukocyte antigen-G and its role in graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:1391-1400. [PMID: 33709198 PMCID: PMC8116272 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04486-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potentially curative therapeutic strategy to treat several hematological malignancies and non-hematological malignancies. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent and serious transplant-related complication which dramatically restrains the curative effect of allo-HSCT and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic HCT recipients. Effective prevention of GVHD mainly depends on the induction of peripheral immune tolerance. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical MHC class I molecule with a strong immunosuppressive function, which plays a prominent role in immune tolerance. HLA-G triggers different reactions depending on the activation state of the immune cells and system. It also exerts a long-term immune tolerance mechanism by inducing regulatory cells. In this present review, we demonstrate the immunomodulatory properties of human leukocyte antigen-G and highlight the role of HLA-G as an immune regulator of GVHD. Furthermore, HLA-G could also serve as a good predictor of GVHD and represent a new therapeutic target for GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyin Bu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinman Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weiru Li
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shengchun Cai
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Baohong Ping
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China. .,Department of Huiqiao, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
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43
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Li X, Sheng Z, Sun Y, Wang Y, Xu M, Zhang Z, Li H, Shao L, Zhang Y, Yu J, Ma C, Gao C, Hou M, Ni H, Peng J, Ma J, Feng Q. Human leukocyte antigen-G upregulates immunoglobulin-like transcripts and corrects dysfunction of immune cells in immune thrombocytopenia. Haematologica 2021; 106:770-781. [PMID: 32079695 PMCID: PMC7927897 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.204040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I antigen with potent immune-inhibitory function. HLA-G benefit patients in allotransplantation and autoimmune diseases by interacting with its receptors, immunoglobulinlike transcripts. Here we observed significantly less HLA-G in plasma from immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients positive for anti-platelet autoantibodies compared with autoantibodies-negative patients or healthy controls, while we found that HLA-G is positively correlated with platelet counts in both patients and healthy controls. We also found less membranebound HLA-G and immunoglobulin-like transcripts on CD4+ and CD14+ cells in patients. Recombinant HLA-G upregulated immunoglobulin-like transcript 2 expression on CD4+ and immunoglobulin-like transcript 4 on CD14+ cells. HLA-G upregulated IL-4 and IL-10, and downregulated tumor necrosis factor-a, IL-12 and IL-17 secreted by patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells, suggesting a stimulation of Th2 differentiation and downregulation of Th1 and Th17 immune response. HLA-G-modulated dendritic cells from ITP patients showed decreased expression of CD80 and CD86, and suppressed CD4+ T-cell proliferation compared to unmodulated cells. Moreover, HLA-G-modulated cells from patients induced less platelet apoptosis. HLA-G administration also significantly alleviated thrombocytopenia in a murine model of ITP. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that impaired expression of HLA-G and immunoglobulin-like transcripts is involved in the pathogenesis of ITP; recombinant HLA-G can correct this abnormality via upregulation of immunoglobulin-like transcripts, indicating that HLA-G can be a diagnostic marker and a therapeutic option for ITP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zi Sheng
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanxin Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shandong Provincial Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanjian Wang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiyue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Linlin Shao
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanqi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shandong Provincial Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chengjiang Gao
- Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ming Hou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shandong Provincial Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Heyu Ni
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Canadian Blood Services Center for Innovation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shandong Provincial Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ji Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China,Department of Medical Oncology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qi Feng
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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44
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Anna F, Bole-Richard E, LeMaoult J, Escande M, Lecomte M, Certoux JM, Souque P, Garnache F, Adotevi O, Langlade-Demoyen P, Loustau M, Caumartin J. First immunotherapeutic CAR-T cells against the immune checkpoint protein HLA-G. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e001998. [PMID: 33737343 PMCID: PMC7978334 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CAR-T cells immunotherapy is a breakthrough in the treatment of hematological malignancies such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and B-cell malignancies. However, CAR-T therapies face major hurdles such as the lack of tumor-specific antigen (TSA), and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment sometimes caused by the tumorous expression of immune checkpoints (ICPs) such as HLA-G. Indeed, HLA-G is remarkable because it is both a potent ICP and a TSA. HLA-G tumor expression causes immune escape by impairing innate and adaptive immune responses and by inducing a suppressive microenvironment. Yet, to date, no immunotherapy targets it. METHODS We have developed two anti-HLA-G third-generation CARs based on new anti-HLA-G monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS Anti-HLA-G CAR-T cells were specific for immunosuppressive HLA-G isoforms. HLA-G-activated CAR-T cells polarized toward T helper 1, and became cytotoxic against HLA-G+ tumor cells. In vivo, anti-HLA-G CAR-T cells were able to control and eliminate HLA-G+ tumor cells. The interaction of tumor-HLA-G with interleukin (IL)T2-expressing T cells is known to result in effector T cell functional inhibition, but anti-HLA-G CAR-T cells were insensitive to this inhibition and still exerted their function even when expressing ILT2. Lastly, we show that anti-HLA-G CAR-T cells differentiated into long-term memory effector cells, and seemed not to lose function even after repeated stimulation by HLA-G-expressing tumor cells. CONCLUSION We report for the first time that HLA-G, which is both a TSA and an ICP, constitutes a valid target for CAR-T cell therapy to specifically target and eliminate both tumor cells and HLA-G+ suppressive cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/metabolism
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Cell Differentiation
- Coculture Techniques
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- HLA-G Antigens/immunology
- HLA-G Antigens/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunologic Memory
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- K562 Cells
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/therapy
- Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-like Receptor B1/metabolism
- Memory T Cells/immunology
- Memory T Cells/metabolism
- Memory T Cells/transplantation
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Phenotype
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Time Factors
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- François Anna
- Preclinical Department, Invectys, Paris, France
- Molecular Virology and Vaccinology Unit, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Elodie Bole-Richard
- INSERM UMR1098 RIGHT Interactions hôte-greffon-tumeur - Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Besancon, Franche-Comté, France
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Joel LeMaoult
- Service de Recherche en Hémato-Immunologie (SRHI), CEA, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | | | | | - Jean-Marie Certoux
- INSERM UMR1098 RIGHT Interactions hôte-greffon-tumeur - Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Besancon, Franche-Comté, France
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Philippe Souque
- Molecular Virology and Vaccinology Unit, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Francine Garnache
- INSERM UMR1098 RIGHT Interactions hôte-greffon-tumeur - Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Besancon, Franche-Comté, France
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Olivier Adotevi
- INSERM UMR1098 RIGHT Interactions hôte-greffon-tumeur - Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Besancon, Franche-Comté, France
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
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Deng M, Chen H, Liu X, Huang R, He Y, Yoo B, Xie J, John S, Zhang N, An Z, Zhang CC. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B: therapeutic targets in cancer. Antib Ther 2021; 4:16-33. [PMID: 33928233 PMCID: PMC7944505 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors (LILRBs 1–5) transduce signals via intracellular immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs that recruit phosphatases to negatively regulate immune activation. The activation of LILRB signaling in immune cells may contribute to immune evasion. In addition, the expression and signaling of LILRBs in cancer cells especially in certain hematologic malignant cells directly support cancer development. Certain LILRBs thus have dual roles in cancer biology—as immune checkpoint molecules and tumor-supporting factors. Here, we review the expression, ligands, signaling, and functions of LILRBs, as well as therapeutic development targeting them. LILRBs may represent attractive targets for cancer treatment, and antagonizing LILRB signaling may prove to be effective anti-cancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Deng
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Heyu Chen
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaoye Liu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ryan Huang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yubo He
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Byounggyu Yoo
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jingjing Xie
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Samuel John
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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46
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Fregni G, Perier A, Avril MF, Caignard A. NK cells sense tumors, course of disease and treatments: Consequences for NK-based therapies. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:38-47. [PMID: 22720210 PMCID: PMC3376977 DOI: 10.4161/onci.1.1.18312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent findings on NK activation indicate that these cells are important antitumor effectors. NK cells participate in the graft-vs.-leukemia effect to control the relapse in leukemic patients transplanted with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells. In various tumors, correlation between NK cell infiltrates and prognosis were reported. However, tumor-infiltrating NK cells are yet poorly characterized. We here summarize our results and the recent studies of the literature on tumor-infiltrating NK cells, and discuss the impact of these novel insights into NK cell responses against tumors for the design of NK cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fregni
- Institut Cochin-INSERM U06; CNRS UMR 804; Université Paris Descartes; Paris, France
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47
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Liu L, Wang L, Zhao L, He C, Wang G. The Role of HLA-G in Tumor Escape: Manipulating the Phenotype and Function of Immune Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:597468. [PMID: 33425752 PMCID: PMC7786297 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.597468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecule, and under physiological conditions, its expression is strictly restricted to the maternal–fetal interface and immune-privileged organs where HLA-G is expected to contribute to establishment and maintenance of immune tolerance. However, the expression of HLA-G has been found in various types of tumors, and the level of its expression frequently correlates with high-grade histology and poor prognosis, raising the possibility that it may play a negative role in tumor immunity. ILT2 and ILT4, present on a broad of immune cells, have been identified as the main receptors engaging HLA-G, and their interactions have been found to allow the conversion of effectors like NK cells and T cells to anergic or unresponsive state, activated DCs to tolerogenic state, and to drive the differentiation of T cells toward suppressive phenotype. Therefore, tumors can employ HLA-G to modulate the phenotype and function of immune cells, allowing them to escape immune attack. In this review, we discuss the mechanism underlying HLA-G expression and function, its role played in each step of the tumor-immunity cycle, as well as the potential to target it for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Digestive Diseases, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lihong Zhao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ganlu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Digestive Diseases, People's Hospital of Baoan District, The 8th People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
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48
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Mendes J, Areia AL, Rodrigues-Santos P, Santos-Rosa M, Mota-Pinto A. Innate Lymphoid Cells in Human Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:551707. [PMID: 33329512 PMCID: PMC7734178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.551707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a new set of cells considered to be a part of the innate immune system. ILCs are classified into five subsets (according to their transcription factors and cytokine profile) as natural killer cells (NK cells), group 1 ILCs, group 2 ILCs, group 3 ILCs, and lymphoid tissue inducers (LTi). Functionally, these cells resemble the T helper population but lack the expression of recombinant genes, which is essential for the formation of T cell receptors. In this work, the authors address the distinction between peripheral and decidual NK cells, highlighting their diversity in ILC biology and its relevance to human pregnancy. ILCs are effector cells that are important in promoting immunity, inflammation, and tissue repair. Recent studies have directed their attention to ILC actions in pregnancy. Dysregulation or expansion of pro-inflammatory ILC populations as well as abnormal tolerogenic responses may directly interfere with pregnancy, ultimately resulting in pregnancy loss or adverse outcomes. In this review, we characterize these cells, considering recent findings and addressing knowledge gaps in perinatal medicine in the context of ILC biology. Moreover, we discuss the relevance of these cells not only to the process of immune tolerance, but also in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Mendes
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, General Pathology Institute, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Areia
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, General Pathology Institute, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Obstetrics Department, Coimbra University Hospital Center, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel Santos-Rosa
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anabela Mota-Pinto
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, General Pathology Institute, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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49
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Attia JVD, Dessens CE, van de Water R, Houvast RD, Kuppen PJK, Krijgsman D. The Molecular and Functional Characteristics of HLA-G and the Interaction with Its Receptors: Where to Intervene for Cancer Immunotherapy? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228678. [PMID: 33213057 PMCID: PMC7698525 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) mediates maternal-fetal immune tolerance. It is also considered an immune checkpoint in cancer since it may mediate immune evasion and thus promote tumor growth. HLA-G is, therefore, a potential target for immunotherapy. However, existing monoclonal antibodies directed against HLA-G lack sufficient specificity and are not suitable for immune checkpoint inhibition in a clinical setting. For this reason, it is essential that alternative approaches are explored to block the interaction between HLA-G and its receptors. In this review, we discuss the structure and peptide presentation of HLA-G, and its interaction with the receptors Ig-like transcript (ILT) 2, ILT4, and Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 2DL4 (KIR2DL4). Based on our findings, we propose three alternative strategies to block the interaction between HLA-G and its receptors in cancer immunotherapy: (1) prevention of HLA-G dimerization, (2) targeting the peptide-binding groove of HLA-G, and (3) targeting the HLA-G receptors. These strategies should be an important focus of future studies that aim to develop immune checkpoint inhibitors to block the interaction between HLA-G and its receptors for the treatment of cancer.
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50
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Xu X, Zhou Y, Wei H. Roles of HLA-G in the Maternal-Fetal Immune Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2020; 11:592010. [PMID: 33193435 PMCID: PMC7642459 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.592010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the maternal uterus and fetus form a special microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface to support fetal development. Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), differentiated from the fetus, invade into the decidua and interact with maternal cells. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a non-classical MHC-I molecule that is expressed abundantly and specifically on EVTs in physiological conditions. Soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) is also found in maternal blood, amniotic fluid, and cord blood. The abnormal expression and polymorphisms of HLA-G are related to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia (PE) and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Here we summarize current findings about three main roles of HLA-G during pregnancy, namely its promotion of spiral artery remodeling, immune tolerance, and fetal growth, all resulting from its interaction with immune cells. These findings are not only of great significance for the treatment of pregnancy-related diseases but also provide clues to tumor immunology research since HLA-G functions as a checkpoint in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Xu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Division of Molecular Medicine, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Division of Molecular Medicine, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Division of Molecular Medicine, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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