1
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Ju B, Guo O, Benissan-Messan DZ, Shawver MH, Chen P, Geng B, Wei S, Yaron JR, Lucas AR, Zhu H. Serp-1 Promotes Corneal Wound Healing by Facilitating Re-epithelialization and Inhibiting Fibrosis and Angiogenesis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:649124. [PMID: 34164439 PMCID: PMC8216079 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.649124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Chemical corneal injuries carry a high morbidity and commonly lead to visual impairment. Here, we investigate the role of Serp-1, a serine protease inhibitor, in corneal wound healing. Methods: An alkaline-induced corneal injury was induced in 14 mice. Following injury, five mice received daily topical saline application while nine mice received Serp-1 100 μL topically combined with a daily subcutaneous injection of 100 ng/gram body weight of Serp-1. Corneal damage was monitored daily through fluorescein staining and imaging. Cross sectional corneal H&E staining were obtained. CD31 was used as marker for neovascularization. Results: Serp-1 facilitates corneal wound healing by reducing fibrosis and neovascularization while mitigating inflammatory cell infiltration with no noticeable harm related to its application. Conclusions: Serp-1 effectively mitigates inflammation, decreases fibrosis, and reduce neovascularization in a murine model of corneal injury without affecting other organs. Translational Relavence: Our study provides preclinical data for topical application of Serp-1 to treat corneal wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Ju
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Owen Guo
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Dathe Z Benissan-Messan
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - McKinley H Shawver
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Peng Chen
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Bingchuan Geng
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Siqi Wei
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jordan R Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Alexandra R Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Hua Zhu
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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2
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Maas C, de Maat S. Therapeutic SERPINs: Improving on Nature. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:648349. [PMID: 33869308 PMCID: PMC8044344 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.648349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases drive important physiological processes such as coagulation, fibrinolysis, inflammation and angiogenesis. These proteases are controlled by serine protease inhibitors (SERPINs) that neutralize their activity. Currently, over 1,500 SERPINs are known in nature, but only 37 SERPINs are found in humans. Thirty of these are functional protease inhibitors. The inhibitory potential of SERPINs is in perfect balance with the proteolytic activities of its targets to enable physiological protease activity. Hence, SERPIN deficiency (either qualitative or quantitative) can lead to disease. Several SERPIN resupplementation strategies have been developed to treat SERPIN deficiencies, including concentrates derived from plasma and recombinant SERPINs. SERPINs usually inhibit multiple proteases, but only in their active state. Over the past decades, considerable insights have been acquired in the identification of SERPIN biological functions, their inhibitory mechanisms and specificity determinants. This paves the way for the development of therapeutic SERPINs. Through rational design, the inhibitory properties (selectivity and inhibitory potential) of SERPINs can be reformed and optimized. This review explores the current state of SERPIN engineering with a focus on reactive center loop modifications and backbone stabilization. We will discuss the lessons learned from these recombinant SERPINs and explore novel techniques and strategies that will be essential for the creation and application of the future generation of therapeutic SERPINs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coen Maas
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Steven de Maat
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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3
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Yaron JR, Zhang L, Guo Q, Haydel SE, Lucas AR. Fibrinolytic Serine Proteases, Therapeutic Serpins and Inflammation: Fire Dancers and Firestorms. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:648947. [PMID: 33869309 PMCID: PMC8044766 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.648947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The making and breaking of clots orchestrated by the thrombotic and thrombolytic serine protease cascades are critical determinants of morbidity and mortality during infection and with vascular or tissue injury. Both the clot forming (thrombotic) and the clot dissolving (thrombolytic or fibrinolytic) cascades are composed of a highly sensitive and complex relationship of sequentially activated serine proteases and their regulatory inhibitors in the circulating blood. The proteases and inhibitors interact continuously throughout all branches of the cardiovascular system in the human body, representing one of the most abundant groups of proteins in the blood. There is an intricate interaction of the coagulation cascades with endothelial cell surface receptors lining the vascular tree, circulating immune cells, platelets and connective tissue encasing the arterial layers. Beyond their role in control of bleeding and clotting, the thrombotic and thrombolytic cascades initiate immune cell responses, representing a front line, "off-the-shelf" system for inducing inflammatory responses. These hemostatic pathways are one of the first response systems after injury with the fibrinolytic cascade being one of the earliest to evolve in primordial immune responses. An equally important contributor and parallel ancient component of these thrombotic and thrombolytic serine protease cascades are the serine protease inhibitors, termed serpins. Serpins are metastable suicide inhibitors with ubiquitous roles in coagulation and fibrinolysis as well as multiple central regulatory pathways throughout the body. Serpins are now known to also modulate the immune response, either via control of thrombotic and thrombolytic cascades or via direct effects on cellular phenotypes, among many other functions. Here we review the co-evolution of the thrombolytic cascade and the immune response in disease and in treatment. We will focus on the relevance of these recent advances in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is a "respiratory" coronavirus that causes extensive cardiovascular pathogenesis, with microthrombi throughout the vascular tree, resulting in severe and potentially fatal coagulopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan R. Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Qiuyun Guo
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Shelley E. Haydel
- Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Alexandra R. Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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4
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Guo Q, Yaron JR, Wallen JW, Browder KF, Boyd R, Olson TL, Burgin M, Ulrich P, Aliskevich E, Schutz LN, Fromme P, Zhang L, Lucas AR. PEGylated Serp-1 Markedly Reduces Pristane-Induced Experimental Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage, Altering uPAR Distribution, and Macrophage Invasion. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:633212. [PMID: 33665212 PMCID: PMC7921738 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.633212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is one of the most serious clinical complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The prevalence of DAH is reported to range from 1 to 5%, but while DAH is considered a rare complication there is a reported 50-80% mortality. There is at present no proven effective treatment for DAH and the therapeutics that have been tested have significant side effects. There is a clear necessity to discover new drugs to improve outcomes in DAH. Serine protease inhibitors, serpins, regulate thrombotic and thrombolytic protease cascades. We are investigating a Myxomavirus derived immune modulating serpin, Serp-1, as a new class of immune modulating therapeutics for vasculopathy and lung hemorrhage. Serp-1 has proven efficacy in models of herpes virus-induced arterial inflammation (vasculitis) and lung hemorrhage and has also proved safe in a clinical trial in patients with unstable coronary syndromes and stent implant. Here, we examine Serp-1, both as a native secreted protein expressed by CHO cells and as a polyethylene glycol modified (PEGylated) variant (Serp-1m5), for potential therapy in DAH. DAH was induced by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of pristane in C57BL/6J (B6) mice. Mice were treated with 100 ng/g bodyweight of either Serp-1 as native 55 kDa secreted glycoprotein, or as Serp-1m5, or saline controls after inducing DAH. Treatments were repeated daily for 14 days (6 mice/group). Serp-1 partially and Serp-1m5 significantly reduced pristane-induced DAH when compared with saline as assessed by gross pathology and H&E staining (Serp-1, p = 0.2172; Serp-1m5, p = 0.0252). Both Serp-1m5 and Serp-1 treatment reduced perivascular inflammation and reduced M1 macrophage (Serp-1, p = 0.0350; Serp-1m5, p = 0.0053), hemosiderin-laden macrophage (Serp-1, p = 0.0370; Serp-1m5, p = 0.0424) invasion, and complement C5b/9 staining. Extracellular urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor positive (uPAR+) clusters were significantly reduced (Serp-1, p = 0.0172; Serp-1m5, p = 0.0025). Serp-1m5 also increased intact uPAR+ alveoli in the lung (p = 0.0091). In conclusion, Serp-1m5 significantly reduces lung damage and hemorrhage in a pristane model of SLE DAH, providing a new potential therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyun Guo
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jordan R Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - John W Wallen
- Exalt Therapeutics LLC, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Kyle F Browder
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Ryan Boyd
- Center for Applied Structural Discovery, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Tien L Olson
- Center for Applied Structural Discovery, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Michelle Burgin
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Peaches Ulrich
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Emily Aliskevich
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Lauren N Schutz
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Petra Fromme
- Center for Applied Structural Discovery, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Alexandra R Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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5
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Guo Q, Zhang L, Yaron JR, Burgin M, Schutz LN, Awo EA, Lucas AR. Preclinical Testing of Viral Therapeutic Efficacy in Pristane-Induced Lupus Nephritis and Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Mouse Models. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2225:241-255. [PMID: 33108667 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1012-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial and heterogeneous autoimmune disease involving multiple organ systems and tissues. Lupus nephritis occurs in approximately 60% of patients with SLE and is the leading cause of morbidity. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare but very serious complication of SLE with a greater than 50% associated mortality. The etiology of SLE is unclear but has proposed genetic, hormonal, and environmental aspects. Pristane is a saturated terpenoid alkane and has become the most popular laboratory model for inducing lupus in mice. The pristane model of SLE has the capacity to reproduce many components of the human presentation of the disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that virus-derived immune-modulating proteins have the potential to control inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Serp-1, a 55 kDa secreted and highly glycosylated immune modulator derived from myxoma virus (MYXV), has potent immunomodulatory activity in models of vasculitis, viral sepsis, collagen-induced arthritis, and transplant rejection. This chapter describes the mouse preclinical pristane lupus model as a method to examine virus-derived protein efficacy for treating autoimmune diseases and specifically lupus nephritis and DAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyun Guo
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jordan R Yaron
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Michelle Burgin
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Lauren N Schutz
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Enkidia A Awo
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Alexandra R Lucas
- Centers for Personalized Diagnostics and for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Division of Cardiology, Saint Joseph's Hospital, Dignity Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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6
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Yaron JR, Zhang L, Guo Q, Burgin M, Schutz LN, Awo E, Wise L, Krause KL, Ildefonso CJ, Kwiecien JM, Juby M, Rahman MM, Chen H, Moyer RW, Alcami A, McFadden G, Lucas AR. Deriving Immune Modulating Drugs from Viruses-A New Class of Biologics. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E972. [PMID: 32244484 PMCID: PMC7230489 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9040972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are widely used as a platform for the production of therapeutics. Vaccines containing live, dead and components of viruses, gene therapy vectors and oncolytic viruses are key examples of clinically-approved therapeutic uses for viruses. Despite this, the use of virus-derived proteins as natural sources for immune modulators remains in the early stages of development. Viruses have evolved complex, highly effective approaches for immune evasion. Originally developed for protection against host immune responses, viral immune-modulating proteins are extraordinarily potent, often functioning at picomolar concentrations. These complex viral intracellular parasites have "performed the R&D", developing highly effective immune evasive strategies over millions of years. These proteins provide a new and natural source for immune-modulating therapeutics, similar in many ways to penicillin being developed from mold or streptokinase from bacteria. Virus-derived serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins), chemokine modulating proteins, complement control, inflammasome inhibition, growth factors (e.g., viral vascular endothelial growth factor) and cytokine mimics (e.g., viral interleukin 10) and/or inhibitors (e.g., tumor necrosis factor) have now been identified that target central immunological response pathways. We review here current development of virus-derived immune-modulating biologics with efficacy demonstrated in pre-clinical or clinical studies, focusing on pox and herpesviruses-derived immune-modulating therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan R. Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Qiuyun Guo
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Michelle Burgin
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Lauren N. Schutz
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Enkidia Awo
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Lyn Wise
- University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (L.W.); (K.L.K.)
| | - Kurt L. Krause
- University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (L.W.); (K.L.K.)
| | | | - Jacek M. Kwiecien
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8, Canada
| | - Michael Juby
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Masmudur M. Rahman
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Hao Chen
- The Department of Tumor Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China;
| | - Richard W. Moyer
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Antonio Alcami
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Grant McFadden
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Alexandra R. Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
- St Joseph Hospital, Dignity Health, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
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Lucas A, Yaron JR, Zhang L, Macaulay C, McFadden G. Serpins: Development for Therapeutic Applications. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1826:255-265. [PMID: 30194606 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8645-3_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors, or serpins, function as central regulators for many vital processes in the mammalian body, maintaining homeostasis for clot formation and breakdown, immune responses, lung function, and hormone or central nervous system activity, among many others. When serine protease activity or serpin-mediated regulation becomes unbalanced or dysfunctional, then severe disease states and pathogenesis can ensue. With serpinopathies, genetic mutations lead to inactive serpins or protein aggregation with loss of function. With other disorders, such as sepsis, atherosclerosis, cancer, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome, the thrombotic and thrombolytic cascades and/or inflammatory responses become unbalanced, with excess bleeding and clotting and upregulation of adverse immune responses. Returning overall balance can be engineered through introduction of a beneficial serpin replacement as a therapeutic or through blockade of serpins that are detrimental. Several drugs have been developed and are currently in use and/or in development both to replace dysfunctional serpins and to block adverse effects induced by aberrant protease or serpin actions.With this chapter, we provide a general overview of the development of a virus-derived serpin, Serp-1, and serpin reactive center loop (RCL) peptides, as therapeutics. Serp-1 is a virus-derived serpin developed as a new class of immune modulator. We will use the development of Serp-1 as a general introduction to serpin-based drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Jordan R Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Colin Macaulay
- CGMBio Consulting, TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Grant McFadden
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St, Tempe, AZ, USA
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8
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Bai L, Liang W, Chen M, Cissé Y, Liu J, Su Y, Yu J, Liu Q. Effect of lentivirus-mediated gene silencing, targeting toll-like receptor 2, on corneal allograft transplantation in rats. Mol Immunol 2017; 91:97-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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9
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Xia Y, Zhao G, Lin J, Li C, Cong L, Jiang N, Xu Q, Wang Q. 1,25(OH)2D3 and VDR Signaling Pathways Regulate the Inhibition of Dectin-1 Caused by Cyclosporine A in Response to Aspergillus Fumigatus in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164717. [PMID: 27755569 PMCID: PMC5068748 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of this study is to observe whether cyclosporine A (CsA) inhibits the expression of dectin-1 in human corneal epithelial cells infected with Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the inhibition. Methods Immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were pretreated with 1,25(OH)2D3 and VDR inhibitor for 1 h, and then they were pretreated with CsA for 12h. After these pretreatments, the HCECs were stimulated with A. fumigatus and curdlan respectively, and the expression of dectin-1 and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) were detected by RT-PCR, western blot and ELISA. Results Dectin-1 mRNA and dectin-1 protein expression increased when HCECs were stimulated with A. fumigatus or curdlan, and CsA inhibited the dectin-1 expression both in mRNA and protein levels specifically. Dectin-1 and proinflammatory cytokine expression levels were higher when HCECs were pretreated with VDR inhibitor and CsA compared to pretreatment with CsA alone, while dectin-1 and proinflammatory cytokine levels were lower when HCECs were pretreated with 1,25(OH)2D3 and CsA compared to pretreatment with CsA alone. Conclusions These data provide evidence that CsA can inhibit the expression of dectin-1 and proinflammatory cytokines through dectin-1 when HCECs are stimulated by A. fumigatus or curdlan. The active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, and VDR signaling pathway regulate the inhibition of CsA. The inhibition is enhanced by 1,25(OH)2D3, and the VDR inhibitor suppresses the inhibition.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, Bacterial/immunology
- Antigens, Bacterial/pharmacology
- Aspergillus fumigatus/metabolism
- Calcitriol/antagonists & inhibitors
- Calcitriol/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Cyclosporine/pharmacology
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Epithelium, Corneal/cytology
- Epithelium, Corneal/drug effects
- Epithelium, Corneal/metabolism
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Humans
- Interleukin-1beta/analysis
- Interleukin-1beta/genetics
- Interleukin-1beta/metabolism
- Lectins, C-Type/antagonists & inhibitors
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Lectins, C-Type/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Calcitriol/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Calcitriol/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/analysis
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
- beta-Glucans/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Cong
- Shandong Eye Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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10
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Ambadapadi S, Munuswamy-Ramanujam G, Zheng D, Sullivan C, Dai E, Morshed S, McFadden B, Feldman E, Pinard M, McKenna R, Tibbetts S, Lucas A. Reactive Center Loop (RCL) Peptides Derived from Serpins Display Independent Coagulation and Immune Modulating Activities. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:2874-87. [PMID: 26620556 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.704841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Serpins regulate coagulation and inflammation, binding serine proteases in suicide-inhibitory complexes. Target proteases cleave the serpin reactive center loop scissile P1-P1' bond, resulting in serpin-protease suicide-inhibitory complexes. This inhibition requires a near full-length serpin sequence. Myxomavirus Serp-1 inhibits thrombolytic and thrombotic proteases, whereas mammalian neuroserpin (NSP) inhibits only thrombolytic proteases. Both serpins markedly reduce arterial inflammation and plaque in rodent models after single dose infusion. In contrast, Serp-1 but not NSP improves survival in a lethal murine gammaherpesvirus68 (MHV68) infection in interferon γ-receptor-deficient mice (IFNγR(-/-)). Serp-1 has also been successfully tested in a Phase 2a clinical trial. We postulated that proteolytic cleavage of the reactive center loop produces active peptide derivatives with expanded function. Eight peptides encompassing predicted protease cleavage sites for Serp-1 and NSP were synthesized and tested for inhibitory function in vitro and in vivo. In engrafted aorta, selected peptides containing Arg or Arg-Asn, not Arg-Met, with a 0 or +1 charge, significantly reduced plaque. Conversely, S-6 a hydrophobic peptide of NSP, lacking Arg or Arg-Asn with -4 charge, induced early thrombosis and mortality. S-1 and S-6 also significantly reduced CD11b(+) monocyte counts in mouse splenocytes. S-1 peptide had increased efficacy in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 serpin-deficient transplants. Plaque reduction correlated with mononuclear cell activation. In a separate study, Serp-1 peptide S-7 improved survival in the MHV68 vasculitis model, whereas an inverse S-7 peptide was inactive. Reactive center peptides derived from Serp-1 and NSP with suitable charge and hydrophobicity have the potential to extend immunomodulatory functions of serpins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Ambadapadi
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Ganesh Munuswamy-Ramanujam
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Interdisciplinary Institute of the Indian System of Medicine, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Donghang Zheng
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Colin Sullivan
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Erbin Dai
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Sufi Morshed
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Baron McFadden
- the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
| | - Emily Feldman
- the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
| | - Melissa Pinard
- the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
| | - Robert McKenna
- the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
| | - Scott Tibbetts
- the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
| | - Alexandra Lucas
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608 and
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11
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Abstract
Understanding innate immune responses and their correlation to alloimmunity after solid organ transplantation is key to optimizing long term graft outcome. While Ischemia/Reperfusion injury (IRI) has been well studied, new insight into central mechanisms of innate immune activation, i.e. chemokine mediated cell trafficking and the role of Toll-like receptors have evolved recently. The mechanistic implications of Neutrophils, Macrophages/Monocytes, NK-cells, Dendritic cells in renal IRI has been proven by selective depletion of these cell types, thereby offering novel therapeutic interventions. At the same time, the multi-faceted role of different T-cell subsets in IRI has gained interest, highlighting the dichotomous effects of differentiated T-cells and suggesting more selective therapeutic approaches. Targeting innate immune cells and their activation and migration pathways, respectively, has been promising in experimental models holding translational potential. This review will summarize the effects of innate immune activation and potential strategies to interfere with the immunological cascade following renal IRI.
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12
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Lucas AR, Verma RK, Dai E, Liu L, Chen H, Kesavalu S, Rivera M, Velsko I, Ambadapadi S, Chukkapalli S, Kesavalu L. Myxomavirus anti-inflammatory chemokine binding protein reduces the increased plaque growth induced by chronic Porphyromonas gingivalis oral infection after balloon angioplasty aortic injury in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111353. [PMID: 25354050 PMCID: PMC4213024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Thrombotic occlusion of inflammatory plaque in coronary arteries causes myocardial infarction. Treatment with emergent balloon angioplasty (BA) and stent implant improves survival, but restenosis (regrowth) can occur. Periodontal bacteremia is closely associated with inflammation and native arterial atherosclerosis, with potential to increase restenosis. Two virus-derived anti-inflammatory proteins, M-T7 and Serp-1, reduce inflammation and plaque growth after BA and transplant in animal models through separate pathways. M-T7 is a broad spectrum C, CC and CXC chemokine-binding protein. Serp-1 is a serine protease inhibitor (serpin) inhibiting thrombotic and thrombolytic pathways. Serp-1 also reduces arterial inflammation and improves survival in a mouse herpes virus (MHV68) model of lethal vasculitis. In addition, Serp-1 demonstrated safety and efficacy in patients with unstable coronary disease and stent implant, reducing markers of myocardial damage. We investigate here the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen, on restenosis after BA and the effects of blocking chemokine and protease pathways with M-T7 and Serp-1. ApoE−/− mice had aortic BA and oral P. gingivalis infection. Arterial plaque growth was examined at 24 weeks with and without anti-inflammatory protein treatment. Dental plaques from mice infected with P. gingivalis tested positive for infection. Neither Serp-1 nor M-T7 treatment reduced infection, but IgG antibody levels in mice treated with Serp-1 and M-T7 were reduced. P. gingivalis significantly increased monocyte invasion and arterial plaque growth after BA (P<0.025). Monocyte invasion and plaque growth were blocked by M-T7 treatment (P<0.023), whereas Serp-1 produced only a trend toward reductions. Both proteins modified expression of TLR4 and MyD88. In conclusion, aortic plaque growth in ApoE−/− mice increased after angioplasty in mice with chronic oral P. gingivalis infection. Blockade of chemokines, but not serine proteases significantly reduced arterial plaque growth, suggesting a central role for chemokine-mediated inflammation after BA in P. gingivalis infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R. Lucas
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AL); (LK)
| | - Raj K. Verma
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Erbin Dai
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Liying Liu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Hao Chen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sheela Kesavalu
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mercedes Rivera
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Irina Velsko
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sriram Ambadapadi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sasanka Chukkapalli
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Lakshmyya Kesavalu
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AL); (LK)
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13
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Wang H, Qi F, Dai X, Tian W, Liu T, Han H, Zhang B, Li H, Zhang Z, Du C. Requirement of B7-H1 in mesenchymal stem cells for immune tolerance to cardiac allografts in combination therapy with rapamycin. Transpl Immunol 2014; 31:65-74. [PMID: 24978830 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for immunosuppression has been tested in transplantation, but its mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigated the role of MSC-expressing B7-H1 in the induction of immune tolerance to cardiac allografts by the combination therapy of MSCs and rapamycin (RAPA). METHODS The anti-alloimmunity of donor MSCs in the presence or absence of RAPA was examined in both mouse cardiac allograft model (C57BL/6 to BALB/c mice) and a variety of cultured immune cells. Immunohistochemical staining was used for the measurement of intragraft antibody deposition, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for the determination of serum alloantibodies and leukocyte phenotypes. RESULTS B7-H1 expression in cultured MSCs was up-regulated following IFN-γ stimulation. In transplant recipients, combination therapy of MSCs and RAPA induced immune tolerance to allografts, but blockade of B7-H1 on MSCs with monoclonal antibody abrogated the combination therapy-induced immune tolerance as heart allografts were rejected. The negative effect of MSC-expressing B7-H1 neutralization on graft survival was correlated with a reduction of regulatory immune cells (CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells, tolerogenic dendritic cells and IL-4(high)IL-10(High)CD83(low) B cells), and also with an increase in alloantibody (IgG and IgM) levels both inside the grafts and in the circulation as compared with un-neutralized controls. In vitro MSC-mediated suppression of antibody production and B cell proliferation depended on B7-H1 function and cell contact between CD19(+) B cells and MSCs. CONCLUSION These data suggest that MSC-expressing B7-H1 mediates the immune tolerance to cardiac allografts in recipients receiving MSC and RAPA combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China.
| | - Feng Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangchen Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Weijun Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongqiu Han
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bai Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongyue Li
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhixiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Caigan Du
- Department of Urologic Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Immunity and Infection Research Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia; Canada.
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14
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Brahn E, Lee S, Lucas A, McFadden G, Macaulay C. Suppression of collagen-induced arthritis with a serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) derived from myxoma virus. Clin Immunol 2014; 153:254-63. [PMID: 24845791 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Many viruses encode virulence factors to facilitate their own survival by modulating a host's inflammatory response. One of these factors, secreted from cells infected with myxoma virus, is the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) Serp-1. Because Serp-1 had demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in arterial injury models and viral infections, it was cloned and evaluated for therapeutic efficacy in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Clinical severity was significantly lower in the Serp-1 protocols (p<0.0001) and blinded radiographs indicated that the Serp-1 group had significantly less erosions than the controls (p<0.01). Delayed-type hypersensitivity was lower in the Serp-1 group but antibody titers to type II collagen were not significantly altered. Recipients had minimal histopathologic synovial changes and did not develop neutralizing antibodies to Serp-1. These results indicate that Serp-1 impedes the pathogenesis of CIA and suggests that the therapeutic potential of serine proteinase inhibitors in inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Brahn
- Division of Rheumatology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Sarah Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alexandra Lucas
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Grant McFadden
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainsville, FL, USA
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15
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Amano MT, Camara NOS. The immunomodulatory role of carbon monoxide during transplantation. Med Gas Res 2013; 3:1. [PMID: 23295066 PMCID: PMC3582539 DOI: 10.1186/2045-9912-3-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of organ and tissue transplants has increased worldwide in recent decades. However, graft rejection, infections due to the use of immunosuppressive drugs and a shortage of graft donors remain major concerns. Carbon monoxide (CO) had long been regarded solely as a poisonous gas. Ultimately, physiological studies unveiled the endogenous production of CO, particularly by the heme oxygenase (HO)-1 enzyme, recognizing CO as a beneficial gas when used at therapeutic doses. The protective properties of CO led researchers to develop uses for it, resulting in devices and molecules that can deliver CO in vitro and in vivo. The resulting interest in clinical investigations was immediate. Studies regarding the CO/HO-1 modulation of immune responses and their effects on various immune disorders gave rise to transplantation research, where CO was shown to be essential in the protection against organ rejection in animal models. This review provides a perspective of how CO modulates the immune system to improve transplantation and suggests its use as a therapy in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariane Tami Amano
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunobiology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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16
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Testro AG, Visvanathan K, Skinner N, Markovska V, Crowley P, Angus PW, Gow PJ. Acute allograft rejection in human liver transplant recipients is associated with signaling through toll-like receptor 4. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011; 26:155-63. [PMID: 21175809 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06324.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is a crucial step in initiating adaptive immune responses. In addition to recognizing endotoxin, TLR4 also recognizes endogenous ligands ('damage-associated structures'), which are released into the circulation in the peri-transplantation period. TLR2 to a lesser extent also recognizes these endogenous ligands. Multiple studies involving solid organ transplants demonstrate a clear association between TLR4 and allograft rejection. In the present study we assessed whether an association exists between TLR4 and TLR2-dependent responses and acute liver allograft rejection. METHODS The sample included 26 liver transplant recipients. Blood was taken pre-transplant and at multiple points over the first 14 days post-transplant. Monocytes were stimulated with TLR4 and TLR2 ligands, lipopolysaccharide and Pam-3-Cys, respectively. Monocyte TLR expression was determined using flow cytometry; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays measured tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. RESULTS Nine (34.6%) patients experienced rejection. No differences existed in age, sex, disease or immunosuppression between rejectors and non-rejectors. Baseline TLR4 expression was significantly higher in rejectors (1.36 vs 1.02, P=0.01). There was no difference in TLR2 expression. In rejectors, baseline TLR4- and TLR2-dependent production of TNF-α and IL-6 was also significantly increased. Post-transplant, the two groups differed with regard to TLR4-dependent TNF-α production, with rejectors demonstrating progressive downregulation over the first week. CONCLUSIONS Prior to liver transplantation, patients who subsequently experience rejection demonstrate robust TLR4-dependent immune responses, which are not seen in those who do not reject. This supports the theory that damage-associated structures signaling through TLR4 may be responsible for the early activation of alloimmune T-cells, favoring allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam G Testro
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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17
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Arslan F, Keogh B, McGuirk P, Parker AE. TLR2 and TLR4 in ischemia reperfusion injury. Mediators Inflamm 2010; 2010:704202. [PMID: 20628516 PMCID: PMC2902053 DOI: 10.1155/2010/704202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Accepted: 04/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury refers to the tissue damage which occurs when blood supply returns to tissue after a period of ischemia and is associated with trauma, stroke, myocardial infarction, and solid organ transplantation. Although the cause of this injury is multifactorial, increasing experimental evidence suggests an important role for the innate immune system in initiating the inflammatory cascade leading to detrimental/deleterious changes. The Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) play a central role in innate immunity recognising both pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns and have been implicated in a range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In this paper, we summarise the current state of knowledge linking TLR2 and TLR4 to I/R injury, including recent studies which demonstrate that therapeutic inhibition of TLR2 has beneficial effects on I/R injury in a murine model of myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Arslan
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - B. Keogh
- Opsona Therapeutics Ltd., Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James' Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - P. McGuirk
- Opsona Therapeutics Ltd., Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James' Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - A. E. Parker
- Opsona Therapeutics Ltd., Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James' Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
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18
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Alegre ML, Chong A. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in transplantation. Front Biosci (Elite Ed) 2009; 1:36-43. [PMID: 19482622 DOI: 10.2741/e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
TLRs have been extensively studied over the past decade for their ability to recognize microbial molecular patterns and activate innate immune cells to fight infections. They have also been described to provide a link between innate and adaptive immunity, as TLR signals also enhance the antigen presenting capacity of innate immune cells to T cells. In recent years, a contribution of TLR pathways to immune responses elicited by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), allografts and xenografts has been uncovered, although the ligands that bind TLRs in these settings remain to be revealed. Such research has the potential to identify novel therapeutic targets that may facilitate allograft acceptance. In this review, we will summarize the results published to date on the role of TLRs in experimental and clinical transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Luisa Alegre
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL60637, USA.
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19
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Lebeis SL, Kalman D. Aligning antimicrobial drug discovery with complex and redundant host-pathogen interactions. Cell Host Microbe 2009; 5:114-22. [PMID: 19218083 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Drug-resistant microorganisms pose an enormous threat to public health. Here we provide examples of experimental approaches that offer novel ways to think about drug development considering the complexity inherent to host-pathogen interactions. Emergent themes include (1) targeting pathogenicity rather than microbial growth, (2) targeting the host or host-pathogen interface rather than the pathogen, (3) facilitating pathogen-specific immune responses, and (4) utilizing systems-based approaches to identify new drug targets and validate drug efficacy. We posit that together these approaches may allow identification of drugs that disrupt pathogenesis and allow the immune system time to protect, but do not easily engender resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Lebeis
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Graduate Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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20
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The serpin saga; development of a new class of virus derived anti-inflammatory protein immunotherapeutics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2009; 666:132-56. [PMID: 20054981 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-1601-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Serine proteinase inhibitors, also called serpins, are an ancient grouping of proteins found in primitive organisms from bacteria, protozoa and horseshoe crabs and thus likely present at the time of the dinosaurs, up to all mammals living today. The innate or inflammatory immune system is also an ancient metazoan regulatory system, providing the first line of defense against infection or injury. The innate inflammatory defense response evolved long before acquired, antibody dependent immunity. Viruses have developed highly effective stratagems that undermine and block a wide variety of host inflammatory and immune responses. Some of the most potent of these immune modifying strategies utilize serpins that have also been developed over millions of years, including the hijacking by some viruses for defense against host immune attacks. Serpins represent up to 2-10 percent of circulating plasma proteins, regulating actions as wide ranging as thrombosis, inflammation, blood pressure control and even hormone transport. Targeting serpin-regulated immune or inflammatory pathways makes evolutionary sense for viral defense and many of these virus-derived inhibitory proteins have proven to be highly effective, working at very low concentrations--even down to the femptomolar to picomolar range. We are studying these viral anti-inflammatory proteins as a new class of immunomodulatory therapeutic agents derived from their native viral source. One such viral serpin, Serp-1 is now in clinical trial (conducted by VIRON Therapeutics, Inc.) for acute unstable coronary syndromes (unstable angina and small heart attacks), representing a 'first in class' therapeutic study. Several other viral serpins are also currently under investigation as anti-inflammatory or anti-immune therapeutics. This chapter describes these original studies and the ongoing analysis of viral serpins as a new class of virus-derived immunotherapeutic.
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21
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Nepomnyashchikh TS, Shchelkunov SN. Poxviral immunomodulating proteins: New tools for immunity correction. Mol Biol 2008. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893308050178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Abstract
Until recently, research on transplantation rejection and tolerance has been directed toward deciphering the mechanisms of the adaptive immune system. However, the emergence that the innate immune system, the body's first-line defense against pathogens, has a strong influence on adaptive immunity has galvanized interest in elucidating the interplay between these two arms of the immune system. The discovery of Toll-like receptors and the characterization of the cellular mediators involved in innate immunity have provided growing evidence that innate immunity affects the adaptive immune response. Emerging evidence has also shown that early "danger signals"' associated with ischemia-reperfusion injury or brain death contribute to innate immune activation, promoting rejection, and inhibiting tolerance induction. In addition, nonspecific stimuli such as increased donor age or patient disease may also serve to exert a synergistic influence on innate immune activation. Ultimately, controlling the events in innate immune activation may help drive tolerance induction and reduce the rate of rejection.
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