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Li Y, Ramírez-Suástegui C, Harris R, Castañeda-Castro FE, Ascui G, Pérez-Jeldres T, Diaz A, Morong C, Giles DA, Chai J, Seumois G, Sanchez-Elsner T, Cummings F, Kronenberg M, Vijayanand P. Stem-like T cells are associated with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis in humans. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:1231-1244. [PMID: 38898157 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01860-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
To understand the role of T cells in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), we analyzed colonic T cells isolated from patients with UC and controls. Here we identified colonic CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets with gene expression profiles resembling stem-like progenitors, previously reported in several mouse models of autoimmune disease. Stem-like T cells were increased in inflamed areas compared to non-inflamed regions from the same patients. Furthermore, TCR sequence analysis indicated stem-like T cells were clonally related to proinflammatory T cells, suggesting their involvement in sustaining effectors that drive inflammation. Using an adoptive transfer colitis model in mice, we demonstrated that CD4+ T cells deficient in either BCL-6 or TCF1, transcription factors that promote T cell stemness, had decreased colon T cells and diminished pathogenicity. Our results establish a strong association between stem-like T cell populations and UC pathogenesis, highlighting the potential of targeting this population to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingcong Li
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Richard Harris
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Gabriel Ascui
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tamara Pérez-Jeldres
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital San Borja Arriarán, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Diaz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital San Borja Arriarán, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carla Morong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital San Borja Arriarán, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel A Giles
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Lineage Therapeutics, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Jiani Chai
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Tilman Sanchez-Elsner
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Southampton NHS FT, Southampton, UK
| | - Fraser Cummings
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Southampton NHS FT, Southampton, UK
| | - Mitchell Kronenberg
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Pandurangan Vijayanand
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Zheng LX, Guo KE, Huang JQ, Liu MH, Deng BL, Liu DY, Zhou BG, Zhou W, Zhong YB, Zhao HM. Curcumin alleviated dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by recovering memory Th/Tfh subset balance. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:5226-5239. [PMID: 37901446 PMCID: PMC10600958 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i36.5226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restoration of immune homeostasis by targeting the balance between memory T helper (mTh) cells and memory follicular T helper (mTfh) cells is a potential therapeutic strategy against ulcerative colitis (UC). Because of its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, curcumin (Cur) is a promising drug for UC treatment. However, fewer studies have demonstrated whether Cur can modulate the mTh/mTfh subset balance in mice with colitis. AIM To explore the potential mechanism underlying Cur-mediated alleviation of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice by regulating the mTh and mTfh immune homeostasis. METHODS Balb/c mice were administered 3% and 2% DSS to establish the UC model and treated with Cur (200 mg/kg/d) by gavage on days 11-17. On the 18th d, all mice were anesthetized and euthanized, and the colonic length, colonic weight, and colonic weight index were evaluated. Histomorphological changes in the mouse colon were observed through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Levels of Th/mTh and Tfh/mTfh cell subsets in the spleen were detected through flow cytometry. Western blotting was performed to detect SOCS-1, SOCS-3, STAT3, p-STAT3, JAK1, p-JAK1, and NF-κB p65 protein expression levels in colon tissues. RESULTS Cur effectively mitigates DSS-induced colitis, facilitates the restoration of mouse weight and colonic length, and diminishes the colonic weight and colonic weight index. Simultaneously, it hinders ulcer development and inflammatory cell infiltration in the colonic mucous membrane. While the percentage of Th1, mTh1, Th7, mTh7, Th17, mTh17, Tfh1, mTfh1, Tfh7, mTfh7, Tfh17, and mTfh17 cells decreased after Cur treatment of the mice for 7 d, and the frequency of mTh10, Th10, mTfh10, and Tfh10 cells in the mouse spleen increased. Further studies revealed that Cur administration prominently decreased the SOCS-1, SOCS-3, STAT3, p-STAT3, JAK1, p-JAK1, and NF-κB p65 protein expression levels in the colon tissue. CONCLUSION Cur regulated the mTh/mTfh cell homeostasis to reduce DSS-induced colonic pathological damage, potentially by suppressing the JAK1/STAT3/SOCS signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Xin Zheng
- Department of Postgraduate, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Kai-En Guo
- Department of Postgraduate, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jia-Qi Huang
- Department of Postgraduate, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Miao-Hua Liu
- Department of Postgraduate, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Bai-Ling Deng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Duan-Yong Liu
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Bu-Gao Zhou
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wen Zhou
- Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang 330052, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - You-Bao Zhong
- Laboratory Animal Research Center for Science and Technology, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hai-Mei Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi Province, China
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Long Y, Xia CS, Zeng X, Feng J, Ma Y, Liu C. Altered Phenotypes of Colonic and Peripheral Blood Follicular Helper and Follicular Cytotoxic T Cells in Mice with DSS-Induced Colitis. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:2879-2892. [PMID: 37456782 PMCID: PMC10348340 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s411373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Follicular helper T (Tfh), follicular regulatory T (Tfr), and follicular cytotoxic T (Tfc) cells play important roles in autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, their changes of functional phenotypes in ulcerative colitis (UC), most importantly, their changes in colon tissue as the target-organ, have not been explored. Methods DSS-colitis was induced in Balb/c mice and lymphocytes were collected from spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, peripheral blood and colon. Tfh, Tfr, and Tfc cells were analyzed using flow cytometry based on their CD4+CXCR5+FOXP3-Tfh, CD4+CXCR5+FOXP3+Tfr and CD8+CXCR5+Tfc expressions. Various functional characterization markers including CD44, CD62L, TIGIT, CD226, PD-1, ICOS, Helios, CTLA-4 and Bcl6 were analyzed in the T cell subsets of the organs. Results Tfh and Tfr cells in the colon were significantly increased in DSS-colitis mice. Additionally, the proportions of Tfr and Tfc cells in the peripheral blood were also increased, while Tfc cell proportions in the colon were decreased. The proportion of naïve cells in the Tfh, Tfr and Tfc cells in the colon and peripheral blood decreased, while the proportion of effector memory T cells increased. The TIGIT+CD226-Tfh and Tfc cells were upregulated in the colon of DSS-colitis mice. The PD-1+, ICOS+ and PD-1+ICOS+ Tfh cells were increased in both the colonic and peripheral blood Tfh and Tfc of DSS-colitis mice. The Bcl6+ proportions in the Tfh and Tfr were increased in the colon of DSS-colitis mice. Conclusion The colonic and peripheral blood Tfh and Tfc cells of DSS-colitis mice have a significantly activated T cell phenotype, which may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Long
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang-Sheng Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingyue Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinghong Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinting Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Lian YZ, Chang CC, Chen YS, Tinkov AA, Skalny AV, Chao JCJ. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and capsaicin modulate inflammatory cytokines and colonic microbiota in colitis rats induced by dextran sulfate sodium. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2022; 71:229-237. [PMID: 36447490 PMCID: PMC9701596 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.21-174] [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: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Active ingredients in the natural products have been considered to be used for alleviating the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, hence the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LP) and capsaicin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in rats were investigated. Rats were grouped into normal, DSS induced colitis, and colitis treated with 100 mg LP/kg body weight, 12 mg capsaicin/kg body weight, or combined 50 mg LP/kg body weight and 6 mg capsaicin/kg body weight. Treatment with LP or capsaicin was orally fed by gavage for 4 weeks, and 5% DSS was fed via drinking water for 6 days during week 3. Colon tissue and cecum content were collected for analysis. Treatments with LP and/or capsaicin ameliorated disease activity index scores, severity of colon distortion, and shrinkage of colon length. LP and capsaicin decreased colonic pro-inflammatory cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-17A, and IL-22) levels. Cecal microbiota in colitis rats were enriched with the genus Turicibacter and Lachnospira. The relative abundance of genus Ruminiclostridium_9 and Ruminoclostridium_1 was increased by LP and capsaicin treatment, respectively. Pretreatment with LP or capsaicin inhibits the severity of colonic damage in rats with DSS-induced colitis via anti-inflammation and modulation of colonic microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhi Lian
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chao Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, 252 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Chen
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Alexey A. Tinkov
- Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 2-4 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow 119435, Russia
- Institute of Bioelementology, Orenburg State University, Pobedy Avenue, 13, Orenburg 460018, Russia
| | - Anatoly V. Skalny
- Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 2-4 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow 119435, Russia
- Institute of Bioelementology, Orenburg State University, Pobedy Avenue, 13, Orenburg 460018, Russia
- Federal Research Centre of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 9 Yanvarya Street, 29, Orenburg 460000, Russia
| | - Jane C.-J. Chao
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Master Program in Global Health and Development, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, 252 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
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Ulcerative colitis is characterized by a plasmablast-skewed humoral response associated with disease activity. Nat Med 2022; 28:766-779. [PMID: 35190725 PMCID: PMC9107072 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-01680-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
B cells, which are critical for intestinal homeostasis, remain understudied in ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we recruited three cohorts of patients with UC (primary cohort, n = 145; validation cohort 1, n = 664; and validation cohort 2, n = 143) to comprehensively define the landscape of B cells during UC-associated intestinal inflammation. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell IgH gene sequencing and protein-level validation, we mapped the compositional, transcriptional and clonotypic landscape of mucosal and circulating B cells. We found major perturbations within the mucosal B cell compartment, including an expansion of naive B cells and IgG+ plasma cells with curtailed diversity and maturation. Furthermore, we isolated an auto-reactive plasma cell clone targeting integrin αvβ6 from inflamed UC intestines. We also identified a subset of intestinal CXCL13-expressing TFH-like T peripheral helper cells that were associated with the pathogenic B cell response. Finally, across all three cohorts, we confirmed that changes in intestinal humoral immunity are reflected in circulation by the expansion of gut-homing plasmablasts that correlates with disease activity and predicts disease complications. Our data demonstrate a highly dysregulated B cell response in UC and highlight a potential role of B cells in disease pathogenesis.
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Lu J, Wang Z, Maimaiti M, Hui W, Abudourexiti A, Gao F. Identification of diagnostic signatures in ulcerative colitis patients via bioinformatic analysis integrated with machine learning. Hum Cell 2022; 35:179-188. [PMID: 34731452 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00641-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-related disorder with enhanced prevalence globally. Early diagnosis is critical for the effective treatment of UC. However, it still lacks specific diagnostic signatures. The aim of our study was to explore efficient signatures and construct the diagnostic model for UC. Microarray data of GSE87473 and GSE48634, which were obtained from tissue biopsy samples, were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and differently expressed genes (DEGs), GO, and KEGG analyses were performed. We constructed the PPI network via STRING database. The immune infiltration of the samples was evaluated using CIBERSORT methods combined with the LM22 feature matrix. The logistic regression model was constructed, with the expression of selected genes as the predictor variable, and the UC occurrence as the responsive variable. As a result, a total of 126 DEGs between the UC patients and normal counterparts were identified. The GO and KEGG analysis revealed that multiple biological processes, such as antimicrobial humoral immune response mediated by antimicrobial peptide and IL-17 signaling pathway, were enriched. The infiltration of eight immune cell types (B cells naive, Dendritic.cells.activated, Macrophages.M0, Macrophages.M2, Mast.cells.resting, Neutrophils, Plasma.cells, and T.cells.follicular.helper) was significantly different between patients with UC and normal counterparts. The top 50 most significant DEGs were selected for the construction of the PPI network. The average AUC of the logistic regression model in the fivefold cross-validation was 0.8497 in the training set, GSE87473. The AUC of another independent verification set of GSE48634 from the GEO database was 0.7208. In conclusion, we identified potential hub genes, including REG3A, REG1A, DEFA6, REG1B, and DEFA5, which might be significantly associated with UC progression. The logistic regression model based on the five genes could reliably diagnose UC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Lu
- Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830001, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No. 91, Tianchi Road, Urumqi, 830001, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Munila Maimaiti
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No. 91, Tianchi Road, Urumqi, 830001, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wenjia Hui
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No. 91, Tianchi Road, Urumqi, 830001, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Adilai Abudourexiti
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No. 91, Tianchi Road, Urumqi, 830001, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No. 91, Tianchi Road, Urumqi, 830001, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
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The Role of T Follicular Helper Cells and Interleukin-21 in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2021; 2021:9621738. [PMID: 34471409 PMCID: PMC8405314 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9621738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells represent a novel subset of CD4+ T cells which can provide critical help for germinal center (GC) formation and antibody production. The Tfh cells are characterized by the expression of CXC chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5), programmed death 1 (PD-1), inducible costimulatory molecule (ICOS), B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL-6), and the secretion of interleukin-21 (IL-21). Given the important role of Tfh cells in B cell activation and high-affinity antibody production, Tfh cells are involved in the pathogenesis of many human diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are the most studied types of IBD. Dysregulated mucosal immune response plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD. In recent years, many studies have identified the critical role of Tfh cells and IL-21 in the pathogenic process IBD. In this paper, we will discuss the role of Tfh cells and IL-21 in IBD pathogenesis.
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Xiu MX, Liu YM, Chen GY, Hu C, Kuang BH. Identifying Hub Genes, Key Pathways and Immune Cell Infiltration Characteristics in Pediatric and Adult Ulcerative Colitis by Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:3002-3014. [PMID: 32974809 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06611-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In the present study, we investigated the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), pathways and immune cell infiltration characteristics of pediatric and adult ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS We conducted DEG analysis using the microarray dataset GSE87473 containing 19 pediatric and 87 adult UC samples downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using Metascape. We constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the drug-target interaction network of DEGs and identified hub modules and genes using Cytoscape and analyzed immune cell infiltration in pediatric and adult UC using CIBERSORT. RESULTS In total, 1700 DEGs were screened from the dataset. These genes were enriched mainly in inter-cellular items relating to cell junctions, cell adhesion, actin cytoskeleton and transmembrane receptor signaling pathways and intra-cellular items relating to the splicing, metabolism and localization of RNA. CDC42, POLR2A, RAC1, PIK3R1, MAPK1 and SRC were identified as hub DEGs. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed higher proportions of naive B cells, resting memory T helper cells, regulatory T cells, monocytes, M0 macrophages and activated mast cells in pediatric UC, along with lower proportions of memory B cells, follicular helper T cells, γδ T cells, M2 macrophages, and activated dendritic cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that hub genes CDC42, POLR2A, RAC1, PIK3R1, MAPK1 and SRC and immune cells including B cells, T cells, monocytes, macrophages and mast cells play vital roles in the pathological differences between pediatric and adult UC and may serve as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Xi Xiu
- Medical School of Nanchang University, 603 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuan-Meng Liu
- Medical School of Nanchang University, 603 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guang-Yuan Chen
- Medical School of Nanchang University, 603 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Cong Hu
- Medical School of Nanchang University, 603 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bo-Hai Kuang
- Medical School of Nanchang University, 603 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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Tong X, Zheng Y, Li Y, Xiong Y, Chen D. Soluble ligands as drug targets for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 226:107859. [PMID: 33895184 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by persistent inflammation in a hereditarily susceptible host. In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, patients with IBD frequently suffer from extra-intestinal complications such as fibrosis, stenosis or cancer. Mounting evidence supports the targeting of cytokines for effective treatment of IBD. Cytokines can be included in a newly proposed classification "soluble ligands" that has become the third major target of human protein therapeutic drugs after enzymes and receptors. Soluble ligands have potential significance for research and development of anti-IBD drugs. Compared with traditional drug targets for IBD treatment, such as receptors, at least three factors contribute to the increasing importance of soluble ligands as drug targets. Firstly, cytokines are the main soluble ligands and targeting of them has demonstrated efficacy in patients with IBD. Secondly, soluble ligands are more accessible than receptors, which are embedded in the cell membrane and have complex tertiary membrane structures. Lastly, certain potential target proteins that are present in membrane-bound forms can become soluble following cleavage, providing further opportunities for intervention in the treatment of IBD. In this review, 49 drugs targeting 25 distinct ligands have been evaluated, including consideration of the characteristics of the ligands and drugs in respect of IBD treatment. In addition to approved drugs targeting soluble ligands, we have also assessed drugs that are in preclinical research and drugs inhibiting ligand-receptor binding. Some new types of targetable soluble ligands/proteins, such as epoxide hydrolase and p-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, are also introduced. Targeting soluble ligands not only opens a new field of anti-IBD drug development, but the circulating soluble ligands also provide diagnostic insights for early prediction of treatment response. In conclusion, soluble ligands serve as the third-largest protein target class in medicine, with much potential for the drugs targeting them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Tong
- Compartive Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian City 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zheng
- Compartive Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian City 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Li
- Compartive Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian City 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yongjian Xiong
- Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Dapeng Chen
- Compartive Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian City 116044, Liaoning Province, China.
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Long Y, Xia C, Sun Y, Ma Y, Xu L, Song Y, Liu C. Increased circulating PD-1 hiCXCR5- peripheral helper T cells are associated with disease severity of active ulcerative colitis patients. Immunol Lett 2021; 233:2-10. [PMID: 33675861 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A recently identified population of T cells, phenotypically CD4+PD-1hiCXCR5-, has been firstly termed as peripheral helper T cells (Tph) and found to be pathogenic in autoimmune diseases. However, the potential role of Tph in ulcerative colitis (UC) remains unclear. We aim to investigate the changes of circulating Tph in UC patients and their potential significance in the pathogenesis of UC. METHODS Totally 68 UC patients and 34 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Circulating Tph and B cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Expressions of inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS) on Tph cells were analyzed. Serum IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-21 were detected using ELISA. Correlation analyses were conducted between Tph cells and disease severity, functional B cell subsets and serum cytokines. RESULTS Both the frequency and absolute number of Tph were significantly increased in active UC patients and ICOS levels in Tph cells were also elevated, compared with remission UC patients and healthy controls. Tph and ICOS expression were significantly positively correlated with Mayo score and serum CRP in active UC patients, and were significantly decreased when achieving remission after treatment. Tph levels were correlated with new memory B cells, plasmablasts, serum IL-4 and IL-21. Meanwhile, serum IL-10 showed negative correlation while IL-12 exhibited positive correlation with circulating Tph cells in UC patients. CONCLUSIONS Circulating Tph cells are elevated in active UC patients and are associated with the disease activity, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Long
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Changsheng Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yinting Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lijuan Xu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
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11
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Long Y, Zhao X, Liu C, Xia C, Liu C. Activated inducible co-stimulator-positive programmed cell death 1-positive follicular helper T cells indicate disease activity and severity in ulcerative colitis patients. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 202:106-118. [PMID: 32621310 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inducible co-stimulator-positive (ICOS) and programmed cell death 1-positive (PD-1) are important markers for follicular helper T cells (Tfh); however, their roles and clinical values in ulcerative colitis (UC) remain unknown. In this study, we recruited 68 UC patients and 34 healthy controls. Circulating ICOS+ , PD-1+ and ICOS+ PD-1+ Tfh subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Twelve active UC patients achieving remission after treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid were followed-up and Tfh subset changes were analyzed. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-21 levels and B cell subsets were analyzed and Mayo scores were calculated. Correlation analyses were performed between Tfh subsets and the clinical indicators. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the efficiency of Tfh subsets for disease monitoring. We found that levels of ICOS+ , PD-1+ and ICOS+ PD-1+ Tfh cells were significantly increased in active UC and significantly decreased when achieving clinical remission. Activated ICOS+ PD-1+ Tfh cells were positively correlated with serum CRP and Mayo scores. Furthermore, ICOS+ PD-1+ Tfh cells were significantly correlated with circulating new memory B cells and plasmablasts, as well as serum IgG, IL-4 and IL-21. ROC analyses showed that when ICOS+ PD-1+ Tfh cells were used in combination with PD-1+ Tfh cells, the diagnostic efficacy in distinguishing active UC from stable remission patients was higher than that of any one used alone, with area under curve (AUC) value 0·931. Our findings suggest that increased ICOS+ PD-1+ Tfh cells are associated with the activation of B cells in the pathogenesis of UC, and may be a potential biomarker for UC disease monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Long
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - X Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - C Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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Long Y, Xia C, Xu L, Liu C, Fan C, Bao H, Zhao X, Liu C. The Imbalance of Circulating Follicular Helper T Cells and Follicular Regulatory T Cells Is Associated With Disease Activity in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:104. [PMID: 32117258 PMCID: PMC7034313 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum, in which the abnormality of B cells is involved in both its pathogenesis and progression. Follicular helper T cells (TFH) play an important role in assisting the immune function of human B cells in germinal centers, and follicular regulatory T cells (TFR) have the function of inhibiting TFH and germinal center B cell responses. The significance of circulating TFH and TFR in ulcerative colitis (UC) remains unclear. We analyzed peripheral blood of active and stable remission UC patients and found that circulating TFR was significantly decreased while TFH was increased in active UC patients. As to TFH subsets, TFH2 was elevated while TFH17 was decreased in active UC, with IL-4/IL-17A secretion enhanced. Helios+ and CD45RA−FoxP3high TFR cells were decreased while CD226+ and CD45RA+FoxP3int TFR cells were increased in active UC patients. The levels of new memory B cells, plasmablasts and serum IgG were significantly increased in active UC patients, and were positively correlated with TFH and TFH2, and negatively correlated with TFR. Serum CRP and Mayo Clinic scores were positively correlated with TFH and TFH2 but negatively correlated with TFR. Serum IL-12 and IL-21 were up-regulated while IL-10 was down-regulated in active UC. To conclude, an imbalance of circulating TFH and TFR cells is associated with disease activity in UC patients. Our results suggest a new mechanism for TFH and TFR imbalance in the pathogenesis of UC, providing a new perspective for theoretical research and therapeutic strategies for UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Long
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Changsheng Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lijuan Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Caoyi Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chunhong Fan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huizhang Bao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotao Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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