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Barrie U, Floyd K, Datta A, Wetzel DM. MAPK/ERK activation in macrophages promotes Leishmania internalization and pathogenesis. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105353. [PMID: 38763478 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite Leishmania binds several receptors to trigger uptake by phagocytic cells, ultimately resulting in visceral or cutaneous leishmaniasis. A series of signaling pathways in host cells, which are critical for establishment and persistence of infection, are activated during Leishmania internalization. Thus, preventing Leishmania uptake by phagocytes could be a novel therapeutic strategy for leishmaniasis. However, the host cellular machinery mediating promastigote and amastigote uptake is not well understood. Here, using small molecule inhibitors of Mitogen-activated protein/Extracellular signal regulated kinases (MAPK/ERK), we demonstrate that ERK1/2 mediates Leishmania amazonensis uptake and (to a lesser extent) phagocytosis of beads by macrophages. We find that inhibiting host MEK1/2 or ERK1/2 leads to inefficient amastigote uptake. Moreover, using inhibitors and primary macrophages lacking spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) or Abl family kinases, we show that SYK and Abl family kinases mediate Raf, MEK, and ERK1/2 activity and are necessary for uptake. Finally, we demonstrate that trametinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor used to treat cancer, reduces disease severity and parasite burden in Leishmania-infected mice, even if it is started after lesions develop. Our results show that maximal Leishmania infection requires MAPK/ERK and highlight potential for MAPK/ERK-mediated signaling pathways to be novel therapeutic targets for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umaru Barrie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, United States
| | - Katherine Floyd
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, United States
| | - Arani Datta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, United States
| | - Dawn M Wetzel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, United States.
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Inoguchi K, Anazawa T, Fujimoto N, Tada S, Yamane K, Emoto N, Izuwa A, Su H, Fujimoto H, Murakami T, Nagai K, Hatano E. Impact of Prevascularization on Immunological Environment and Early Engraftment in Subcutaneous Islet Transplantation. Transplantation 2024; 108:1115-1126. [PMID: 38192025 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utilization of islet-like cells derived from pluripotent stem cells may resolve the scarcity of islet transplantation donors. The subcutaneous space is a promising transplantation site because of its capacity for graft observation and removal, thereby ensuring safety. To guarantee subcutaneous islet transplantation, physicians should ensure ample blood supply. Numerous methodologies, including prevascularization, have been investigated to augment blood flow, but the optimal approach remains undetermined. METHODS From C57BL/6 mice, 500 syngeneic islets were transplanted into the prevascularized subcutaneous site of recipient mice by implanting agarose rods with basic fibroblast growth factor at 1 and 2 wk. Before transplantation, the blood glucose levels, cell infiltration, and cytokine levels at the transplant site were evaluated. Furthermore, we examined the impact of the extracellular matrix capsule on graft function and the inflammatory response. RESULTS Compared with the 1-wk group, the 2-wk group exhibited improved glycemic control, indicating that longer prevascularization enhanced transplant success. Flow cytometry analysis detected immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, in the extracellular matrix capsules, whereas cytometric bead array analysis indicated the release of inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines. Treatment with antitumor necrosis factor and anti-interleukin-6R antibodies in the 1-wk group improved graft survival, similar to the 2-wk group. CONCLUSIONS In early prevascularization before subcutaneous transplantation, neutrophil and macrophage accumulation prevented early engraftment owing to inflammatory cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Inoguchi
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takayuki Anazawa
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nanae Fujimoto
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Department of Regeneration Science and Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Tada
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kei Yamane
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Norio Emoto
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Aya Izuwa
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hang Su
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Fujimoto
- Radioisotope Research Center, Agency for Health, Safety and Environment, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Takaaki Murakami
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Nagai
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Chen Z, Li Y, Niu Y, Zhang X, Yu J, Cui J, Ran S, Wang S, Ye W, Xia J, Wu J. MEK1/2-PKM2 Pathway Modulates the Immunometabolic Reprogramming of Proinflammatory Allograft-infiltrating Macrophages During Heart Transplant Rejection. Transplantation 2024; 108:1127-1141. [PMID: 38238904 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence has highlighted the role of macrophages in heart transplant rejection (HTR). However, the molecular signals modulating the immunometabolic phenotype of allograft-infiltrating macrophages (AIMs) during HTR remain unknown. METHODS We analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data from cardiac graft-infiltrating immunocytes to characterize the activation patterns and metabolic features of AIMs. We used flow cytometry to determine iNOS and PKM2 expression and MEK/ERK signaling activation levels in AIMs. We then generated macrophage-specific Mek1/2 knockout mice to determine the role of the MEK1/2-PKM2 pathway in the proinflammatory phenotype and glycolytic capacity of AIMs during HTR. RESULTS Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that AIMs had a significantly elevated proinflammatory and glycolytic phenotype. Flow cytometry analysis verified that iNOS and PKM2 expressions were significantly upregulated in AIMs. Moreover, MEK/ERK signaling was activated in AIMs and positively correlated with proinflammatory and glycolytic signatures. Macrophage-specific Mek1/2 deletion significantly protected chronic cardiac allograft rejection and inhibited the proinflammatory phenotype and glycolytic capacity of AIMs. Mek1/2 ablation also reduced the proinflammatory phenotype and glycolytic capacity of lipopolysaccharides + interferon-γ-stimulated macrophages. Mek1/2 ablation impaired nuclear translocation and PKM2 expression in macrophages. PKM2 overexpression partially restored the proinflammatory phenotype and glycolytic capacity of Mek1/2 -deficient macrophages. Moreover, trametinib, an Food and Drug Administration-approved MEK1/2 inhibitor, ameliorated chronic cardiac allograft rejection. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the MEK1/2-PKM2 pathway is essential for immunometabolic reprogramming of proinflammatory AIMs, implying that it may be a promising therapeutic target in clinical heart transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqing Niu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jizhang Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jikai Cui
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuan Ran
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weicong Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahong Xia
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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