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Chen Y, Wang Y, Fu Y, Yin Y, Xu K. Modulating AHR function offers exciting therapeutic potential in gut immunity and inflammation. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:85. [PMID: 37179416 PMCID: PMC10182712 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a classical exogenous synthetic ligand of AHR that has significant immunotoxic effects. Activation of AHR has beneficial effects on intestinal immune responses, but inactivation or overactivation of AHR can lead to intestinal immune dysregulation and even intestinal diseases. Sustained potent activation of AHR by TCDD results in impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier. However, currently, AHR research has been more focused on elucidating physiologic AHR function than on dioxin toxicity. The appropriate level of AHR activation plays a role in maintaining gut health and protecting against intestinal inflammation. Therefore, AHR offers a crucial target to modulate intestinal immunity and inflammation. Herein, we summarize our current understanding of the relationship between AHR and intestinal immunity, the ways in which AHR affects intestinal immunity and inflammation, the effects of AHR activity on intestinal immunity and inflammation, and the effect of dietary habits on intestinal health through AHR. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic role of AHR in maintaining gut homeostasis and relieving inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Yawei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China.
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Huang RW, Anggelia MR, Chuang WY, Hsieh YH, Cheng HY, Lin CH. The Effect of Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B Irradiation on the Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Rat Model. Ann Plast Surg 2022; 88:S22-S26. [PMID: 35102019 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) allows functional and esthetic reconstruction for patients with complex anatomical defects. However, acute and chronic graft rejections are significant obstacles to VCA. Ultraviolet light is an oncogenic environmental hazard. However, ultraviolet B (UVB) has an immunomodulation effect. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the impact of UVB irradiation on the VCA rat model. METHODS The rat vascularized bone marrow allotransplantation model was used. A vascularized bone marrow from a Brown Norway rat (RT1Ac) was transplanted into a Lewis rat (RT1Ab). The allograft and surrounding abdominal skin were exposed to narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) (311 nm) radiation with an energy of 1350 mJ/cm2 3 times a week until the end of the study period. There were 5 study groups: syngeneic transplantation (group 1), allogeneic transplantation (group 2), allogenic transplantation-NB-UVB (group 3), allogenic transplantation-antilymphocyte serum (ALS)-tacrolimus (group 4), and allogenic transplantation-antilymphocyte serum-tacrolimus-NB-UVB (group 5). RESULTS Group 5 had decreased graft survival compared with group 4. In the donor cell chimerism analysis, donor cell chimerism decreased significantly after UVB irradiation and was unresponsive to the administered immunosuppressants. After UVB irradiation, the CD8 T-cell ratio was increased, and the regulatory T-cell ratio was decreased. CONCLUSIONS The preliminary data showed that NB-UVB irradiation of the VCA rat model may decrease graft survival. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the possible mechanisms of this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wen-Yu Chuang
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical College, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | | | - Hui-Yun Cheng
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
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Renaud-Picard B, Koutsokera A, Cabanero M, Martinu T. Acute Rejection in the Modern Lung Transplant Era. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 42:411-427. [PMID: 34030203 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Acute cellular rejection (ACR) remains a common complication after lung transplantation. Mortality directly related to ACR is low and most patients respond to first-line immunosuppressive treatment. However, a subset of patients may develop refractory or recurrent ACR leading to an accelerated lung function decline and ultimately chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Infectious complications associated with the intensification of immunosuppression can also negatively impact long-term survival. In this review, we summarize the most recent evidence on the mechanisms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of ACR. We specifically focus on novel, promising biomarkers which are under investigation for their potential to improve the diagnostic performance of transbronchial biopsies. Finally, for each topic, we highlight current gaps in knowledge and areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Renaud-Picard
- Division of Respirology and Toronto Lung Transplant Program, University of Toronto and University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Angela Koutsokera
- Division of Pulmonology, Lung Transplant Program, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Cabanero
- Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tereza Martinu
- Division of Respirology and Toronto Lung Transplant Program, University of Toronto and University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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Dehom S, Knutsen S, Bahjri K, Shavlik D, Oda K, Ali H, Pompe L, Spencer-Hwang R. Racial Difference in the Association of Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality among Renal Transplant Recipients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4297. [PMID: 33919563 PMCID: PMC8073484 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ambient air pollutants are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality with significant racial disparities. However, few studies have explored racial differences among highly susceptible subpopulations, such as renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Despite improvements in quality of life after transplantation, CVD remains the major cause of mortality, especially among Black recipients. This study aimed to evaluate potential racial differences in the association between long-term levels of PM2.5 and the risk of all-cause, total CVD, and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality among RTRs. This retrospective study consists of 93,857 non-smoking adults who received a renal transplant between 2001 and 2015. Time-dependent Cox regression was used to assess the association between annual concentrations of PM2.5 and mortality risk. In the multivariable-adjusted models, a 10 μg/m3 increase in ambient PM2.5 levels found increased risk of all-cause (HR = 3.45, 95% CI: 3.08-3.78), CVD (HR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.94-2.92), and CHD mortality (HR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.96-4.90). Black recipients had higher risks of all-cause (HR = 4.09, 95% CI: 3.43-4.88) and CHD mortality (HR = 6.73, 95% CI: 2.96-15.32). High levels of ambient PM2.5 were associated with all-cause, CVD, and CHD mortality. The association tended to be higher among Black recipients than non-Blacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salem Dehom
- School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, 24951 Circle Drive, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (S.K.); (K.B.); (D.S.); (K.O.); (L.P.); (R.S.-H.)
- School of Nursing, Loma Linda University, 11262 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Synnove Knutsen
- School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, 24951 Circle Drive, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (S.K.); (K.B.); (D.S.); (K.O.); (L.P.); (R.S.-H.)
| | - Khaled Bahjri
- School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, 24951 Circle Drive, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (S.K.); (K.B.); (D.S.); (K.O.); (L.P.); (R.S.-H.)
- School of Pharmacy, Loma Linda University, 24745 Stewart Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - David Shavlik
- School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, 24951 Circle Drive, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (S.K.); (K.B.); (D.S.); (K.O.); (L.P.); (R.S.-H.)
| | - Keiji Oda
- School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, 24951 Circle Drive, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (S.K.); (K.B.); (D.S.); (K.O.); (L.P.); (R.S.-H.)
| | - Hatem Ali
- Redlands Community Hospital, 305 Terracina Blvd, Redlands, CA 92350, USA;
| | - Lance Pompe
- School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, 24951 Circle Drive, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (S.K.); (K.B.); (D.S.); (K.O.); (L.P.); (R.S.-H.)
| | - Rhonda Spencer-Hwang
- School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, 24951 Circle Drive, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (S.K.); (K.B.); (D.S.); (K.O.); (L.P.); (R.S.-H.)
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Vogel CFA, Van Winkle LS, Esser C, Haarmann-Stemmann T. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a target of environmental stressors - Implications for pollution mediated stress and inflammatory responses. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101530. [PMID: 32354640 PMCID: PMC7327980 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor regulating the expression of genes, for instance encoding the monooxygenases cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and CYP1A2, which are important enzymes in metabolism of xenobiotics. The AHR is activated upon binding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and related ubiquitous environmental chemicals, to mediate their biological and toxic effects. In addition, several endogenous and natural compounds can bind to AHR, thereby modulating a variety of physiological processes. In recent years, ambient particulate matter (PM) associated with traffic related air pollution (TRAP) has been found to contain significant amounts of PAHs. PM containing PAHs are of increasing concern as a class of agonists, which can activate the AHR. Several reports show that PM and AHR-mediated induction of CYP1A1 results in excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative stress. Furthermore, exposure to PM and PAHs induce inflammatory responses and may lead to chronic inflammatory diseases, including asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and increased cancer risk. In this review, we summarize findings showing the critical role that the AHR plays in mediating effects of environmental pollutants and stressors, which pose a risk of impacting the environment and human health. PAHs present on ambient air pollution particles are ligands of the cellular AHR. AHR-dependent induction of CYP1, AKR, NOX and COX-2 genes can be a source of ROS generation. AHR signaling and NRF2 signaling interact to regulate the expression of antioxidant genes. Air pollution and ROS can affect inflammation, which is partially triggered by AHR and associated immune responses. Skin, lung, and the cardiovascular system are major target sites for air pollution-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph F A Vogel
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Laura S Van Winkle
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; School of Veterinary Medicine Department of Anatomy, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 5616, USA
| | - Charlotte Esser
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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O'Driscoll CA, Owens LA, Hoffmann EJ, Gallo ME, Afrazi A, Han M, Fechner JH, Schauer JJ, Bradfield CA, Mezrich JD. Ambient urban dust particulate matter reduces pathologic T cells in the CNS and severity of EAE. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 168:178-192. [PMID: 30316103 PMCID: PMC6263800 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune diseases have increased in incidence and prevalence worldwide. While genetic predispositions play a role, environmental factors are a major contributor. Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture composed of metals, nitrates, sulfates and diverse adsorbed organic compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxins. Exposure to atmospheric PM aggravates autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, among others. PAHs and dioxins are known aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligands. The AHR modulates T cell differentiation and directs the balance between effector and regulatory T cells in vitro and in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of autoimmune disease. This study aims to identify pathways that contribute to autoimmune disease and their potential use as therapeutic targets to alleviate symptoms and the need for global immunosuppression. This study tests the hypothesis that atmospheric PM enhances effector T cell differentiation and aggravates autoimmune disease. RESULTS An atmospheric ambient urban dust PM sample, standard reference material (SRM)1649b, was tested for its effects on autoimmunity. SRM1649b PM enhanced Th17 differentiation in an AHR-dependent manner in vitro, however intranasal treatment of SRM1649b PM delayed onset of EAE and reduced cumulative and peak clinical scores. Chronic and acute intranasal exposure of SRM1649b PM delayed onset of EAE. Chronic intranasal exposure did not reduce severity of EAE while acute intranasal exposure significantly reduced severity of disease. Acute intranasal treatment of low dose SRM1649b PM had no effect on clinical score or day of onset in EAE. Delayed onset of EAE by intranasal SRM1649b PM was AHR-dependent in vivo. Oral gavage of SRM1649b PM, in the absence of AHR ligands in the diet, had no effect on day of disease onset or severity of EAE. Day 10 analysis of T cells in the CNS after intranasal treatment of SRM1649b PM showed a reduction of pathologic T cell subsets in vivo. Moreover, MOG-specific splenocytes require AHR to generate or maintain IL-10 producing cells and reduce IFNγ producing cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These results identify the AHR pathway as a potential target for driving targeted immunosuppression in the CNS in the context of atmospheric PM-mediated autoimmune disease. The effects of SRM1649b PM on EAE are dependent on route of exposure, with intranasal treatment reducing severity of EAE and delaying disease onset while oral gavage has no effect. Intranasal SRM1649b PM reduces pathologic T cells in the CNS, specifically Th1 cells and Th1Th17 double positive cells, leading to reduced severity of EAE and AHR-dependent delayed disease onset. Additionally, SRM1649b PM treatment of antigen-specific T cells leads to AHR-dependent increase in percent IL-10 positive cells in vitro. These findings may shed light on the known increase of infection after exposure to atmospheric PM and serve as the first step in identifying components of the AHR pathway responsible for Th1-mediated immunosuppression in response to atmospheric PM exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea A O'Driscoll
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA; Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| | - Leah A Owens
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| | - Erica J Hoffmann
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| | - Madeline E Gallo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| | - Amin Afrazi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA; Molecular and Applied Nutrition Training Program, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| | - Mei Han
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| | - John H Fechner
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| | - James J Schauer
- Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, Madison, WI, USA; Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| | - Christopher A Bradfield
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA; McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Joshua D Mezrich
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
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Abikhair Burgo M, Roudiani N, Chen J, Santana AL, Doudican N, Proby C, Felsen D, Carucci JA. Ruxolitinib inhibits cyclosporine-induced proliferation of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. JCI Insight 2018; 3:120750. [PMID: 30185657 PMCID: PMC6171807 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.120750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) on cyclosporine A (CSA) are prone to catastrophic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Allograft-sparing, cancer-targeting systemic treatments are unavailable. We have shown increased risk for catastrophic SCC in OTRs via CSA-mediated induction of IL-22. Herein, we found that CSA drives SCC proliferation and tumor growth through IL-22 and JAK/STAT pathway induction. We in turn inhibited SCC growth with an FDA-approved JAK1/2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib. In human SCC cells, the greatest proliferative response to IL-22 and CSA treatment occurred in nonmetastasizing lines. IL-22 treatment upregulated JAK1 and STAT1/3 in A431 SCC cells. JAK/STAT pathway genes were highly expressed in tumors from a cohort of CSA-exposed OTRs and in SCC with high risk for metastasis. Compared with immunocompetent SCC, genes associated with innate immunity, response to DNA damage, and p53 regulation were differentially expressed in SCC from OTRs. In nude mice engrafted with human A431 cells, IL-22 and CSA treatment increased tumor growth and upregulated IL-22 receptor, JAK1, and STAT1/3 expression. Ruxolitinib treatment significantly reduced tumor volume and reversed the accelerated tumor growth. CSA and IL-22 exacerbate aggressive behavior in SCC. Targeting the IL-22 axis via selective JAK/STAT inhibition may reduce the progression of aggressive SCC in OTRs, without compromising immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Abikhair Burgo
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nazanin Roudiani
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute for Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexis L. Santana
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicole Doudican
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Charlotte Proby
- Division of Cancer Research, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Felsen
- Institute for Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - John A. Carucci
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression by macrophages and lymphocytes within infiltrates in BK polyomavirus associated nephropathy. Transpl Immunol 2018; 47:18-21. [PMID: 29305091 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BK virus nephropathy (BKPyVN) is a major complication after renal transplantation. Little is known about the intra renal immune response during BKPyVN. The role of macrophages remains elusive. The activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) - a transcription factor involved in drug metabolism - plays a key role in inflammation and viral tolerance through modulation of macrophages polarization. Since AHR has not been studied in kidney transplantation, our aim was to compare the AHR expression within renal grafts in BKPyVN with T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) as a control. METHODS We evaluated AHR expression in kidney grafts from BKPyVN (n=8) with TCMR as control (n=6) among cases with available frozen material for AHR gene intragraft transcription measurement and stainings for AHR, CD68 and CD45. RESULTS AHR transcription was higher in BKPyVN grafts versus TCMR (p=0.03). While CD68+ or CD45+ cell expression did not differ within infiltrates (median score=3 in both groups; p=1.0 and 0.69, respectively), a higher proportion of nuclear AHR expression was found in BKPyVN for CD68+ and CD45+ cells when compared with TCMR (score median 2 vs 0; p=0.007 and 1 vs 0; p=0.013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS We describe for the first time a higher expression of AHR in inflammatory cell infiltrates from BKPyVN versus TCMR renal biopsies. Further studies are required to explore AHR as a potential target in the modulation of inflammatory response in BKPyVN with known modulating ligands.
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Modeling the Effect of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor on Transplant Immunity. Transplant Direct 2017; 3:e157. [PMID: 28573192 PMCID: PMC5441988 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000000666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to pollutants through inhalation is a risk factor for lung diseases including cancer, asthma, and lung transplant rejection, but knowledge of the effects of inhaled pollutants on pathologies outside of the lung is limited. Methods Using the minor-mismatched model of male C57BL/6J (B6) to female B6 skin grafts, recipient mice were treated with an inhaled urban dust particle sample every 3 days before and after grafting. Graft survival time was determined, and analysis of the resulting immune response was performed at time before rejection. Results Significant prolongation of male skin grafts occurred in recipient female mice treated with urban dust particles compared with controls and was found to be dependent on aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) expression in the recipient mouse. T cell responses to the male histocompatibility antigen (H-Y) Dby were not altered by exposure to pollutants. A reduction in the frequency of IFNγ-producing CD4 T cells infiltrating the graft on day 7 posttransplant was observed. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that AHR expression is upregulated in IFNγ-producing CD4 T cells during immune responses in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Surprisingly, inhalation of a pollutant standard was found to prolong graft survival in a minor-mismatched skin graft model in an AHR-dependent manner. One possible mechanism may be an effect on IFNγ-producing CD4 T cells responding to donor antigen. The increased expression of AHR in this CD4 T cell subset suggests that AHR ligands within the particulate matter may be directly affecting the type 1 T helper cell response in this model.
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