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Muchowicz A, Bartoszewicz A, Zaslona Z. The Exploitation of the Glycosylation Pattern in Asthma: How We Alter Ancestral Pathways to Develop New Treatments. Biomolecules 2024; 14:513. [PMID: 38785919 PMCID: PMC11117584 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma has reached epidemic levels, yet progress in developing specific therapies is slow. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that asthma is an umbrella term for various distinct subsets. Due to its high heterogeneity, it is difficult to establish biomarkers for each subset of asthma and to propose endotype-specific treatments. This review focuses on protein glycosylation as a process activated in asthma and ways to utilize it to develop novel biomarkers and treatments. We discuss known and relevant glycoproteins whose functions control disease development. The key role of glycoproteins in processes integral to asthma, such as inflammation, tissue remodeling, and repair, justifies our interest and research in the field of glycobiology. Altering the glycosylation states of proteins contributing to asthma can change the pathological processes that we previously failed to inhibit. Special emphasis is placed on chitotriosidase 1 (CHIT1), an enzyme capable of modifying LacNAc- and LacdiNAc-containing glycans. The expression and activity of CHIT1 are induced in human diseased lungs, and its pathological role has been demonstrated by both genetic and pharmacological approaches. We propose that studying the glycosylation pattern and enzymes involved in glycosylation in asthma can help in patient stratification and in developing personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zbigniew Zaslona
- Molecure S.A., Zwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland; (A.M.); (A.B.)
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2
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Zhou Y, Liu Z, Liu Y. The potential roles and mechanisms of Chitinase-3-like-1 in the pathogenesis of type 2-biased airway diseases. Clin Immunol 2023; 257:109856. [PMID: 38036279 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109856] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The immune modulation in the epithelium is a protective feature of the epithelial function in the mucosal airways. Dysfunction of the epithelium can lead to chronic allergic airway inflammatory diseases, such as chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), allergic rhinitis (AR), and allergic asthma. Chitinase-3-like-1 (CHI3L1) is a key modulator in the epithelium against irritants, pathogens, and allergens and is involved in cancers, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and other chronic diseases. Induction of epithelial cell-derived CHI3L1 is also confirmed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of Th2-related airway diseases like CRSwNP, AR, and allergic asthma, triggering a cascade of subsequent inflammatory reactions leading to the disease development. The techniques that block the biological function of CHI3L1 include small interfering RNA, neutralizing antibodies, and microRNAs and these methods proved to be successful in preclinical and clinical investigation in cancers, autoimmune diseases, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Therefore, treatment with CHI3L1-blocking methods could open up therapeutic options for allergic airway diseases. This review article discusses the role of epithelial cell-derived CHI3L1 in the development of CRSwNP, AR, and allergic asthma and examines the use of CHI3L1 as a potential therapeutic agent for allergic airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yian Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, PR China.
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3
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Declercq J, Hammad H, Lambrecht BN, Smole U. Chitinases and chitinase-like proteins in asthma. Semin Immunol 2023; 67:101759. [PMID: 37031560 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite the lack of endogenous chitin synthesis, mammalian genomes encode two enzymatically active true chitinases (chitotriosidase and acidic mammalian chitinase) and a variable number of chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) that have no enzyme activity but bind chitin. Chitinases and CLPs are prominent components of type-2 immune response-mediated respiratory diseases. However, despite extensive research into their role in allergic airway disease, there is still no agreement on whether they are mere biomarkers of disease or actual disease drivers. Functions ascribed to chitinases and CLPs include, but are not limited to host defense against chitin-containing pathogens, directly promoting inflammation, and modulating tissue remodeling and fibrosis. Here, we discuss in detail the chitin-dependent and -independent roles of chitinases and CLPs in the context of allergic airway disease, and recent advances and emerging concepts in the field that might identify opportunities for new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozefien Declercq
- Immunoregulation Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hamida Hammad
- Immunoregulation Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart N Lambrecht
- Immunoregulation Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Pulmonary Medicine, ErasmusMC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Ursula Smole
- Immunoregulation Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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4
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Zhao Z, Li F, Chen W, Yang Q, Lu H, Zhang J. Discovery of aromatic 2-(3-(methylcarbamoyl) guanidino)-N-aylacetamides as highly potent chitinase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 80:117172. [PMID: 36709570 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Chitinases are important glycoside hydrolases that are closely related to bacterial pathogenesis, fungal cell wall remodelling, and insect moulting. Consequently, chitinases have become attractive targets for therapeutic drugs and pesticides. In this study, we designed and synthesised a series of novel chitinase inhibitors based on the N-methylcarbamoylguanidinyl group of the natural product argifin. The most active compound 8h showed strong inhibitory activity against the group I chitinases HsChit1, SmChiB, and OfChi-h, with IC50 values of 0.19 µM, 4.2 nM, and 25 nM, respectively. Binding mode studies revealed that the compound 8h formed π-π stacking/hydrophobic interactions at +1 or +2 subsite of chitinases. In addition, a key hydrogen bond net was formed between the pharmacophore N-methylcarbamoylguanidinyl and key residues at the -1 subsite. Together, the findings of this study provide novel insights into the development of potent small-molecule chitinase inhibitors using a combination of planar structures and N-methylcarbamoylguanidinyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Zhao
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huizhe Lu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Zhu Y, Esnault S, Ge Y, Jarjour NN, Brasier AR. Airway fibrin formation cascade in allergic asthma exacerbation: implications for inflammation and remodeling. Clin Proteomics 2022; 19:15. [PMID: 35590254 PMCID: PMC9117591 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-022-09351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway remodeling in patients with asthma, which leads to a decline in pulmonary function, is likely the result of repeated exacerbations often provoked by aeroallergen exposures. Aeroallegen exposure triggers a stereotypic response orchestrated by growth factor cytokines and other protein mediators. This results in a late-phase allergic reaction characterized by vascular permeability, recruitment of activated leukocytes, and activation of structural cells of the airway. The spectrum of protein mediators and their functions are incompletely understood. METHODS Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were obtained from 12 volunteers who exhibited robust eosinophilic recruitment following segmental bronchial provocation with allergen (SBP-Ag). We systematically identified and quantified proteins in BALF using high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) followed by pathway analysis and correlations with airway physiology. RESULTS Pairwise analysis of protein abundance in BALF pre- vs post-SBP-Ag revealed that 55 proteins were upregulated and 103 proteins were downregulated. We observed enrichment of groups of proteins mapping to hemostasis/fibrin clot, platelet activation, lipoprotein assembly, neutrophil degranulation proteins, and acute-phase inflammation-airway remodeling pathways. The abundances of F2 and Fibrinogen γ (FGG) correlated with eosinophil numbers, whereas SERPINA3 negatively correlated with change in FeNO. The coagulation proteins F2 and KNG negatively correlated with FN1 an index of airway remodeling. Interestingly, patients with lower FEV1 showed distinct allergen-induced patterns of 8 BALF proteins, including MUC1, alarmins (HSPB1), and actin polymerization factors. CONCLUSIONS Protein abundance of the fibrin formation cascade, platelet activation and remodeling are associated with late-phase leukocyte numbers and markers of remodeling. Patients with lower FEV1 have distinct dynamic responses to allergen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlong Zhu
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Human Proteomics Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Stephane Esnault
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Ying Ge
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Human Proteomics Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Nizar N Jarjour
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Allan R Brasier
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, 715 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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6
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Sun C, Wang P, Gao T, Chi J. CCL18 Knockdown Suppresses Cell Growth and Migration in Thyroid Cancer. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:1548155. [PMID: 35126901 PMCID: PMC8808219 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1548155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18) is a chemokine that plays a key role in immune and inflammatory responses. In recent years, CCL18 participates in the development and progression of various cancers, but its expression and role in thyroid cancer (TC) remain unclear. METHODS RT-qPCR assay and Western blot assay were used to explore the expression level of CCL18 in TC tissues and cells. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Transwell assay was adopted to detect cell migration in TC cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to assess the relationship between CCL18 and miR-149-5p. RESULTS There was an uptrend of CCL18 in TC tissues and cells. Our findings indicated that CCL18 overexpression facilitated lymph node metastasis in patients with TC. CCL18 silencing was found to inhibit cell migration, proliferation, and EMT progression in TC cells. CCL18 was proved to be a target gene of miR-149-5p. Additionally, miR-149-5p weakened the effect of CCL18 in the progression of TC. CONCLUSION Therefore, our results indicated that CCL18 knockdown restrained TC progression and suggested that CCL18 might be a potential therapeutic target for TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Family Planning Office, Rizhao Hospital of TCM, Rizhao 276800, China
| | - Tiantian Gao
- Department of Urology, Zhangqiu District People's Hospital, Jinan 250200, China
| | - Jinfeng Chi
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan 250013, China
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Duan H, Liang L, Liu X, Xie S, Wang C. PARC/CCL18 is Associated with Inflammation, Emphysema Severity and Application of Inhaled Corticosteroids in Hospitalized COPD Patients. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2021; 16:1287-1297. [PMID: 34007168 PMCID: PMC8121623 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s304488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokine (PARC) also named CC-chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) is a lung-predominant inflammatory protein that is found in serum. The relationship of PARC/CCL18 with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not fully understood. The aim of the present study is to analyze the expression of PARC/CCL18 in COPD. Methods Ninety-eight hospitalized COPD patients and 60 healthy volunteers from January 2019 to December 2019 were recruited in this retrospective study. Gender, age, height, weight, disease duration, smoking status, blood cell classification and count, length of hospital stay (LOS), symptom score, including COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) score, lung function and therapy were recorded and serum PARC/CCL18 was analyzed by ELISA. The correlation between symptom score, blood cell classification and count, CRP, lung function parameters and serum levels of PARC/CCL18 and ROC curves of PARC/CCL18 levels and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were accessed. Results It was found that serum PARC/CCL18 level in hospitalized COPD population was significantly higher than that in healthy people (p=0.003). COPD patients with emphysema had significantly higher serum level of PARC/CCL18 than those without emphysema (p=0.049). Total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume (RV)/TLC had positive correlation with serum level of PARC/CCL18 (p=0.001, 0.020, respectively). Furthermore, serum PARC/CCL18 level was predictive for the application ICS (p=0.003) and related to C-reactive protein (p <0.0001) in hospitalized COPD patients. Conclusion PARC/CCL18 is associated with the severity of inflammation and emphysema in COPD. Furthermore, PARC/CCL18 is a predictor of ICS application in the treatment of hospitalized COPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Duan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Liang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyang Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuanshuan Xie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Changhui Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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8
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Madan K, Madan M, Sharma S, Paliwal S. Chitinases: Therapeutic Scaffolds for Allergy and Inflammation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 14:46-57. [PMID: 31934842 PMCID: PMC7509760 DOI: 10.2174/1872213x14666200114184054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Chitinases are the evolutionary conserved glycosidic enzymes that are characterized by their ability to cleave the naturally abundant polysaccharide chitin. The potential role of chitinases has been identified in the manifestation of various allergies and inflammatory diseases. In recent years, chitinases inhibitors are emerging as an alluring area of interest for the researchers and scientists and there is a dire need for the development of potential and safe chitinase antagonists for the prophylaxis and treatment of several diseases. Objective: The present review expedites the role of chitinases and their inhibitors in inflammation and related disorders. Methods: At first, an exhaustive survey of literature and various patents available related to chitinases were carried out. Useful information on chitinases and their inhibitor was gathered from the authentic scientific databases namely SCOPUS, EMBASE, PUBMED, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, WEB OF SCIENCE, etc. This information was further analyzed and compiled up to prepare the framework of the review article. The search strategy was conducted by using queries with key terms “ chitin”, “chitinase”, “chitotrisidase”, “acidic mammalian chitinase”, “chitinase inhibitors”, “asthma” and “chitinases associated inflammatory disorders”, etc. The patents were searched using the key terms “chitinases and uses thereof”, “chitinase inhibitors”, “chitin-chitinase associated pathological disorders” etc. from www.google.com/patents, www.freepatentsonline.com, and www.scopus.com. Results: The present review provides a vision for apprehending human chitinases and their participation in several diseases. The patents available also signify the extended role and effectiveness of chitinase inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of various diseases viz. asthma, acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, dental diseases, neurologic diseases, metabolic diseases, liver diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and cancer. In this regard, extensive pre-clinical and clinical investigations are required to develop some novel, potent and selective drug molecules for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, allergies and cancers in the foreseeable future. Conclusion: In conclusion, chitinases can be used as potential biomarkers in prognosis and diagnosis of several inflammatory diseases and allergies and the design of novel chitinase inhibitors may act as key and rational scaffolds in designing some novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of variety of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirtika Madan
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan-304022, India
| | - Mansi Madan
- Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College and Hospital, Jalgaon- 425309, Maharashtra, India
| | - Swapnil Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan-304022, India
| | - Sarvesh Paliwal
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan-304022, India
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9
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Glycoside hydrolase family 18 chitinases: The known and the unknown. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 43:107553. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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10
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Berghi NO, Dumitru M, Vrinceanu D, Ciuluvica RC, Simioniuc-Petrescu A, Caragheorgheopol R, Tucureanu C, Cornateanu RS, Giurcaneanu C. Relationship between chemokines and T lymphocytes in the context of respiratory allergies (Review). Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:2352-2360. [PMID: 32765714 PMCID: PMC7401840 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic diseases have been classified in the last decades using various theories. The main classes of the newest classification in allergic respiratory diseases focus on the characterization of the endotype (which takes into account biomarkers related to determinant pathophysiological mechanisms) and of the phenotype (based on the description of the disease). Th2, Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes and the type of inflammatory response mediated by them represent the basis for Th2 and non-Th2 endotype classification. In addition, new lymphocytes were also used to characterize allergic diseases: Th9 lymphocytes, Th22 lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (TFH) lymphocytes and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) lymphocytes. In the last decade, a growing body of evidence focused on chemokines, chemoattractant cytokines, which seems to have an important contribution to the pathogenesis of this pathology. This review presents the interactions between chemokines and Th lymphocytes in the context of Th2/non-Th2 endotype classification of respiratory allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolae Ovidiu Berghi
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, 'Elias' Emergency University Hospital, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Dumitru
- Anatomy Department, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Vrinceanu
- ENT Department, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 010271 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Anca Simioniuc-Petrescu
- ENT Department, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 010271 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ramona Caragheorgheopol
- Immunology Laboratory, 'Cantacuzino' National Military-Medical Institute for Research and Development, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Tucureanu
- Immunology Laboratory, 'Cantacuzino' National Military-Medical Institute for Research and Development, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana Sfrent Cornateanu
- Department of Physiopathology and Immunology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Calin Giurcaneanu
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, 'Elias' Emergency University Hospital, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
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Jiang X, Kumar A, Motomura Y, Liu T, Zhou Y, Moro K, Zhang KYJ, Yang Q. A Series of Compounds Bearing a Dipyrido-Pyrimidine Scaffold Acting as Novel Human and Insect Pest Chitinase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:987-1001. [PMID: 31928006 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chitinases not only play vital roles in the human innate immune system but are also essential for the development of pathogenic fungi and pests. Chitinase inhibitors are efficient tools to investigate the elusive role of human chitinases and to control pathogens and pests. Via hierarchical virtual screening, we have discovered a series of chitinase inhibitors with a novel scaffold that have high inhibitory activities and selectivities against human and insect chitinases. The most potent human chitotriosidase inhibitor, compound 40, exhibited a Ki of 49 nM, and the most potent inhibitor of the insect pest chitinase OfChi-h, compound 53, exhibited a Ki of 9 nM. The binding of these two most potent inhibitors was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. In a murine model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, compound 40 was found to suppress the chitotriosidase activity by 60%, leading to a significant increase in inflammatory cells and suggesting that chitotriosidase played a protective role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Jiang
- School of Bioengineering , Dalian University of Technology , 2 Linggong Road , Dalian 116024 , China
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research , RIKEN , 1-7-22 Suehiro , Tsurumi, Yokohama , Kanagawa 230-0045 , Japan
| | - Yasutaka Motomura
- Laboratory for Innate Immune Systems, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences , RIKEN , 1-7-22 Suehiro , Tsurumi, Yokohama , Kanagawa 230-0045 , Japan.,Laboratory for Innate Immune Systems, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine , Osaka University , 2-2 Yamadaoka , Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871 , Japan
| | - Tian Liu
- School of Bioengineering , Dalian University of Technology , 2 Linggong Road , Dalian 116024 , China
| | - Yong Zhou
- School of Software , Dalian University of Technology , 2 Linggong Road , Dalian 116024 , China
| | - Kazuyo Moro
- Laboratory for Innate Immune Systems, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences , RIKEN , 1-7-22 Suehiro , Tsurumi, Yokohama , Kanagawa 230-0045 , Japan.,Laboratory for Innate Immune Systems, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine , Osaka University , 2-2 Yamadaoka , Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871 , Japan
| | - Kam Y J Zhang
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research , RIKEN , 1-7-22 Suehiro , Tsurumi, Yokohama , Kanagawa 230-0045 , Japan
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Bioengineering , Dalian University of Technology , 2 Linggong Road , Dalian 116024 , China.,State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests , Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road , Beijing 100193 , China
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12
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Harlander M, Lestan D, Turel M. Chitotriosidase Activity in Plasma and COPD Exacerbations. Lung 2020; 198:299-306. [PMID: 31982942 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-020-00331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to determine the association between plasma chitotriosidase activity and the clinical characteristics and exacerbation rate of COPD patients. METHODS The study comprised 97 patients with COPD. Their clinical characteristics and a history of exacerbations in the last 12 months were noted. Plasma chitotriosidase activity was determined. Patients were followed up for 12 months, and the number of moderate and severe exacerbations during this period was recorded. RESULTS Chitotriosidase activity positively correlated with patient age (rho = 0.217, p = 0.036) and inversely with CAT (rho = - 0.240, p = 0.020). There was no correlation with lung function. Chitotriosidase activity was significantly lower in patients with a history of ≥ 2 exacerbations compared to patients without a history of exacerbations (93 [38-312] vs. 264 [168-408] nmol/h/mL, p = 0.033). Overall, there was no difference in chitotriosidase activity between patients with or without observed exacerbations. Patients with a history of ≥ 1 exacerbation and ≥ 1 observed exacerbation had higher chitotriosidase activity compared to patients without further exacerbations (240 [144-456] vs. 52 [39-240] nmol/h/mL, p = 0.035). Multivariate analysis identified FEV1 (HR 0.976, 95% CI 0.956-0.996, p = 0.016) and blood eosinophil percentage (HR 1.222, 95% CI 1.048-1.424, p = 0.011) as independent predictors of future exacerbations in the total patient population, while in patients with a history of ≥ 1 exacerbation ,the only independent predictor was chitotriosidase activity (HR per 10 nmol/h/mL 1.028, 95% CI 1.002-1.055, p = 0.037). CONCLUSION While mixed associations between chitotriosidase activity and clinical outcomes were seen, chitotriosidase activity could be a predictor of future exacerbations in patients with a history of ≥ 1 exacerbation in the past 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matevz Harlander
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - David Lestan
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matjaz Turel
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Kumar A, Zhang KYJ. Human Chitinases: Structure, Function, and Inhibitor Discovery. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1142:221-251. [PMID: 31102249 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7318-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chitinases are glycosyl hydrolases that hydrolyze the β-(1-4)-linkage of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units present in chitin polymers. Chitinases are widely distributed enzymes and are present in a wide range of organisms including insects, plants, bacteria, fungi, and mammals. These enzymes play key roles in immunity, nutrition, pathogenicity, and arthropod molting. Humans express two chitinases, chitotriosidase 1 (CHIT1) and acid mammalian chitinase (AMCase) along with several chitinase-like proteins (CLPs). Human chitinases are reported to play a protective role against chitin-containing pathogens through their capability to degrade chitin present in the cell wall of pathogens. Now, human chitinases are gaining attention as the key players in innate immune response. Although the exact mechanism of their role in immune response is not known, studies in recent years begin to relate chitin recognition and degradation with the activation of signaling pathways involved in inflammation. The roles of both CHIT1 and AMCase in the development of various diseases have been revealed and several classes of inhibitors have been developed. However, a clear understanding could not be established due to complexities in the design of the right experiment for studying the role of human chitinase in various diseases. In this chapter, we will first outline the structural features of CHIT1 and AMcase. We will then review the progress in understanding the role of human chitinases in the development of various diseases. Finally, we will summarize the inhibitor discovery efforts targeting both CHIT1 and AMCase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Kumar
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kam Y J Zhang
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan.
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Abe K, Nakamura Y, Yamauchi K, Maemondo M. Role of genetic variations of chitinase 3- like 1 in bronchial asthmatic patients. Clin Mol Allergy 2018; 16:9. [PMID: 29618952 PMCID: PMC5880007 DOI: 10.1186/s12948-018-0086-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) are associated with bronchial severity and pulmonary function. CHI3L1 proteins are involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses; however, to date, the correlation of these SNPs and their age of onset of bronchial asthma has not been demonstrated. Methods To address the role of these genetic variations, 390 patients with well-controlled bronchial asthma and living in Japan were recruited, genotyped, and had a pulmonary function test performed on them in this study. To analyze the concentration levels of CHI3L1 protein, bronchial lavage fluids were examined. Results Forced expiratory volume in one second, %predicted (%FEV1), was significantly decreased in homozygotes of rs1214194 compared to heterozygotes and wild type. The age of onset of adult bronchial asthma was significantly younger in GG homozygotes of rs4950928 and AA homozygotes of rs1214194 than in the other two genotypes. The concentration of CHI3L1 protein in bronchial lavage fluid increased in both homozygotes of rs4950928 and rs1214194. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that the homozygotes of rs4950928 and rs1214194 of CHI3L1 might predict an early onset of bronchial asthma and have the propensity to promote airway remodeling. Trial registration JMA-IIA00045 remodeling-ICS
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyuki Abe
- 1Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, 19-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, 0208505 Japan
| | - Yutaka Nakamura
- 2Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Tokyo, 1138603 Japan
| | - Kohei Yamauchi
- 1Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, 19-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, 0208505 Japan
| | - Makoto Maemondo
- 1Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, 19-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, 0208505 Japan
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15
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Gaballah HH, Gaber RA, Sharshar RS, Elshweikh SA. NOD2 expression, DNA damage and oxido-inflammatory status in atopic bronchial asthma: Exploring their nexus to disease severity. Gene 2018; 660:128-135. [PMID: 29572197 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.03.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic asthma is a chronically relapsing inflammatory airway disease with a complex pathophysiology. AIM This study was undertaken to investigate the potential contribution of NOD2 signaling, proinflammatory cytokines, chitotriosidase (CHIT1) activity, oxidative stress and DNA damage to atopic asthma pathogenesis, as well as to explore their possible role as surrogate noninvasive biomarkers for monitoring asthma severity. METHODS Sixty patients with atopic bronchial asthma who were divided according to asthma severity into 40 mild-moderate, 20 severe atopic asthmatics, in addition to thirty age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. NOD2 expression in PBMCs was assessed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. DNA damage indices were assessed by alkaline comet assay. Serum IgE, IL-17, IL-8 and 3-Nitrotyrosine levels were estimated by ELISA. Serum CHIT1and GST activities, as well as MDA levels, were measured. RESULTS NOD2 mRNA relative expression levels were significantly decreased in atopic asthmatic cases relative to controls with lower values among severe atopic asthmatics. On the other hand, IL-17 and IL-8 serum levels, CHIT1 activity, DNA damage indices and oxidative stress markers were significantly increased in atopic asthmatic cases relative to controls with higher values among severe atopic asthmatics. The change in these parameters correlated significantly with the degree of decline in lung function. CONCLUSION The interplay between NOD2 signaling, proinflammatory cytokines, CHIT1 activity, heightened oxidative stress and DNA damage orchestrates allergic airway inflammation and thus contributing to the pathogenesis of atopic asthma. These parameters qualified for measurement as part of new noninvasive biomarker panels for monitoring asthma severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa H Gaballah
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt.
| | - Rasha A Gaber
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | | | - Samah A Elshweikh
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
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16
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Hartl D, Tirouvanziam R, Laval J, Greene CM, Habiel D, Sharma L, Yildirim AÖ, Dela Cruz CS, Hogaboam CM. Innate Immunity of the Lung: From Basic Mechanisms to Translational Medicine. J Innate Immun 2018; 10:487-501. [PMID: 29439264 DOI: 10.1159/000487057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The respiratory tract is faced daily with 10,000 L of inhaled air. While the majority of air contains harmless environmental components, the pulmonary immune system also has to cope with harmful microbial or sterile threats and react rapidly to protect the host at this intimate barrier zone. The airways are endowed with a broad armamentarium of cellular and humoral host defense mechanisms, most of which belong to the innate arm of the immune system. The complex interplay between resident and infiltrating immune cells and secreted innate immune proteins shapes the outcome of host-pathogen, host-allergen, and host-particle interactions within the mucosal airway compartment. Here, we summarize and discuss recent findings on pulmonary innate immunity and highlight key pathways relevant for biomarker and therapeutic targeting strategies for acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Hartl
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, .,Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Immunology, Inflammation and Infectious Diseases (I3) Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel,
| | - Rabindra Tirouvanziam
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julie Laval
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Catherine M Greene
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Habiel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lokesh Sharma
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ali Önder Yildirim
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Charles S Dela Cruz
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Cory M Hogaboam
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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17
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Chenivesse C, Tsicopoulos A. CCL18 - Beyond chemotaxis. Cytokine 2018; 109:52-56. [PMID: 29402725 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The chemokine CCL18 is constitutively expressed in human lung and serum, and is further elevated during pathologic conditions such as allergy, fibrosis and cancer, suggesting that it may participate in both homeostatic and inflammatory processes. Under steady state conditions, CCL18 has chemotactic activity, albeit modest, toward naïve T cells and as such, may be involved in the initiation of the adaptive response. Its chemotactic effect on inflammatory cells is ambiguous as it attracts both regulatory and inflammatory immune cells. CCL18 can also modulate tissue inflammation by inhibiting cell recruitment through binding to glycosaminoglycans with high affinity, thereby displacing other chemokines bound to the endothelial surface. CCL18 induces regulatory phenotype and function of immune cells through direct activation and plays a major role in fibrotic processes, particularly in the lung. Finally, CCL18 is involved in cancer cell activation and migration and also participates in immune tolerance toward cancer. Its high constitutive expression levels and its further up-regulation in many diseases, together with its moderate chemoattractant properties support the fact that this chemokine has activities beyond cell recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecile Chenivesse
- Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, U1019, F-59000 Lille, France; CNRS UMR 8204, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; CHU Lille, Service de Pneumologie et Immuno-Allergologie, Clinique des Maladies Respiratoires et, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Anne Tsicopoulos
- Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, U1019, F-59000 Lille, France; CNRS UMR 8204, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; CHU Lille, Service de Pneumologie et Immuno-Allergologie, Clinique des Maladies Respiratoires et, F-59000 Lille, France
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18
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Sinus Computed Tomographic Findings in Adult Smokers and Nonsmokers with Asthma. Analysis of Clinical Indices and Biomarkers. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2018; 14:332-341. [PMID: 28029801 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201606-463oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE When they occur together, sinusitis and asthma are often thought to represent anatomically separate components of the same chronic inflammatory airway disease. Information about the effect of smoking on the interaction between sinusitis and asthma in patients who have both disorders is limited. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on the relationship between the presence and severity of sinusitis and selected asthma-related indices in adults who have asthma. METHODS This study included 127 patients with severe asthma and 79 patients with mild to moderate asthma. Clinical data were obtained from all subjects during a 2-day stay at Hokkaido University Hospital (Sapporo, Japan). The Lund-Mackay scoring system was used to assess the anatomic extent and severity of sinusitis as revealed by sinus computed tomographic (CT) images obtained during hospitalization. We examined associations between Lund-Mackay scores and a variety of asthma-related indices and levels of biomarkers in blood and sputum. To clarify the effect of smoking on these associations, we conducted separate analyses for nonsmoking (<10 pack-years; n = 130) and smoking subjects (≥10 pack-years; n = 76). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In our cohort of adults with asthma, we found significant positive relationships between the presence and severity of sinusitis as assessed by Lund-Mackay score and the severity of asthma as measured by percent predicted FEV1 or FEV1/FVC for nonsmoking subjects (<10 pack-years) but not for cigarette smokers (>10 pack-years). Lund-Mackay scores correlated with blood and sputum eosinophil counts, serum IgE levels, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide, regardless of smoking status. Lund-Mackay scores also showed significant positive associations with serum periostin and chemokine C-C motif ligand 18 levels, regardless of smoking status, whereas a positive association with plasma osteopontin level was seen only for nonsmoking subjects. CONCLUSIONS We found an association between the severity of sinusitis on CT imaging and the severity of concomitant asthma on spirometry for nonsmoking adults but not for smokers. In adults with asthma, CT imaging evidence of severe sinusitis indicates intense Th2-related inflammation, regardless of smoking status.
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19
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Gomez JL, Yan X, Holm CT, Grant N, Liu Q, Cohn L, Nezgovorova V, Meyers DA, Bleecker ER, Crisafi GM, Jarjour NN, Rogers L, Reibman J, Chupp GL. Characterisation of asthma subgroups associated with circulating YKL-40 levels. Eur Respir J 2017; 50:1700800. [PMID: 29025889 PMCID: PMC5967238 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00800-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The chitinase-like protein YKL-40 mediates airway inflammation and serum levels are associated with asthma severity. However, asthma phenotypes associated with YKL-40 levels have not been precisely defined.We conducted an unsupervised cluster analysis of asthma patients treated at the Yale Center for Asthma and Airways Disease (n=156) to identify subgroups according to YKL-40 level. The resulting YKL-40 clusters were cross-validated in cohorts from the Severe Asthma Research Programme (n=167) and the New York University/Bellevue Asthma Repository (n=341). A sputum transcriptome analysis revealed molecular pathways associated with YKL-40 subgroups.Four YKL-40 clusters (C1-C4) were identified. C3 and C4 had high serum YKL-40 levels compared with C1 and C2. C3 was associated with earlier onset and longer duration of disease, severe airflow obstruction, and near-fatal asthma exacerbations. C4 had the highest serum YKL-40 levels, adult onset and less airflow obstruction, but frequent exacerbations. An airway transcriptome analysis in C3 and C4 showed activation of non-type 2 inflammatory pathways.Elevated serum YKL-40 levels were associated with two distinct clinical asthma phenotypes: one with irreversible airway obstruction and another with severe exacerbations. The YKL-40 clusters are potentially useful for identification of individuals with severe or exacerbation-prone asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Gomez
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep and Dept of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiting Yan
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep and Dept of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carole T Holm
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep and Dept of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nicole Grant
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep and Dept of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Qing Liu
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep and Dept of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lauren Cohn
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep and Dept of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vera Nezgovorova
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep and Dept of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Deborah A Meyers
- Center for Human Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Eugene R Bleecker
- Center for Human Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Gina M Crisafi
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Linda Rogers
- Dept of Medicine and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joan Reibman
- Dept of Medicine and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Geoffrey L Chupp
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep and Dept of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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20
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Genetic and epigenetic regulation of YKL-40 in childhood. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 141:1105-1114. [PMID: 28739286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating levels of the chitinase-like protein YKL-40 are influenced by genetic variation in its encoding gene (chitinase 3-like 1 [CHI3L1]) and are increased in patients with several diseases, including asthma. Epigenetic regulation of circulating YKL-40 early in life is unknown. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine (1) whether methylation levels at CHI3L1 CpG sites mediate the association of CHI3L1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with YKL-40 levels in the blood and (2) whether these biomarkers (CHI3L1 SNPs, methylation profiles, and YKL-40 levels) are associated with asthma in early childhood. METHODS We used data from up to 2405 participants from the Spanish Infancia y Medio Ambiente; the Swedish Barn/Children, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiological survey; and the Dutch Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohorts. Associations between 68 CHI3L1 SNPs, methylation levels at 14 CHI3L1 CpG sites in whole-blood DNA, and circulating YKL-40 levels at 4 years of age were tested by using correlation analysis, multivariable regression, and mediation analysis. Each of these biomarkers was also tested for association with asthma at 4 years of age by using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS YKL-40 levels were significantly associated with 7 SNPs and with methylation at 5 CpG sites. Consistent associations between these 7 SNPs (particularly rs10399931 and rs4950928) and 5 CpG sites were observed. Alleles linked to lower YKL-40 levels were associated with higher methylation levels. Participants with high YKL-40 levels (defined as the highest YKL-40 tertile) had increased odds for asthma compared with subjects with low YKL-40 levels (meta-analyzed adjusted odds ratio, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.08-3.36]). In contrast, neither SNPs nor methylation levels at CpG sites in CHI3L1 were associated with asthma. CONCLUSIONS The effects of CHI3L1 genetic variation on circulating YKL-40 levels are partly mediated by methylation profiles. In our study YKL-40 levels, but not CHI3L1 SNPs or methylation levels, were associated with childhood asthma.
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21
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James A, Stenberg Hammar K, Reinius L, Konradsen JR, Dahlén SE, Söderhäll C, Hedlin G. A longitudinal assessment of circulating YKL-40 levels in preschool children with wheeze. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2017; 28:79-85. [PMID: 27732738 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chitinase-like protein YKL-40 (CHI3L1) is elevated in the circulation of adults and schoolchildren with chronic severe asthma. It is unknown whether YKL-40 is altered in younger, preschool children with wheeze, acute or chronic. We therefore examined YKL-40 in preschool children during an acute episode of wheeze and during remission, in comparison with healthy controls. METHODS Blood was obtained from 128 children (aged 6-44 months) at the emergency department during an acute episode of wheeze, and at two follow-up visits (approximately 3 months and 1 year later), as well as from 100 age-matched healthy controls on one occasion. Plasma YKL-40 levels were examined in relation to CHI3L1 rs4950928 genotype and clinical characteristics including Asthma Predictive Index, medication use, time spent with respiratory symptoms, atopic status, and blood leukocytes. RESULTS Children with wheeze had higher median YKL-40 levels at the acute visit (14.7 (11.5-22.6) ng/ml, p < 0.001) and 3-month follow-up (15.9 (11.5-20.2), p < 0.001) compared to the 1-year follow-up (11.9 (9.5-17.3)). YKL-40 levels in healthy controls (13.6 (11.0-17.0)) tended to be lower than those during acute wheeze (p = 0.07) and 3-month follow-up (p = 0.04), but were no different at the 1-year follow-up. CHI3L1 rs4950928 affected YKL-40 in all subjects, with highest levels present in those with the CC genotype (p < 0.001). Genotype frequency was similar in the two subject groups. YKL-40 levels showed a positive correlation with blood neutrophil counts but no consistent relationships with clinical characteristics of relevance to continuous wheeze. CONCLUSION YKL-40 levels were elevated during acute wheeze in preschool children, a finding which may be related to current neutrophilic inflammation, but YKL-40 was not associated with characteristics of persistent wheeze in this young cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna James
- Experimental Asthma and Allergy Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katarina Stenberg Hammar
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Immunology and Allergy Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lovisa Reinius
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Immunology and Allergy Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jon R Konradsen
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Immunology and Allergy Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Immunology and Allergy Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven-Erik Dahlén
- Experimental Asthma and Allergy Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cilla Söderhäll
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Immunology and Allergy Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Immunology and Allergy Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Hedlin
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Immunology and Allergy Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kuusk S, Sørlie M, Väljamäe P. Human Chitotriosidase Is an Endo-Processive Enzyme. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171042. [PMID: 28129403 PMCID: PMC5271402 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human chitotriosidase (HCHT) is involved in immune response to chitin-containing pathogens in humans. The enzyme is able to degrade chitooligosaccharides as well as crystalline chitin. The catalytic domain of HCHT is connected to the carbohydrate binding module (CBM) through a flexible hinge region. In humans, two active isoforms of HCHT are found-the full length enzyme and its truncated version lacking CBM and the hinge region. The active site architecture of HCHT is reminiscent to that of the reducing-end exo-acting processive chitinase ChiA from bacterium Serratia marcescens (SmChiA). However, the presence of flexible hinge region and occurrence of two active isoforms are reminiscent to that of non-processive endo-chitinase from S. marcescens, SmChiC. Although the studies on soluble chitin derivatives suggest the endo-character of HCHT, the mode of action of the enzyme on crystalline chitin is not known. Here, we made a thorough characterization of HCHT in terms of the mode of action, processivity, binding, and rate constants for the catalysis and dissociation using α-chitin as substrate. HCHT efficiently released the end-label from reducing-end labelled chitin and had also high probability (95%) of endo-mode initiation of processive run. These results qualify HCHT as an endo-processive enzyme. Processivity and the rate constant of dissociation of HCHT were found to be in-between those, characteristic to processive exo-enzymes, like SmChiA and randomly acting non-processive endo-enzymes, like SmChiC. Apart from increasing the affinity for chitin, CBM had no major effect on kinetic properties of HCHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silja Kuusk
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- * E-mail:
| | - Morten Sørlie
- Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Priit Väljamäe
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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23
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Ju Y, Wang X, Guan T, Peng D, Li H. Versatile glycoside hydrolase family 18 chitinases for fungi ingestion and reproduction in the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:819-828. [PMID: 27641827 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The glycoside hydrolase family 18 (GH18) of chitinases is a gene family widely expressed in archaes, prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and hydrolyzes the β-1,4-linkages in chitin. The pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is one of the organisms that produces GH18 chitinases. Notably, B. xylophilus has a higher number of GH18 chitinases compared with the obligate plant-parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne hapla. In this study, seven GH18 chitinases were identified and cloned from B. xylophilus based on genomic analyses. The deduced amino acid sequences of all these genes contained an N-terminal signal peptide and a GH18 catalytic domain. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the origin of B. xylophilus GH18 chitinases was independent of those from fungi and bacteria. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis indicated that GH18 chitinase genes had discrete expression patterns, representing almost all the life stages of B. xylophilus. In situ hybridisation showed that the mRNA of GH18 chitinase genes of B. xylophilus were detected mainly in the spermatheca, esophageal gland cells, seminal vesicle and eggs. RNA interference (RNAi) results revealed different roles of GH18 chitinase genes in B. xylophilus. Bx-chi-1, Bx-chi-2 and Bx-chi-7 were associated with reproduction, fungal cell-wall degradation and egg hatching, respectively. Bx-chi-5 and Bx-chi-6 may be involved in sperm metabolism. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that GH18 chitinases have multiple functions in the life cycle of B. xylophilus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Ju
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
| | - Tinglong Guan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Deliang Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
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24
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Di Rosa M, Brundo VM, Malaguarnera L. New insights on chitinases immunologic activities. World J Immunol 2016; 6:96-104. [DOI: 10.5411/wji.v6.i2.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian chitinases and the related chilectins (ChiLs) belong to the GH18 family, which hydrolyse the glycosidic bond of chitin by a substrate-assisted mechanism. Chitin the fundamental component in the coating of numerous living species is the most abundant natural biopolymer. Mounting evidence suggest that the function of the majority of the mammalian chitinases is not exclusive to catalyze the hydrolysis of chitin producing pathogens, but include crucial role specific in the immunologic activities. The chitinases and chitinase-like proteins are expressed in response to different proinflammatory cues in various tissues by activated macrophages, neutrophils and in different monocyte-derived cell lines. The mechanism and molecular interaction of chitinases in relation to immune regulation embrace bacterial infection, inflammation, dismetabolic and degenerative disease. The aim of this review is to update the reader with regard to the role of chitinases proposed in the recent innate and adaptive immunity literature. The deep scrutiny of this family of enzymes could be a useful base for further studies addressed to the development of potential procedure directing these molecules as diagnostic and prognostic markers for numerous immune and inflammatory diseases.
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25
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James AJ, Reinius LE, Verhoek M, Gomes A, Kupczyk M, Hammar U, Ono J, Ohta S, Izuhara K, Bel E, Kere J, Söderhäll C, Dahlén B, Boot RG, Dahlén SE. Increased YKL-40 and Chitotriosidase in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2016; 193:131-42. [PMID: 26372680 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201504-0760oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Serum chitinases may be novel biomarkers of airway inflammation and remodeling, but less is known about factors regulating their levels. OBJECTIVES To examine serum chitotriosidase activity and YKL-40 levels in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and evaluate clinically relevant factors that may affect chitinase levels, including genetic variability, corticosteroid treatment, disease exacerbations, and allergen exposure. METHODS Serum chitotriosidase (CHIT1) activity and YKL-40 (CHI3L1) levels, as well as the CHIT1 rs3831317 and CHI3L1 rs4950928 genotypes, were examined in subsets of patients with mild to moderate asthma (n = 76), severe asthma (n = 93), and COPD (n = 64) taking part in the European multicenter BIOAIR (Longitudinal Assessment of Clinical Course and Biomarkers in Severe Chronic Airway Disease) study. Blood was obtained at baseline, before and after a 2-week oral steroid intervention, up to six times during a 1-year period, and during exacerbations. Baseline chitinase levels were also measured in 72 healthy control subjects. The effect of allergen inhalation on blood and sputum YKL-40 levels was measured in two separate groups of patients with mild atopic asthma; one group underwent repeated low-dose allergen challenge (n = 15), and the other underwent high-dose allergen challenge (n = 16). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Serum chitotriosidase and YKL-40 were significantly elevated in patients with asthma and those with COPD compared with healthy control subjects. Genotype and age strongly affected both YKL-40 and chitotriosidase activity, but associations with disease remained following adjustment for these factors. Correlations were observed with lung function but not with other biomarkers, including exhaled nitric oxide, blood eosinophils, periostin, and IgE. Generally, acute exacerbations, allergen-induced airway obstruction, and corticosteroid treatment did not affect circulating chitinase levels. CONCLUSIONS YKL-40 and chitotriosidase are increased in asthma and more so in COPD. The data in the present study support these substances as being relatively steroid-insensitive, non-T-helper cell type 2-type biomarkers distinctly related to chronic inflammatory disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J James
- 1 Institute of Environmental Medicine.,2 Center for Allergy Research
| | - Lovisa E Reinius
- 2 Center for Allergy Research.,3 Center for Innovative Medicine, and.,4 Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marri Verhoek
- 5 Department of Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Gomes
- 1 Institute of Environmental Medicine.,2 Center for Allergy Research
| | - Maciej Kupczyk
- 1 Institute of Environmental Medicine.,2 Center for Allergy Research
| | | | - Junya Ono
- 6 Shino-Test Corporation, Sagamihara, Japan
| | | | - Kenji Izuhara
- 8 Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Saga Medical School, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Elisabeth Bel
- 9 Department of Pulmonology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and
| | - Juha Kere
- 2 Center for Allergy Research.,3 Center for Innovative Medicine, and.,4 Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cilla Söderhäll
- 2 Center for Allergy Research.,3 Center for Innovative Medicine, and.,4 Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Barbro Dahlén
- 2 Center for Allergy Research.,10 Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rolf G Boot
- 5 Department of Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sven-Erik Dahlén
- 1 Institute of Environmental Medicine.,2 Center for Allergy Research
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26
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Miller M, Esnault S, Kurten RC, Kelly EA, Beppu A, Das S, Rosenthal P, Ramsdell J, Croft M, Zuraw B, Jarjour N, Hamid Q, Broide DH. Segmental allergen challenge increases levels of airway follistatin-like 1 in patients with asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 138:596-599.e4. [PMID: 27001159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Stephane Esnault
- Department of Medicine, Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - Richard C Kurten
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Elizabeth A Kelly
- Department of Medicine, Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - Andrew Beppu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Sudipta Das
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Peter Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Joe Ramsdell
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Michael Croft
- Division of Immune Regulation, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Bruce Zuraw
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Nizar Jarjour
- Department of Medicine, Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories of McGill University and McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David H Broide
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif.
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27
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Kzhyshkowska J, Gudima A, Moganti K, Gratchev A, Orekhov A. Perspectives for Monocyte/Macrophage-Based Diagnostics of Chronic Inflammation. Transfus Med Hemother 2016; 43:66-77. [PMID: 27226789 DOI: 10.1159/000444943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-grade chronic inflammation underlies the development of the most dangerous cardiometabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes and its vascular complications. In contrast to acute inflammation induced by bacteria and viruses, chronic inflammation can be driven by abnormal reaction to endogenous factors, including Th2 cytokines, metabolic factors like advanced glycation end products (AGEs), modified lipoproteins, or hyperglycemia. The key innate immune cells that recognize these factors in blood circulation are monocytes. Inflammatory programming of monocytes which migrate into tissues can, in turn, result into generation of tissue macrophages with pathological functions. Therefore, determination of the molecular and functional phenotype of circulating monocytes is a very promising diagnostic tool for the identification of hidden inflammation, which can precede the development of the pathology. Here we propose a new test system for the identification of inflammatory programming of monocytes: surface biomarkers and ex vivo functional system. We summarize the current knowledge about surface biomarkers for monocyte subsets, including CD16, CCR2, CX3CR1, CD64, stabilin-1 and CD36, and their association with inflammatory human disorders. Furthermore, we present the design of an ex vivo monocyte-based test system with minimal set of parameters as a potential diagnostic tool for the identification of personalized inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kzhyshkowska
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Mannheim, Germany; Laboratory for Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Alexandru Gudima
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kondaiah Moganti
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alexei Gratchev
- Laboratory for Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
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28
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Di Rosa M, Distefano G, Zorena K, Malaguarnera L. Chitinases and immunity: Ancestral molecules with new functions. Immunobiology 2015; 221:399-411. [PMID: 26686909 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2015.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chitinases belonging to 18 glycosyl hydrolase family is an ancient gene family that is widely expressed from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. In humans, despite the absence of endogenous chitin, a number of Chitinases and Chitinase-like Proteins (C/CLPs) have been identified. Chitinases with enzymatic activity have a chitin binding domain containing six cysteine residues responsible for their binding to chitin. In contrast, CLPs do not contain such typical chitin-binding domains, but still can bind to chitin with high affinity. Molecular phylogenetic analyses suggest that active Chitinases result from an early gene duplication event. Further duplication events, followed by mutations leading to loss of chitinase activity, allowed evolution of the chi-lectins. For the majority of the mammalian chitinases the last decades have witnessed the appearance of a substantial number of studies describing their expression differentially regulated during more specific immunologic activities. It is becoming increasingly clear that their function is not exclusive to catalyse the hydrolysis of chitin producing pathogens, but include crucial role in bacterial infections and inflammatory diseases. Here we provide an overview of all family members to shed light on the mechanisms and molecular interactions of Chitinases and CLPs in relation to immune response regulation, in order to delineate their future utilization as diagnostic and prognostic markers for numerous diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Gisella Distefano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Katarzyna Zorena
- Department of Immunobiology and Environment Microbiology Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Lucia Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, Italy.
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29
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Blankestijn MA, Boyle RJ, Gore R, Hawrylowicz C, Jarvis D, Knulst AC, Wardlaw AJ. Developments in the field of allergy in 2013 through the eyes of Clinical and Experimental Allergy. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 44:1436-57. [PMID: 25346287 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
2013 was another exciting year for allergy in general and Clinical and Experimental Allergy in particular. In the field of asthma and rhinitis, there continued to be a focus on heterogeneity and phenotypes with increasing use of biostatistical techniques to determine clusters of similar populations. Obesity- and aspirin-associated disease are intriguing associations with asthma which were explored in a number of papers. We published a number of excellent papers on mechanisms of airway inflammation and how this relates to physiology, pathology, genetics and biomarkers in both human and experimental model systems. In terms of mechanisms, there is less on individual cell types in allergic disease at the moment, but the immunology of allergic disease continued to fascinate our authors. Another area that was popular both in the mechanisms and in the epidemiology sections was early life events and how these lead to allergic disease, with an increasing focus on the role of the microbiome and how this influences immune tolerance. In the clinical allergy section, oral immunotherapy for food allergy is clearly a major topic of interest at the moment as was in vitro testing to distinguish between sensitization and allergic disease. There was less on inhalant allergy this year, but a good representation from the drug allergy community including some interesting work on non-IgE-mediated mechanisms. In the allergen section, important new allergens continue to be discovered, but the major focus as in the last couple of years was on working out how component-resolved approaches can improve diagnosis and management of food and venom allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Blankestijn
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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30
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Mack I, Hector A, Ballbach M, Kohlhäufl J, Fuchs KJ, Weber A, Mall MA, Hartl D. The role of chitin, chitinases, and chitinase-like proteins in pediatric lung diseases. Mol Cell Pediatr 2015; 2:3. [PMID: 26542293 PMCID: PMC4530573 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-015-0014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chitin, after cellulose, the second most abundant biopolymer on earth, is a key component of insects, fungi, and house-dust mites. Lower life forms are endowed with chitinases to defend themselves against chitin-bearing pathogens. Unexpectedly, humans were also found to express chitinases as well as chitinase-like proteins that modulate immune responses. Particularly, increased levels of the chitinase-like protein YKL-40 have been associated with severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other inflammatory disease conditions. Here, we summarize and discuss the potential role of chitin, chitinases, and chitinase-like proteins in pediatric lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Mack
- Department of Pediatrics/UKBB, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Hector
- Children's Hospital, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 1, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Marlene Ballbach
- Children's Hospital, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 1, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Julius Kohlhäufl
- Children's Hospital, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 1, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Katharina J Fuchs
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Alexander Weber
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Marcus A Mall
- Department of Translational Pulmonology, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University of Heidelberg, Grabengasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Dominik Hartl
- Children's Hospital, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 1, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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31
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Specjalski K, Chełmińska M, Jassem E. YKL-40 protein correlates with the phenotype of asthma. Lung 2015; 193:189-94. [PMID: 25663327 PMCID: PMC4365280 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-015-9693-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose YKL-40 is a chitinase-like protein found to correlate with asthma as well as numerous infectious and autoimmune diseases or cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of YKL-40 as a possible marker of asthma and its associations with factors differentiating phenotypes of asthma. Methods The study group comprised 167 patients, including 116 women and 51 men aged 18–88 years with chronic asthma. The control group comprised 81 healthy individuals, including 50 women and 31 men aged 19–86 years. In every participant, medical history was taken; spirometry and skin prick tests were performed. YKL-40 was determined in sera by means of ELISA test. Results Mean serum YKL-40 level was 59.7 ng/ml (53.6–65.7 ng/ml; 95 % CI) with significant difference between asthmatics and healthy controls (mean values: 66.8 ± 53.8 vs. 44.9 ± 29.4 ng/ml; p < 0.001). In asthmatics, the level was significantly higher in subgroup with poor control of symptoms and exacerbations (91.8 ± 57.1 ng/ml) compared to stable asthmatics (59.6 ± 50.8 ng/ml; p < 0.001) as well as in atopic compared to non-atopic asthmatics (77.2 ± 53.9 vs. 61.1 ± 57.8 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Mean YKL-40 level in obese asthmatics was 135.6 ng/ml compared to 50.0 ng/ml in non-obese (p < 0.001). When phenotypes of early-onset atopic, late-onset non-atopic, and obesity-related asthma were compared, YKL-40 levels were 80.62 ± 46.9, 51.5 ± 24.9, and 168.1 ± 71.5 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion Although YKL-40 is not a specific marker for asthma, it correlates with some clinical features such as exacerbation, level of control, atopy, and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Specjalski
- Department of Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, Ul. Debinki 7, 80-952, Gdansk, Poland,
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32
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Koch BEV, Stougaard J, Spaink HP. Keeping track of the growing number of biological functions of chitin and its interaction partners in biomedical research. Glycobiology 2015; 25:469-82. [PMID: 25595947 PMCID: PMC4373397 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwv005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chitin is a vital polysaccharide component of protective structures in many eukaryotic organisms but seems absent in vertebrates. Chitin or chitin oligomers are therefore prime candidates for non-self-molecules, which are recognized and degraded by the vertebrate immune system. Despite the absence of polymeric chitin in vertebrates, chitinases and chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) are well conserved in vertebrate species. In many studies, these proteins have been found to be involved in immune regulation and in mediating the degradation of chitinous external protective structures of invading pathogens. Several important aspects of chitin immunostimulation have recently been uncovered, advancing our understanding of the complex regulatory mechanisms that chitin mediates. Likewise, the last few years have seen large advances in our understanding of the mechanisms and molecular interactions of chitinases and CLPs in relation to immune response regulation. It is becoming increasingly clear that their function in this context is not exclusive to chitin producing pathogens, but includes bacterial infections and cancer signaling as well. Here we provide an overview of the immune signaling properties of chitin and other closely related biomolecules. We also review the latest literature on chitinases and CLPs of the GH18 family. Finally, we examine the existing literature on zebrafish chitinases, and propose the use of zebrafish as a versatile model to complement the existing murine models. This could especially be of benefit to the exploration of the function of chitinases in infectious diseases using high-throughput approaches and pharmaceutical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn E V Koch
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark Leiden University, Institute of Biology, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jens Stougaard
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Herman P Spaink
- Leiden University, Institute of Biology, Leiden, The Netherlands
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33
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CC chemokine ligand 18 correlates with malignant progression of prostate cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:230183. [PMID: 25197632 PMCID: PMC4150478 DOI: 10.1155/2014/230183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background and Aim. CC chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) promotes malignant behaviors of various human cancer types. However, its involvement in human prostate cancer has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CCL18 in PCa. Methods. Expression of CCL18 at mRNA and protein levels was detected using real-time qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. We analyzed the associations of CCL18 expression with clinical features of human PCa. The effects of PCa cell migration, invasion, and apoptosis were tested. The efficiency of CCL18 on prostate tumor growth was assessed in a subcutaneous xenograft model. Results. CCL18 expression was upregulated (both P < 0.01) in PCa tissues compared with those in noncancerous prostate tissues. CCL18 upregulation was correlated with high Gleason score (P = 0.034) of patients with PCa. rCCL18 stimulation in PCa cells promoted cell migration and invasion but decreased DU145 cells apoptosis rate. Furthermore, subcutaneous homografts models showed the increased tumor growth and tumor vascularization with the CCL18 stimulation, and the expression of Ki67, PCNA, and CD31 in CCL18 stimulation mice was also significantly increased. Conclusions. Our data offer the convincing evidence that the upregulation of CCL18 may be involved in the malignant progression of PCa.
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34
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Santos CB, Davidson J, Covar RA, Spahn JD. The chitinase-like protein YKL-40 is not a useful biomarker for severe persistent asthma in children. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2014; 113:263-6. [PMID: 24954373 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chitinase-like protein YKL-40 is thought to play a role in inflammation and tissue remodeling. In adults with severe asthma, YKL-40 is expressed in the airway and YKL-40 levels are elevated in the serum. OBJECTIVE To compare YKL-40 levels in children with severe persistent asthma with those in adults with severe persistent asthma and to determine whether YKL-40 levels correlate with increasing asthma severity in childhood asthma. METHODS In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 23 adults and 19 children with severe persistent asthma, 23 children with moderate persistent asthma, and 19 children with mild persistent asthma were enrolled. The following data were collected on each patient: spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide, percutaneous skin testing results to aeroallergens, peripheral eosinophils, serum IgE levels, and serum YKL-40 levels. RESULTS Compared with adults, children with severe persistent asthma had significantly lower YKL-40 levels, higher values for forced vital capacity and forced expiration volume in 1 second, higher serum IgE levels, and higher exhaled nitric oxide levels. YKL-40 levels did not correlate with increasing asthma severity in the pediatric cohort. CONCLUSION Severe persistent asthma in childhood is not associated with elevated YKL-40 levels, unlike in adults with severe persistent asthma. YKL-40 is not a useful biomarker for asthma severity in childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carah B Santos
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - Joshua Davidson
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - Ronina A Covar
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - Joseph D Spahn
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado.
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35
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Karta MR, Wickert LE, Curran CS, Gavala ML, Denlinger LC, Gern JE, Bertics PJ. Allergen challenge in vivo alters rhinovirus-induced chemokine secretion from human airway macrophages. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 133:1227-1230.e4. [PMID: 24529411 PMCID: PMC3973023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maya R Karta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
| | - Lisa E Wickert
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
| | - Colleen S Curran
- Department of Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
| | - Monica L Gavala
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
| | - Loren C Denlinger
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
| | - James E Gern
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
| | - Paul J Bertics
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis
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Winkler C, Witte L, Moraw N, Faulenbach C, Müller M, Holz O, Schaumann F, Hohlfeld JM. Impact of endobronchial allergen provocation on macrophage phenotype in asthmatics. BMC Immunol 2014; 15:12. [PMID: 24612750 PMCID: PMC4007705 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2172-15-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The role of M2 polarized macrophages (MΦ) during the allergic airway inflammation has been discussed in various animal models. However, their presence and relevance during the chronic and acute phase of allergic airway inflammation in humans has not been fully elucidated so far. In the present study we phenotypically characterized macrophages with regard to M2 polarization in mice, a human in vitro and a human ex vivo model with primary lung cells after endobronchial provocation. Results Macrophages remained polarized beyond clearance of the acute allergic airway inflammation in mice. Alveolar macrophages of asthmatics revealed increased mRNA expression of CCL13, CCL17 and CLEC10A in response to allergen challenge as well as increased surface expression of CD86. Further, mRNA expression of CCL13, CCL17, and CLEC10A was increased in asthmatics at baseline compared to healthy subjects. The mRNA expression of CCL17 and CLEC10A correlated significantly with the degree of eosinophilia (each P < .01). Furthermore, macrophages from asthmatics released significant amounts of CCL17 protein in vitro which was also found increased in BAL fluid after allergen provocation. Conclusions This study supports previous findings of M2 macrophage polarization in asthmatic subjects during the acute course of the allergic inflammation and provides evidence for their contribution to the Th2 inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jens M Hohlfeld
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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Spatial and temporal expression patterns of chitinase genes in developing zebrafish embryos. Gene Expr Patterns 2014; 14:69-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2014.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Gauvreau GM. Allergen bronchoprovocation and chitinases in allergic asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2013; 43:149-51. [PMID: 23331556 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Diverse pathological implications of YKL-40: Answers may lie in ‘outside-in’ signaling. Cell Signal 2013; 25:1567-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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40
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Konradsen JR, James A, Nordlund B, Reinius LE, Söderhäll C, Melén E, Wheelock AM, Wheelock A, Lödrup Carlsen KC, Lidegran M, Verhoek M, Boot RG, Dahlén B, Dahlén SE, Hedlin G. The chitinase-like protein YKL-40: a possible biomarker of inflammation and airway remodeling in severe pediatric asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 132:328-35.e5. [PMID: 23628340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Problematic severe childhood asthma includes a subgroup of patients who are resistant to therapy. The specific mechanisms involved are unknown, and novel biomarkers are required to facilitate treatment and diagnosis of therapy-resistant asthma. The chitinase-like protein YKL-40 has been related to asthma and airway remodeling. OBJECTIVES To compare serum YKL-40 levels in children with severe, therapy-resistant asthma (n = 34), children with controlled persistent asthma (n = 39), and healthy controls (n = 27), and to investigate correlations with biomarkers of inflammation and airway remodeling. METHODS The study protocol included questionnaires, measurement of exhaled nitric oxide in exhaled air, blood sampling for inflammatory biomarkers, and high-resolution computed tomography of the lungs to identify bronchial wall thickening (therapy-resistant only). Serum YKL-40 levels were measured by ELISA, and all asthmatic children were genotyped for a CHI3L1 promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (rs4950928). RESULTS Serum YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in children with therapy-resistant asthma than in healthy children (19.2 ng/mL vs 13.8 ng/mL, P = .03). Among children with severe, therapy-resistant asthma, YKL-40 levels correlated with fraction of exhaled nitric oxide in exhaled air (r = 0.48, P = .004), blood neutrophils (r = 0.63, P < .001), and bronchial wall thickening on high-resolution computed tomography (r = 0.45, P = .01). Following adjustment for CHI3L1 genotype, significantly greater levels of YKL-40 were found in children with therapy-resistant asthma than in children with controlled asthma. CONCLUSIONS YKL-40 levels are increased in children with severe, therapy-resistant asthma compared to healthy children, and also compared to children with controlled asthma following correction for genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon R Konradsen
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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