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Sligar C, Reilly E, Cuthbertson P, Vine KL, Bird KM, Elhage A, Alexander SI, Sluyter R, Watson D. Graft-versus-leukaemia immunity is retained following treatment with post-transplant cyclophosphamide alone or combined with tocilizumab in humanised mice. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1497. [PMID: 38495918 PMCID: PMC10941522 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Donor haematopoietic stem cell transplantation treats leukaemia by inducing graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) immunity. However, this benefit is often mitigated by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which is reduced by post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) alone or combined with tocilizumab (TOC) in humanised mice. This study established a preclinical humanised mouse model of GVL and investigated whether PTCy alone or combined with TOC impacts GVL immunity. Methods NOD-scid-IL2Rγnull mice were injected with 2 × 107 human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) on day 0 and with 1 × 106 THP-1 acute myeloid leukaemia cells on day 14. In subsequent experiments, mice were also injected with PTCy (33 mg kg-1) or Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (PBS) on days 3 and 4, alone or combined with TOC or control antibody (25 mg kg-1) twice weekly for 28 days. Clinical signs of disease were monitored until day 42. Results Mice with hPBMCs from three different donors and THP-1 cells showed similar survival, clinical score and weight loss. hCD33+ leukaemia cells were minimal in mice reconstituted with hPBMCs from two donors but present in mice with hPBMCs from a third donor, suggesting donor-specific GVL responses. hPBMC-injected mice treated with PTCy alone or combined with TOC (PTCy + TOC) demonstrated prolonged survival compared to control mice. PTCy alone and PTCy + TOC-treated mice with hPBMCs showed minimal hepatic hCD33+ leukaemia cells, indicating sustained GVL immunity. Further, the combination of PTCy + TOC reduced histological damage in the lung and liver. Conclusion Collectively, this research demonstrates that PTCy alone or combined with TOC impairs GVHD without compromising GVL immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Sligar
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Ellie Reilly
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Peter Cuthbertson
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Kara L Vine
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Katrina M Bird
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Amal Elhage
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | | | - Ronald Sluyter
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Debbie Watson
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
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Turner RJ, Guy TV, Geraghty NJ, Splitt A, Watson D, Brungs D, Carolan MG, Miller AA, de Leon JF, Aghmesheh M, Sluyter R. Low Pretreatment CD4 +:CD8 + T Cell Ratios and CD39 +CD73 +CD19 + B Cell Proportions Are Associated with Improved Relapse-Free Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12538. [PMID: 37628721 PMCID: PMC10454544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612538] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 are present on immune cells and play important roles in cancer progression by suppressing antitumour immunity. As such, CD39 and CD73 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are emerging as potential biomarkers to predict disease outcomes and treatment responses in cancer patients. This study aimed to examine T and B cells, including CD39 and CD73 expressing subsets, by flow cytometry in PBMCs from 28 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and to assess the correlation with the treatment modality, human papillomavirus (HPV) status, and relapse-free survival (RFS). The PBMCs were examined pre-, mid-, and post-radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy or anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody (cetuximab) therapy. Combination radiotherapy caused changes to T and B cell populations, including CD39 and CD73 expressing subsets, but no such differences were observed between concurrent chemotherapy and cetuximab. Pretreatment PBMCs from HPV+ patients contained increased proportions of CD39-CD73-CD4+ T cells and reduced proportions of CD39-/+CD73+CD4+ T cells compared to the equivalent cells from HPV- patients. Notably, the pretreatment CD4+:CD8+ T cell ratios and CD39+CD73+CD19+ B cell proportions below the respective cohort medians corresponded with an improved RFS. Collectively, this study supports the notion that CD39 and CD73 may contribute to disease outcomes in HNSCC patients and may assist as biomarkers, either alone or as part of immune signatures, in HNSCC. Further studies of CD39 and CD73 on PBMCs from larger cohorts of HNSCC patients are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross J. Turner
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (R.J.T.); (N.J.G.); (D.W.)
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Thomas V. Guy
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Nicholas J. Geraghty
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (R.J.T.); (N.J.G.); (D.W.)
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Ashleigh Splitt
- Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia; (A.S.); (D.B.); (M.G.C.); (A.A.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Debbie Watson
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (R.J.T.); (N.J.G.); (D.W.)
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Daniel Brungs
- Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia; (A.S.); (D.B.); (M.G.C.); (A.A.M.); (M.A.)
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Martin G. Carolan
- Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia; (A.S.); (D.B.); (M.G.C.); (A.A.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Andrew A. Miller
- Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia; (A.S.); (D.B.); (M.G.C.); (A.A.M.); (M.A.)
| | | | - Morteza Aghmesheh
- Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia; (A.S.); (D.B.); (M.G.C.); (A.A.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Ronald Sluyter
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (R.J.T.); (N.J.G.); (D.W.)
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
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Liu Y, Li Z, Zhao X, Xiao J, Bi J, Li XY, Chen G, Lu L. Review immune response of targeting CD39 in cancer. Biomark Res 2023; 11:63. [PMID: 37287049 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00500-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The ATP-adenosine pathway has emerged as a promising target for cancer therapy, but challenges remain in achieving effective tumor control. Early research focused on blocking the adenosine generating enzyme CD73 and the adenosine receptors A2AR or A2BR in cancer. However, recent studies have shown that targeting CD39, the rate-limiting ecto-enzyme of the ATP-adenosine pathway, can provide more profound anti-tumor efficacy by reducing immune-suppressive adenosine accumulation and increasing pro-inflammatory ATP levels. In addition, combining CD39 blocking antibody with PD-1 immune checkpoint therapy may have synergistic anti-tumor effects and improve patient survival. This review will discuss the immune components that respond to CD39 targeting in the tumor microenvironment. Targeting CD39 in cancer has been shown to not only decrease adenosine levels in the tumor microenvironment (TME), but also increase ATP levels. Additionally, targeting CD39 can limit the function of Treg cells, which are known to express high levels of CD39. With phase I clinical trials of CD39 targeting currently underway, further understanding and rational design of this approach for cancer therapy are expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Zhongliang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Jiacheng Bi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xian-Yang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, P.R. China.
- Department of R&D, OriCell Therapeutics Co. Ltd, No.1227, Zhangheng Rd, Pudong, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guokai Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, P.R. China.
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Sligar C, Cuthbertson P, Miles NA, Adhikary SR, Elhage A, Zhang G, Alexander SI, Sluyter R, Watson D. Tocilizumab increases regulatory T cells, reduces natural killer cells and delays graft-versus-host disease development in humanized mice treated with post-transplant cyclophosphamide. Immunol Cell Biol 2023. [PMID: 37191045 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a life-threatening complication following donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, where donor T cells damage host tissues. This study investigated the effect of tocilizumab (TOC) combined with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) on immune cell engraftment and GVHD development in a humanized mouse model. NOD-scid-IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice were injected intraperitoneally with 2 × 107 human (h) peripheral blood mononuclear cells and cyclophosphamide (33 mg kg-1 ) or saline on days 3 and 4, then TOC or control antibody (0.5 mg mouse-1 ) twice weekly for 28 days. Mice were monitored for clinical signs of GVHD for either 28 or 70 days. Spleens and livers were assessed for human leukocyte subsets, and serum cytokines and tissue histology were analyzed. In the short-term model (day 28), liver and lung damage were reduced in PTCy + TOC compared with control mice. All groups showed similar splenic hCD45+ leukocyte engraftment (55-60%); however, PTCy + TOC mice demonstrated significantly increased (1.5-2-fold) splenic regulatory T cells. Serum human interferon gamma was significantly reduced in PTCy + TOC compared with control mice. Long-term (day 70), prolonged survival was similar in PTCy + TOC (median survival time, > 70 days) and PTCy mice (median survival time, 56 days). GVHD onset was significantly delayed in PTCy + TOC, compared with TOC or control mice. Notably, natural killer cells were reduced (77.5%) in TOC and PTCy + TOC mice. Overall, combining PTCy with TOC increases regulatory T cells and reduces clinical signs of early GVHD, but does not improve long-term survival compared with PTCy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Sligar
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Cuthbertson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole A Miles
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Sam R Adhikary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Amal Elhage
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoff Zhang
- The Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Westmead, Australia
| | - Stephen I Alexander
- The Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Westmead, Australia
| | - Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Debbie Watson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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5
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Sluyter R, Cuthbertson P, Elhage A, Sligar C, Watson D. Purinergic signalling in graft-versus-host disease. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2023; 68:102346. [PMID: 36634595 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is used to treat blood cancers, but often results in lethal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD is an inflammatory disorder mediated by donor leukocytes that damage host tissues. Purinergic signalling plays important roles in GVHD development in mice but studies of these pathways in human GVHD remain limited. P2X7 receptor activation by ATP on host antigen presenting cells contributes to the induction of GVHD, while activation of this receptor on regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and possibly type 3 innate lymphoid cells results in their loss to promote GVHD progression. In contrast, A2A receptor activation by adenosine on donor T cells serves to restrict GVHD development. These and other purinergic signalling molecules remain potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
| | - Peter Cuthbertson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Amal Elhage
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Chloe Sligar
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Debbie Watson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
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6
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Insights into mechanisms of graft-versus-host disease through humanised mouse models. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231673. [PMID: 35993192 PMCID: PMC9446388 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication that occurs following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for the treatment of haematological cancers and other blood-related disorders. GVHD is an inflammatory disorder, where the transplanted donor immune cells can mediate an immune response against the recipient and attack host tissues. Despite over 60 years of research, broad-range immune suppression is still used to prevent or treat GVHD, leading to an increased risk of cancer relapse and infection. Therefore, further insights into the disease mechanisms and development of predictive and prognostic biomarkers are key to improving outcomes and reducing GVHD development following allogeneic HSCT. An important preclinical tool to examine the pathophysiology of GVHD and to understand the key mechanisms that lead to GVHD development are preclinical humanised mouse models. Such models of GVHD are now well-established and can provide valuable insights into disease development. This review will focus on models where human peripheral blood mononuclear cells are injected into immune-deficient non-obese diabetic (NOD)-scid-interleukin-2(IL-2)Rγ mutant (NOD-scid-IL2Rγnull) mice. Humanised mouse models of GVHD can mimic the clinical setting for GVHD development, with disease progression and tissues impacted like that observed in humans. This review will highlight key findings from preclinical humanised mouse models regarding the role of donor human immune cells, the function of cytokines and cell signalling molecules and their impact on specific target tissues and GVHD development. Further, specific therapeutic strategies tested in these preclinical models reveal key molecular pathways important in reducing the burden of GVHD following allogeneic HSCT.
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Watson D, Adhikary SR, Cuthbertson P, Geraghty NJ, Bird KM, Elhage A, Sligar C, Sluyter R. Humanized Mouse Model to Study the P2X7 Receptor in Graft-Versus-Host Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2510:315-340. [PMID: 35776334 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2384-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Humanized mouse models of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), where human immune cells are injected into immune deficient mice, are well established and provide opportunities to investigate pathways involved in GVHD development. This chapter provides an overview of human immune cell isolation, injection of these cells into immune deficient mice, monitoring of mice for signs of GVHD, and assessment of human cell engraftment using flow cytometry. Further, this chapter focuses on the P2X7 signaling pathway involved in GVHD, and describes a strategy to block the P2X7 receptor and examine the effect of this on GVHD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Watson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sam R Adhikary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Cuthbertson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Geraghty
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Katrina M Bird
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Amal Elhage
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Chloe Sligar
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Cuthbertson P, Geraghty NJ, Adhikary SR, Bird KM, Fuller SJ, Watson D, Sluyter R. Purinergic Signalling in Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Graft-versus-Host Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8343. [PMID: 34361109 PMCID: PMC8348324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative therapy for blood cancers and other haematological disorders. However, allo-HSCT leads to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a severe and often lethal immunological response, in the majority of transplant recipients. Current therapies for GVHD are limited and often reduce the effectiveness of allo-HSCT. Therefore, pro- and anti-inflammatory factors contributing to disease need to be explored in order to identify new treatment targets. Purinergic signalling plays important roles in haematopoiesis, inflammation and immunity, and recent evidence suggests that it can also affect haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and GVHD development. This review provides a detailed assessment of the emerging roles of purinergic receptors, most notably P2X7, P2Y2 and A2A receptors, and ectoenzymes, CD39 and CD73, in GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Cuthbertson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (P.C.); (N.J.G.); (S.R.A.); (K.M.B.)
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Nicholas J. Geraghty
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (P.C.); (N.J.G.); (S.R.A.); (K.M.B.)
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Sam R. Adhikary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (P.C.); (N.J.G.); (S.R.A.); (K.M.B.)
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Katrina M. Bird
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (P.C.); (N.J.G.); (S.R.A.); (K.M.B.)
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Stephen J. Fuller
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW 2747, Australia;
| | - Debbie Watson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (P.C.); (N.J.G.); (S.R.A.); (K.M.B.)
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (P.C.); (N.J.G.); (S.R.A.); (K.M.B.)
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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9
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Adhikary SR, Cuthbertson P, Nicholson L, Bird KM, Sligar C, Hu M, O'Connell PJ, Sluyter R, Alexander SI, Watson D. Post-transplant cyclophosphamide limits reactive donor T cells and delays the development of graft-versus-host disease in a humanized mouse model. Immunology 2021; 164:332-347. [PMID: 34021907 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) that develops when donor T cells in the graft become reactive against the host. Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is increasingly used in mismatched allo-HSCT, but how PTCy impacts donor T cells and reduces GVHD is unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of PTCy on reactive human donor T cells and GVHD development in a preclinical humanized mouse model. Immunodeficient NOD-scid-IL2Rγnull mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 20 × 106 human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stained with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) (day 0). Mice were subsequently injected (i.p.) with PTCy (33 mg kg-1 ) (PTCy-mice) or saline (saline-mice) (days 3 and 4). Mice were assessed for T-cell depletion on day 6 and monitored for GVHD for up to 10 weeks. Flow cytometric analysis of livers at day 6 revealed lower proportions of reactive (CFSElow ) human (h) CD3+ T cells in PTCy-mice compared with saline-mice. Over 10 weeks, PTCy-mice showed reduced weight loss and clinical GVHD, with prolonged survival and reduced histological liver GVHD compared with saline-mice. PTCy-mice also demonstrated increased splenic hCD4+ :hCD8+ T-cell ratios and reduced splenic Tregs (hCD4+ hCD25+ hCD127lo ) compared with saline-mice. This study demonstrates that PTCy reduces GVHD in a preclinical humanized mouse model. This corresponded to depletion of reactive human donor T cells, but fewer human Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam R Adhikary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Cuthbertson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Leigh Nicholson
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Katrina M Bird
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Chloe Sligar
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Min Hu
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Debbie Watson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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10
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New insights into cytotoxic mechanisms of bozepinib against glioblastoma. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 162:105823. [PMID: 33781855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive brain tumor in adults and the current treatments only have a modest effect on patient survival. Recent studies show that bozepinib (BZP), a purine derivative, has potential applications in cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of BZP against GBM cells, specially concerning the purinergic system. Thus, GBM cells (C6 and U138 cell lines) were treated with BZP and cell viability, cell cycle, and annexin/PI assays, and active caspase-3 measurements were carried out. Besides, the effect of BZP over the purinergic system was also evaluated in silico and in vitro. Finally, we evaluate the action of BZP against important markers related to cancer progression, such as Akt, NF-κB, and CD133. We demonstrate here that BZP reduces GBM cell viability (IC50 = 5.7 ± 0.3 µM and 12.7 ± 1.5 µM, in C6 and U138 cells, respectively), inducing cell death through caspase-dependent apoptosis, autophagosome formation, activation of NF-κB, without any change in cell cycle progression or on the Akt pathway. Also, BZP modulates the purinergic system, inducing an increase in CD39 enzyme expression and activity, while inhibiting CD73 activity and adenosine formation, without altering CD73 enzyme expression. Curiously, one cycle of treatment resulted in enrichment of GBM cells expressing NF-κB and CD133+, suggesting resistant cells selection. However, after another treatment round, the resistant cells were eliminated. Altogether, BZP presented in vitro anti-glioma activity, encouraging further in vivo studies in order to better understand its mechanism of action.
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11
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Galgaro BC, Beckenkamp LR, van den M Nunnenkamp M, Korb VG, Naasani LIS, Roszek K, Wink MR. The adenosinergic pathway in mesenchymal stem cell fate and functions. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2316-2349. [PMID: 33645857 DOI: 10.1002/med.21796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in tissue homeostasis and damage repair through their ability to differentiate into cells of different tissues, trophic support, and immunomodulation. These properties made them attractive for clinical applications in regenerative medicine, immune disorders, and cell transplantation. However, despite multiple preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating beneficial effects of MSCs, their native identity and mechanisms of action remain inconclusive. Since its discovery, the CD73/ecto-5'-nucleotidase is known as a classic marker for MSCs, but its role goes far beyond a phenotypic characterization antigen. CD73 contributes to adenosine production, therefore, is an essential component of purinergic signaling, a pathway composed of different nucleotides and nucleosides, which concentrations are finely regulated by the ectoenzymes and receptors. Thus, purinergic signaling controls pathophysiological functions such as proliferation, migration, cell fate, and immune responses. Despite the remarkable progress already achieved in considering adenosinergic pathway as a therapeutic target in different pathologies, its role is not fully explored in the context of the therapeutic functions of MSCs. Therefore, in this review, we provide an overview of the role of CD73 and adenosine-mediated signaling in the functions ascribed to MSCs, such as homing and proliferation, cell differentiation, and immunomodulation. Additionally, we will discuss the pathophysiological role of MSCs, via CD73 and adenosine, in different diseases, as well as in tumor development and progression. A better understanding of the adenosinergic pathway in the regulation of MSCs functions will help to provide improved therapeutic strategies applicable in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna C Galgaro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Liziane R Beckenkamp
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Martha van den M Nunnenkamp
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vitória G Korb
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Liliana I S Naasani
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Katarzyna Roszek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Márcia R Wink
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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12
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Cuthbertson P, Geraghty NJ, Adhikary SR, Casolin S, Watson D, Sluyter R. P2X7 receptor antagonism increases regulatory T cells and reduces clinical and histological graft-versus-host disease in a humanised mouse model. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:495-513. [PMID: 33463682 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a severe inflammatory response arising from allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Previous studies revealed that antagonism of the P2X7 receptor with Brilliant Blue G (BBG) reduced liver GVHD but did not alter clinical GVHD in a humanised mouse model. Therefore, the present study aimed to trial a modified injection regime using more frequent dosing of BBG to improve outcomes in this model of GVHD. NOD-scid IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 10 × 106 human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) (day 0), then daily with BBG (50 mg/kg) or saline (days 0-10). BBG significantly reduced clinical score, mortality and histological GVHD compared with saline treatment (endpoint). BBG significantly increased proportions of human regulatory T cells (Tregs) and human B cells and reduced serum human interferon-γ compared with saline treatment prior to development of clinical GVHD (day 21). To confirm the therapeutic benefit of P2X7 antagonism, NSG mice were injected i.p. with 10 × 106 hPBMCs (day 0), then daily with pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS) (300 mg/kg) or saline (days 0-10). PPADS increased human Treg proportions compared with saline treatment (day 21), but potential clinical benefits were confounded by increased weight loss with this antagonist. To investigate the role of P2X7 antagonism on Treg survival, hPBMCs were cultured in reduced serum conditions to promote cell death. BBG increased proportions of Tregs (and B cells) compared with saline under these conditions. In conclusion, P2X7 antagonism reduces clinical and histological GVHD in a humanised mouse model corresponding to an increase in human Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Cuthbertson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Geraghty
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Sam R Adhikary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Sienna Casolin
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Debbie Watson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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13
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Sluyter R, Watson D. Use of Humanized Mouse Models to Investigate the Roles of Purinergic Signaling in Inflammation and Immunity. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:596357. [PMID: 33123018 PMCID: PMC7566314 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.596357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Debbie Watson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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14
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Turner RJ, Geraghty NJ, Williams JG, Ly D, Brungs D, Carolan MG, Guy TV, Watson D, de Leon JF, Sluyter R. Comparison of peripheral blood mononuclear cell isolation techniques and the impact of cryopreservation on human lymphocytes expressing CD39 and CD73. Purinergic Signal 2020; 16:389-401. [PMID: 32754836 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-020-09714-1] [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: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CD39 and CD73 are ecto-nucleotidases present on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and are emerging biomarkers on these cells in various disorders including cancer. Many factors influence PBMC quality, so it is essential to validate sample processing methods prior to incorporation in clinical studies. This study examined the impact of both PBMC cryopreservation and PBMC isolation using SepMate density gradient centrifugation on CD39 and CD73 expressing subsets. First, PBMCs were isolated from the peripheral blood of 11 healthy donors by routine Ficoll-Paque density gradient centrifugation, cryopreserved and compared with freshly isolated PBMCs by flow cytometry. The proportions of T and B cells expressing combinations of CD39 and CD73 were relatively stable over 6-month cryopreservation, although some T cell combinations revealed small but significant changes. Second, peripheral blood was collected from six healthy donors to compare PBMCs isolated by SepMate or Ficoll-Paque density gradient centrifugation. Compared with Ficoll-Paque, the more rapid SepMate method yielded 9.1% less PBMCs but did not alter cell viability or proportions of T and B cells expressing combinations of CD39 and CD73. The present study reveals that cryopreservation is suitable for studying T and B cells expressing combinations of CD39 and CD73. However, caution should be exercised when observing small differences in these cryopreserved subsets between different cohorts. Further, SepMate and Ficoll-Paque methods of PBMC isolation show similar results for T and B cell subset analysis; however, SepMate is a faster and easier approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross J Turner
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,CONCERT - Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Geraghty
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Jonathan G Williams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Diane Ly
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Daniel Brungs
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,CONCERT - Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia.,Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
| | - Martin G Carolan
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,CONCERT - Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia.,Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
| | - Thomas V Guy
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Debbie Watson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,CONCERT - Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia
| | - Jeremiah F de Leon
- Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia.,GenesisCare, St Vincent's Clinic, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia. .,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia. .,CONCERT - Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia.
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15
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Increased P2X7 expression in the gastrointestinal tract and skin in a humanised mouse model of graft-versus-host disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:207-223. [PMID: 31934722 DOI: 10.1042/cs20191086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative therapy for blood cancers; but results in the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in up to 70% of recipients. During GVHD, tissue damage results in ATP release into the extracellular compartment activating P2X7 on antigen-presenting cells, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and subsequent activation of donor T cells. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine murine (m) P2rx7 and human (h) P2RX7 gene expression in GVHD target organs of humanised mice, and further characterise disease impact in these organs. METHODS NOD-scid IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice were injected with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hu-PBMC-NSG mice) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, control). Leucocytes were assessed by flow cytometry; gene expression was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and tissue sections examined by histology. RESULTS Compared with control mice, hu-PBMC-NSG mice had increased mP2rx7 and mP2rx4 expression in the duodenum, ileum and skin. hP2RX7 was expressed in all tissues examined. hu-PBMC-NSG mice also displayed increased mReg3g expression in the duodenum and ileum, despite limited histological gut GVHD. hu-PBMC-NSG mice showed histological evidence of GVHD in the skin, liver and lung. Compared with control mice, hu-PBMC-NSG mice displayed increased ear swelling. CONCLUSION Combined data revealed that P2rx7 is up-regulated in gut and skin GVHD and that P2RX7 is present in target tissues of GVHD, corresponding to human leucocyte infiltration. Data also reveal increased mReg3g expression and ear swelling in hu-PBMC-NSG mice, offering new measurements of early-stage gut GVHD and skin GVHD, respectively.
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16
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Adhikary SR, Cuthbertson P, Turner RJ, Sluyter R, Watson D. A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the human ENTPD1 gene encoding CD39 is associated with worsened graft-versus-host disease in a humanized mouse model. Immunol Cell Biol 2020; 98:397-410. [PMID: 32181525 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) protect against graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The ectoenzyme CD39 is important for increasing the immunosuppressive function of Tregs. The rs10748643 (A → G) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in intron 1 of the human ENTPD1 gene is associated with increased proportions of CD39+ Tregs. This study aimed to determine whether the rs10748643 SNP corresponded to increased proportions of CD39+ Tregs in an Australian donor population, and whether this SNP influences clinical GVHD in a humanized mouse model. Donors were genotyped for the rs10748643 SNP by Sanger sequencing, and the proportion of CD39+ T cells in donor peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry. Donors encoding the G allele (donorsAG/GG ) demonstrated higher proportions of CD39+ CD3+ CD4+ CD25+ CD127lo Tregs, but not CD39+ CD3+ CD8+ T cells or CD39+ CD3+ CD4+ conventional T cells, compared with donors homozygous for the A allele (donorsAA ). NOD-SCID-IL2Rγnull mice were injected with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from either donorsAA (hCD39AA mice) or donorsAG/GG (hCD39AG/GG mice). hCD39AG/GG mice demonstrated significantly greater weight loss and GVHD clinical scores, and significantly reduced survival, compared with hCD39AA mice. hCD39AG/GG mice showed significantly higher hCD4+ :hCD8+ T-cell ratios than hCD39AA mice, but displayed similar proportions of CD3+ hCD4+ hCD25+ hCD127lo Tregs and hCD39+ Tregs. However, the proportion of human Tregs corresponded to survival in hCD39AA mice, but not in hCD39AG/GG mice. This study demonstrates that donors encoding the G allele show higher percentages of CD39+ Tregs, but cause worsened GVHD in humanized mice compared with donors homozygous for the A allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam R Adhikary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Peter Cuthbertson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Ross J Turner
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Debbie Watson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
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