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Scazzone C, Agnello L, Lo Sasso B, Salemi G, Gambino CM, Ragonese P, Candore G, Ciaccio AM, Giglio RV, Bivona G, Vidali M, Ciaccio M. FOXP3 and GATA3 Polymorphisms, Vitamin D3 and Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2021; 11:415. [PMID: 33806248 PMCID: PMC8066599 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T cells (Tregs) alterations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Recently, a crucial role of the X-Linked Forkhead Box P3 (FoxP3) for the development and the stability of Tregs has emerged, and FOXP3 gene polymorphisms have been associated with the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. The expression of Foxp3 in Tregs is regulated by the transcription factor GATA binding-protein 3 (GATA3) and vitamin D3. The aim of this retrospective case-control study was to investigate the potential association between FOXP3 and GATA3 genetic variants, Vitamin D3, and MS risk. METHODS We analyzed two polymorphisms in the FOXP3 gene (rs3761547 and rs3761548) and a polymorphism in the GATA3 gene (rs3824662) in 106 MS patients and 113 healthy controls. Serum 25(OH)D3 was also measured in all participants. RESULTS No statistically significant genotypic and allelic differences were found in the distribution of FOXP3 rs3761547 and rs3761548, or GATA3 rs3824662 in the MS patients, compared with controls. Patients that were homozygous for rs3761547 had lower 25(OH)D3 levels. CONCLUSIONS Our findings did not show any association among FOXP3 and GATA3 SNPs, vitamin D3, and MS susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Scazzone
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (L.A.); (B.L.S.); (C.M.G.); (R.V.G.); (G.B.)
| | - Luisa Agnello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (L.A.); (B.L.S.); (C.M.G.); (R.V.G.); (G.B.)
| | - Bruna Lo Sasso
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (L.A.); (B.L.S.); (C.M.G.); (R.V.G.); (G.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Salemi
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Caterina Maria Gambino
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (L.A.); (B.L.S.); (C.M.G.); (R.V.G.); (G.B.)
| | - Paolo Ragonese
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Ciaccio
- Unit of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Rosaria Vincenza Giglio
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (L.A.); (B.L.S.); (C.M.G.); (R.V.G.); (G.B.)
| | - Giulia Bivona
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (L.A.); (B.L.S.); (C.M.G.); (R.V.G.); (G.B.)
| | - Matteo Vidali
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Marcello Ciaccio
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (L.A.); (B.L.S.); (C.M.G.); (R.V.G.); (G.B.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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O'Hagan KL, Miller SD, Phee H. Pak2 is essential for the function of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells through maintaining a suppressive Treg phenotype. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17097. [PMID: 29213081 PMCID: PMC5719048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Foxp3, a key transcription factor that drives lineage differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), was thought to imprint a unique and irreversible genetic signature within Tregs. Recent evidence, however, suggests that loss or attenuation of Foxp3 expression can cause Tregs to de-differentiate into effector T cells capable of producing proinflammatory cytokines. Herein, we report that the signaling kinase, p21-activated kinase 2 (Pak2), is essential for maintaining Treg stability and suppressive function. Loss of Pak2, specifically in Tregs, resulted in reduced expression of multiple Treg functional molecules, including Foxp3, CD25, Nrp-1 and CTLA-4, coupled with a loss of Treg suppressive function in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, Pak2-deficient Tregs gained expression of Th2-associated cytokines and the transcription factor, Gata3, becoming Th2-like cells, explaining their inability to regulate immune responses. Collectively, these findings suggest Pak2 as an important signaling molecule for guarding against aberrant immune responses through regulating the stability of Foxp3+ Tregs and maintaining a suppressive Treg phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle L O'Hagan
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Stephen D Miller
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Hyewon Phee
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Inflammation and Oncology, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Food allergy is common among children and adults worldwide. Recent studies have improved our understanding of the genetic mechanism of food allergy and further studies may result in clinical application through genetic testing. RECENT FINDINGS Genetic factors are important in the development of food allergy. An increasing number of genes have been associated with food allergy in recent years. These include mutations and genetic variants in the filaggrin gene, the association of human leukocyte antigen DR and DQ regions with food allergy, copy number variation impacting CTNNA3 and RBFOX1, DNA methylation that partially mediates single nucleotide polymorphism association at the HLA-DR and DQ loci, as well as other genes. Several studies have implicated differences in gut microbiota composition in food allergy. SUMMARY With the advance of high-throughput genotyping and sequencing techniques together with improved analytical methods, the contributions of genetic and environmental factors in development of food allergy are being clarified. Yet much remains to be explored and more studies with larger sample sizes, better phenotyping, and improved quality control genomics methods are needed. The ultimate goal is the development of a panel of reliable markers for genetic testing in food allergy to improve overall patient care.
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Zhao M, Zhang H, Liu X, Jiang Y, Ren L, Hu X. The Effect of TGF-β on Treg Cells in Adverse Pregnancy Outcome upon Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:901. [PMID: 28603517 PMCID: PMC5445113 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a ubiquitous intracellular protozoan parasite that causes adverse pregnancy outcomes. Its infection downregulates the Treg cell population and TGF-β level, which may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. TGF-β plays a critical role in Treg cell development, but whether TGF-β treatment can affect the number and function of Treg cells and hence alleviate adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by T. gondii infection remains elusive. In this study, T. gondii-infected pregnant mice were treated with TGF-β or TGF-β-neutralizing antibody. The pregnancy outcomes were observed on gestational day 14. The numbers of Treg cells and pSmad3, programmed death 1 (PD-1), and Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) expression of Treg cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Histological changes were assessed using HE staining, while IL-10 and TNF-α levels were measured using ELISA. The results indicated that TGF-β treatment improved the T. gondii-induced adverse pregnancy outcomes, with alleviation of hemorrhage, restoration of uterine spiral arteries of the placenta, and increased Treg cell numbers; meanwhile, TGF-β neutralization resulted in more serious adverse pregnancy outcomes, with serious hemorrhage, more dilated uterine spiral arteries, and decreased Treg cell numbers. pSmad3 expression in CD4+ cells and CTLA-4 and PD-1 levels on Treg cells were upregulated by TGF-β treatment, but downregulated by TGF-β neutralization. The ratio of IL-10/TNF-α also increased after TGF-β treatment, but decreased after TGF-β neutralization. Our data indicate that TGF-β treatment could improve adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by T. gondii infection by upregulating Treg cell differentiation and function via the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway, but not the proliferation of Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdong Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical UniversityBinzhou, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical UniversityYantai, China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical UniversityYantai, China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical UniversityYantai, China
| | - Liqin Ren
- Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical UniversityYantai, China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical UniversityYantai, China.,Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical UniversityYantai, China
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Stangou M, Spartalis Μ, Daikidou DV, Kouloukourgiotou T, Sampani E, Lambropoulou IT, Pantzaki A, Papagianni Α, Efstratiadis G. Impact of Τh1 and Τh2 cytokines in the progression of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and minimal change disease. J Nephropathol 2016; 6:187-195. [PMID: 28975100 PMCID: PMC5607982 DOI: 10.15171/jnp.2017.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differential diagnosis between primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and minimal change disease (MCD) is sometimes difficult as nephrotic syndrome is the main clinical symptom in both diseases. OBJECTIVES This study has attempted to evaluate the urinary excretion of Th1 and Th2 cytokines as potential biomarkers in distinguishing the two types of nephrotic syndrome, and predicting outcome of renal function. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-six patients with FSGS (M/F 22/14, Age; 41.9 ± 17 years, SCr=1.7 ± 0.8 mg/dL, UProt=4.7 ± 5.5 g/24 h), and 21 with MCD (M/F 5/16, Age; 41.4 ± 15 years, SCr = 1 ± 0.4 mg/dL, UProt = 7.9 ± 9.3 g/24 h) were included in the study. Τh1 (IL-2, IL-12, GM-CSF, INF-γ, TNF-α) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13) were measured by multiple cytokine assay, Luminex technology, in first morning urinary samples collected at the day of renal biopsy. RESULTS No significant differences in urinary excretion of all cytokines were found between FSGS and MCD patients. In FSGS however, IL-12 urinary levels were independent factor correlated with both global sclerosis (R = 0.5, P = 0.009) and interstitial fibrosis (R = 0.5, P = 0.02). Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and GM-CSF) were significantly increased in FSGS patients who did not respond to treatment (P = 0.03 and P = 0.007, respectively). Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13) were significantly increased in MCD patients with frequent relapses (P = 0.05, P = 0.001, P = 0.01, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Urinary excretion of Th1 and Th2 cytokines cannot discriminate FSGS from MCD. Th1 cytokines, especially IL-12, IL-2 and GM-CSF, may be involved in pathology and progression of FSGS, while Th2 cytokines are implicated in frequent relapses of nephrotic syndrome in MCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stangou
- Department of Nephrology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Μichael Spartalis
- Department of Nephrology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra-Vasilia Daikidou
- Department of Nephrology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodora Kouloukourgiotou
- Department of Nephrology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Erasmia Sampani
- Department of Nephrology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Afroditi Pantzaki
- Department of Pathology, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece Original Article
| | - Αikaterini Papagianni
- Department of Nephrology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Efstratiadis
- Department of Nephrology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Li J, Huang L, Wang S, Yao Y, Zhang Z. Astragaloside IV attenuates inflammatory reaction via activating immune function of regulatory T-cells inhibited by HMGB1 in mice. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2016; 54:3217-3225. [PMID: 27564970 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2016.1216133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a highly abundant protein that can promote the pathogenesis of inflammatory. Some experiments have demonstrated a vital role for HMGB1 to modulate the immune function of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Astragaloside IV (AST IV), an extract from Astragalus membranaceus Moench (Leguminosae), has been shown to exert potent cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. It is still unclear whether AST IV has a latent effect on the proinflammatory ability of HMGB1 with subsequent activation of Tregs in vivo. OBJECTIVE This research explores the antagonism of different doses of AST IV on the immunologic function of Tregs mediated by HMGB1. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mouse models (BALB/c) were constructed by which normal saline or AST IV was administered i.p. at 2, 4 and 6 days after the administration i.p. of 20 μg recombinate HMGB1. Spleen was used to procure Treg and CD4 + CD25- T-cells which were co-cultured with Treg. Cell phenotypes of Tregs(Foxp3) were examined, and the cytokine levels in supernatants and the proliferation of T-cells were assayed. Gene expression was measured by RT-PCR. RESULTS (1) The expression levels of Foxp3 in Treg on post-stimulus days (PSD) 1-7 were significantly decreased in the HMGB1 group in comparison to those in the control group mice (p < 0.01). The Foxp3 expression was markedly increased in a dose-dependent manner in the AST group as compared with those in the HMGB1 group (p < 0.0 1-0.05). The same results were found in the contents of cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) released into supernatants by Treg. (2) When CD4 + CD25- T-cells were co-cultured with Treg stimulated by HMGB1, the cell proliferation and the levels of cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ) in supernatant were markedly increased as compared with those in the HMGB1 group. The level of IL-4 was markedly decreased as compared with that in the HMGB1 group. The same results were found when CD4 + CD25- T-cells were co-cultured with Treg in the NS group. Compared with those in the NS group, the contrary results were shown in a dose-dependent manner in the AST group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These results showed that AST IV has a therapeutic effect on inflammation promoted by HMGB1, and it should be studied as a new drug for the treatment of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Li
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Lifeng Huang
- b Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit , Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Shuzhen Wang
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Yongming Yao
- c Trauma Research Center, First Hospital Affiliated to the Chinese PLA General Hospital , Beijing , China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
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Busse PJ, Birmingham JM, Calatroni A, Manzi J, Goryachokovsky A, Fontela G, Federman AD, Wisnivesky JP. Effect of aging on sputum inflammation and asthma control. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 139:1808-1818.e6. [PMID: 27725186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aged asthmatic patients experience increased morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of the aging effect on airway inflammation and asthma control is limited. OBJECTIVE We sought to compare airway inflammation and its relationship to asthma control in aged versus younger patients and determine whether differences are asthma specific or caused by "inflamm-aging." METHODS We performed a prospective study of aged (>60 years) and younger (21-40 years) inner-city patients with asthma. After a run-in period to control for inhaled corticosteroid use, induced sputum was collected. Age-matched nonasthmatic control subjects were included to measure age-related inflammatory changes. RESULTS Aged (mean age, 67.9 ± 5.1 years; n = 35) compared with younger (mean age, 30.8 ± 5.9 years; n = 37) asthmatic patients had significantly worse asthma control and lower FEV1. Aged asthmatic patients had higher sputum neutrophil (30.5 × 104/mL and 23.1%) and eosinophil (7.0 × 104/mL and 3.8%) numbers and percentages compared with younger patients (neutrophils, 13.0 × 104/mL [P < .01] and 6.9% [P < .01]; eosinophils, 2.0 × 104/mL [P < .01] and 1.2% [P < .01]). Aged asthmatic patients had higher sputum IL-6 (P < .01) and IL-8 (P = .01) levels. No significant inflammatory differences between aged and younger control subjects were observed. In aged asthmatic patients increased sputum IL-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein 3α/CCL20 levels were significantly associated with decreased asthma control and increased sputum neutrophil numbers and IL-1β, IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein 3α/CCL20 levels were associated with hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS The inflammatory patterns of aged versus younger asthmatic patients are associated with increased sputum neutrophil and eosinophil values and cytokine levels related to neutrophil recruitment. Differences in airway inflammation can contribute to diminished asthma control in the aged. Further understanding of asthma pathophysiology in aged patients is needed to improve management of this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula J Busse
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
| | - Janette M Birmingham
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Joseph Manzi
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Anna Goryachokovsky
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Giselle Fontela
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Alex D Federman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Juan P Wisnivesky
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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