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Ptaschinski C, Zhu D, Fonseca W, Lukacs NW. Stem cell factor inhibition reduces Th2 inflammation and cellular infiltration in a mouse model of eosinophilic esophagitis. Mucosal Immunol 2023; 16:727-739. [PMID: 37557983 PMCID: PMC10680063 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a T helper (Th)2-mediated inflammatory disorder characterized endoscopically by eosinophilic infiltration leading to fibrosis of the esophagus. Stem cell factor (SCF), a multifunctional cytokine, is upregulated in several allergic diseases, including in patients with EoE. Mast cells and eosinophils express c-kit, the cell surface receptor for SCF, and have been found to play an important role in EoE. Therefore, we investigated whether blocking SCF represents a potential therapeutic approach for EoE. Esophageal inflammation was induced in mice using peanut allergen. In mice with experimental EoE, we found that SCF was upregulated in the esophageal tissue. In EoE mice injected with a polyclonal antibody specific for SCF, we observed a decrease in both mast cells and eosinophils by histological and flow cytometric analysis. Furthermore, Th2 cytokines in the esophagus were decreased in anti-SCF treated mice, as were levels of Th2 cytokines from lung-draining and esophageal lymph nodes. Serum levels of peanut-specific immunoglobulin E were reduced following treatment with anti-SCF. In Kitlf/f-Col1-Cre-ERT mice, which have SCF deleted primarily in myofibroblasts that develop in EoE, we observed similar results as the anti-SCF treated animals for inflammatory cell accumulation, cytokines, and histopathology. These results indicate that therapeutic treatments targeting SCF can reduce allergic inflammation in EoE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Ptaschinski
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
| | - Diana Zhu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Wendy Fonseca
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Nicholas W Lukacs
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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2
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Garcia-Hernandez V, Raya-Sandino A, Azcutia V, Miranda J, Kelm M, Flemming S, Birkl D, Quiros M, Brazil JC, Parkos CA, Nusrat A. Inhibition of Soluble Stem Cell Factor Promotes Intestinal Mucosal Repair. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2023; 29:1133-1144. [PMID: 36688460 PMCID: PMC10320368 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incidences of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are escalating worldwide and can be considered a global public health problem. Given that the gold standard approach to IBD therapeutics focuses on reducing the severity of symptoms, there is an urgent unmet need to develop alternative therapies that halt not only inflammatory processes but also promote mucosal repair. Previous studies have identified increased stem cell factor (SCF) expression in inflamed intestinal mucosal tissues. However, the role that SCF plays in mediating intestinal inflammation and repair has not been explored. METHODS Changes in the expression of SCF were evaluated in the colonic tissue of healthy mice and during dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Furthermore, mucosal wound healing and colitis severity were analyzed in mice subjected to either mechanical biopsy or DSS treatment, respectively, following intestinal epithelial cell-specific deletion of SCF or anti-SCF antibody administration. RESULTS We report robust expression of SCF by intestinal epithelial cells during intestinal homeostasis with a switch to immune cell-produced SCF during colitis. Data from mice with intestinal epithelial cell-specific deletion of SCF highlight the importance of immune cell-produced SCF in driving the pathogenesis of colitis. Importantly, antibody-mediated neutralization of total SCF or the specific SCF248 isoform decreased immune cell infiltration and enhanced mucosal wound repair following biopsy-induced colonic injury or DSS-induced colitis. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that SCF functions as a pro-inflammatory mediator in mucosal tissues and that specific neutralization of SCF248 could be a viable therapeutic option to reduce intestinal inflammation and promote mucosal wound repair in individuals with IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arturo Raya-Sandino
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Veronica Azcutia
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jael Miranda
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthias Kelm
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sven Flemming
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dorothee Birkl
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Miguel Quiros
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer C Brazil
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Charles A Parkos
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Asma Nusrat
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Wang W, Shui L, Liu Y, Zheng M. C-Kit, a Double-Edged Sword in Liver Regeneration and Diseases. Front Genet 2021; 12:598855. [PMID: 33603771 PMCID: PMC7884772 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.598855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported an important role of c-kit in embryogenesis and adulthood. Activation of the SCF/KIT signal transduction pathway is customarily linked to cell proliferation, migration and survival thus influence hematopoiesis, pigmentation, and spermatogenesis. The role of c-kit in the liver is controversial, it is however argued that it is a double-edged sword in liver regeneration and diseases. First, liver c-kit+ cells, including oval cells, bile epithelial cells, and part of hepatocytes, participate in liver tissue repair by regenerating target cells according to the type of liver injury. At the same time, c-kit+ mast cells, act as immature progenitors in circulation, playing a critical role in liver fibrosis. Furthermore, c-kit is also a proto-oncogene. Notably, c-kit overexpression regulates gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Various studies have explored on c-kit and hepatocellular carcinoma, nevertheless, the intricate roles of c-kit in the liver are largely understudied. Herein, we extensively summarize previous studies geared toward providing hints for future clinical and basic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liyan Shui
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanning Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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4
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Kalmarzi RN, Foroutan A, Abdi M, Ataee P, Jalili A, Babaei E, Kashefi H, Mohamadi S, Sigari N, Kooti W. Serum level of stem cell factor and its soluble receptor in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. Immunotherapy 2019; 11:1283-1291. [PMID: 31530062 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Stem cell factor (SCF) may be associated with inflammatory processes leading to aspirin-induced asthma. This study evaluated the relationship between serum level of SCF and its soluble receptor with aspirin-induced asthma. Methods & materials: Twenty-five patients and 25 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The concentration of SCF and mast/stem cell growth factor receptor (C-kit) was determined in serum samples. Spirometry and rhinometry were performed to determine the severity of the disease. p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The serum levels of SCF and C-kit receptor were significantly higher in the case group. The serum SCF and C-kit level had a significant positive correlation with the severity of asthma, disease duration and nasal obstruction. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SCF and C-kit receptors have a direct effect on the severity of aspirin-induced asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Nasiri Kalmarzi
- Lung Diseases & Allergy Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Aida Foroutan
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdi
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan, University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Pedram Ataee
- Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan Universityof Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ali Jalili
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences,Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Erfan Babaei
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Hajar Kashefi
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Shilan Mohamadi
- Lung Diseases & Allergy Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Naseh Sigari
- Lung Diseases & Allergy Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Wesam Kooti
- Lung Diseases & Allergy Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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5
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Fonseca W, Rasky AJ, Ptaschinski C, Morris SH, Best SK, Phillips M, Malinczak CA, Lukacs NW. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are regulated by stem cell factor during chronic asthmatic disease. Mucosal Immunol 2019; 12:445-456. [PMID: 30617299 PMCID: PMC6375742 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-018-0117-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell factor (SCF) binds to the receptor c-Kit that is expressed on a number of myeloid and lymphoid cell populations, including Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2). However the importance of the SCF/c-Kit interaction in ILC2 has not been studied. Here we investigate the role of a specific SCF isoform, SCF248, in the allergic asthmatic response and SCF/c-Kit in ILC2 activation during chronic allergy. We observed that mice treated with a monoclonal antibody specific for SCF248 attenuated the development of chronic asthmatic disease by decreasing the number of mast cells, ILC2 and eosinophils, as well as reducing the accompanying pathogenic cytokine responses. These data were supported using SCFfl/fl-Col1-Cre-ERT mice and W/Wv mice that demonstrated the importance of the stem cell factor/c-Kit activation during chronic allergy and the accumulation of c-kit+ cells. Finally, these data demonstrate for the first time that SCF could activate ILC2 cells in vitro for the production of key allergic cytokines. Together these findings indicate that SCF is a critical cytokine involved in the activation of ILC2 that lead to more severe outcomes during chronic allergy and that the SCF248 isoform could be an important therapeutic target to control the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Fonseca
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Andrew J Rasky
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Susan H Morris
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Shannon K.K. Best
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Nicholas W Lukacs
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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6
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Kim SW, Kim JH, Park CK, Kim TJ, Lee SY, Kim YK, Kwon SS, Rhee CK, Yoon HK. Effect of roflumilast on airway remodelling in a murine model of chronic asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2017; 46:754-63. [PMID: 26542330 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway remodelling is associated with irreversible, or partially reversible, airflow obstruction and ultimately unresponsiveness to asthma therapies such as corticosteroids. Roflumilast is a selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor that has an anti-inflammatory effect in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to study the effect of roflumilast on airway inflammation and remodelling in a murine model of chronic asthma. METHODS BALB/c mice sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) were chronically exposed to intranasal OVA administration twice a week for additional 3 months. Roflumilast was administered orally during the intranasal OVA challenge. A lung fibroblast cell line was used in the proliferation assay. RESULTS Compared with control mice, mice chronically exposed to OVA developed eosinophilic airway inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), and exhibited features of airway remodelling. Administration of roflumilast significantly inhibited airway inflammation and AHR. Roflumilast also significantly decreased goblet cell hyperplasia and pulmonary fibrosis, which are parameters of airway remodelling. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids were significantly lower in the roflumilast group. In vitro, roflumilast significantly inhibited stem cell factor (SCF)-induced cell proliferation of fibroblasts. The SCF concentration and mRNA expression in a murine model also significantly decreased with roflumilast treatment. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the administration of roflumilast regulates airway inflammation, AHR, and airway remodelling in a model of chronic asthma. The beneficial effects from roflumilast may be related to the SCF/c-kit pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - J H Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - C K Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - T J Kim
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - S Y Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Y K Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - S S Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - C K Rhee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - H K Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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7
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Gangwar RS, Landolina N, Arpinati L, Levi-Schaffer F. Mast cell and eosinophil surface receptors as targets for anti-allergic therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 170:37-63. [PMID: 27773785 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roopesh Singh Gangwar
- Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nadine Landolina
- Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ludovica Arpinati
- Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Francesca Levi-Schaffer
- Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
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8
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Mast cells in airway diseases and interstitial lung disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 778:125-38. [PMID: 25959386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mast cells are major effector cells of inflammation and there is strong evidence that mast cells play a significant role in asthma pathophysiology. There is also a growing body of evidence that mast cells contribute to other inflammatory and fibrotic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This review discusses the role that mast cells play in airway diseases and highlights how mast cell microlocalisation within specific lung compartments and their cellular interactions are likely to be critical for their effector function in disease.
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Galli SJ, Tsai M, Marichal T, Tchougounova E, Reber LL, Pejler G. Approaches for analyzing the roles of mast cells and their proteases in vivo. Adv Immunol 2015; 126:45-127. [PMID: 25727288 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The roles of mast cells in health and disease remain incompletely understood. While the evidence that mast cells are critical effector cells in IgE-dependent anaphylaxis and other acute IgE-mediated allergic reactions seems unassailable, studies employing various mice deficient in mast cells or mast cell-associated proteases have yielded divergent conclusions about the roles of mast cells or their proteases in certain other immunological responses. Such "controversial" results call into question the relative utility of various older versus newer approaches to ascertain the roles of mast cells and mast cell proteases in vivo. This review discusses how both older and more recent mouse models have been used to investigate the functions of mast cells and their proteases in health and disease. We particularly focus on settings in which divergent conclusions about the importance of mast cells and their proteases have been supported by studies that employed different models of mast cell or mast cell protease deficiency. We think that two major conclusions can be drawn from such findings: (1) no matter which models of mast cell or mast cell protease deficiency one employs, the conclusions drawn from the experiments always should take into account the potential limitations of the models (particularly abnormalities affecting cell types other than mast cells) and (2) even when analyzing a biological response using a single model of mast cell or mast cell protease deficiency, details of experimental design are critical in efforts to define those conditions under which important contributions of mast cells or their proteases can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Galli
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
| | - Mindy Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Thomas Marichal
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; GIGA-Research and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Elena Tchougounova
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laurent L Reber
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gunnar Pejler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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10
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Dendritic cell c-kit signaling and adaptive immunity: implications for the upper airways. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 14:7-12. [PMID: 24300419 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Binding of the receptor tyrosine kinase, c-kit, to its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), mediates numerous biological functions. Important roles for c-kit in hematopoiesis, melanogenesis, erythropoiesis, spermatogenesis, and carcinogenesis are well documented. Similarly, activation of mast cells and eosinophils by c-kit ligation has long been known to result in degranulation with concomitant release of pro-inflammatory mediators including cytokines. This review will highlight a recently discovered function of c-kit in regulating the adaptive immune responses with relevance to allergic diseases. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies in a number of laboratories including our own highlight the previously unappreciated functions for c-kit in immunological processes. Increased expression of c-kit and its ligand, SCF, on dendritic cells by Th2/Th17-inducing stimuli leads to c-kit activation and immune skewing toward these subsets and away from Th1 responses. Treatment of dendritic cells with inhibitors of c-kit activation such as imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) induces breach of T-cell tolerance, skewing of responses toward Th1, and activation of natural killer cells. SUMMARY Taken together, these observations suggest that the c-kit/SCF axis may be a useful target for redirecting deleterious immune responses in various disease settings, including allergic diseases that are often associated with Th2 and Th17 responses.
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Wu W, Chen H, Li YM, Wang SY, Diao X, Liu KG. Intranasal sirna targeting c-kit reduces airway inflammation in experimental allergic asthma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:5505-5514. [PMID: 25337192 PMCID: PMC4203163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Allergic asthma is characterized by airway inflammation caused by infiltration and activation of inflammatory cells that produce cytokines. Many studies have revealed that c-kit, a proto-oncogene, and its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), play an important role in the development of asthmatic inflammation. Intranasal small interference RNA (siRNA) nanoparticles targeting specific viral gene could inhibit airway inflammation. In this study, we assessed whether silencing of c-kit with intranasal small interference RNA could reduce inflammation in allergic asthma. A mouse model of experimental asthma was treated with intranasal administration of anti-c-kit siRNA to inhibit the expression of the c-kit gene. We assessed the inflammatory response in both anti-c-kit siRNA-treated and control mice. Local administration of siRNA effectively inhibited the expression of the c-kit gene and reduced airway mucus secretion and the infiltration of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, c-kit siRNA reduced the production of SCF, interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-5, but had no effect on interferon-γ (IFN-γ) generation. These results show that intranasal siRNA nanoparticles targeting c-kit can decrease the inflammatory response in experimental allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical UniversityXi’an, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical UniversityXi’an, China
| | - Ya-Ming Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical UniversityXi’an, China
| | - Sheng-Yu Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical UniversityXi’an, China
| | - Xin Diao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical UniversityXi’an, China
| | - Kai-Ge Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical UniversityXi’an, China
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12
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Bade G, Khan MA, Srivastava AK, Khare P, Solaiappan KK, Guleria R, Palaniyar N, Talwar A. Serum cytokine profiling and enrichment analysis reveal the involvement of immunological and inflammatory pathways in stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2014; 9:759-73. [PMID: 25125975 PMCID: PMC4130715 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s61347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health problem. It results from chronic inflammation and causes irreversible airway damage. Levels of different serum cytokines could be surrogate biomarkers for inflammation and lung function in COPD. We aimed to determine the serum levels of different biomarkers in COPD patients, the association between cytokine levels and various prognostic parameters, and the key pathways/networks involved in stable COPD. In this study, serum levels of 48 cytokines were examined by multiplex assays in 30 subjects (control, n=9; COPD, n=21). Relationships between serum biomarkers and forced expiratory volume in 1 second, peak oxygen uptake, body mass index, dyspnea score, and smoking were assessed. Enrichment pathways and network analyses were implemented, using a list of cytokines showing differential expression between healthy controls and patients with COPD by Cytoscape and GeneGo Metacore™ software (Thomson-Reuters Corporation, New York, NY, USA). Concentrations of cutaneous T-cell attracting chemokine, eotaxin, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-16, and stem cell factor are significantly higher in COPD patients compared with in control patients. Notably, this study identifies stem cell factor as a biomarker for COPD. Multiple regression analysis predicts that cutaneous T-cell-attracting chemokine, eotaxin, IL-6, and stem cell factor are inversely associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second and peak oxygen uptake change, whereas smoking is related to eotaxin and hepatocyte growth factor changes. Enrichment pathways and network analyses reveal the potential involvement of specific inflammatory and immune process pathways in COPD. Identified network interaction and regulation of different cytokines would pave the way for deeper insight into mechanisms of the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetanjali Bade
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Meraj Alam Khan
- Program in Physiology and Experimental Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, and Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Parul Khare
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Randeep Guleria
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nades Palaniyar
- Program in Physiology and Experimental Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, and Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anjana Talwar
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Reber LL, Frossard N. Targeting mast cells in inflammatory diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 142:416-35. [PMID: 24486828 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although mast cells have long been known to play a critical role in anaphylaxis and other allergic diseases, they also participate in some innate immune responses and may even have some protective functions. Data from the study of mast cell-deficient mice have facilitated our understanding of some of the molecular mechanisms driving mast cell functions during both innate and adaptive immune responses. This review presents an overview of the biology of mast cells and their potential involvement in various inflammatory diseases. We then discuss some of the current pharmacological approaches used to target mast cells and their products in several diseases associated with mast cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent L Reber
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Nelly Frossard
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, UMR 7200 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, France
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14
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Lennartsson J, Rönnstrand L. Stem Cell Factor Receptor/c-Kit: From Basic Science to Clinical Implications. Physiol Rev 2012; 92:1619-49. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00046.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 485] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell factor (SCF) is a dimeric molecule that exerts its biological functions by binding to and activating the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Kit. Activation of c-Kit leads to its autophosphorylation and initiation of signal transduction. Signaling proteins are recruited to activated c-Kit by certain interaction domains (e.g., SH2 and PTB) that specifically bind to phosphorylated tyrosine residues in the intracellular region of c-Kit. Activation of c-Kit signaling has been found to mediate cell survival, migration, and proliferation depending on the cell type. Signaling from c-Kit is crucial for normal hematopoiesis, pigmentation, fertility, gut movement, and some aspects of the nervous system. Deregulated c-Kit kinase activity has been found in a number of pathological conditions, including cancer and allergy. The observation that gain-of-function mutations in c-Kit can promote tumor formation and progression has stimulated the development of therapeutics agents targeting this receptor, e.g., the clinically used inhibitor imatinib mesylate. Also other clinically used multiselective kinase inhibitors, for instance, sorafenib and sunitinib, have c-Kit included in their range of targets. Furthermore, loss-of-function mutations in c-Kit have been observed and shown to give rise to a condition called piebaldism. This review provides a summary of our current knowledge regarding structural and functional aspects of c-Kit signaling both under normal and pathological conditions, as well as advances in the development of low-molecular-weight molecules inhibiting c-Kit function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Lennartsson
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Experimental Clinical Chemistry, Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lars Rönnstrand
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Experimental Clinical Chemistry, Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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Melén E, Kho AT, Sharma S, Gaedigk R, Leeder JS, Mariani TJ, Carey VJ, Weiss ST, Tantisira KG. Expression analysis of asthma candidate genes during human and murine lung development. Respir Res 2011; 12:86. [PMID: 21699702 PMCID: PMC3141421 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-12-86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the role of most asthma susceptibility genes during human lung development. Genetic determinants for normal lung development are not only important early in life, but also for later lung function. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of expression patterns of well-defined asthma susceptibility genes during human and murine lung development. We hypothesized that genes influencing normal airways development would be over-represented by genes associated with asthma. METHODS Asthma genes were first identified via comprehensive search of the current literature. Next, we analyzed their expression patterns in the developing human lung during the pseudoglandular (gestational age, 7-16 weeks) and canalicular (17-26 weeks) stages of development, and in the complete developing lung time series of 3 mouse strains: A/J, SW, C57BL6. RESULTS In total, 96 genes with association to asthma in at least two human populations were identified in the literature. Overall, there was no significant over-representation of the asthma genes among genes differentially expressed during lung development, although trends were seen in the human (Odds ratio, OR 1.22, confidence interval, CI 0.90-1.62) and C57BL6 mouse (OR 1.41, CI 0.92-2.11) data. However, differential expression of some asthma genes was consistent in both developing human and murine lung, e.g. NOD1, EDN1, CCL5, RORA and HLA-G. Among the asthma genes identified in genome wide association studies, ROBO1, RORA, HLA-DQB1, IL2RB and PDE10A were differentially expressed during human lung development. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide insight about the role of asthma susceptibility genes during lung development and suggest common mechanisms underlying lung morphogenesis and pathogenesis of respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Melén
- Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Abstract
The binding of the receptor tyrosine kinase, c-kit, to its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), mediates numerous biological functions. Important roles for c-kit in hematopoiesis, melanogenesis, erythropoiesis, spermatogenesis, and carcinogenesis are well documented. Similarly, activation of granulocytes, mast cells, and of eosinophils in particular, by c-kit ligation has long been known to result in degranulation with concomitant release of pro-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines. However, recent work from a number of laboratories, including our own, highlights previously unappreciated functions for c-kit in immunologic processes. These novel findings strongly suggest that signaling through the c-kit-SCF axis could have a significant impact on the pathogenesis of diseases associated with an immunologic component. In our own studies, c-kit upregulation on dendritic cells via T helper (Th)2- and Th17-inducing stimuli led to c-kit activation and immune skewing toward these T helper subsets and away from Th1 responses. Others have shown that dendritic cell treatment with inhibitors of c-kit activation, such as imatinib mesylate (Gleevec), favored breaking of T-cell tolerance, skewing of responses toward production of Th1 cytokines, and activation of natural killer cells. These data all indicate that deeper understanding of, and ability to control, the c-kit-SCF axis could lead to improved treatment modalities aimed at redirecting unwanted and/or deleterious immune responses in a wide variety of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabir Ray
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
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Cruse G, Yang W, Duffy SM, Chachi L, Leyland M, Amrani Y, Bradding P. Counterregulation of beta(2)-adrenoceptor function in human mast cells by stem cell factor. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009; 125:257-63.e1-5. [PMID: 19864009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Revised: 07/10/2009] [Accepted: 08/05/2009] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mast cells contribute to the pathophysiology of asthma with the sustained release of both preformed and newly generated mediators in response to allergens and other diverse stimuli. Stem cell factor (SCF) is the key human mast cell growth factor, but also primes mast cells for mediator release. SCF expression is markedly increased in asthmatic airways. Short-acting beta(2)-adrenoceptor drugs such as albuterol inhibit human lung mast cell (HLMC) degranulation in vitro in the absence of SCF, but their effect in the presence of SCF is not known. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of albuterol on HLMC function in the presence of SCF. METHODS Mediator release and K(Ca)3.1 ion channel activity were analyzed in purified HLMC. Intracellular signalling and beta(2)-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and internalization were analyzed in the HMC-1 human mast cell line. RESULTS beta(2)-Adrenoceptor agonist-dependent inhibition of K(Ca)3.1 ion channels and HLMC mediator release was markedly attenuated in the presence of SCF. Remarkably, albuterol actually potentiated IgE-induced histamine release in a dose-dependent manner when both SCF and IgE were present. These effects were related to the SCF-dependent phosphorylation of Tyr350 on the beta(2)-adrenoceptor with immediate uncoupling of the receptor followed by receptor internalization. CONCLUSION The potentially beneficial effects of beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists in asthmatic airways may be blunted as a result of the high concentrations of SCF present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Cruse
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.
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Dolgachev V, Petersen BC, Budelsky AL, Berlin AA, Lukacs NW. Pulmonary IL-17E (IL-25) production and IL-17RB+ myeloid cell-derived Th2 cytokine production are dependent upon stem cell factor-induced responses during chronic allergic pulmonary disease. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 183:5705-15. [PMID: 19828636 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0901666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the present studies local neutralization of allergen-induced stem cell factor (SCF) leads to decreased production of Th2 cytokines, a reduction in inflammation, allergen-specific serum IgE/IgG1, and attenuation of severe asthma-like responses. The local blockade of pulmonary SCF also resulted in a significant reduction of IL-17E (IL-25). Sorted cell populations from the lung indicated that IL-25 was produced from c-kit(+) cells, whereas Th2 cytokine production was primarily from c-kit(-) cell populations. SCF stimulated c-kit(+) eosinophils produced IL-25, whereas bone marrow-derived mast cells did not. Using 4get mice that contain a IL-4-IRES-eGFP that when transcribed coexpress GFP and IL-4, our studies identified cells that comprised a CD11b(+), GR1(+), Ly6C(+/-), c-kit(-), CD4(-), CD11c(-), MHC class II(low) cell population as a source of IL-4 in the lung after chronic allergen challenge. In the bone marrow a similar cell was identified with approximately a third of the IL-4(+) cells also expressing c-kit(+). The pulmonary and bone marrow IL-4(+) cell populations were significantly reduced upon local pulmonary anti-SCF treatment. Subsequently, when IL-25R was examined during the chronic allergen responses the expression was found on the IL-4(+) myeloid cell population that expressed CD11b(+)GR1(+). Interestingly, the IL-25R(+) cells in the bone marrow were also all CD11b(+)GR1(+), similar to the lung cells, but they were also all c-kit(+), potentially suggesting a maturation of the bone marrow cell once it enters the lung and/or is stimulated by SCF. Overall, these studies suggest a complex relationship between SCF, bone marrow-derived IL-25-responsive myeloid cells, Th2 cytokines, and chronic allergic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Dolgachev
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Makowska JS, Cieslak M, Kowalski ML. Stem cell factor and its soluble receptor (c-kit) in serum of asthmatic patients- correlation with disease severity. BMC Pulm Med 2009; 9:27. [PMID: 19480722 PMCID: PMC2701918 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2466-9-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2008] [Accepted: 06/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background SCF (stem cell factor) is a pleiotropic cytokine exerting its role at different stages of bone marrow development and affecting eosinophil activation, mast cells and basophil chemotaxis and survival. The aim of the study was to assess concentration of SCF and its soluble receptor c-kit (sc-kit) in peripheral blood of patients with asthma referring it to asthma severity and phenotype. Methods The study involved 107 patients with bronchial asthma, well characterized with respect to severity and 21 healthy controls. Concentration of SCF and sc-kit in the patients serum were measured by ELISA method. Results Mean serum SCF level in the group of asthmatics (n = 88) was significantly higher as compared to healthy controls (1010 pg/ml ± 37 vs 799 ± 33; p < 0,001). The level of SCF was higher in patients with severe asthma as compared to patients with non-severe asthma (1054 +/- 41 pg/ml vs 819 +/- 50; p < 0,01) and correlated with dose of inhaled glucocorticosteroids taken by the patients to achieve asthma control (R = 0,28; p < 0,01). The mean sc-kit serum level did not differ between asthmatic patients and healthy controls, however the level of sc-kit in non-severe asthmatics was significantly higher as compared to patients with severe asthma and healthy controls. In asthmatic patients (n = 63) the level of sc-kit correlated positively with FEV1% predicted value (R = 0,45; p < 0,001) and MEF25% predicted value (R = 0,33; p < 0,01). The level of sc-kit inversely correlated with the dose of inhaled glucocorticosteroids taken by the patients (R = -0,26; p < 0,01). Conclusion Serum levels of SCF and its soluble receptor c-kit seem to be reflect asthma severity suggesting a role for these molecules in asthmatic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna S Makowska
- Department of Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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Dolgachev VA, Ullenbruch MR, Lukacs NW, Phan SH. Role of stem cell factor and bone marrow-derived fibroblasts in airway remodeling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2009; 174:390-400. [PMID: 19147822 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2009.080513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that bone marrow-derived fibroblasts are involved in airway remodeling in asthma, but the role and mechanism of recruitment of these fibroblasts remains unclear. Stem cell factor (SCF), a key factor in the propagation of hematopoietic stem cells, is important in the process of airway remodeling as well. To test the hypothesis that SCF is involved in the recruitment and differentiation of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells, GFP-bone marrow chimeric mice were created. These mice were then sensitized and chronically challenged with cockroach antigen to induce chronic airway disease. Fluorescence microscopy revealed an influx of significant numbers of GFP-expressing fibroblasts in the airways of these mice, which was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of cells co-expressing both GFP and collagen I. These cells preferentially expressed c-kit, interleukin-31 receptor, and telomerase reverse transcriptase when compared with control lung-derived fibroblasts. Interestingly, SCF stimulated interleukin-31 receptor expression in bone marrow cells, whereas interleukin-31 strongly induced telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in fibroblasts. Treatment with neutralizing antibodies to SCF significantly reduced airway remodeling and suppressed the recruitment of these bone marrow-derived cells to the lung. Thus SCF in conjunction with interleukin-31 may play a significant role in airway remodeling by promoting the recruitment of bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors into the lung with the capacity to promote lung myofibroblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav A Dolgachev
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA.
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Barnes PJ. The cytokine network in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Clin Invest 2009; 118:3546-56. [PMID: 18982161 DOI: 10.1172/jci36130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 667] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are very common inflammatory diseases of the airways. They both cause airway narrowing and are increasing in incidence throughout the world, imposing enormous burdens on health care. Cytokines play a key role in orchestrating the chronic inflammation and structural changes of the respiratory tract in both asthma and COPD and have become important targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Barnes
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Wang T, Moreno-Vinasco L, Huang Y, Lang GD, Linares JD, Goonewardena SN, Grabavoy A, Samet JM, Geyh AS, Breysse PN, Lussier YA, Natarajan V, Garcia JG. Murine lung responses to ambient particulate matter: genomic analysis and influence on airway hyperresponsiveness. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:1500-8. [PMID: 19057703 PMCID: PMC2592270 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2008] [Accepted: 06/19/2008] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a complex disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and chronic airway inflammation. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that exposures to environmental factors such as ambient particulate matter (PM), a major air pollutant, contribute to increased asthma prevalence and exacerbations. OBJECTIVE We investigated pathophysiologic responses to Baltimore, Maryland, ambient PM (median diameter, 1.78 mum) in a murine model of asthma and attempted to identify PM-specific genomic/molecular signatures. METHODS We exposed ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized A/J mice intratracheally to PM (20 mg/kg), and assayed both AHR and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on days 1, 4, and 7 after PM exposure. Lung gene expression profiling was analyzed in OVA- and PM-challenged mice. RESULTS Consistent with this murine model of asthma, we observed significant increases in airway responsiveness in OVA-treated mice, with PM exposure inducing significant changes in AHR in both naive mice and OVA-induced asthmatic mice. PM evoked eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration into airways, elevated BAL protein content, and stimulated secretion of type 1 T helper (T(H)1) cytokines [interferon-gamma, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha] and T(H)2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, eotaxin) into murine airways. Furthermore, PM consistently induced expression of genes involved in innate immune responses, chemotaxis, and complement system pathways. CONCLUSION This study is consistent with emerging epidemiologic evidence and indicates that PM exposure evokes proinflammatory and allergic molecular signatures that may directly contribute to the asthma susceptibility in naive subjects and increased severity in affected asthmatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Liliana Moreno-Vinasco
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yong Huang
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gabriel D. Lang
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jered D. Linares
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sascha N. Goonewardena
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alayna Grabavoy
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Samet
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alison S. Geyh
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick N. Breysse
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yves A. Lussier
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Viswanathan Natarajan
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joe G.N. Garcia
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Address correspondence to J.G.N. Garcia, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., W604, Chicago, IL 60637 USA. Telephone: (773) 702-1051. Fax: (773) 702-4427. E-mail:
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Dolgachev V, Berlin AA, Lukacs NW. Eosinophil activation of fibroblasts from chronic allergen-induced disease utilizes stem cell factor for phenotypic changes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 172:68-76. [PMID: 18156208 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2008.070082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In the present studies the role of stem cell factor (SCF) in mediating eosinophil and fibroblast activation during their interaction was investigated. SCF was significantly higher in fibroblasts grown from lungs of chronic allergen-challenged mice compared to fibroblasts grown from normal mice. When eosinophils were layered onto fibroblasts from allergic mice, a significant increase in SCF was detected compared to fibroblasts from nonallergic mice. The interaction of fibroblasts with eosinophils also increased the production of asthma-associated chemokines, CCL5 and CCL6, was dependent on cell-to-cell interaction, and was observed only with fibroblasts derived from lungs of chronic allergen-challenged mice and not from those derived from unchallenged normal mice. Chemokine production was significantly decreased when anti-SCF antibodies were added during eosinophil-fibroblast interaction. The interaction of fibroblasts from chronic allergen-challenged mice with eosinophils also increased alpha-smooth muscle cell actin and procollagen I expression as well as induced transforming growth factor-beta. The changes in myofibroblast activation were dependent on SCF-mediated pathways because anti-SCF antibody treatment reduced the expression of all three of these latter fibrosis-associated markers. Thus, our data suggest that SCF mediates an important activation pathway for fibroblasts during chronic allergic responses on interaction with recruited eosinophils and suggest a potential mechanism of airway remodeling during chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Dolgachev
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA.
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Dolgachev V, Thomas M, Berlin A, Lukacs NW. Stem cell factor-mediated activation pathways promote murine eosinophil CCL6 production and survival. J Leukoc Biol 2007; 81:1111-9. [PMID: 17234680 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0906595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Eosinophil activation during allergic diseases has a detrimental role in the generation of pathophysiologic responses. Stem cell factor (SCF) has recently shown an inflammatory, gene-activating role on eosinophils and contributes to the generation of pathophysiologic changes in the airways during allergic responses. The data in the present study outline the signal transduction events that are induced by SCF in eosinophils and further demonstrate that MEK-mediated signaling pathways are crucial for SCF-induced CCL6 chemokine activation and eosinophil survival. SCF-mediated eosinophil activation was demonstrated to include PI-3K activation as well as MEK/MAPK phosphorylation pathways. Subsequent analysis of CCL6 gene activation and production induced by SCF in the presence or absence of rather specific inhibitors for certain pathways demonstrated that the MEK/MAPK pathway but not the PI-3K pathway was crucial for the SCF-induced CCL6 gene activation. These same signaling pathways were shown to initiate antiapoptotic events and promote eosinophil survival, including up-regulation of BCL2 and BCL3. Altogether, SCF appears to be a potent eosinophil activation and survival factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Dolgachev
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Room 4618, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA.
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Berlin AA, Hogaboam CM, Lukacs NW. Inhibition of SCF attenuates peribronchial remodeling in chronic cockroach allergen-induced asthma. J Transl Med 2006; 86:557-65. [PMID: 16607380 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.3700419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The progression and severity of chronic asthma likely depends upon the intensity of the damage and remodeling of the tissue. We have developed a chronic model of allergic asthma using multiple cockroach allergen challenges. Using this clinically relevant allergen we have established significant peribronchial fibrosis and mucus overproduction. These remodeling events are accompanied by intense peribronchial inflammation, including lymphocytes and eosinophils. A cytokine that has been identified as having a prominent role in short-term allergic events, stem cell factor (SCF), appears to have a significant role in this late-stage process. Using our polyclonal antibody specific for SCF administered into the airways of mice during the final allergen challenges, we find a significant effect on the chronic peribronchial allergen-induced fibrotic remodeling. This was characterized by reduced inflammation, especially eosinophils, as well as reduced hydroxyproline levels in anti-SCF compared to control antibody-treated animals. In addition, when we examined chemokines associated with the chronic disease and neutralized SCF in vivo we observed a corresponding decrease in CCL6 and CCL17. Using an inhibitor, imatinib mesylate, that blocks SCF/c-kit-associated RTK, we find similar results as with anti-SCF for attenuating AHR and fibrotic changes, suggesting that a potential clinical treatment for chronic asthma already exists related to this pathway. These results further support the potential use of SCF/c-kit inhibition for targeting chronic severe asthmatic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A Berlin
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine St., Ann Arbor, 48109-0602, USA
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2005. [DOI: 10.1097/01.all.0000175939.68435.7e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Berlin AA, Lukacs NW. Treatment of cockroach allergen asthma model with imatinib attenuates airway responses. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2004; 171:35-9. [PMID: 15374841 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200403-385oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study it was determined whether a pharmacologic approach to blocking receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated activation during allergic airway responses could be beneficial. To examine these responses, allergic mice were given a single oral dose of imatinib at clinically relevant concentrations, ranging from 0.05 to 50 mg/kg, by oral gavages just before allergen challenge. The reduction in the allergen-induced responses was significant and centered on reducing overall inflammation as well as pulmonary cytokine levels. In particular, the treatment of the mice with imatinib significantly attenuated airway hyperreactivity and peribronchial eosinophil accumulation, and significantly reduced Th2 cytokines, interleukin-4 and interleukin-13. In addition, chemokines previously associated with allergen-induced pulmonary disease, CCL2, CCL5, and CCL6, were significantly reduced in the lungs of the imatinib-treated animals. Together these data demonstrate that the pharmacologic inhibitor imatinib may provide a clinically attractive therapy for allergic, asthmatic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A Berlin
- University of Michigan, Pathology, 1301 Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0602, USA
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