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Pagel J, Twisselmann N, Rausch TK, Waschina S, Hartz A, Steinbeis M, Olbertz J, Nagel K, Steinmetz A, Faust K, Demmert M, Göpel W, Herting E, Rupp J, Härtel C. Increased Regulatory T Cells Precede the Development of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants. Front Immunol 2020; 11:565257. [PMID: 33101284 PMCID: PMC7554370 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.565257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important for the ontogenetic control of immune activation and tissue damage in preterm infants. However, the role of Tregs for the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is yet unclear. The aim of our study was to characterize CD4+ CD25+ forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ Tregs in peripheral blood of well-phenotyped preterm infants (n = 382; 23 + 0 – 36 + 6 weeks of gestational age) with a focus on the first 28 days of life and the clinical endpoint BPD (supplemental oxygen for longer than 28 days of age). In a subgroup of preterm infants, we characterized the immunological phenotype of Tregs (n = 23). The suppressive function of Tregs on CD4+CD25- T cells was compared in preterm, term and adult blood. We observed that extreme prematurity was associated with increased Treg frequencies which peaked in the second week of life. Independent of gestational age, increased Treg frequencies were noted to precede the development of BPD. The phenotype of preterm infant Tregs largely differed from adult Tregs and displayed an overall naïve Treg population (CD45RA+/HLA-DR-/Helios+), especially in the first days of life. On day 7 of life, a more activated Treg phenotype pattern (CCR6+, HLA-DR+, and Ki-67+) was observed. Tregs of preterm neonates had a higher immunosuppressive capacity against CD4+CD25- T cells compared to the Treg compartment of term neonates and adults. In conclusion, our data suggest increased frequencies and functions of Tregs in preterm neonates which display a distinct phenotype with dynamic changes in the first weeks of life. Hence, the continued abundance of Tregs may contribute to sustained inflammation preceding the development of BPD. Functional analyses are needed in order to elucidate whether Tregs have potential as future target for diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pagel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Tanja K Rausch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Silvio Waschina
- Research Group Medical Systems Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Annika Hartz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | | | - Kathrin Nagel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alena Steinmetz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kirstin Faust
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Martin Demmert
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Göpel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Egbert Herting
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jan Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christoph Härtel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Lübeck, Germany.,University Children's Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,PRIMAL (Priming Immunity at the Beginning of Life) Consortium, Lübeck, Germany
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2
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Liu Z, Gu J, Qin Z, Yang C, Yu S, Dai X, Wang K. Decreased Foxp3 and function of Tregs caused immune imbalance and liver injury in patients with autoimmune liver diseases post-liver transplantation. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:534. [PMID: 32411757 PMCID: PMC7214902 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.03.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) is a type of autoimmune disease which may cause end-stage liver failure and require liver transplantation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an irreplaceable role in maintaining immunological homeostasis. Methods In this study, we made a comparative analysis of the immune balance and graft function between AILD patients’ post-transplantation and the patients who have had liver failure with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection post-transplantation. Immune cell phenotype of two groups were analyzed. We sorted CD4+CD25+CD127-Tregs both in vitro and vivo and did TSDR methylation status assay to explore further possible mechanisms. Results Our data showed that there is a worse prognosis with severe graft function in liver transplant patients with AILD compared to patients with HBV-induced liver failure. Immune cell phenotype analysis showed that more Tregs could be detected in AILD patients compared with HBV patients’ post-transplantation. We sorted CD4+CD25+CD127-Tregs in vivo and showed that Tregs presented decreased function both in vitro and vivo. Mechanism study also proved that modulation of the phosphorylation level of STAT1 and STAT3 as well as the methylation level of TSDR in Foxp3 might partially result in the function loss of Tregs. Conclusions These results suggest that loss of Foxp3 expression and suppressive function of Tregs may be the critical factor that causes graft loss for liver transplant patients after AILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital, and Liver Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jian Gu
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital, and Liver Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zhu Qin
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital, and Liver Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Che Yang
- Medical college, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212000, China
| | - Sun Yu
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital, and Liver Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xinzheng Dai
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital, and Liver Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital, and Liver Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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3
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Pereira LMS, Gomes STM, Ishak R, Vallinoto ACR. Regulatory T Cell and Forkhead Box Protein 3 as Modulators of Immune Homeostasis. Front Immunol 2017; 8:605. [PMID: 28603524 PMCID: PMC5445144 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) is an essential molecular marker of regulatory T cell (Treg) development in different microenvironments. Tregs are cells specialized in the suppression of inadequate immune responses and the maintenance of homeostatic tolerance. Studies have addressed and elucidated the role played by FOXP3 and Treg in countless autoimmune and infectious diseases as well as in more specific cases, such as cancer. Within this context, the present article reviews aspects of the immunoregulatory profile of FOXP3 and Treg in the management of immune homeostasis, including issues relating to pathology as well as immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonn Mendes Soares Pereira
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Samara Tatielle Monteiro Gomes
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Ishak
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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4
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Bleyzac N, Philippe M, Bertrand A, Bertrand Y. Confounding effect of cyclosporine dosing when comparing horse and rabbit antithymocyte globulin in patients with severe aplastic anemia. Haematologica 2015; 100:e211-2. [PMID: 25944638 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2014.122275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Bleyzac
- Institute of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Lyon, France UMR 5558, Lyon I University, Villeurbanne, France
| | | | | | - Yves Bertrand
- Institute of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Lyon, France
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5
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Gronert Álvarez A, Fytili P, Suneetha PV, Kraft ARM, Brauner C, Schlue J, Krech T, Lehner F, Meyer‐Heithuis C, Jaeckel E, Klempnauer J, Manns MP, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H. Comprehensive phenotyping of regulatory T cells after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2015; 21:381-95. [PMID: 25451888 PMCID: PMC6718011 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in controlling alloreactivity after solid organ transplantation, but they may also impair antiviral immunity. We hypothesized that the Treg frequency and the Treg phenotype are altered in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected recipients of liver transplantation (LT) with possible prognostic implications. Tregs from 141 individuals, including healthy individuals, LT recipients with or without persistent HCV infections, and nontransplant patients with chronic HCV, were studied. A comprehensive phenotypic analysis was performed with multicolor flow cytometry, which included standard Treg markers [CD4(+), CD25(hi), CD127(-), and FoxP3(+) in addition to HLA DR, CCR7, CD45RA, CD62L, CD49d, CD39, ICOS and LAP-TGFβ stainings. Healthy individuals and LT patients displayed similar Treg frequencies and largely comparable Treg phenotypes, which were stable over time after transplantation. In contrast, Tregs with a CD45RA(-) CCR7(-) effector phenotype were enriched in LT recipients with chronic HCV versus HCV-negative transplant patients. HCV infection, rather than LT, altered the expression of functional markers on Tregs. A principal component analysis revealed distinct Treg phenotypes in HCV-infected LT recipients with rejection and patients with recurrent graft HCV. In conclusion, Treg phenotypes are altered in HCV-infected LT patients. An investigation of Tregs may possibly help to distinguish recurrent HCV from graft rejection. Further functional studies are needed to define the role of Tregs in determining the balance between antiviral and allogenic immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gronert Álvarez
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatologyand EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Paraskevi Fytili
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatologyand EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Pothakamuri V. Suneetha
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatologyand EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Anke R. M. Kraft
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatologyand EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Christin Brauner
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatologyand EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Jerome Schlue
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Till Krech
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany,Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Frank Lehner
- Department of GeneralAbdominaland Transplant SurgeryHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | | | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatologyand EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Juergen Klempnauer
- Department of GeneralAbdominaland Transplant SurgeryHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Michael P. Manns
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatologyand EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatologyand EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatologyand EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
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6
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Fanigliulo D, Lazzerini PE, Capecchi PL, Ulivieri C, Baldari CT, Laghi-Pasini F. Clinically-relevant cyclosporin and rapamycin concentrations enhance regulatory T cell function to a similar extent but with different mechanisms: an in-vitro study in healthy humans. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 24:276-284. [PMID: 25536542 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that regulatory T cells (Tregs) are profoundly involved in promoting allograft tolerance after organ transplantation. Since a successful transplantation currently still requires a long-term immunosuppressive treatment, clarifying the specific impact of these drugs on Tregs may be of high clinical relevance. Conflicting results arise from the literature, particularly as concerns cyclosporine (CsA). The specific aim of this work was to evaluate in-vitro the direct effects of clinically-relevant drug concentrations of three widely used immunosuppressive drugs, i.e. CsA, rapamycin (RAPA) and mycophenolic acid (MPA), on Treg activity, number and forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (FoxP3) expression in humans. Tregs (CD4(+)CD25(+)) isolated from healthy donors were cultured in the presence of different concentrations of CsA, RAPA or MPA. The suppressive activity of Tregs was evaluated in mixed lymphocyte reactions with CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells. Phenotype analysis and FoxP3 expression were assessed by flow cytometry. Clinically-relevant CsA and RAPA concentrations significantly enhanced to a similar extent the suppressive activity of Tregs. Although this effect was associated with an increase in Treg number as well as in FoxP3 expression with both drugs, the driving mechanism seemed to be primarily quantitative (i.e. increase of the cell number) for RAPA, whereas mainly qualitative (i.e. increase in FoxP3 levels) for CsA, respectively. Conversely, MPA did not show any effect on Treg function and number. These findings suggest that both RAPA and CsA may be beneficial in promoting Treg-dependent allograft tolerance after organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fanigliulo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Enea Lazzerini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Policlinico Le Scotte, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, Siena, Italy.
| | - Pier Leopoldo Capecchi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Policlinico Le Scotte, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, Siena, Italy
| | - Cristina Ulivieri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Franco Laghi-Pasini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Policlinico Le Scotte, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, Siena, Italy
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7
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Sagoo P, Lombardi G, Lechler RI. Relevance of regulatory T cell promotion of donor-specific tolerance in solid organ transplantation. Front Immunol 2012; 3:184. [PMID: 22811678 PMCID: PMC3395995 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Current clinical strategies to control the alloimmune response after transplantation do not fully prevent induction of the immunological processes which lead to acute and chronic immune-mediated graft rejection, and as such the survival of a solid organ allograft is limited. Experimental research on naturally occurring CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ Regulatory T cells (Tregs) has indicated their potential to establish stable long-term graft acceptance, with the promise of providing a more effective therapy for transplant recipients. Current approaches for clinical use are based on the infusion of freshly isolated or ex vivo polyclonally expanded Tregs into graft recipients with an aim to redress the in vivo balance of T effector cells to Tregs. However mounting evidence suggests that regulation of donor-specific immunity may be central to achieving immunological tolerance. Therefore, the next stages in optimizing translation of Tregs to organ transplantation will be through the refinement and development of donor alloantigen-specific Treg therapy. The altering kinetics and intensity of alloantigen presentation pathways and alloimmune priming following transplantation may indeed influence the specificity of the Treg required and the timing or frequency at which it needs to be administered. Here we review and discuss the relevance of antigen-specific regulation of alloreactivity by Tregs in experimental and clinical studies of tolerance and explore the concept of delivering an optimal Treg for the induction and maintenance phases of achieving transplantation tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pervinder Sagoo
- Department Transplantation, Immunoregulation and Mucosal Biology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London London, UK
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8
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Engela AU, Baan CC, Peeters AMA, Weimar W, Hoogduijn MJ. Interaction between adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and regulatory T-cells. Cell Transplant 2012; 22:41-54. [PMID: 22472599 DOI: 10.3727/096368912x636984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit immunosuppressive capabilities, which have evoked interest in their application as cell therapy in transplant patients. So far it has been unclear whether allogeneic MSCs and host regulatory T-cells (Tregs) functionally influence each other. We investigated the interaction between both cell types using perirenal adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ASCs) from kidney donors and Tregs from blood bank donors or kidney recipients 6 months after transplantation. The immunomodulatory capacity of ASCs was not prejudiced by both Tregs from healthy donors and Tregs from graft recipients, indicating that ASCs were not targeted by the inhibitory effects of Tregs and vice versa. In addition, Tregs supported ASC function, as they did not alter the secretion of IFN-γ by immune cells and hence contributed to ASC activation and efficiency. ASCs exerted their suppressive role by expressing IDO, reducing levels of TNF-α, and by inducing the production of IL-10 in effector cells and Tregs. In conclusion, this study presents evidence that donor ASCs and acceptor Tregs do not impair each other's function and therefore encourages the use of MSC therapy for the prevention of graft rejection in solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja U Engela
- Department of Internal Medicine, Transplantation Laboratory/Nephrology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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9
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Infusions of bone marrow-derived cells together with 'space making' continue to be tested in clinical organ transplant tolerance protocols. These trials are based on the hypothesis that this might produce initial multilineage chimerism. There is some evidence that this in turn induces regulatory cells that control alloimmunity. Although a wealth of knowledge is available from animal models, this review deals with what we know or can speculate about donor bone marrow cells and chimerism in human organ transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Calcineurin inhibitors are employed in most of these protocols to blunt the initial immune response. One protocol also has a stepwise regulatory cell generating treatment with sirolimus before total withdrawal. A number of donor chimeric lineages including stem cells, dendritic cells, myeloid precursors, and various lymphoid subpopulations have been described. Currently, it is recognized that the nature of cells that make up the chimerism could influence graft rejection versus acceptance. Tolerogenic donor chimeric cells may also generate regulatory subsets, thus controlling alloimmunity on two fronts. SUMMARY It might be speculated that prolonged and sustained regulation or possible anergy induced by chimerism may eventually lead to clonal deletion, thereby bringing about classical immunologic tolerance.
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10
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Kisielewicz A, Schaier M, Schmitt E, Hug F, Haensch GM, Meuer S, Zeier M, Sohn C, Steinborn A. A distinct subset of HLA-DR+-regulatory T cells is involved in the induction of preterm labor during pregnancy and in the induction of organ rejection after transplantation. Clin Immunol 2010; 137:209-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2010.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Revised: 06/28/2010] [Accepted: 07/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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CD4+CD25+ T Cells Play a Complex Role in the Pediatric Combined Liver-Intestinal Graft Acceptance. Transplantation 2010; 90:95-7. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3181d84cf7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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12
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Sewgobind VDKD, van der Laan LJW, Kho MML, Kraaijeveld R, Korevaar SS, Mol W, Weimar W, Baan CC. The calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus allows the induction of functional CD4CD25 regulatory T cells by rabbit anti-thymocyte globulins. Clin Exp Immunol 2010; 161:364-77. [PMID: 20528886 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2010.04183.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit anti-thymocyte globulins (rATG) induce CD4(+)CD25(+)forkhead box P3 (FoxP3(+)) regulatory T cells that control alloreactivity. In the present study, we investigated whether rATG convert T cells into functional CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+)CD127(-/low) regulatory T cells in the presence of drugs that may hamper their induction and function, i.e. calcineurin inhibitors. CD25(neg) T cells were stimulated with rATG or control rabbit immunoglobulin G (rIgG) in the absence and presence of tacrolimus for 24 h. Flow cytometry was performed for CD4, CD25, FoxP3 and CD127 and the function of CD25(+) T cells was examined in suppression assays. MRNA expression profiles were composed to study the underlying mechanisms. After stimulation, the percentage CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+)CD127(-/low) increased (from 2% to 30%, mean, P < 0.01) and was higher in the rATG samples than in control rIgG samples (2%, P < 0.01). Interestingly, FoxP3(+)T cells were also induced when tacrolimus was present in the rATG cultures. Blockade of the interleukin (IL)-2 pathway did not affect the frequency of rATG-induced FoxP3(+) T cells. The rATG tacrolimus-induced CD25(+) T cells inhibited proliferative responses of alloantigen-stimulated effector T cells as vigorously as rATG-induced and natural CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+)CD127(-/low) T cells (67% +/- 18% versus 69% +/- 16% versus 45% +/- 20%, mean +/- standard error of the mean, respectively). At the mRNA-expression level, rATG-induced CD25(+) T cells abundantly expressed IL-10, IL-27, interferon (IFN)-gamma, perforin and granzyme B in contrast to natural CD25(+) T cells (all P = 0.03), while FoxP3 was expressed at a lower level (P = 0.03). These mRNA data were confirmed in regulatory T cells from kidney transplant patients. Our findings demonstrate that tacrolimus does not negatively affect the induction, phenotype and function of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells, suggesting that rATG may induce regulatory T cells in patients who receive tacrolimus maintenance therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- V D K D Sewgobind
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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13
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Velásquez SY, Arias LF, García LF, Alvarez CM. T cell receptor beta chain (TCR-Vbeta) repertoire of circulating CD4(+) CD25(-), CD4(+) CD25(low) and CD4(+) CD25(high) T cells in patients with long-term renal allograft survival. Transpl Int 2009; 23:54-63. [PMID: 19694999 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2009.00946.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying maintenance of renal allografts in humans under minimal or conventional immunosuppression are poorly understood. There is evidence that CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T cells and clonal deletion, among other mechanisms of tolerance, could play a key role in clinical allograft survival. Twenty-four TCR-Vbeta families were assessed in CD4(+) CD25(-), CD4(+) CD25(low) and CD4(+) CD25(high) T cells from patients with long-term renal allograft survival (LTS), patients exhibiting chronic rejection (ChrRx), patients on dialysis (Dial) and healthy controls (HC) by flow cytometry. LTS patients presented a higher variability in their TCR-Vbeta repertoire, such decreased percentage of Vbeta2(+), Vbeta8a(+) and Vbeta13(+) in CD4(+) CD25(low) and (high) compared with CD4(+) CD25(-) subset and increased Vbeta4 and Vbeta7 families in CD4(+) CD25(high) T cells exclusively. Additionally, LTS patients, particularly those that were not receiving calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), had increased percentages of CD4(+) CD25(high) T cells when compared with Dial (P < 0.05) and ChrRx (P < 0.05) patients. Our results suggest that a differential expression of particular TCR-Vbeta families and high levels of circulating CD4(+) CD25(high) T cells in long-term surviving renal transplant patients could contribute to an active and specific state of immunologic suppression. However, the increase in this T cell subset with regulatory phenotype can be affected by CNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Y Velásquez
- Grupo de Inmunología Celular e Inmunogenética, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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14
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15
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Bellati F, Napoletano C, Nuti M, Benedetti Panici P. Death from metastatic donor-derived ovarian cancer in a male kidney transplant recipient. Am J Transplant 2009; 9:1253. [PMID: 19422352 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2009.02601.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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16
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Calvo-Turrubiartes M, Romano-Moreno S, García-Hernández M, Chevaile-Ramos JA, Layseca-Espinosa E, González-Amaro R, Portales-Pérez D. Quantitative analysis of regulatory T cells in kidney graft recipients: a relationship with calcineurin inhibitor level. Transpl Immunol 2009; 21:43-9. [PMID: 19233271 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2009.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2008] [Revised: 02/10/2009] [Accepted: 02/10/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring of immunosuppressive drug levels can prevent some adverse effects in patients with solid organ transplantation. However, the possible relationship between these drug levels and their biological effect on immune cells has not been studied in depth. The aim of this work was to assess the possible effect of immunosuppressive therapy with calcineurin inhibitors on the levels of regulatory T cells in patients with kidney transplantation. METHODS Serial samples of peripheral blood were obtained from six patients that underwent kidney transplantation and received a triple pharmacological therapy, which included a calcineurin inhibitor (Cyclosporine A or Tacrolimus). Levels of CD4+CD25(high), CD4+Foxp3+ and CD8+CD28- cells and calcineurin inhibitors were evaluated by flow cytometry, and by radioimmunoassay, respectively. In addition, we assessed the in vitro effect of cyclosporine and tacrolimus on the number of T regulatory cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy subjects. RESULTS Diminished levels of total CD8+ T cells were found at week 1 after kidney transplantation, with a recovery of this subpopulation at week twelve. In addition, a significant decrease in CD8+CD28- T cell levels was observed at weeks 4 and 12 after transplantation. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the levels and function of CD4+CD25(high) or CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Furthermore, no significant correlation between the level/dose ratios of calcineurin inhibitors and the percentages of regulatory cells was detected. On the other hand, in vitro assays showed that cyclosporine (5.0 ug/mL) and tacrolimus (100 ng/mL) diminished the percentages of CD8+CD28- cells, with no significant effect on natural T regulatory cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that although calcineurin inhibitors do not have a significant effect on the level and function of CD4+CD25(high) or CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in patients with kidney transplantation, these drugs seem to exert a down-regulatory effect on CD8+CD28- lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Calvo-Turrubiartes
- Laboratory of Immunology and Cellular and Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, UASLP, Mexico
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Gökmen MR, Lombardi G, Lechler RI. The importance of the indirect pathway of allorecognition in clinical transplantation. Curr Opin Immunol 2008; 20:568-74. [PMID: 18655831 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2008.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2008] [Accepted: 06/26/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The immune system mounts a response to non-self transplanted tissue through a number of mechanisms. The indirect pathway of allorecognition, in which cells of the adaptive immune system recognize MHC alloantigen-derived peptide on self-MHC molecules, has emerged as a potent inducer of allograft rejection. In particular, recent evidence convincingly connects the indirect pathway with chronic rejection, including antibody-mediated and CD8(+) T cell-mediated rejection. However, the indirect pathway can also promote the generation of regulatory T cells, which have emerged as crucial suppressors of the alloresponse, and hold much promise in the quest for clinical tolerance. An improved understanding of the indirect pathway is likely to bring important benefits to transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Refik Gökmen
- Immunoregulation Laboratory, King's College London, 5th Floor, Southwark Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom.
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