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Eum HH, Jeong D, Kim N, Jo A, Na M, Kang H, Hong Y, Kong JS, Jeong GH, Yoo SA, Lee HO. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals myeloid and T cell co-stimulation mediated by IL-7 anti-cancer immunotherapy. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1388-1401. [PMID: 38424167 PMCID: PMC11014989 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02617-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors unleash inhibitory signals on T cells conferred by tumors and surrounding stromal cells. Despite the clinical efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors, the lack of target expression and persistence of immunosuppressive cells limit the pervasive effectiveness of the therapy. These limitations may be overcome by alternative approaches that co-stimulate T cells and the immune microenvironment. METHODS We analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data from multiple human cancers and a mouse tumor transplant model to discover the pleiotropic expression of the Interleukin 7 (IL-7) receptor on T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. RESULTS Our experiment on the mouse model demonstrated that recombinant IL-7 therapy induces tumor regression, expansion of effector CD8 T cells, and pro-inflammatory activation of macrophages. Moreover, spatial transcriptomic data support immunostimulatory interactions between macrophages and T cells. CONCLUSION These results indicate that IL-7 therapy induces anti-tumor immunity by activating T cells and pro-inflammatory myeloid cells, which may have diverse therapeutic applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Hyeon Eum
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Dasom Jeong
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayoung Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Areum Jo
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsu Na
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Huiram Kang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Yourae Hong
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jin-Sun Kong
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Heon Jeong
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ah Yoo
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Ock Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
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Harada M, Kotani H, Iida Y, Tanino R, Minami T, Komohara Y, Yoshikawa K, Uemura H. Hypoxia-related carbonic anhydrase 9 induces serpinB9 expression in cancer cells and apoptosis in T cells via acidosis. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1405-1416. [PMID: 38413363 PMCID: PMC11093193 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors. However, the impact of hypoxia on immune cells within tumor environments remains underexplored. Carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) is a hypoxia-responsive tumor-associated enzyme. We previously noted that regardless of human CA9 (hCA9) expression, hCA9-expressing mouse renal cell carcinoma RENCA (RENCA/hCA9) presented as a "cold" tumor in syngeneic aged mice. This study delves into the mechanisms behind this observation. Gene microarray analyses showed that RENCA/hCA9 cells exhibited elevated mouse serpinB9, an inhibitor of granzyme B, relative to RENCA cells. Corroborating this, RENCA/hCA9 cells displayed heightened resistance to antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells compared with RENCA cells. Notably, siRNA-mediated serpinB9 knockdown reclaimed this sensitivity. In vivo tests showed that serpinB9 inhibitor administration slowed RENCA tumor growth, but this effect was reduced in RENCA/hCA9 tumors, even with adjunctive immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Further, inducing hypoxia or introducing the mouse CA9 gene upregulated serpinB9 expression, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of the mouse CA9 gene inhibited the hypoxia-induced induction of serpinB9 in the original RENCA cells. Supernatants from RENCA/hCA9 cultures had lower pH than those from RENCA, suggesting acidosis. This acidity enhanced serpinB9 expression and T cell apoptosis. Moreover, coculturing with RENCA/hCA9 cells more actively prompted T cell apoptosis than with RENCA cells. Collectively, these findings suggest hypoxia-associated CA9 not only boosts serpinB9 in cancer cells but also synergistically intensifies T cell apoptosis via acidosis, characterizing RENCA/hCA9 tumors as "cold."
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoru Harada
- Department of ImmunologyShimane University Faculty of MedicineShimaneJapan
| | - Hitoshi Kotani
- Department of ImmunologyShimane University Faculty of MedicineShimaneJapan
| | - Yuichi Iida
- Department of ImmunologyShimane University Faculty of MedicineShimaneJapan
| | - Ryosuke Tanino
- Division of Medical Oncology & Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal MedicineShimane University Faculty of MedicineShimaneJapan
| | - Takafumi Minami
- Department of UrologyKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Yoshihiro Komohara
- Department of Cell Pathology, Graduate School of Medical ScienceKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | | | - Hirotsugu Uemura
- Department of UrologyKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakaJapan
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Cigalotto L, Martinvalet D. Granzymes in health and diseases: the good, the bad and the ugly. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371743. [PMID: 38646541 PMCID: PMC11026543 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Granzymes are a family of serine proteases, composed of five human members: GA, B, H, M and K. They were first discovered in the 1980s within cytotoxic granules released during NK cell- and T cell-mediated killing. Through their various proteolytic activities, granzymes can trigger different pathways within cells, all of which ultimately lead to the same result, cell death. Over the years, the initial consideration of granzymes as mere cytotoxic mediators has changed due to surprising findings demonstrating their expression in cells other than immune effectors as well as new intracellular and extracellular activities. Additional roles have been identified in the extracellular milieu, following granzyme escape from the immunological synapse or their release by specific cell types. Outside the cell, granzyme activities mediate extracellular matrix alteration via the degradation of matrix proteins or surface receptors. In certain contexts, these processes are essential for tissue homeostasis; in others, excessive matrix degradation and extensive cell death contribute to the onset of chronic diseases, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Here, we provide an overview of both the physiological and pathological roles of granzymes, highlighting their utility while also recognizing how their unregulated presence can trigger the development and/or worsening of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Cigalotto
- Laboratory of Reactive Oxygen Species and Cytotoxic Immunity, Department Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute Of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Denis Martinvalet
- Laboratory of Reactive Oxygen Species and Cytotoxic Immunity, Department Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute Of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
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4
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Ryu J, Fu Z, Akula S, Olsson AK, Hellman L. Extended cleavage specificity of a Chinese alligator granzyme B homologue, a strict Glu-ase in contrast to the mammalian Asp-ases. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 128:104324. [PMID: 34826501 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Granzyme B (GzmB) is primarily expressed by mammalian cytotoxic T cells and serves as one of the key components in the defense against viral infection by the induction of apoptosis in virus infected cells. By direct cell to cell contact and delivery into target cells by perforin, cytotoxic T cells activate apoptosis through the action of GzmB by both caspase-dependent and -independent pathways. In search for early ancestors of GzmB we have in the current study identified and characterized a GzmB homologue from a reptile, the Chinese alligator. This enzyme is encoded from the same locus as the mammalian counterparts, the chymase locus. Phage display analysis of the cleavage specificity of the recombinant alligator enzyme (named MCP1A-like) shows that it is a relatively strict Glu-ase, with strong preference for glutamic acid in the P1 position of a substrate. The majority of mammalian GzmB:s are, in marked contrast to the alligator enzyme, relatively strict Asp-ases. The alligator enzyme also showed strong preference for Ala, Pro and Gly in the P2 position and Val in the P3 position indicating that it has a narrow specificity, similar to the mammalian counterparts. Analysis of the three amino acids forming the substrate binding pocket (S1 pocket) in three amphibian homologues to MCP1A-like, from the frogs Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis, shows that these amphibian enzymes have similar substrate binding pocket as their mammalian counterparts. This finding, together with the apparent lack of GzmB homologs in fish, indicates that the ancestor of GzmB did appear with the amphibians at the base of tetrapod evolution. This study is a first step in a larger effort to understand the evolutionary processes involved in shaping anti-viral immunity in non-mammalian vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhye Ryu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Box 596, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhirong Fu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Box 596, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Srinivas Akula
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Box 596, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Olsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, BMC, Box 589, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Hellman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Box 596, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
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5
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Lavergne M, Hernández-Castañeda MA, Mantel PY, Martinvalet D, Walch M. Oxidative and Non-Oxidative Antimicrobial Activities of the Granzymes. Front Immunol 2021; 12:750512. [PMID: 34707614 PMCID: PMC8542974 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.750512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-mediated cytotoxicity is an essential immune defense mechanism to fight against viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. Upon recognition of an infected target cell, killer lymphocytes form an immunological synapse to release the content of their cytotoxic granules. Cytotoxic granules of humans contain two membrane-disrupting proteins, perforin and granulysin, as well as a homologous family of five death-inducing serine proteases, the granzymes. The granzymes, after delivery into infected host cells by the membrane disrupting proteins, may contribute to the clearance of microbial pathogens through different mechanisms. The granzymes can induce host cell apoptosis, which deprives intracellular pathogens of their protective niche, therefore limiting their replication. However, many obligate intracellular pathogens have evolved mechanisms to inhibit programed cells death. To overcome these limitations, the granzymes can exert non-cytolytic antimicrobial activities by directly degrading microbial substrates or hijacked host proteins crucial for the replication or survival of the pathogens. The granzymes may also attack factors that mediate microbial virulence, therefore directly affecting their pathogenicity. Many mechanisms applied by the granzymes to eliminate infected cells and microbial pathogens rely on the induction of reactive oxygen species. These reactive oxygen species may be directly cytotoxic or enhance death programs triggered by the granzymes. Here, in the light of the latest advances, we review the antimicrobial activities of the granzymes in regards to their cytolytic and non-cytolytic activities to inhibit pathogen replication and invasion. We also discuss how reactive oxygen species contribute to the various antimicrobial mechanisms exerted by the granzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyne Lavergne
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Anatomy Unit, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Maria Andrea Hernández-Castañeda
- Division Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Immunology, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Pierre-Yves Mantel
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Anatomy Unit, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Denis Martinvalet
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Michael Walch
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Anatomy Unit, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Hillen LM, Vandyck HLD, Leunissen DJG, de Greef BTA, Bosisio FM, zur Hausen A, van den Oord J, Winnepenninckx V. Integrative histopathological and immunophenotypical characterisation of the inflammatory microenvironment in spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms. Histopathology 2021; 78:607-626. [PMID: 32970867 PMCID: PMC7894529 DOI: 10.1111/his.14259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The role of inflammation in conventional cutaneous melanoma has been extensively studied, whereas only little is known about the inflammatory microenvironment and immunogenic properties of spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms. The composition of infiltrating immune cells and the architectural distribution of the inflammation, in particular, are still obscure. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to systematically characterise the inflammatory patterns and the leucocyte subsets in spitzoid melanocytic lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined 79 spitzoid neoplasms including banal Spitz naevi (SN, n = 50), atypical Spitz tumours (AST, n = 17) and malignant Spitz tumours (MST, n = 12) using histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry. Spitzoid melanocytic lesions showed a high frequency (67.1%, n = 53 of 79) of inflammation. Four inflammatory patterns were identified according to architectural composition, distribution and intensity of inflammation. The majority of the inflammatory infiltrate corresponded to CD3+ /CD8+ T lymphocytes (56.1%), followed by CD3+ /CD4+ T cells (35.7%) and CD68+ histiocytes (20.3%). CD3+ /TIA-1+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes constituted 3.7% of inflammatory cells. Rarely, CD3+ / granzyme B+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (2.7%) and CD138+ plasma cells (0.5%) were detected in the infiltrating immune cells. There was no significant difference in the inflammatory cellular composition among the spitzoid melanocytic subgroups (SN versus AST versus MST). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that Spitz tumours are highly immunogenic lesions. Inflammation with the presence of lymphocytic aggregates predominated in SN, but was not distinctive for this melanocytic category. A strong and intense inflammation was suggestive of an underlying malignancy. The infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocyte subsets in Spitz tumours deserve further investigation in larger study cohorts to elucidate prognostic and immuno-oncological therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Hillen
- Department of PathologyGROW School for Oncology and Developmental BiologyMaastricht University Medical CenterMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Hendrik L D Vandyck
- Department of PathologyGROW School for Oncology and Developmental BiologyMaastricht University Medical CenterMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Daphne J G Leunissen
- Department of PathologyGROW School for Oncology and Developmental BiologyMaastricht University Medical CenterMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Bianca T A de Greef
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology AssessmentMaastricht University Medical CenterMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Francesca M Bosisio
- Laboratory for Translational Cell and Tissue Research (TCTR)University of LeuvenKULLeuvenBelgium
| | - Axel zur Hausen
- Department of PathologyGROW School for Oncology and Developmental BiologyMaastricht University Medical CenterMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Joost van den Oord
- Laboratory for Translational Cell and Tissue Research (TCTR)University of LeuvenKULLeuvenBelgium
- Department of PathologyUniversity HospitalsLeuvenBelgium
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of PathologyGROW School for Oncology and Developmental BiologyMaastricht University Medical CenterMaastrichtthe Netherlands
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7
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Zhang Y, Huang C, Lian R, Xu J, Fu Y, Zeng Y, Tu W. The low cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood NK cells may relate to unexplained recurrent miscarriage. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 85:e13388. [PMID: 33410220 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Unexplained recurrent miscarriage (uRM) is defined as two or more spontaneous abortions prior to 20 weeks of gestation with unknown etiology. Peripheral blood natural killer (pNK) cells contact with the villus and exert important role in normal pregnancy. However, it is still controversial about the association between pNK cytotoxicity and uRM, and the underlying mechanism remains unknown so far. METHOD OF STUDY In this study, we aim to compare the percentage, immunophenotype, and function of pNK cells between patients with uRM and fertile controls. The peripheral blood was collected from 49 patients with uRM and 11 fertile women in their middle luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. pNK cells were co-cultured with K562 cells at different cell ratios to measure the cytotoxicity. The percentage of CD3- CD56+ , CD3- CD56bright , and CD3- CD56dim pNK was analyzed by flow cytometry and quantified to evaluate the expression of cytotoxic granules (granzyme B, granulysin, and perforin), and the cell surface receptors related to pNK cell cytotoxicity (NKG2D, NKp30, NKp46, CD158a, and CD158b) were also detected. RESULTS The general linear model analysis showed that pNK cell cytotoxicity in patients with uRM was significantly lower than that in fertile controls. In addition, the ratios of NKG2D/CD158a, NKp30/CD158a, and NKp46/CD158a in CD3- CD56bright pNK subsets were significantly lower in uRM group than that in fertile control. The logistical regression analysis showed that the reduced NKp30/CD158a, NKp46/CD158a ratios in CD3- CD56bright pNK subsets were significantly associated with uRM. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that a low pNK cytotoxicity, which is mediated by inhibitory signals, might be associated with uRM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongnu Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunyu Huang
- Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruochun Lian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunfeng Fu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenwei Tu
- Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Zhang H, Huang C, Chen X, Li L, Liu S, Li Y, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, Hu L. The number and cytotoxicity and the expression of cytotoxicity-related molecules in peripheral natural killer (NK) cells do not predict the repeated implantation failure (RIF) for the in vitro fertilization patients. Genes Dis 2019; 7:283-289. [PMID: 32215298 PMCID: PMC7083707 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are thought to play a key role in the successful establishment of a pregnancy by facilitating immunological adaptation of the semi-allogeneic developing embryo. The aim of this study was to explore the cell number, immunophenotypic characteristics, and activities of peripheral blood NK cells in women with repeated implantation failure (RIF). Peripheral blood was obtained from 27 women with RIF and 11 healthy, fertile controls during the middle luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. CD3- CD56+ NK cells were quantified and analyzed by flow cytometry for the expression of cytolytic molecules (granzyme B, granulysin, and perforin) as well as cell surface receptors responsible for NK cell activation or inhibition (NKG2D, NKp30, NKp46, CD158a, CD158b). NK cytotoxicity was measured at three effector-to-target cell ratios. Women with RIF and fertile controls did not differ significantly in the percentage of circulating CD3−CD56+ NK cells, or in the proportions of these cells that expressed granzyme B, granulysin, or perforin. The two groups also did not differ significantly in the proportions of NK cells expressing the receptors NKG2D, NKp30, NKp46, CD158a or CD158b. General linear model analysis showed that NK cytotoxicity increased with effector-to-target cell ratio. However, NK cytotoxicity did not differ significantly between patients with RIF and fertile controls. These results suggest that RIF is not associated with significant alterations in the number or function of peripheral blood NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, PR China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Chunyu Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Xian Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Longfei Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Yuye Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Yongnu Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518045, PR China
| | - Lina Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
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Wabnitz GH, Balta E, Schindler S, Kirchgessner H, Jahraus B, Meuer S, Samstag Y. The pro-oxidative drug WF-10 inhibits serial killing by primary human cytotoxic T-cells. Cell Death Discov 2016; 2:16057. [PMID: 27551545 PMCID: PMC4979520 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2016.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T-cells (CTLs) play an important role in many immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Targeting cytotoxicity of CTLs would allow to interfere with immune-mediated tissue destruction. Here we demonstrate that WF-10, a pro-oxidative compound, inhibits CTL-mediated cytotoxicity. WF-10 did not influence early steps of target-cell killing, but impaired the ability of CTLs to detach from the initial target cell and to move to a second target cell. This reduced serial killing was accompanied by stronger enrichment of the adhesion molecule LFA-1 in the cytolytic immune synapse. LFA-1 clustering requires activation of the actin-bundling protein L-plastin and was accordingly diminished in L-plastin knockdown cells. Interestingly, WF-10 likely acts through regulating L-plastin: (I) It induced L-plastin activation through phosphorylation leading to enhanced LFA-1-mediated cell adhesion, and, importantly, (II) WF-10 lost its influence on target-cell killing in L-plastin knockdown cells. Finally, we demonstrate that WF-10 can improve immunosuppression by conventional drugs. Thus, while cyclosporine A alone had no significant effect on cytotoxicity of CTLs, a combination of cyclosporine A and WF-10 blocked target-cell killing synergistically. Together, our findings suggest that WF-10 – either alone or in combination with conventional immunosuppressive drugs – may be efficient to control progression of diseases, in which CTLs are crucially involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Wabnitz
- Institute of Immunology, Ruprecht-Karls-University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - E Balta
- Institute of Immunology, Ruprecht-Karls-University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - S Schindler
- Institute of Immunology, Ruprecht-Karls-University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - H Kirchgessner
- Institute of Immunology, Ruprecht-Karls-University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - B Jahraus
- Institute of Immunology, Ruprecht-Karls-University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - S Meuer
- Institute of Immunology, Ruprecht-Karls-University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - Y Samstag
- Institute of Immunology, Ruprecht-Karls-University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
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10
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Bagley K, Xu R, Ota-Setlik A, Egan M, Schwartz J, Fouts T. The catalytic A1 domains of cholera toxin and heat-labile enterotoxin are potent DNA adjuvants that evoke mixed Th1/Th17 cellular immune responses. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:2228-40. [PMID: 26042527 PMCID: PMC4635876 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1026498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA encoded adjuvants are well known for increasing the magnitude of cellular and/or humoral immune responses directed against vaccine antigens. DNA adjuvants can also tune immune responses directed against vaccine antigens to better protect against infection of the target organism. Two potent DNA adjuvants that have unique abilities to tune immune responses are the catalytic A1 domains of Cholera Toxin (CTA1) and Heat-Labile Enterotoxin (LTA1). Here, we have characterized the adjuvant activities of CTA1 and LTA1 using HIV and SIV genes as model antigens. Both of these adjuvants enhanced the magnitude of antigen-specific cellular immune responses on par with those induced by the well-characterized cytokine adjuvants IL-12 and GM-CSF. CTA1 and LTA1 preferentially enhanced cellular responses to the intracellular antigen SIVmac239-gag over those for the secreted HIVBaL-gp120 antigen. IL-12, GM-CSF and electroporation did the opposite suggesting differences in the mechanisms of actions of these diverse adjuvants. Combinations of CTA1 or LTA1 with IL-12 or GM-CSF generated additive and better balanced cellular responses to both of these antigens. Consistent with observations made with the holotoxin and the CTA1-DD adjuvant, CTA1 and LTA1 evoked mixed Th1/Th17 cellular immune responses. Together, these results show that CTA1 and LTA1 are potent DNA vaccine adjuvants that favor the intracellular antigen gag over the secreted antigen gp120 and evoke mixed Th1/Th17 responses against both of these antigens. The results also indicate that achieving a balanced immune response to multiple intracellular and extracellular antigens delivered via DNA vaccination may require combining adjuvants that have different and complementary mechanisms of action.
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11
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Lettau M, Kabelitz D, Janssen O. Lysosome-Related Effector Vesicles in T Lymphocytes and NK Cells. Scand J Immunol 2015; 82:235-43. [DOI: 10.1111/sji.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Lettau
- Institute of Immunology; University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel; Kiel Germany
| | - D. Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology; University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel; Kiel Germany
| | - O. Janssen
- Institute of Immunology; University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel; Kiel Germany
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12
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Moore TC, Kumm PM, Brown DM, Petro TM. Interferon response factor 3 is crucial to poly-I:C induced NK cell activity and control of B16 melanoma growth. Cancer Lett 2013; 346:122-8. [PMID: 24368188 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Interferon Response Factor 3 (IRF3) induces several NK-cell activating factors, is activated by poly-I:C, an experimental cancer therapeutic, but is suppressed during many viral infections. IRF3 Knockout (KO) mice exhibited enhanced B16 melanoma growth, impaired intratumoral NK cell infiltration, but not an impaired poly-I:C therapeutic effect due to direct suppression of B16 growth. IRF3 was responsible for poly-I:C decrease in TIM-3 expression by intratumoral dendritic cells, induction of NK-cell Granzyme B and IFN-γ, and induction of macrophage IL-12, IL-15, IL-6, and IRF3-dependent NK-activating molecule (INAM). Thus, IRF3 is a key factor controlling melanoma growth through NK-cell activities, especially during poly-I:C therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C Moore
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, United States
| | - Phyllis M Kumm
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, United States
| | - Deborah M Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, United States; Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, United States
| | - Thomas M Petro
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, United States; Department of Oral Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, United States.
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Seidel UJE, Schlegel P, Lang P. Natural killer cell mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in tumor immunotherapy with therapeutic antibodies. Front Immunol 2013; 4:76. [PMID: 23543707 PMCID: PMC3608903 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade several therapeutic antibodies have been Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMEA) approved. Although their mechanisms of action in vivo is not fully elucidated, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by natural killer (NK) cells is presumed to be a key effector function. A substantial role of ADCC has been demonstrated in vitro and in mouse tumor models. However, a direct in vivo effect of ADCC in tumor reactivity in humans remains to be shown. Several studies revealed a predictive value of FcγRIIIa-V158F polymorphism in monoclonal antibody treatment, indicating a potential effect of ADCC on outcome for certain indications. Furthermore, the use of therapeutic antibodies after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an interesting option. Studying the role of the FcγRIIIa-V158F polymorphism and the influence of Killer-cell Immunoglobuline-like Receptor (KIR) receptor ligand incompatibility on ADCC in this approach may contribute to future transplantation strategies. Despite the success of approved second-generation antibodies in the treatment of several malignancies, efforts are made to further augment ADCC in vivo by antibody engineering. Here, we review currently used therapeutic antibodies for which ADCC has been suggested as effector function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula J E Seidel
- Department of General Paediatrics, Oncology/Haematology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen Tübingen, Germany
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Kłossowicz M, Scirka B, Suchanek J, Marek-Bukowiec K, Kisielow P, Aguado E, Miazek A. Assessment of caspase mediated degradation of linker for activation of T cells (LAT) at a single cell level. J Immunol Methods 2012; 389:9-17. [PMID: 23261919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Caspase/Granzyme B mediated protein degradation is involved in elimination of activated T cell receptor (TCR) signaling molecules during processes of thymocyte selection and maintenance of peripheral homeostasis of T cells. Key components of TCR signaling cassette including LAT undergo biological inactivation in response to pro-apoptotic or anergy inducing environmental stimuli. Although available Western immunoblotting-based techniques are appropriate for detection of protein degradation in bulk populations of target cells, quantitative assessment of this process at a single cell level requires a different approach. Here we report on a novel, flow cytometry-based method for assessment of LAT integrity. This method exploits a loss of an anti-LAT antibody epitope recognition following proteolytic degradation of C-terminal domain of the LAT. We show that the LAT degradation precedes phosphatidylserine translocation to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and thus may constitute an early marker of T cell apoptosis. When used in conjunction with multi-parameter flow cytometry, our method revealed that FoxP3(+)CD4(+)CD8(low) thymocytes i.e. precursors of thymus derived CD4(+) regulatory T cells, in contrast to Foxp3(-)CD4(+)CD8(low) thymocytes are resistant to LAT degradation in response to CD3ε crosslinking. This finding can be used as an additional marker for T regulatory cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikołaj Kłossowicz
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Tumor Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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15
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Soluble granzyme B and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Cell Immunol 2011; 269:16-21. [PMID: 21458778 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2011.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2011] [Revised: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Activated cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) mediated target cell death has been implicated in the development of systemic autoimmune disease like SLE. However, the role of soluble granzyme B and its relationship with CTL activity and disease activity is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated role of soluble granzyme B and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity in SLE patients. The soluble granzyme B was measured in the serum by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay while cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity was measured by flow cytometry. The disease activity was determined by using SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity was increased and strongly associated with disease activity. The soluble granzyme B levels were higher in SLE patients and associated with various clinical features like reduced complement components; C3 & C4 and skin lesion. The soluble granzyme B levels were also sturdily related with severity of the disease. The findings of this study suggest that excessive secretion of soluble granzyme B and enhanced activity of cytotoxic T lymphocyte may play a vital role in the pathogenesis of SLE and organ damage. Also, evaluation of soluble granzyme B may be helpful in monitoring the clinical features associated with activated CTL in SLE.
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Logan R, Arjona A, Sarkar DK. Role of sympathetic nervous system in the entrainment of circadian natural-killer cell function. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25:101-9. [PMID: 20816749 PMCID: PMC2991610 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2010.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research in our laboratory has demonstrated robust circadian variations of cytokines and cytolytic factors in enriched NK cells from rat spleen, strongly suggesting these functions may be subject to circadian regulation. The SCN mediates timing information to peripheral tissues by both humoral and neural inputs. In particular, noradrenergic (NE) sympathetic nervous system (SNS) terminals innervate the spleen tissue communicating information between central and peripheral systems. However, whether these immune factors are subject to timing information conveyed through neural NE innervation to the spleen remained unknown. Indeed, we were able to characterize a circadian rhythm of NE content in the spleen, supporting the role of the SNS as a conveyor of timing information to splenocytes. By chemically producing a local splenic sympathectomy through guanethidine treatment, the splenic NE rhythm was abolished or shifted as indicated by a blunting of the expected peak at ZT7. Consequently, the daily variations of cytokine, TNF-α, and cytolytic factors, granzyme-B and perforin, in NK cells and splenocytes were altered. Only time-dependent mRNA expression of IFN-γ was altered in splenocytes, but not protein levels in NK cells, suggesting non-neural entrainment cues may be necessary to regulate specific immune factors. In addition, the rhythms of clock genes and proteins, Bmal1 and Per2, in these tissues also displayed significantly altered daily variations. Collectively, these results demonstrate rhythmic NE input to the spleen acts as an entrainment cue to modulate the molecular clock in NK cells and other spleen cells possibly playing a role in regulating the cytokine and cytolytic function of these cells.
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17
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Mesenchymal stem cells express serine protease inhibitor to evade the host immune response. Blood 2010; 117:1176-83. [PMID: 21076046 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-06-287979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been initiated worldwide. An improved understanding of the mechanisms by which allogeneic MSCs evade host immune responses is paramount to regulating their survival after administration. This study has focused on the novel role of serine protease inhibitor (SPI) in the escape of MSCs from host immunosurveillance through the inhibition of granzyme B (GrB). Our data indicate bone marrow-derived murine MSCs express SPI6 constitutively. MSCs from mice deficient for SPI6 (SPI6(-/-)) exhibited a 4-fold higher death rate by primed allogeneic cytotoxic T cells than did wild-type MSCs. A GrB inhibitor rescued SPI6(-/-) MSCs from cytotoxic T-cell killing. Transduction of wild-type MSCs with MigR1-SPI6 also protected MSCs from cytotoxic T cell-mediated death in vitro. In addition, SPI6(-/-) MSCs displayed a shorter lifespan than wild-type MSCs when injected into an allogeneic host. We conclude that SPI6 protects MSCs from GrB-mediated killing and plays a pivotal role in their survival in vivo. Our data could serve as a basis for future SPI-based strategies to regulate the survival and function of MSCs after administration and to enhance the efficacy of MSC-based therapy for diseases.
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18
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Tu L, Moriya C, Imai T, Ishida H, Tetsutani K, Duan X, Murata S, Tanaka K, Shimokawa C, Hisaeda H, Himeno K. Critical role for the immunoproteasome subunit LMP7 in the resistance of mice to Toxoplasma gondii
infection. Eur J Immunol 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.200939117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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19
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Validation of noninvasive diagnosis of BK virus nephropathy and identification of prognostic biomarkers. Transplantation 2010; 90:189-97. [PMID: 20526237 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3181e2a932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) may cause renal allograft dysfunction and failure. The gold standard test is kidney biopsy, which is invasive and costly. A noninvasive, accurate biomarker for diagnosis of BKVN and prognostication of allograft function after BKVN infection may improve allograft survival. METHODS We tested the diagnostic accuracy of our previously reported cutoff value of 6.5x10(5) BKV viral capsid protein 1 (VP-1) mRNA/ng RNA in urinary cells (Ding et al., Transplantation 2002; 74: 987) using an independent cohort (n=89). We also examined whether urinary cell mRNA profiles obtained at the time of BKVN diagnosis identified patients at risk of subsequent decline in graft function. RESULTS BKVN was accurately diagnosed (sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97%) using our previously reported cutoff value. Levels of granzyme B (GB) mRNA (P=0.002) and proteinase inhibitor (PI)-9 mRNA (P=0.01) in urinary cells were higher in BKVN patients with a subsequent decline in renal function (n=8) compared with patients with stable function (n=10), and were positively associated (GB, P=0.01; PI-9, P=0.04) with rise in serum creatinine from the time of BKVN diagnosis to 12 months after diagnosis. GB levels in the BKVN patients with a decline in renal function were similar to those in the acute rejection group (n=11, P>0.05), but higher than the normal biopsy group (n=36, P<0.001); levels in BKVN patients with stable function were lower than those in the acute rejection group (P<0.01) and not significantly different from the normal biopsy group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Noninvasive diagnosis of BKVN and prognostication of renal allograft function after BKVN diagnosis are feasible by measurement of transcripts for BKV viral capsid protein 1 (VP-1), GB, and PI-9 in urine.
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20
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Tu L, Moriya C, Imai T, Ishida H, Tetsutani K, Duan X, Murata S, Tanaka K, Shimokawa C, Hisaeda H, Himeno K. Critical role for the immunoproteasome subunit LMP7 in the resistance of mice to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Eur J Immunol 2010; 39:3385-94. [PMID: 19830724 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200839117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Proteasome-mediated proteolysis is responsible for the generation of immunogenic epitopes presented by MHC class I molecules, which activate antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Immunoproteasomes, defined by the presence of the three catalytic subunits LMP2, MECL-1, and LMP7, have been hypothesized to optimize MHC class I antigen processing. In this study, we demonstrate that the infection of mice with a protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, induced the expression of LMP7 mRNA in APC and increased the capacity of APC to induce the production of IFN-gamma by antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. In vitro infection of a DC cell line with T. gondii also induced the expression of LMP7 and resulted in enhanced proteasome proteolytic activity. Finally, mice lacking LMP7 were highly susceptible to infection with T. gondii and showed a reduced number of functional CD8+ T cells. These results demonstrate that proteasomes containing LMP7 play an indispensable role in the survival of mice infected with T. gondii, presumably due to the efficient generation of CTL epitopes required for the functional development of CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Tu
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Abstract
As our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing natural killer (NK) cell activity increases, their potential in cancer immunotherapy is growing increasingly prominent. This review analyses the currently available preclinical and clinical data regarding NK cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches in cancer starting from a historical background and an overview of molecular mechanisms taking part in NK cell responses. The status of NK cells in cancer patients, currently investigated clinical applications such as in vivo modulation of NK cell activity, ex vivo purification/expansion and adoptive transfer as well as future possibilities such as genetic modifications are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sutlu
- Division of Haematology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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22
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Nakashima A, Shiozaki A, Myojo S, Ito M, Tatematsu M, Sakai M, Takamori Y, Ogawa K, Nagata K, Saito S. Granulysin produced by uterine natural killer cells induces apoptosis of extravillous trophoblasts in spontaneous abortion. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2008; 173:653-64. [PMID: 18688023 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2008.071169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Immune changes are known to occur in recurrent spontaneous abortion, but it is unclear whether either maternal natural killer (NK) cells or T cells attack fetus-derived trophoblasts. To clarify the immunological causes of spontaneous abortion, we examined the relationship between cytotoxic granule proteins in decidual lymphocytes, such as granulysin, granzyme B, and perforin, and the induction of apoptosis in extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). The number of granulysin-positive CD56(bright) NK cells increased significantly in the decidua basalis during spontaneous abortion compared with normal pregnancy; however, granzyme B- and perforin-positive cells did not change. Interestingly, the expression of granulysin was also detected in the nuclei of EVTs in spontaneous abortion samples. When IL-2-stimulated CD56(bright) NK cells were cocultured with EVT cells (HTR-8/SV40neo), granulysin was found initially in the cytoplasm and then accumulated in the nuclei of the HTR-8/SV40neo cells. Furthermore, transfected cells expressing a GFP-granulysin fusion protein induced apoptosis in HTR-8/SV40neo cells independently of caspases. Our results suggest that granulysin-positive uterine NK cells attack EVTs; subsequently, the uNK-derived granulysin actively accumulates in the nuclei of EVTs, causing the death of EVTs due to apoptosis. These data support a new apoptosis pathway for trophoblasts via uNK-derived granulysin, suggesting that granulysin is involved in spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akitoshi Nakashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
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Stout-Delgado HW, Getachew Y, Miller BC, Thiele DL. Intrahepatic lymphocyte expression of dipeptidyl peptidase I-processed granzyme B and perforin induces hepatocyte expression of serine proteinase inhibitor 6 (Serpinb9/SPI-6). THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 179:6561-7. [PMID: 17982045 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.10.6561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Human proteinase inhibitor 9 (PI-9/serpinB9) and the murine ortholog, serine proteinase inhibitor 6 (SPI-6/serpinb9) are members of a family of intracellular serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins). PI-9 and SPI-6 expression in immune-privileged cells, APCs, and CTLs protects these cells against the actions of granzyme B, and when expressed in tumor cells or virally infected hepatocytes, confers resistance to killing by CTL and NK cells. The present studies were designed to assess the existence of any correlation between granzyme B activity in intrahepatic lymphocytes and induction of hepatic SPI-6 expression. To this end, SPI-6, PI-9, and serpinB9 homolog expression was examined in response to IFN-alpha treatment and during in vivo adenoviral infection of the liver. SPI-6 mRNA expression increased 10- to 100-fold in the liver after IFN-alpha stimulation and during the course of viral infection, whereas no significant up-regulation of SPI-8 and <5-fold increases in other PI-9/serpinB9 homolog mRNAs was observed. Increased SPI-6 gene expression during viral infection correlated with influxes of NK cells and CTL. Moreover, IFN-alpha-induced up-regulation of hepatocyte SPI-6 mRNA expression was not observed in NK cell-depleted mice. Additional experiments using genetically altered mice either deficient in perforin or unable to process or express granzyme B indicated that SPI-6 is selectively up-regulated in hepatocytes in response to infiltration of the liver by NK cells that express perforin and enzymatically active granzyme B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather W Stout-Delgado
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Stout-Delgado HW, Getachew Y, Rogers TE, Miller BC, Thiele DL. The role of serpinb9/serine protease inhibitor 6 in preventing granzyme B-dependent hepatotoxicity. Hepatology 2007; 46:1530-40. [PMID: 17685438 PMCID: PMC2659535 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Virally infected hepatocytes are resistant to cytotoxic lymphocyte killing by perforin-dependent and granzyme-dependent effector mechanisms. The present studies were designed to examine the role of serine protease inhibitor 6 (SPI-6) in limiting granzyme B-dependent cytotoxic effector mechanisms in the liver. SPI-6-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) administration to C57Bl/6J (B6) mice elicited transient alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations that were not observed in either granzyme B-deficient B6 (B6.gzmb(-/-)) or natural killer (NK) cell-depleted B6 mice. When SPI-6 expression was abolished by siRNA administration at the time of infection with a recombinant, replication-deficient adenovirus [E1-deleted adenovirus encoding beta-galactosidase (AdCMV-LacZ)], earlier and dramatically increased, and earlier ALT elevations were observed in wild-type B6 but not in B6.gzmb(-/-) or NK cell-depleted mice. When a 3-fold higher dose of AdCMV-LacZ was administered to B6 mice, the coadministration of SPI-6 siRNA resulted in the early onset of lethal, acute liver failure. Of note, the accelerated clearance of AdCMV-LacZ was observed in recipients of SPI-6 siRNA. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the regulated expression of SPI-6 in hepatocytes during viral infection or following noninfectious causes of liver injury protects hepatocytes against excessively vigorous granzyme B-dependent killing but may also delay immune clearance of virally infected hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather W Stout-Delgado
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
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25
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Mourmouras V, Fimiani M, Rubegni P, Epistolato MC, Malagnino V, Cardone C, Cosci E, Nisi MCD, Miracco C. Evaluation of tumour-infiltrating CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in human cutaneous benign and atypical naevi, melanomas and melanoma metastases. Br J Dermatol 2007; 157:531-9. [PMID: 17596146 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.08057.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are thought to induce immunotolerance in melanoma. They have not yet been investigated in the entire spectrum of melanocytic cutaneous lesions within a tumour site. OBJECTIVES To evaluate CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs among tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes in cutaneous melanocytic lesions. METHODS We analysed 128 lesions (10 benign junctional common naevi, 10 benign compound common naevi, 10 compound Spitz naevi, 10 junctional atypical naevi, 20 compound atypical naevi, 20 radial growth phase melanomas, 30 vertical growth phase melanomas and 18 melanoma metastases). Tregs were identified by CD25-FOXP3 double immunostains. RESULTS This study indicates that CD4+/CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs are present in all groups of lesions. Junctional atypical naevi, compound atypical naevi and radial growth phase melanomas showed the highest percentages of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs (junctional atypical naevi vs. junctional common naevi, compound common naevi, compound Spitz naevi, melanoma metastases: P < 0.0001; junctional atypical naevi vs. vertical growth phase melanomas: P = 0.001; compound atypical naevi vs. junctional common naevi, compound common naevi: P < 0.0001; compound atypical naevi vs. compound Spitz naevi, melanoma metastases: P = 0.002; compound atypical naevi vs. vertical growth phase melanomas: P = 0.02; radial growth phase melanomas vs. junctional common naevi, compound common naevi, compound Spitz naevi, melanoma metastases: P < 0.0001; radial growth phase melanomas vs. vertical growth phase melanomas: P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS The strong prevalence of CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs both in junctional and compound atypical naevi and radial growth phase melanomas, suggests that they induce immunotolerance early during melanoma genesis, favouring melanoma growth. Their evaluation within a tumour site could be useful for prognostic and therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Mourmouras
- Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, Section of Pathological Anatomy, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
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Caughey GH. A Pulmonary Perspective on GASPIDs: Granule-Associated Serine Peptidases of Immune Defense. CURRENT RESPIRATORY MEDICINE REVIEWS 2006; 2:263-277. [PMID: 18516248 DOI: 10.2174/157339806778019024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Airways are protected from pathogens by forces allied with innate and adaptive immunity. Recent investigations establish critical defensive roles for leukocyte and mast cell serine-class peptidases garrisoned in membrane-bound organelles-here termed Granule-Associated Serine Peptidases of Immune Defense, or GASPIDs. Some better characterized GASPIDs include neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G (which defend against bacteria), proteinase-3 (targeted by antineutrophil antibodies in Wegener's vasculitis), mast cell beta-tryptase and chymase (which promote allergic inflammation), granzymes A and B (which launch apoptosis pathways in infected host cells), and factor D (which activates complement's alternative pathway). GASPIDs can defend against pathogens but can harm host cells in the process, and therefore become targets for pharmaceutical inhibition. They vary widely in specificity, yet are phylogenetically similar. Mammalian speciation supported a remarkable flowering of these enzymes as they co-evolved with specialized immune cells, including mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, cytolytic T-cells, natural killer cells, neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells. Many GASPIDs continue to evolve rapidly, providing some of the most conspicuous examples of divergent protein evolution. Consequently, students of GASPIDs are rewarded not only with insights into their roles in lung immune defense but also with clues to the origins of cellular specialization in vertebrate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- George H Caughey
- The Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, USA, Northern California Institute for Research and Education, USA, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, USA
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Dourado M, Bento J, Mesquita L, Marques A, Vale-Pereira S, Ribeiro ABS, Pinto AM. [Granzymes A and B in pulmonary sarcoidosis (experimental study)]. REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE PNEUMOLOGIA 2006; 11:111-33. [PMID: 15947857 DOI: 10.1016/s0873-2159(15)30495-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown aetiology, morphologically characterized by well-formed epithelioid granulomas, which show little or no central necrosis. These may be present in any organ or tissue. The lung is the most frequently and prominently involved target. The granuloma is often very sharply demarcated from the adjacent tissue and is surrounded by a mantle of lymphocytes, which mediate lysis of target cells by various mechanisms, including exocytosis of lytic proteins, perforins and granzymes. Sarcoidosis laboratorial diagnosis is usually made by SACE and Lisozyme dosages. The granzymes A and B could be two other markers of the disease, since the sarcoidosis granuloma is rich in cytotoxic and NK cells. An ELISA Kit was used to measure Granzyme A and B in serum of a normal control group (NC) (n=30), and in two groups with lung pathology: one without sarcoidosis, disease control (DC) (n=21) and other with sarcoidosis (S) (n=11). Our results showed that SACE activity is significantly augmented in S group comparing with NC and DC, respectively: 82,6+/-32,7/31,9+/-17,8 - p=0,00017 and 82,6+/-32,7/31,9+/-17,8 - p=0,00024. Lisozyme activity is significantly augmented in S and DC groups comparing with NC. Granzyme B showed a significant decrease in DC and S groups comparing with NC. Granzyme A showed a significant decrease between S/NC groups. Our results suggest that the decrease of Granzyme A and B in sarcoidotic patients could be related to an ineffective inflammatory local response related to the formation of sarcoidosis granulomas. More studies are needed, particularly in BAL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Dourado
- Fisiopatologia/Patologia Geral da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra
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28
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van Houdt IS, Oudejans JJ, van den Eertwegh AJM, Baars A, Vos W, Bladergroen BA, Rimoldi D, Muris JJF, Hooijberg E, Gundy CM, Meijer CJLM, Kummer JA. Expression of the apoptosis inhibitor protease inhibitor 9 predicts clinical outcome in vaccinated patients with stage III and IV melanoma. Clin Cancer Res 2005; 11:6400-7. [PMID: 16144945 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-05-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There have been reports of successful treatment of metastatic melanoma patients with active specific immunotherapy (ASI) using irradiated autologous tumor cell vaccination. It is still unknown why some patients respond and others do not. Tumor cells can evade the immune system, for example through interference with antigen presentation by down-regulation of MHC molecules or expressing proteins interfering with cytotoxic lymphocyte-induced apoptosis like the granzyme B antagonist protease inhibitor 9 (PI-9). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN PI-9 expression was detected in melanoma cell lines. To investigated if PI-9 is important in the response to ASI, paraffin-embedded tissues from stage III or IV melanoma patients were stained. RESULTS PI-9 is expressed in melanoma cells and expression in metastasized melanoma cells is, in this group of patients, an adverse prognostic marker with regard to overall and disease-free survival. Moreover, loss of MHC-1 expression frequently occurs during tumor progression but is not associated with poor clinical outcome. Interestingly, melanoma patients with a favorable clinical outcome after ASI therapy usually have high percentages of activated (granzyme B-positive) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes at time of first diagnosis and low percentages of activated lymphocytes at time of recurrent tumor. CONCLUSIONS Expression of PI-9 in metastatic melanoma cells is associated with unfavorable clinical outcome whereas MHC-1 down-regulation is not. Although it cannot be proven that PI-9 expression is directly responsible for failure of immunotherapy, these data suggest that expression of PI-9 could be an important immune escape mechanism and that modulation of this inhibitor may enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge S van Houdt
- Department of Pathology, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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29
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Kubo M, Morisaki T, Matsumoto K, Tasaki A, Yamanaka N, Nakashima H, Kuroki H, Nakamura K, Nakamura M, Katano M. Paclitaxel probably enhances cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against breast carcinoma cells by increasing perforin production. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2005; 54:468-76. [PMID: 15592829 PMCID: PMC11033023 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-004-0617-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2004] [Accepted: 08/31/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Paclitaxel, a semisynthetic taxane, is one of the most active chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. We focused on the effect of paclitaxel on the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells were purified by negative selection with magnetic beads from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy volunteers. A human breast carcinoma cell line BT-474 and an NK cell-sensitive erythroleukemia cell line K562 were used as targets. Cytotoxicity of NK cells was determined by 51Cr-release assay with labeled target cells. Paclitaxel (1-100 nM) did not affect cellular viability, and significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of NK cells in a dose-dependent manner. Although paclitaxel did not affect Fas-ligand expression of NK cells, paclitaxel induced mRNA and protein production of perforin, an effector molecule in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Concanamycin A, a potent inhibitor of the perforin-mediated cytotoxic pathway, inhibited paclitaxel-dependent NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Furthermore, paclitaxel induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) in NK cells. NF-kappa B inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate significantly suppressed both paclitaxel-induced perforin expression and NK cell cytotoxicity. Our results show for the first time that paclitaxel enhances in vitro cytotoxicity of human NK cells. Moreover, our results suggest a significant association between enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity, increased perforin production, and NF-kappa B activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kubo
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Takashi Morisaki
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Kotaro Matsumoto
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Akira Tasaki
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Naoki Yamanaka
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakashima
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Hideo Kuroki
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Katsuya Nakamura
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Mitsuo Katano
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
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30
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Hall JC, Casciola-Rosen L, Rosen A. Altered structure of autoantigens during apoptosis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2004; 30:455-71, vii. [PMID: 15261336 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2004.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The clustering and concentration of autoantigens at the surface of apoptotic cells, in combination with the striking tolerance-inducing function of apoptotic cells, have focused attention on abnormalities in apoptotic cell execution and clearance as potential susceptibility and initiating factors in systemic autoimmunity. Structural changes that occur during cell death may influence the immunogenicity of self antigens. This article discusses the modifications that autoantigens undergo during cell death, identifies certain proimmune forms of apoptotic death in which autoantigen structure is frequently modified, and reviews the mechanisms through which such structural changes might lead to initiation of an autoimmune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Hall
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Mason F. Lord Building, Center Tower, Suite 5300, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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31
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Kelly JM, Waterhouse NJ, Cretney E, Browne KA, Ellis S, Trapani JA, Smyth MJ. Granzyme M Mediates a Novel Form of Perforin-dependent Cell Death. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:22236-42. [PMID: 15028722 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m401670200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death is mediated by cytotoxic lymphocytes through various granule serine proteases released with perforin. The unique protease activity, restricted expression, and distinct gene locus of granzyme M suggested this enzyme might have a novel biological function or trigger a novel form of cell death. Herein, we demonstrate that in the presence of perforin, the protease activity of granzyme M rapidly and effectively induces target cell death. In contrast to granzyme B, cell death induced by granzyme M does not feature obvious DNA fragmentation, occurs independently of caspases, caspase activation, and perturbation of mitochondria and is not inhibited by overexpression of Bcl-2. These data raise the likelihood that granzyme M represents a third major and specialized perforin-dependent cell death pathway that plays a significant role in death mediated by NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Kelly
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Locked Bag 1, A'Beckett St, 8006 Victoria, Australia
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32
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Shi R, Yang J, Jaramillo A, Steward NS, Aloush A, Trulock EP, Alexander Patterson G, Suthanthiran M, Mohanakumar T. Correlation between interleukin-15 and granzyme B expression and acute lung allograft rejection. Transpl Immunol 2004; 12:103-8. [PMID: 14967307 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2003.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2003] [Revised: 10/29/2003] [Accepted: 11/06/2003] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The levels of interleukin (IL)-15 and granzyme B mRNA expression have been correlated with acute rejection episodes of kidney and heart allografts. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between the expression of IL-15 and granzyme B and acute lung allograft rejection. Toward this, the levels of IL-15 and granzyme B mRNA expression were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage-derived alveolar macrophages and total cells, respectively, from lung transplant patients with stable lung allograft function and patients undergoing acute rejection episodes. The expression levels of IL-15 mRNA was significantly higher in the patients undergoing acute rejection as compared to patients with stable lung function (P=0.02). The expression levels of granzyme B mRNA was also significantly higher in the patients undergoing acute rejection as compared to patients with stable lung function (P=0.005). The Receiver-Operating-Characteristic curve demonstrated that acute rejection can be predicted with a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 67% with the use of a cutoff value of 3.1 fg of granzyme B mRNA per microgram of total RNA (or 71% sensitivity and 75% specificity of a cutoff value of 9.1 fg/microg). These data indicate that IL-15 secreted by activated alveolar macrophages and granzyme B secreted by activated CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes play important roles in the process of acute lung allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Shi
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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33
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Smyth MJ, Street SEA, Trapani JA. Cutting edge: granzymes A and B are not essential for perforin-mediated tumor rejection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2003; 171:515-8. [PMID: 12847210 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.171.2.515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Controversy still exists regarding the biological function of granzyme serine proteases released with perforin from the cytotoxic granules of NK cells and CTLs. In particular, it is not clear whether the major granzymes, A and B, play an essential role in tumor rejection mediated by the perforin pathway. We have now examined the relative importance of perforin and granzyme A and B clusters in five different tumor models that stringently distinguish their importance. We conclude that granzyme A and B clusters are not essential for CTL- and NK cell-mediated rejection of spontaneous and experimental tumors, raising the likelihood that either perforin alone or in combination with an additional granzyme or granule component(s) mediates cytotoxicity of tumor cells in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/genetics
- Graft Rejection/enzymology
- Graft Rejection/genetics
- Graft Rejection/immunology
- Granzymes
- Interleukin-12/physiology
- Interleukin-2/physiology
- Killer Cells, Natural/enzymology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Lymphoma/enzymology
- Lymphoma/genetics
- Lymphoma/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/enzymology
- Melanoma, Experimental/genetics
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Membrane Glycoproteins/deficiency
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Perforin
- Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
- Serine Endopeptidases/deficiency
- Serine Endopeptidases/genetics
- Serine Endopeptidases/physiology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/enzymology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Smyth
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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34
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Tomita Y, Bilim V, Hara N, Kasahara T, Takahashi K. Role of IRF-1 and caspase-7 in IFN-gamma enhancement of Fas-mediated apoptosis in ACHN renal cell carcinoma cells. Int J Cancer 2003; 104:400-8. [PMID: 12584735 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.10956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Caspases exist as zymogens, and are activated by various extracellular stimuli, leading to apoptosis. One such stimulus is Fas/CD95, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, providing one means of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated cell lysis. Clinical evidence has shown that administration of cytokine leads to regression in selected patients with renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) indicates its contribution to anti-tumor activity of immune cells. IFN-gamma elicits its effect through the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT-1), and through interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1), one of the target genes of STAT-1. Our previous study demonstrated an increase in the susceptibility of ACHN cells, established from RCC, to Fas-mediated apoptosis by IFN-gamma, and the inhibition of this effect by the caspase-3 and -7 inhibitor, DEVD-CHO. We demonstrated the following phenomena in IFN-gamma-treated ACHN cells: 1) enhanced transcription of caspase-1, 3 and 7 mRNAs without any change in cleavage of their substrates; 2) increased cleavage DEVD (specific for caspase-3 and 7), but not YVAD (for caspase-1) or DMQD (for caspase-3), after anti-Fas/CD95 MAb treatment; 3) activation of the STAT-1 and IRF-1 pathway; and 4) partial abrogation of the IFN-gamma-induced increase in Fas-mediated apoptosis by antisense IRF-1 oligodeoxynucleotide. These results suggest that IRF-1 plays a pivotal role in the IFN-gamma-mediated-enhancement of Fas/CD95-mediated apoptosis, through regulation of DEVD-CHO-sensitive caspases, most likely caspase-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Tomita
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Signal Transduction Research, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan.
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35
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Liou AKF, Clark RS, Henshall DC, Yin XM, Chen J. To die or not to die for neurons in ischemia, traumatic brain injury and epilepsy: a review on the stress-activated signaling pathways and apoptotic pathways. Prog Neurobiol 2003; 69:103-42. [PMID: 12684068 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-0082(03)00005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
After a severe episode of ischemia, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or epilepsy, it is typical to find necrotic cell death within the injury core. In addition, a substantial number of neurons in regions surrounding the injury core have been observed to die via the programmed cell death (PCD) pathways due to secondary effects derived from the various types of insults. Apart from the cell loss in the injury core, cell death in regions surrounding the injury core may also contribute to significant losses in neurological functions. In fact, it is the injured neurons in these regions around the injury core that treatments are targeting to preserve. In this review, we present our cumulated understanding of stress-activated signaling pathways and apoptotic pathways in the research areas of ischemic injury, TBI and epilepsy and that gathered from concerted research efforts in oncology and other diseases. However, it is obvious that our understanding of these pathways in the context of acute brain injury is at its infancy stage and merits further investigation. Hopefully, this added research effort will provide a more detailed knowledge from which better therapeutic strategies can be developed to treat these acute brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony K F Liou
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, S526 Biomedical Science Tower, 3500 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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36
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Vermijlen D, Luo D, Froelich CJ, Medema JP, Kummer JA, Willems E, Braet F, Wisse E. Hepatic natural killer cells exclusively kill splenic/blood natural killer‐resistant tumor cells by the perforin/granzyme pathway. J Leukoc Biol 2002. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.72.4.668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Vermijlen
- Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dianzhong Luo
- Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Jan Paul Medema
- Department of Immunohematology and Bloodtransfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands; and
| | - Jean Alain Kummer
- Institute for Biochemistry, BIL Biomedical Research Center, University of Lausanne, Epilanges, Switzerland
| | - Erik Willems
- Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Filip Braet
- Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eddie Wisse
- Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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37
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Kojima Y, Kawasaki-Koyanagi A, Sueyoshi N, Kanai A, Yagita H, Okumura K. Localization of Fas ligand in cytoplasmic granules of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells: participation of Fas ligand in granule exocytosis model of cytotoxicity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2002; 296:328-36. [PMID: 12163021 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)00841-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Fas ligand (FasL) has been implicated in cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)- and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the localization of FasL in murine CTL and NK cells. Immunocytochemical staining showed that FasL was stored in cytoplasmic granules of CD8+ CTL clones and in vivo activated CTL and NK cells, where perforin and granzyme A also resided. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that FasL was localized on outer membrane of the cytoplasmic granules, while perforin was localized in internal vesicles. Western blot analysis showed that the membrane-type FasL of 40 kDa was stored in CD8+ CTL clones but not in CD4+ CTL clones. By utilizing a granule exocytosis inhibitor (TN16), we demonstrated that FasL translocated onto cell surface upon degranulation of anti-CD3-stimulated CD8+ CTL clones. Moreover, TN16 markedly inhibited the FasL-mediated cytotoxicity by CD8+ T cell clones and NK cells. These results suggested a substantial contribution of FasL to granule exocytosis-mediated target cell lysis by CD8+ CTL and NK cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Surface/immunology
- Antigens, Surface/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Cytoplasmic Granules/chemistry
- Cytoplasmic Granules/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Exocytosis
- Fas Ligand Protein
- Flow Cytometry
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/cytology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Perforin
- Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
- Pyrrolidinones/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Kojima
- Division of Pathology, Central Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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38
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Schachna L, Wigley FM, Morris S, Gelber AC, Rosen A, Casciola-Rosen L. Recognition of Granzyme B-generated autoantigen fragments in scleroderma patients with ischemic digital loss. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 2002; 46:1873-84. [PMID: 12124872 DOI: 10.1002/art.10407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether autoantibodies recognizing granzyme B (GB)-cleaved autoantigens are associated with ischemic digital loss (IDL) in limited systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS Fifteen of 19 patients with limited SSc and IDL were matched by age, sex, race, and duration of disease to controls with limited SSc but without IDL. The sera were used to immunoblot HeLa cell lysates and chromosome preparations that had been incubated in vitro in the absence or presence of GB. Anticentromere antibodies (ACAs) were assayed by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation of in vitro-translated centromere proteins (CENP-B and CENP-C). Immunoprecipitation of GB-cleaved CENPs was also performed. RESULTS GB-cleaved autoantigens were immunoblotted by 16 of 19 IDL sera (84.2%) compared with 6 of 15 non-IDL sera (40.0%) (odds ratio 8.0, 95% confidence interval 1.6-40.0). This association persisted after adjustment for ACA status. Furthermore, the presence of antibodies to centromere proteins as well as to GB-cleaved antigens was highly specific for IDL, occurring in 12 of 19 IDL patients (63.2%) and in none of 15 controls (P < 0.0001). An identical 60-kd GB-generated fragment was recognized by 5 of 16 IDL sera (31.3%) and was demonstrated to arise through GB-mediated cleavage of CENP-C. GB-cleaved CENP-C fragments were recognized preferentially over the intact CENP-C molecule by antibodies from patients with IDL. CONCLUSION The striking recognition of GB-generated autoantigen fragments by sera from patients with limited SSc and IDL constitutes the first in vivo evidence that antibodies against GB-generated centromeric peptide fragments identify a distinct clinical subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Schachna
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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39
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Braet F, Vermijlen D, Bossuyt V, De Zanger R, Wisse E. Early detection of cytotoxic events between hepatic natural killer cells and colon carcinoma cells as probed with the atomic force microscope. Ultramicroscopy 2001; 89:265-73. [PMID: 11766982 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3991(01)00092-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The atomic force microscope (AFM) is a powerful tool to investigate surface and submembranous structures of living cells under physiological conditions at high resolution. These properties enabled us to study the interaction between live hepatic natural killer (NK) cells, also called pit cells, and colon carcinoma cells in vitro by AFM. In addition, the staining for filamentous actin and DNA was performed and served as a reference, because actin and nuclear observations at the light microscopic level during the cytotoxic interaction between these two cell types have been presented earlier. In this study, we collected evidence that conjugation of hepatic NK cells with CC531s colon carcinoma cells results in a decreased binding of CC531s cells to the substratum as probed with the AFM in contact mode as early as 10 min after cell contact (n = 11). To avoid the lateral forces and smearing artefacts of contact mode AFM, non-contact imaging was performed on hepatic NK/CC531s cell conjugates, resulting in identical observations (n = 3). In contrast, the first cytotoxic signs, as determined with the nuclear staining dye Hoechst 33342, could be observed 3 h after the start of the co-culture. This study illustrates that the AFM can be used to probe early cytotoxic effects of effector to target cell contact in nearby physiological conditions. Other routine cytotoxicity tests detect the first cytotoxic effects after 1.5-3 h co-incubation at the earliest.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Braet
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels-Jette, Belgium.
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40
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Sharif-Askari E, Alam A, Rhéaume E, Beresford PJ, Scotto C, Sharma K, Lee D, DeWolf WE, Nuttall ME, Lieberman J, Sékaly RP. Direct cleavage of the human DNA fragmentation factor-45 by granzyme B induces caspase-activated DNase release and DNA fragmentation. EMBO J 2001; 20:3101-13. [PMID: 11406587 PMCID: PMC150191 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/20.12.3101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The protease granzyme B (GrB) plays a key role in the cytocidal activity during cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated programmed cell death. Multiple caspases have been identified as direct substrates for GrB, suggesting that the activation of caspases constitutes an important event during CTL-induced cell death. However, recent studies have provided evidence for caspase-independent pathway(s) during CTL-mediated apoptosis. In this study, we demonstrate caspase-independent and direct cleavage of the 45 kDa unit of DNA fragmentation factor (DFF45) by GrB both in vitro and in vivo. Using a novel and selective caspase-3 inhibitor, we show the ability of GrB to process DFF45 directly and mediate DNA fragmentation in the absence of caspase-3 activity. Furthermore, studies with DFF45 mutants reveal that both caspase-3 and GrB share a common cleavage site, which is necessary and sufficient to induce DNA fragmentation in target cells during apoptosis. Together, our data suggest that CTLs possess alternative mechanism(s) for inducing DNA fragmentation without the requirement for caspases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Sharif-Askari
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Département de Microbiologie et d’Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4, Canada, Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Mechanistic Enzymology and Department of Bone and Cartilage Biology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA Present address: Sanofi-Synthelabo, Département Cardiovasculaire, Toulouse Cedex, F-31036, France Present address: Procrea Biosciences Inc., Genomic Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada Present address: Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Department of Chemistry, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Antoine Alam
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Département de Microbiologie et d’Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4, Canada, Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Mechanistic Enzymology and Department of Bone and Cartilage Biology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA Present address: Sanofi-Synthelabo, Département Cardiovasculaire, Toulouse Cedex, F-31036, France Present address: Procrea Biosciences Inc., Genomic Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada Present address: Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Department of Chemistry, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Eric Rhéaume
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Département de Microbiologie et d’Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4, Canada, Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Mechanistic Enzymology and Department of Bone and Cartilage Biology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA Present address: Sanofi-Synthelabo, Département Cardiovasculaire, Toulouse Cedex, F-31036, France Present address: Procrea Biosciences Inc., Genomic Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada Present address: Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Department of Chemistry, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Paul J. Beresford
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Département de Microbiologie et d’Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4, Canada, Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Mechanistic Enzymology and Department of Bone and Cartilage Biology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA Present address: Sanofi-Synthelabo, Département Cardiovasculaire, Toulouse Cedex, F-31036, France Present address: Procrea Biosciences Inc., Genomic Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada Present address: Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Department of Chemistry, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Christian Scotto
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Département de Microbiologie et d’Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4, Canada, Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Mechanistic Enzymology and Department of Bone and Cartilage Biology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA Present address: Sanofi-Synthelabo, Département Cardiovasculaire, Toulouse Cedex, F-31036, France Present address: Procrea Biosciences Inc., Genomic Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada Present address: Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Department of Chemistry, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Kamal Sharma
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Département de Microbiologie et d’Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4, Canada, Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Mechanistic Enzymology and Department of Bone and Cartilage Biology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA Present address: Sanofi-Synthelabo, Département Cardiovasculaire, Toulouse Cedex, F-31036, France Present address: Procrea Biosciences Inc., Genomic Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada Present address: Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Department of Chemistry, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Dennis Lee
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Département de Microbiologie et d’Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4, Canada, Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Mechanistic Enzymology and Department of Bone and Cartilage Biology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA Present address: Sanofi-Synthelabo, Département Cardiovasculaire, Toulouse Cedex, F-31036, France Present address: Procrea Biosciences Inc., Genomic Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada Present address: Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Department of Chemistry, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Walter E. DeWolf
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Département de Microbiologie et d’Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4, Canada, Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Mechanistic Enzymology and Department of Bone and Cartilage Biology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA Present address: Sanofi-Synthelabo, Département Cardiovasculaire, Toulouse Cedex, F-31036, France Present address: Procrea Biosciences Inc., Genomic Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada Present address: Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Department of Chemistry, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Mark E. Nuttall
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Département de Microbiologie et d’Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4, Canada, Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Mechanistic Enzymology and Department of Bone and Cartilage Biology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA Present address: Sanofi-Synthelabo, Département Cardiovasculaire, Toulouse Cedex, F-31036, France Present address: Procrea Biosciences Inc., Genomic Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada Present address: Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Department of Chemistry, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Judy Lieberman
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Département de Microbiologie et d’Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4, Canada, Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Mechanistic Enzymology and Department of Bone and Cartilage Biology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA Present address: Sanofi-Synthelabo, Département Cardiovasculaire, Toulouse Cedex, F-31036, France Present address: Procrea Biosciences Inc., Genomic Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada Present address: Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Department of Chemistry, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Rafick-Pierre Sékaly
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Département de Microbiologie et d’Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 2B4, Canada, Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Mechanistic Enzymology and Department of Bone and Cartilage Biology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA Present address: Sanofi-Synthelabo, Département Cardiovasculaire, Toulouse Cedex, F-31036, France Present address: Procrea Biosciences Inc., Genomic Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4P 2R2, Canada Present address: Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Department of Chemistry, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
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Sarwal MM, Jani A, Chang S, Huie P, Wang Z, Salvatierra O, Clayberger C, Sibley R, Krensky AM, Pavlakis M. Granulysin expression is a marker for acute rejection and steroid resistance in human renal transplantation. Hum Immunol 2001; 62:21-31. [PMID: 11165712 DOI: 10.1016/s0198-8859(00)00228-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Differentiating etiologies of transplant dysfunction without biopsy and optimizing therapy for acute rejection by predicting steroid resistance will reduce patient morbidity. Granulysin is a cytolytic molecule released by CTL and NK cells and coexpressed with effectors of acute allograft rejection, like perforin and granzymes. Granulysin mRNA and protein expression were studied in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL; n = 61 total, n = 10 with intercurrent infections) and biopsy tissue from adult and children renal transplant recipients (n = 97) by competitive quantitative-reverse transcriptase-PCR (QC-RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Differences in cell phenotypes were studied in steroid sensitive and resistant acute rejection biopsies. Granulysin was studied in phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated cell lines (donor PBL and CD45RO(+) T cells) by FACS, Western blotting, and RT-PCR after pretreating with cyclosporine A (CSA), azathioprine, mycophenolic acid, and steroids. Granulysin mRNA was significantly increased in patient PBL and transplant biopsies during acute rejection (p < 0.0001) and infection (p < 0.001). Rejecting biopsies alone (n = 53) had mononuclear cell granulysin staining. Steroid resistant biopsies (n = 25) had denser granulysin staining (>2 cells/high power field) and CD45RO(+) lymphocytes, when compared with steroid sensitive (n = 28) rejecting tissue. Granulysin levels were unchanged after azathioprine and mycophenolic acid treatment, decreased after treating activated PBL with steroids and cyclosporine A (CSA), and paradoxically, increased (p < 0.05) after treating CD45RO(+) CTL with CSA. Elevated PBL granulysin is a peripheral marker for acute rejection and infection and dense granulysin staining a tissue marker for steroid resistance. Memory CTL abound in steroid resistant grafts and may have a markedly different response to CSA immunotherapy, suggesting a possible mechanism for steroid resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Sarwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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42
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Davis JE, Smyth MJ, Trapani JA. Granzyme A and B-deficient killer lymphocytes are defective in eliciting DNA fragmentation but retain potent in vivo anti-tumor capacity. Eur J Immunol 2001; 31:39-47. [PMID: 11169436 DOI: 10.1002/1521-4141(200101)31:1<39::aid-immu39>3.0.co;2-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that granzymes A and B make an important contribution to the clearance of the orthopoxvirus ectromelia, and in graft versus host disease. To test whether granzymes are generally necessary for lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity in vivo, we assessed the cytotoxic capacity of granzyme A and/or B-deficient lymphocytes in several perforin-dependent settings. Splenocytes and allogeneic CTL of granzyme A and/or B-deficient mice were defective for induction of DNA fragmentation, but induced significant membrane damage and target cell death. These results correlated well with the behavior of granzyme A/B-deficient CTL and NK cells in three different perforin-dependent tumor models. In a classical assay of NK cell-mediated rejection, granzyme A and/or B-deficient mice inoculated with RMA-S cells were as susceptible to tumor as wild-type mice. Perforin-deficient mice were also considerably more susceptible to tumor initiation by methylcholanthrene than granzyme A and/or B-deficient mice. Furthermore, rejection of the K1735-melanoma expressing MHC class I and II molecules was mediated by adoptively transferred H-2b anti-k CTL from immunized granzyme A and/or B-deficient mice. In summary, these data suggest that granzymes A and B are not critical for most anti-tumor effector functions of NK cells and CTL that are perforin mediated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Davis
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, East Melbourne, Australia
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43
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Nijman HW, van Diest PJ, Poort-Keesom RJ, von Mensdorff-Pouilly S, Verstraeten RA, Kummer A, Meijer CJ, Melief CJ, Hilgers J, Kenemans P. T cell infiltration and MHC I and II expression in the presence of tumor antigens: An immunohistochemical study in patients with serous epithelial ovarian cancer. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2001; 94:114-20. [PMID: 11134836 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-2115(00)00294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ovarian cancer is a frequent cause of death among women with gynaecologic malignancies despite the introduction of combination chemotherapy. There is therefore a need for new therapeutic strategies for patients with ovarian cancer, such as cellular immunotherapy. In this immunohistochemical study we analysed the expression of three tumor antigens, p53, HER-2/neu and MUC-1 in relation to the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II on tumor cells, and we searched for the presence of (activated) immune effector cells at the tumor site. STUDY DESIGN The study was carried out retrospectively in tumor tissue from 29 patients with serous ovarian cancer. Material used had been formalin fixed and paraffin embedded. Material had been obtained from 15 patients at staging laparotomy and from 14 patients during second look or intervention laparotomy. RESULTS A positive staining for p53 was found in 19/29 (66%) of the tumors, with a high positivity in 13/29 (45%). HER-2/neu and MUC-1 staining was positive in 8/29 (28%) and 21/28 (75%), respectively. Downregulation of MHC class I on tumor cells was found in a minority of the patients, beta-2-microglobin (beta2m) was expressed on tumor cells in all patients. High staining for CD45RO correlated with a high positive staining for granzyme-B (R=0.40, P=0.04) and TIA-1 (R=0.39, P=0.04). A statistically significant better survival in the group with lower stage of disease was found. CONCLUSIONS As only three out of 29 patients were negative for the tumor antigens p53, HER-2/neu and MUC-1, immunotherapy aiming at all three could serve almost all patients with ovarian cancer. We found that granzyme-B, TIA-1 and CD45RO+ T cells are present in the tumor biopsies, increasing this number by immunotherapy may be beneficial. The immune escape mechanism by MHC class I and beta2m downregulation seems to be of minor importance. Our data support the view that immunotherapy may offer new possibilities with high specificity in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Nijman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Vrije Universteit, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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44
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Abstract
Biochemical and genetic analysis of apoptosis has determined that intracellular proteases are key effectors of cell death pathways. In particular, early studies have pointed to the primacy of caspase proteases as mediators of execution. More recently, however, evidence has accumulated that noncaspases, including cathepsins, calpains, granzymes, and the proteasome complex, also have roles in mediating and promoting cell death. An important goal is to understand the importance of distinct noncaspases in various forms of apoptosis, and to determine whether pathways mediated by noncaspase proteases intersect with those mediated by caspases. In this review the roles of noncaspase proteases in the biochemistry of apoptosis will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582, USA
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45
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Nam K, Akari H, Terao K, Shibata H, Kawamura S, Yoshikawa Y. Peripheral blood extrathymic CD4(+)CD8(+) T cells with high cytotoxic activity are from the same lineage as CD4(+)CD8(-) T cells in cynomolgus monkeys. Int Immunol 2000; 12:1095-103. [PMID: 10882421 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/12.7.1095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported that CD4/CD8 double-positive (DP) T cells with the resting memory phenotype are present in the periphery of healthy cynomolgus monkeys. In the present study, we performed functional studies on the T cells. The expression of CD4 and CD8 on DP, CD4 single-positive (SP) or CD8 SP T cells was stable in cultures with either mitogen or anti-CD3 antibody stimulation. In spite of lacking CD28 expression, DP T cells showed similar proliferative ability and apoptosis sensitivity to CD4 SP and CD8 SP T cells. DP T cells showed both helper and cytotoxic activities. Although the helper activity of DP T cells was lower than that of CD4 SP T cells, cytotoxic activity was comparable to that of CD8 SP T cells. Fresh DP T cells killed target cells mainly by the perforin-granzyme pathway. In addition, fresh DP T cells expressed a high level of mRNA for IFN-gamma and produced a high level of IFN-gamma when they were activated by anti-CD3 antibody ligation. On the other hand, several expanded DP T cell clones shared TCR V(beta) with expanded CD4 SP T cell clones, strongly suggesting that those two corresponding clones with DP and CD4 SP phenotypes might be derived from the same ancestor T cell. These results showed that the DP T cells are a novel T cell subset with functions overlapping with those of CD4 SP and CD8 SP T cells, and that they might play protective and regulatory roles in secondary immune response in cynomolgus monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nam
- Tsukuba Primate Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1 Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0843, Japan
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46
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Nguyen VA, Sgonc R, Dietrich H, Wick G. Endothelial injury in internal organs of University of California at Davis line 200 (UCD 200) chickens, an animal model for systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma). J Autoimmun 2000; 14:143-9. [PMID: 10677245 DOI: 10.1006/jaut.1999.0355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disorder characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis. Using skin samples from human SSc and UCD 200 chickens, which spontaneously develop a hereditary disease closely resembling human SSc, we have shown previously that endothelial cell apoptosis is a primary event in the pathogenesis of SSc. The aim of the present study was to investigate the initial disease stage in visceral organs of UCD 200 chickens with special emphasis on endothelial apoptosis, mononuclear cell infiltration and collagen deposition using tissue samples from oesophagus, lung, heart, kidney and liver. Apoptotic endothelial cells were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated FITC-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), mononuclear cell infiltrates were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and increased collagen deposition was demonstrated by Goldner staining. Apoptotic endothelial cells were detected in oesophagus, lung and kidney of UCD 200 chickens at the initial stage of the disease. No apoptotic endothelial cells were found in heart or liver of UCD 200 or in visceral organs of healthy normal UCD 058 control chickens. Oesophagus of UCD 200 chickens, which was the most affected internal organ, showed mononuclear cell infiltrations and increased deposition of collagen. Perivascular inflammatory infiltrates and collagen deposition appeared later than endothelial cell apoptosis. These data support the hypothesis that endothelial cell apoptosis initiates the disease process, followed by mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Nguyen
- Institute for General and Experimental Pathology, University of Innsbruck, Medical School, Innsbruck, Austria
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47
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Beresford PJ, Xia Z, Greenberg AH, Lieberman J. Granzyme A loading induces rapid cytolysis and a novel form of DNA damage independently of caspase activation. Immunity 1999; 10:585-94. [PMID: 10367904 DOI: 10.1016/s1074-7613(00)80058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic lymphocytes trigger apoptosis by releasing perforin and granzymes (Grn). GrnB activates the caspase apoptotic pathway, but little is known about GrnA-induced cell death. Perforin was used to load recombinant GrnA and GrnB and enzymatically inactive variants into target cells. GrnA induces single-strand DNA breaks that can be labeled with Klenow polymerase and visualized on alkaline gels. GrnA-induced DNA damage but not cytolysis requires GrnA proteolysis. GrnA-induced membrane perturbation, nuclear condensation, and DNA damage are unimpaired by caspase blockade. GrnA fails to induce cleavage of caspase-3, lamin B, rho-GTPase, or PARP. GrnA-induced cytotoxicity and cleavage of PHAP II, a previously identified GrnA substrate, are unimpaired in Jurkat cells that overexpress bcl-2. Therefore, GrnA activates a novel apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Beresford
- Center for Blood Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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48
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Matloubian M, Suresh M, Glass A, Galvan M, Chow K, Whitmire JK, Walsh CM, Clark WR, Ahmed R. A role for perforin in downregulating T-cell responses during chronic viral infection. J Virol 1999; 73:2527-36. [PMID: 9971838 PMCID: PMC104500 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.73.3.2527-2536.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/1998] [Accepted: 11/04/1998] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T cells secrete perforin to kill virus-infected cells. In this study we show that perforin also plays a role in immune regulation. Perforin-deficient (perf -/-) mice chronically infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) contained greater numbers of antiviral T cells compared to persistently infected +/+ mice. The enhanced expansion was seen in both CD4 and CD8 T cells, but the most striking difference was in the numbers of LCMV-specific CD8 T cells present in infected perf -/- mice. Persistent LCMV infection of +/+ mice results in both deletion and anergy of antigen-specific CD8 T cells, and our results show that this peripheral "exhaustion" of activated CD8 T cells occurred less efficiently in perf -/- mice. This excessive accumulation of activated CD8 T cells resulted in immune-mediated damage in persistently infected perf -/- mice; approximately 50% of these mice died within 2 to 4 weeks, and mortality was fully reversed by in vivo depletion of CD8 T cells. This finding highlights an interesting dichotomy between the role of perforin in viral clearance and immunopathology; perforin-deficient CD8 T cells were unable to clear the LCMV infection but were capable of causing immune-mediated damage. Finally, this study shows that perforin also plays a role in regulating T-cell-mediated autoimmunity. Mice that were deficient in both perforin and Fas exhibited a striking acceleration of the spontaneous lymphoproliferative disease seen in Fas-deficient (lpr) mice. Taken together, these results show that the perforin-mediated pathway is involved in downregulating T-cell responses during chronic viral infection and autoimmunity and that perforin and Fas act independently as negative regulators of activated T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Matloubian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
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49
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Darmon
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, UK
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50
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Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA), which is thought to result from progressive destruction of the bile ducts by a necroinflammatory process, is the most common cause of obstructive jaundice in infancy. Abnormalities in the cell turnover of remodelling ductal plates are considered one of the important aetiological factors in this disorder, but little work has been done on this topic. Programmed cell death or apoptosis was therefore examined by TdT-mediated dUTP biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) and cell proliferation by Ki67 immunostaining in 34 cases of BA. The results were compared with normal control liver (five cases) and congenital dilatation of the bile ducts (CDB, five cases) in order to study the cell turnover or tissue dynamics of BA. The TUNEL labelling index (LI) in bile ducts (48.9 +/- 13.2 per cent) was significantly higher than that of the control normal liver (3.6 +/- 2.8 per cent) and of CDB (2.5 +/- 5.1 per cent). The Ki67 LI in the bile ducts of BA (15.0 +/- 5.57 per cent) was also significantly higher than that of CDB (8.6 +/- 5.4 per cent). No significant differences of the TUNEL and Ki67 LIs in hepatocytes were, however, observed between BA, CDB, and normal liver. The TUNEL LI was significantly higher than the Ki67 LI in the bile ducts of BA. BA is therefore associated with increased and disorganized cell turnover of the bile ducts, which is related to malformation of the ductal plate or abnormal bile duct development.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Funaki
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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