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Forsyth KS, Jiwrajka N, Lovell CD, Toothacre NE, Anguera MC. The conneXion between sex and immune responses. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:487-502. [PMID: 38383754 PMCID: PMC11216897 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-00996-9] [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] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
There are notable sex-based differences in immune responses to pathogens and self-antigens, with female individuals exhibiting increased susceptibility to various autoimmune diseases, and male individuals displaying preferential susceptibility to some viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections. Although sex hormones clearly contribute to sex differences in immune cell composition and function, the presence of two X chromosomes in female individuals suggests that differential gene expression of numerous X chromosome-linked immune-related genes may also influence sex-biased innate and adaptive immune cell function in health and disease. Here, we review the sex differences in immune system composition and function, examining how hormones and genetics influence the immune system. We focus on the genetic and epigenetic contributions responsible for altered X chromosome-linked gene expression, and how this impacts sex-biased immune responses in the context of pathogen infection and systemic autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Forsyth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nikhil Jiwrajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Claudia D Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Natalie E Toothacre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Montserrat C Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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Binici B, Rattray Z, Schroeder A, Perrie Y. The Role of Biological Sex in Pre-Clinical (Mouse) mRNA Vaccine Studies. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:282. [PMID: 38543916 PMCID: PMC10975141 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12030282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we consider the influence of biological sex-specific immune responses on the assessment of mRNA vaccines in pre-clinical murine studies. Recognising the established disparities in immune function attributed to genetic and hormonal differences between individuals of different biological sexes, we compared the mRNA expression and immune responses in mice of both biological sexes after intramuscular injection with mRNA incorporated within lipid nanoparticles. Regarding mRNA expression, no significant difference in protein (luciferase) expression at the injection site was observed between female and male mice following intramuscular administration; however, we found that female BALB/c mice exhibit significantly greater total IgG responses across the concentration range of mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in comparison to their male counterparts. This study not only contributes to the scientific understanding of mRNA vaccine evaluation but also emphasizes the importance of considering biological sex in vaccine study designs during pre-clinical evaluation in murine studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Binici
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (B.B.); (Z.R.)
| | - Zahra Rattray
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (B.B.); (Z.R.)
| | - Avi Schroeder
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel;
| | - Yvonne Perrie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (B.B.); (Z.R.)
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3
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Hreha TN, Collins CA, Cole EB, Jin RJ, Hunstad DA. Androgen exposure impairs neutrophil maturation and function within the infected kidney. mBio 2024; 15:e0317023. [PMID: 38206009 PMCID: PMC10865792 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03170-23] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men are uncommon yet carry an increased risk for severe pyelonephritis and other complications. In models of Escherichia coli UTI, C3H/HeN mice develop high-titer pyelonephritis (most with renal abscesses) in a testosterone-dependent manner, but the mechanisms underlying this phenotype are unknown. Here, using female mouse models, we show that androgen exposure impairs neutrophil maturation in the upper and lower urinary tract, compounded by a reduction of neutrophil function within the infected kidney, enabling persistent high-titer infection and promoting abscess formation. Following intravesical inoculation with uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), kidneys of androgen-exposed C3H mice showed delayed local pro-inflammatory cytokine responses while robustly recruiting neutrophils. These were enriched for an end-organ-specific population of aged but immature neutrophils (CD49d+, CD101-). Compared to their mature counterparts, these aged immature kidney neutrophils exhibited reduced function in vitro, including impaired degranulation and diminished phagocytic activity, while splenic, bone marrow, and bladder neutrophils did not display these alterations. Furthermore, aged immature neutrophils manifested little phagocytic activity within intratubular UPEC communities in vivo. Experiments with B6 conditional androgen receptor (AR)-deficient mice indicated rescue of the maturation defect when AR was deleted in myeloid cells. We conclude that the recognized enhancement of UTI severity by androgens is attributable, at least in part, to local impairment of neutrophil maturation in the urinary tract (largely via cell-intrinsic AR signaling) and a kidney-specific reduction in neutrophil antimicrobial capacity.IMPORTANCEAlthough urinary tract infections (UTIs) predominantly occur in women, male UTIs carry an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Pyelonephritis in androgen-exposed mice features robust neutrophil recruitment and abscess formation, while bacterial load remains consistently high. Here, we demonstrate that during UTI, neutrophils infiltrating the urinary tract of androgen-exposed mice exhibit reduced maturation, and those that have infiltrated the kidney have reduced phagocytic and degranulation functions, limiting their ability to effectively control infection. This work helps to elucidate mechanisms by which androgens enhance UTI susceptibility and severity, illuminating why male patients may be predisposed to severe outcomes of pyelonephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teri N. Hreha
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christina A. Collins
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Elisabeth B. Cole
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rachel J. Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David A. Hunstad
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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4
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Dunn SE, Perry WA, Klein SL. Mechanisms and consequences of sex differences in immune responses. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:37-55. [PMID: 37993681 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00787-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Biological sex differences refer to differences between males and females caused by the sex chromosome complement (that is, XY or XX), reproductive tissues (that is, the presence of testes or ovaries), and concentrations of sex steroids (that is, testosterone or oestrogens and progesterone). Although these sex differences are binary for most human individuals and mice, transgender individuals receiving hormone therapy, individuals with genetic syndromes (for example, Klinefelter and Turner syndromes) and people with disorders of sexual development reflect the diversity in sex-based biology. The broad distribution of sex steroid hormone receptors across diverse cell types and the differential expression of X-linked and autosomal genes means that sex is a biological variable that can affect the function of all physiological systems, including the immune system. Sex differences in immune cell function and immune responses to foreign and self antigens affect the development and outcome of diverse diseases and immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Dunn
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Whitney A Perry
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabra L Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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5
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Yang R, Yang M, Wu Z, Liu B, Zheng M, Lu L, Wu S. Tespa1 deficiency reduces the antitumour immune response by decreasing CD8 +T cell activity in a mouse Lewis lung cancer model. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110865. [PMID: 37660596 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Thymocyte-expressed, positive selection-associated 1 (Tespa1) is a key molecule in T-cell development and has been linked to immune diseases. However, its role in antitumour CD8+T cell immunity remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that Tespa1 plays an important role in antitumour CD8+T cell immunity. First, compared with wild-type (WT) mice, Lewis lung cancer cells grew faster in Tespa1 knockout (Tespa1-/-) mice, with reduced apoptosis, and decreased CD8+T cells in peripheral blood and tumor tissues. Second, the proportion of CD8+T and Th1 cells in the splenocytes of Tespa1-/- mice was lower than that in WT mice. Third, Tespa1-/- CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) showed weakened proliferation, invasion, cytotoxicity, and protein expression of IL-2 signalling pathway components compared to WT CD8+TILs. Furthermore, PD-1 expression in CD8+TILs was higher in Tespa1-/- than in WT mice. Lastly, CD8+TILs in WT mice improved the antitumour ability of Tespa1-/- mice. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Tespa1 plays a critical role in the tumor immune system by regulating CD8+T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhui Yang
- School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Taizhou Vocational and Technical College, Taizhou 318000, China; Department of Pharmacology, Lishui University School of Medicine, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Mingyue Yang
- The First Clinical Department, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Zehua Wu
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Bingjin Liu
- School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Taizhou Vocational and Technical College, Taizhou, 318000, China
| | - Mingzhu Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Linrong Lu
- Institute of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Songquan Wu
- Department of Immunology, Lishui University School of Medicine, Lishui 323000, China.
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6
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Kelagere Y, Scholand KK, DeJong EN, Boyd AI, Yu Z, Astley RA, Callegan MC, Bowdish DM, Makarenkova HP, de Paiva CS. TNF is a critical cytokine in age-related dry eye disease. Ocul Surf 2023; 30:119-128. [PMID: 37634571 PMCID: PMC10812879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.08.004] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a complex biological process that is characterized by low-grade inflammation, called inflammaging. Aging affects multiple organs including eye and lacrimal gland. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that participates in inflammation, activation of proteases such as cathepsin S, and formation of ectopic lymphoid organs. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we investigated the role of TNF in age-related dry eye disease, emphasizing the ocular surface and lacrimal gland inflammation. Our results show the increased protein and mRNA levels of TNF in aged lacrimal glands, accompanied by increased TNF, IL1β, IL-18, CCL5, CXCL1, IL-2, IL-2 receptor alpha (CD25), IFN-γ, IL-12p40, IL-17, and IL-10 proteins in tears of aged mice. Moreover, genetic loss of the Tnf-/- in mice decreased goblet cell loss and the development of ectopic lymphoid structures in the lacrimal gland compared to wild-type mice. This was accompanied by a decrease in cytokine production. Treatment of mice at an early stage of aging (12-14-month-old) with TNF inhibitor tanfanercept eye drops for eight consecutive weeks decreased cytokine levels in tears, improved goblet cell density, and decreased the marginal zone B cell frequency in the lacrimal gland compared to vehicle-treated animals. Our studies indicate that modulation of TNF during aging could be a novel strategy for age-related dry eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashaswini Kelagere
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Kaitlin K Scholand
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Biochemistry and Cell Biology Graduate Program, Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Erica N DeJong
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Andrea I Boyd
- Graduate Program in Immunology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, USA.
| | - Zhiyuan Yu
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Roger A Astley
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Michelle C Callegan
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Dawn Me Bowdish
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Helen P Makarenkova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Cintia S de Paiva
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Biochemistry and Cell Biology Graduate Program, Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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7
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Ribeiro TA, Breznik JA, Kennedy KM, Yeo E, Kennelly BKE, Jazwiec PA, Patterson VS, Bellissimo CJ, Anhê FF, Schertzer JD, Bowdish DME, Sloboda DM. Intestinal permeability and peripheral immune cell composition are altered by pregnancy and adiposity at mid- and late-gestation in the mouse. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284972. [PMID: 37549142 PMCID: PMC10406227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
It is clear that the gastrointestinal tract influences metabolism and immune function. Most studies to date have used male test subjects, with a focus on effects of obesity and dietary challenges. Despite significant physiological maternal adaptations that occur across gestation, relatively few studies have examined pregnancy-related gut function. Moreover, it remains unknown how pregnancy and diet can interact to alter intestinal barrier function. In this study, we investigated the impacts of pregnancy and adiposity on maternal intestinal epithelium morphology, in vivo intestinal permeability, and peripheral blood immunophenotype, using control (CTL) and high-fat (HF) fed non-pregnant female mice and pregnant mice at mid- (embryonic day (E)14.5) and late (E18.5) gestation. We found that small intestine length increased between non-pregnant mice and dams at late-gestation, but ileum villus length, and ileum and colon crypt depths and goblet cell numbers remained similar. Compared to CTL-fed mice, HF-fed mice had reduced small intestine length, ileum crypt depth and villus length. Goblet cell numbers were only consistently reduced in HF-fed non-pregnant mice. Pregnancy increased in vivo gut permeability, with a greater effect at mid- versus late-gestation. Non-pregnant HF-fed mice had greater gut permeability, and permeability was also increased in HF-fed pregnant dams at mid but not late-gestation. The impaired maternal gut barrier in HF-fed dams at mid-gestation coincided with changes in maternal blood and bone marrow immune cell composition, including an expansion of circulating inflammatory Ly6Chigh monocytes. In summary, pregnancy has temporal effects on maternal intestinal structure and barrier function, and on peripheral immunophenotype, which are further modified by HF diet-induced maternal adiposity. Maternal adaptations in pregnancy are thus vulnerable to excess maternal adiposity, which may both affect maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane A. Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Institute for Research on Aging, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica A. Breznik
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Institute for Research on Aging, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine M. Kennedy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Institute for Research on Aging, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erica Yeo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brianna K. E. Kennelly
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrycja A. Jazwiec
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Violet S. Patterson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christian J. Bellissimo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fernando F. Anhê
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan D. Schertzer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dawn M. E. Bowdish
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Institute for Research on Aging, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah M. Sloboda
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Institute for Research on Aging, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Lloyd EM, Pinniger GJ, Murphy RM, Grounds MD. Slow or fast: Implications of myofibre type and associated differences for manifestation of neuromuscular disorders. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 238:e14012. [PMID: 37306196 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Many neuromuscular disorders can have a differential impact on a specific myofibre type, forming the central premise of this review. The many different skeletal muscles in mammals contain a spectrum of slow- to fast-twitch myofibres with varying levels of protein isoforms that determine their distinctive contractile, metabolic, and other properties. The variations in functional properties across the range of classic 'slow' to 'fast' myofibres are outlined, combined with exemplars of the predominantly slow-twitch soleus and fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus muscles, species comparisons, and techniques used to study these properties. Other intrinsic and extrinsic differences are discussed in the context of slow and fast myofibres. These include inherent susceptibility to damage, myonecrosis, and regeneration, plus extrinsic nerves, extracellular matrix, and vasculature, examined in the context of growth, ageing, metabolic syndrome, and sexual dimorphism. These many differences emphasise the importance of carefully considering the influence of myofibre-type composition on manifestation of various neuromuscular disorders across the lifespan for both sexes. Equally, understanding the different responses of slow and fast myofibres due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors can provide deep insight into the precise molecular mechanisms that initiate and exacerbate various neuromuscular disorders. This focus on the influence of different myofibre types is of fundamental importance to enhance translation for clinical management and therapies for many skeletal muscle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Lloyd
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gavin J Pinniger
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Robyn M Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Miranda D Grounds
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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9
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Breznik JA, Jury J, Verdú EF, Sloboda DM, Bowdish DME. Diet-induced obesity alters intestinal monocyte-derived and tissue-resident macrophages and increases intestinal permeability in female mice independent of tumor necrosis factor. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 324:G305-G321. [PMID: 36749921 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00231.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are essential for homeostatic maintenance of the anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic intestinal environment, yet monocyte-derived macrophages can promote local inflammation. Proinflammatory macrophage accumulation within the intestines may contribute to the development of systemic chronic inflammation and immunometabolic dysfunction in obesity. Using a model of high-fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6J female mice, we assessed intestinal paracellular permeability by in vivo and ex vivo assays and quantitated intestinal macrophages in ileum and colon tissues by multicolor flow cytometry after short (6 wk), intermediate (12 wk), and prolonged (18 wk) diet allocation. We characterized monocyte-derived CD4-TIM4- and CD4+TIM4- macrophages, as well as tissue-resident CD4+TIM4+ macrophages. Diet-induced obesity had tissue- and time-dependent effects on intestinal permeability, as well as monocyte and macrophage numbers, surface marker phenotype, and intracellular production of the cytokines IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). We found that obese mice had increased paracellular permeability, in particular within the ileum, but this did not elicit recruitment of monocytes nor a local proinflammatory response by monocyte-derived or tissue-resident macrophages in either the ileum or colon. Proliferation of monocyte-derived and tissue-resident macrophages was also unchanged. Wild-type and TNF-/- littermate mice had similar intestinal permeability and macrophage population characteristics in response to diet-induced obesity. These data are unique from reported effects of diet-induced obesity on macrophages in metabolic tissues, as well as outcomes of acute inflammation within the intestines. These experiments also collectively indicate that TNF does not mediate effects of diet-induced obesity on paracellular permeability or intestinal monocyte-derived and tissue-resident intestinal macrophages in young female mice.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that diet-induced obesity in female mice has tissue- and time-dependent effects on intestinal paracellular permeability as well as monocyte-derived and tissue-resident macrophage numbers, surface marker phenotype, and intracellular production of the cytokines IL-10 and TNF. These changes were not mediated by TNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Breznik
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Jury
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elena F Verdú
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah M Sloboda
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dawn M E Bowdish
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Jiwrajka N, Anguera MC. The X in seX-biased immunity and autoimmune rheumatic disease. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20211487. [PMID: 35510951 PMCID: PMC9075790 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism in the composition and function of the human immune system has important clinical implications, as males and females differ in their susceptibility to infectious diseases, cancers, and especially systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Both sex hormones and the X chromosome, which bears a number of immune-related genes, play critical roles in establishing the molecular basis for the observed sex differences in immune function and dysfunction. Here, we review our current understanding of sex differences in immune composition and function in health and disease, with a specific focus on the contribution of the X chromosome to the striking female bias of three autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Jiwrajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Montserrat C. Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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11
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Nigri M, Åhlgren J, Wolfer DP, Voikar V. Role of Environment and Experimenter in Reproducibility of Behavioral Studies With Laboratory Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:835444. [PMID: 35250504 PMCID: PMC8895324 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.835444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral phenotyping of mice has received a great deal of attention during the past three decades. However, there is still a pressing need to understand the variability caused by environmental and biological factors, human interference, and poorly standardized experimental protocols. The inconsistency of results is often attributed to the inter-individual difference between the experimenters and environmental conditions. The present work aims to dissect the combined influence of the experimenter and the environment on the detection of behavioral traits in two inbred strains most commonly used in behavioral genetics due to their contrasting phenotypes, the C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice. To this purpose, the elevated O-maze, the open field with object, the accelerating rotarod and the Barnes maze tests were performed by two experimenters in two diverse laboratory environments. Our findings confirm the well-characterized behavioral differences between these strains in exploratory behavior, motor performance, learning and memory. Moreover, the results demonstrate how the experimenter and the environment influence the behavioral tests with a variable-dependent effect, often with mutually exclusive contributions. In this context, our study highlights how both the experimenter and the environment can have an impact on the strain effect size without altering the direction of the conclusions. Importantly, the general agreement on the results is reached by converging evidence from multiple measures addressing the same trait. In conclusion, the present work elucidates the contribution of both the experimenter and the laboratory environment in the intricate field of reproducibility in mouse behavioral phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Nigri
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Martina Nigri,
| | - Johanna Åhlgren
- Laboratory Animal Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David P. Wolfer
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vootele Voikar
- Laboratory Animal Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Vootele Voikar,
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Abstract
Despite numerous studies of immune sexual dimorphism, sexual differences are not rigorously mapped and dimorphic mechanisms are incompletely understood. Current immune research typically studies sex differences in specific cells, tissues, or diseases but without providing an integrated picture. To connect the dots, we suggest comprehensive research approaches to better our understanding of immune sexual dimorphism and its mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Talia Gal-Oz
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tal Shay
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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The Effects of Biological Sex on Sepsis Treatments in Animal Models: A Systematic Review and a Narrative Elaboration on Sex- and Gender-Dependent Differences in Sepsis. Crit Care Explor 2021; 3:e0433. [PMID: 34151276 PMCID: PMC8205191 DOI: 10.1097/cce.0000000000000433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies provide an opportunity to evaluate the relationship between sex and sepsis, and investigate underlying mechanisms in a controlled experimental environment. The objective of our systematic review was to assess the impact of biological sex on treatment response to fluid and antibiotic therapy in animal models of sepsis. Furthermore, we provide a narrative elaboration of sex-dependent differences in preclinical models of sepsis. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE and Embase were searched from inception to March 16, 2020. STUDY SELECTION All studies reporting sex-stratified data comparing antibiotics and/or fluid resuscitation with a placebo or no treatment arm in an in vivo model of sepsis were included. DATA EXTRACTION Outcomes of interest were mortality (primary) and organ dysfunction (secondary). Risk of bias was assessed. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently and in duplicate. DATA SYNTHESIS The systematic search returned 2,649 unique studies, and two met inclusion criteria. Both studies used cecal ligation and puncture models with imipenem/cilastatin antibiotics. No eligible studies investigated fluids. In one study, antibiotic therapy significantly reduced mortality in male, but not female, animals. The other study reported no sex differences in organ dysfunction. Both studies were deemed to be at a high overall risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS There is a remarkable and concerning paucity of data investigating sex-dependent differences in fluid and antibiotic therapy for the treatment of sepsis in animal models. This may reflect poor awareness of the importance of investigating sex-dependent differences. Our discussion therefore expands on general concepts of sex and gender in biomedical research and sex-dependent differences in key areas of sepsis research such as the cardiovascular system, immunometabolism, the microbiome, and epigenetics. Finally, we discuss current clinical knowledge, the potential for reverse translation, and directions for future studies. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020192738.
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14
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Lee J. Oestrous cycle in female mice is 'immune' to variability. J Physiol 2021; 599:2133-2134. [PMID: 33651386 DOI: 10.1113/jp281198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joohyung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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