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Bento R, Scheller J, Parekkadan B. Intratumoral Delivery of Genetically Engineered Anti-IL-6 Trans-signaling Therapeutics. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01230-6. [PMID: 38980514 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a highly pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the etiopathology of several inflammatory diseases and cancer. As so, the inhibition of IL-6 signaling pathways has emerged as an attractive therapeutic avenue for the treatment of several chronic diseases. Since IL-6 trans-signaling was described as the pathological branch of IL-6, selective inhibitors were developed. Next-generation variants with increased trans-signaling specificity and potency emerged as great candidates for the treatment of several diseases, with reduced off-target effects. The highly time-consuming and costly processes involving recombinant protein production, however, have hampered the progress of anti-cytokine pharmaceuticals in clinic so far. Herein, we developed gene therapeutic modalities of IL-6-trans-signaling inhibitors as alternatives for sustained recombinant protein secretion. By using an IL-6-dependent lymphoma cell line and xenograft tumor model, we demonstrated the superior inhibitory potential of second-generation anti-IL-6 trans-signaling therapeutic. We compared the efficiency of distinct gene delivery modalities using a bioluminescent biomarker probe and observed consistent protein production via cell-based delivery. When delivered intratumorally, genetically engineered sgp130FlyRFc-secreting cells significantly reduced tumor burden and increased animal survival, representing a promising therapeutic avenue to be explored in clinically relevant gene delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaela Bento
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Biju Parekkadan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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Zhu J, Li X, Zhou Y, Ge C, Li X, Hou M, Wei Y, Chen Y, Leong KW, Yin L. Inhaled immunoantimicrobials for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eabd7904. [PMID: 38324682 PMCID: PMC10849584 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd7904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Effective therapeutic modalities and drug administration strategies for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are lacking. Here, mucus and biofilm dual-penetrating immunoantimicrobials (IMAMs) are developed for bridging antibacterial therapy and pro-resolving immunotherapy of COPD. IMAMs are constructed from ceftazidime (CAZ)-encapsulated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) gated with a charge/conformation-transformable polypeptide. The polypeptide adopts a negatively charged, random-coiled conformation, masking the pores of HMSNs to prevent antibiotic leakage and allowing the nebulized IMAMs to efficiently penetrate the bronchial mucus and biofilm. Inside the acidic biofilm, the polypeptide transforms into a cationic and rigid α helix, enhancing biofilm retention and unmasking the pores to release CAZ. Meanwhile, the polypeptide is conditionally activated to disrupt bacterial membranes and scavenge bacterial DNA, functioning as an adjuvant of CAZ to eradicate lung-colonizing bacteria and inhibiting Toll-like receptor 9 activation to foster inflammation resolution. This immunoantibacterial strategy may shift the current paradigm of COPD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junliang Zhu
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215002, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Chenglong Ge
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xudong Li
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Mengying Hou
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuansong Wei
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yongbing Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215002, China
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lichen Yin
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215002, China
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Park EJ, Lee CW. Soluble receptors in cancer: mechanisms, clinical significance, and therapeutic strategies. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:100-109. [PMID: 38182653 PMCID: PMC10834419 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01150-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Soluble receptors are soluble forms of receptors found in the extracellular space. They have emerged as pivotal regulators of cellular signaling and disease pathogenesis. This review emphasizes their significance in cancer as diagnostic/prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. We provide an overview of the mechanisms by which soluble receptors are generated along with their functions. By exploring their involvement in cancer progression, metastasis, and immune evasion, we highlight the importance of soluble receptors, particularly soluble cytokine receptors and immune checkpoints, in the tumor microenvironment. Although current research has illustrated the emerging clinical relevance of soluble receptors, their therapeutic applications remain underexplored. As the landscape of cancer treatment evolves, understanding and targeting soluble receptors might pave the way for novel strategies for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ji Park
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Woo Lee
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
- SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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Najar M, Rahmani S, Faour WH, Alsabri SG, Lombard CA, Fayyad-Kazan H, Sokal EM, Merimi M, Fahmi H. Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells and Their Interplay with Th-17 Cell Response Pathway. Cells 2024; 13:169. [PMID: 38247860 PMCID: PMC10814115 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020169] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
As a form of immunomodulatory therapeutics, mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord (UC) tissue were assessed for their dynamic interplay with the Th-17 immune response pathway. UC-MSCs were able to modulate lymphocyte response by promoting a Th-17-like profile. Such modulation depended on the cell ratio of the cocultures as well as the presence of an inflammatory setting underlying their plasticity. UC-MSCs significantly increased the expression of IL-17A and RORγt but differentially modulated T cell expression of IL-23R. In parallel, the secretion profile of the fifteen factors (IL1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-21, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, INF-γ, sCD40, and TNF-α) involved in the Th-17 immune response pathway was substantially altered during these cocultures. The modulation of these factors demonstrates the capacity of UC-MSCs to sense and actively respond to tissue challenges. Protein network and functional enrichment analysis indicated that several biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components linked to distinct Th-17 signaling interactions are involved in several trophic, inflammatory, and immune network responses. These immunological changes and interactions with the Th-17 pathway are likely critical to tissue healing and may help to identify molecular targets that will improve therapeutic strategies involving UC-MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Najar
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Saida Rahmani
- LBBES Laboratory, Genetics and Immune Cell Therapy Unit, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohammed Premier, Oujda 60000, Morocco
| | - Wissam H. Faour
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box 36, Byblos 5053, Lebanon
| | - Sami G. Alsabri
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Catherine A. Lombard
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hussein Fayyad-Kazan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573/14, Beirut 1103, Lebanon
| | - Etienne M. Sokal
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Makram Merimi
- LBBES Laboratory, Genetics and Immune Cell Therapy Unit, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohammed Premier, Oujda 60000, Morocco
| | - Hassan Fahmi
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
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Garbers C, Lokau J. Cytokines of the interleukin-6 family as emerging targets in inflammatory bowel disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:57-65. [PMID: 38217849 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2306341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term that includes different chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD affects more than 6 million people worldwide and constitutes not only a debilitating disease for the patients, but also a significant factor for society due to costs for health care and reduced working capacity. Despite the introduction of biologicals for the treatment of IBD, the identification of novel targets that could lead to novel therapeutics is still needed. AREAS COVERED In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the interleukin-6 family of cytokines as potential therapeutic targets for improving the therapy of patients with IBD. We discuss cytokines like IL-6 itself for which therapeutics such as inhibitory monoclonal antibodies have already entered the clinics, but also focus on other family members whose therapeutic potential has not been explored yet. EXPERT OPINION The different cytokines of the IL-6 family offer multiple therapeutic targets that can potentially be used to treat patients with inflammatory bowel disease, but unwanted side effects like inhibition of epithelial regeneration have to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Garbers
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Juliane Lokau
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Hoffman JM, Robinson R, Greenway G, Glass J, Budkin S, Sharma S. Blockade of interleukin-6 trans-signaling prevents mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence in retinal endothelial cells. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109721. [PMID: 37956941 PMCID: PMC10759313 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifaceted cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Its activity extends through cis- and trans-signaling (TS) pathways, with cis-signaling limited to specific cell types possessing the membrane-bound IL-6 receptor, while trans-signaling broadly activates various cells without the membrane bound IL-6 receptor, including retinal endothelial cells. In this study, we determined the effects of interleukin-6 trans-signaling on mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). HRECs were cultured and treated with IL-6 + soluble IL-6R or Hyper IL-6 to activate trans-signaling, along with sgp130Fc for inhibition. RT-PCR was used to analyze gene expression changes associated with inflammation and senescence. Cellular senescence was assessed using SA β-gal staining. Mitochondrial function was evaluated using Seahorse XFe24 Bioanalyzer. IL-6 trans-signaling induced inflammatory gene expression as indicated by the upregulation of ICAM1, MCP1, and SERPINA3 levels. Additionally, it reduced mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, and these effects were counteracted by sgp130Fc. Moreover, IL-6 trans-signaling led to altered expression of apoptosis-associated genes, including downregulation of FIS1, BCL2, and MCL1, while promoting cellular senescence, a phenomenon mitigated by sgp130Fc. These results not only deepen our understanding of IL-6 in DR but also carry broader implications for age-related diseases and the aging process itself. This study underscores the potential therapeutic value of targeting IL-6 trans-signaling with sgp130Fc as a promising anti-inflammatory approach for DR and potentially other inflammatory conditions. Further in-vivo investigations are warranted to elucidate the function of IL-6 trans-signaling in aging-related pathologies and overall organismal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Hoffman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Rebekah Robinson
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Grace Greenway
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Joshua Glass
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Stepan Budkin
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Shruti Sharma
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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Gesiorowski A, Ettich J, Werner J, Wittich C, Pieper S, Padrini G, Behnke K, Floss DM, Lang PA, Moll JM, Scheller J. Bispecific soluble cytokine receptor-nanobody fusions inhibit Interleukin (IL-)6 trans-signaling and IL-12/23 or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105343. [PMID: 37838173 PMCID: PMC10652096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
At least 0.5% of people in the Western world develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While antibodies that block tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α and Interleukin (IL-)23 have been approved for the treatment of IBD, IL-6 antibodies failed in the phase II clinical trial due to non-tolerable side effects. However, two clinical phase II studies suggest that inhibiting IL-6/soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R)-induced trans-signaling via the cytokine receptor gp130 benefit IBD patients with fewer adverse events. Here we develop inhibitors targeting a combination of IL-6/sIL-6R and TNF or IL-12/IL-23 signaling, named cs130-TNFVHHFc and cs130-IL-12/23VHHFc. Surface plasmon resonance experiments showed that recombinant cs130-TNFVHHFc and cs130-IL-12/23VHHFc bind with high affinity to IL-6/sIL-6R complexes and human TNFα (hTNFα) or IL-12/IL-23, respectively. Immunoprecipitation experiments have verified the higher ordered complex formation of the inhibitors with IL-6/sIL-6R and IL-12. We demonstrated that cs130-TNFVHHFc and cs130-IL-12/23VHHFc block IL-6/sIL-6R trans-signaling-induced proliferation and STAT3 phosphorylation of Ba/F3-gp130 cells, as well as hTNFα- or IL-23-induced signaling, respectively. In conclusion, cs130-TNFVHHFc and cs130-IL-12/23VHHFc represent a class of dimeric and bispecific chimeric cytokine inhibitors that consist of a soluble cytokine receptor fused to anti-cytokine nanobodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Gesiorowski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Ettich
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Werner
- Institute of Molecular Medicine II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph Wittich
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephan Pieper
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Giacomo Padrini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kristina Behnke
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Doreen M Floss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp A Lang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jens M Moll
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; PROvendis GmbH, Muelheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Rose-John S, Jenkins BJ, Garbers C, Moll JM, Scheller J. Targeting IL-6 trans-signalling: past, present and future prospects. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:666-681. [PMID: 37069261 PMCID: PMC10108826 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00856-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key immunomodulatory cytokine that affects the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, including autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions and cancer. Classical IL-6 signalling involves the binding of IL-6 to the membrane-bound IL-6 receptor α-subunit (hereafter termed 'mIL-6R') and glycoprotein 130 (gp130) signal-transducing subunit. By contrast, in IL-6 trans-signalling, complexes of IL-6 and the soluble form of IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) signal via membrane-bound gp130. A third mode of IL-6 signalling - known as cluster signalling - involves preformed complexes of membrane-bound IL-6-mIL-6R on one cell activating gp130 subunits on target cells. Antibodies and small molecules have been developed that block all three forms of IL-6 signalling, but in the past decade, IL-6 trans-signalling has emerged as the predominant pathway by which IL-6 promotes disease pathogenesis. The first selective inhibitor of IL-6 trans-signalling, sgp130, has shown therapeutic potential in various preclinical models of disease and olamkicept, a sgp130Fc variant, had promising results in phase II clinical studies for inflammatory bowel disease. Technological developments have already led to next-generation sgp130 variants with increased affinity and selectivity towards IL-6 trans-signalling, along with indirect strategies to block IL-6 trans-signalling. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the biological outcomes of IL-6-mediated signalling and the potential for targeting this pathway in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Rose-John
- Biochemical Institute, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christoph Garbers
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC:I3), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jens M Moll
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Garbers C, Rose-John S. Dissecting Interleukin-6 Classic and Trans-signaling in Inflammation and Cancer. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2691:207-224. [PMID: 37355548 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3331-1_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine synthesized by many cells in the human body. IL-6 binds to a membrane-bound receptor (IL-6R), which is only present on hepatocytes, some epithelial cells, and some leukocytes. The complex of IL-6 and IL-6R binds to the ubiquitously expressed receptor subunit gp130, which forms a homodimer and thereby initiates intracellular signaling, e.g., the JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways. Proteases can cleave the membrane-bound IL-6R from the cell surface and generate a soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R), which retains its ability to bind IL-6. The IL-6/sIL-6R complex associates with gp130 and induces signaling even on cells which do not express the IL-6R. This paradigm has been called IL-6 trans-signaling, whereas signaling via the membrane-bound IL-6R is referred to as classic signaling. We have generated several molecular tools to differentiate between both pathways and to analyze the consequences of cellular IL-6 signaling in vivo. One of these tools is soluble gp130Fc, which selectively inhibits IL-6 trans-signaling. This protein under the WHO name Olamkicept has successfully undergone phase II clinical trials in patients with autoimmune diseases. Here, in this chapter, we describe several molecular tools to differentiate between IL-6 classic and trans-signaling and to analyze the consequences of cellular IL-6 signaling in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Garbers
- Medical Faculty, Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC:I3), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Blockade of the protease ADAM17 ameliorates experimental pancreatitis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2213744119. [PMID: 36215509 PMCID: PMC9586293 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213744119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute and chronic pancreatitis, the latter associated with fibrosis, are multifactorial inflammatory disorders and leading causes of gastrointestinal disease-related hospitalization. Despite the global health burden of pancreatitis, currently, there are no effective therapeutic agents. In this regard, the protease A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) mediates inflammatory responses through shedding of bioactive inflammatory cytokines and mediators, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and the soluble interleukin (IL)-6 receptor (sIL-6R), the latter of which drives proinflammatory IL-6 trans-signaling. However, the role of ADAM17 in pancreatitis is unclear. To address this, Adam17ex/ex mice-which are homozygous for the hypomorphic Adam17ex allele resulting in marked reduction in ADAM17 expression-and their wild-type (WT) littermates were exposed to the cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis model, and acute (1-wk) and chronic (20-wk) pancreatitis models induced by the cigarette smoke carcinogen nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK). Our data reveal that ADAM17 expression was up-regulated in pancreatic tissues of animal models of pancreatitis. Moreover, the genetic (Adam17ex/ex mice) and therapeutic (ADAM17 prodomain inhibitor [A17pro]) targeting of ADAM17 ameliorated experimental pancreatitis, which was associated with a reduction in the IL-6 trans-signaling/STAT3 axis. This led to reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, including T cells and neutrophils, as well as necrosis and fibrosis in the pancreas. Furthermore, up-regulation of the ADAM17/IL-6 trans-signaling/STAT3 axis was a feature of pancreatitis patients. Collectively, our findings indicate that the ADAM17 protease plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis, which could pave the way for devising novel therapeutic options to be deployed against this disease.
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A hybrid soluble gp130/spike-nanobody fusion protein simultaneously blocks IL-6 trans-signaling and cellular infection with SARS-CoV2. J Virol 2021; 96:e0162221. [PMID: 34935434 PMCID: PMC8865451 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01622-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can induce mild to life-threatening symptoms. Especially individuals over 60 years of age or with underlying comorbidities, including heart or lung disease and diabetes, or immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk. Fatal multiorgan damage in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients can be attributed to an interleukin-6 (IL-6)-dominated cytokine storm. Consequently, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) monoclonal antibody treatment for severe COVID-19 cases has been approved for therapy. High concentrations of soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) were found in COVID-19 intensive care unit patients, suggesting the involvement of IL-6 trans-signaling in disease pathology. Here, in analogy to bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), we developed the first bispecific IL-6 trans-signaling inhibitor, c19s130Fc, which blocks viral infection and IL-6 trans-signaling. c19s130Fc is a designer protein of the IL-6 trans-signaling inhibitor cs130 fused to a single-domain nanobody directed against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. c19s130Fc binds with high affinity to IL-6:sIL-6R complexes as well as the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, as shown by surface plasmon resonance. Using cell-based assays, we demonstrate that c19s130Fc blocks IL-6 trans-signaling-induced proliferation and STAT3 phosphorylation in Ba/F3-gp130 cells as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection and STAT3 phosphorylation in Vero cells. Taken together, c19s130Fc represents a new class of bispecific inhibitors consisting of a soluble cytokine receptor fused to antiviral nanobodies and principally demonstrates the multifunctionalization of trans-signaling inhibitors. IMPORTANCE The availability of effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is a large step forward in managing the pandemic situation. In addition, therapeutic options, e.g., monoclonal antibodies to prevent viral cell entry and anti-inflammatory therapies, including glucocorticoid treatment, are currently developed or in clinical use to treat already infected patients. Here, we report a novel dual-specificity inhibitor to simultaneously target SARS-CoV-2 infection and virus-induced hyperinflammation. This was achieved by fusing an inhibitor of viral cell entry with a molecule blocking IL-6, a key mediator of SARS-CoV-2-induced hyperinflammation. Through this dual action, this molecule may have the potential to efficiently ameliorate symptoms of COVID-19 in infected individuals.
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Berg AF, Ettich J, Weitz HT, Krusche M, Floss DM, Scheller J, Moll JM. Exclusive inhibition of IL-6 trans-signaling by soluble gp130 FlyRFc. Cytokine X 2021; 3:100058. [PMID: 34927050 PMCID: PMC8649222 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytox.2021.100058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of sgp130Fc muteins was generated. Introduction of a gp130 SNP (R281Q) into sgp130Fc increases IL-6 specificity. The sgp130Fc variant sgp130FlyR exclusively affects IL-6 trans-signaling.
gp130 is the signal-transducing receptor for the Interleukin (IL)-6 type cytokines IL-6 and IL-11. To induce signaling, IL-6 forms a complex with IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and IL-11 with IL-11 receptor (IL-11R). Membrane-bound IL-6R and IL-11R in complex with gp130 and the cytokine mediate classic-signaling, whereas trans-signaling needs soluble IL-6R and IL-11R variants. Interleukin (IL)-6 trans-signaling is of particular importance because it drives the development of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, whereas a role for IL-11 trans-signaling remains elusive. Soluble gp130 selectively inhibits trans-signaling of IL-6 whereas both, classic- and trans-signaling are abrogated by IL-6- and IL-6R-antibodies. Recently, we described an optimized sgp130 variant, which carries three amino acid substitutions T102Y/Q113F/N114L (sgp130FlyFc) resulting in reduced inhibition of IL-11 trans-signaling by increasing the affinity of sgp130 for the site I of IL-6. Moreover, we described that the patient mutation R281Q in gp130 results in reduced IL-11 signaling. Here, we show that the combination of T102Y/Q113F/N114L and R281Q in the new variant sgp130FlyRFc results in complete preservation of IL-11 mediated trans-signaling, whereas inhibition of IL-6 trans-signaling is maintained. Since sgp130Fc (olamkicept) has successfully completed a phase IIa trial in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis, sgp130FlyRFc might serve as second-generation therapeutic to diminish IL-11 trans-signaling cross-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna F Berg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Ettich
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hendrik T Weitz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Matthias Krusche
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Doreen M Floss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jens M Moll
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Lokau J, Garbers Y, Grötzinger J, Garbers C. A single aromatic residue in sgp130Fc/olamkicept allows the discrimination between interleukin-6 and interleukin-11 trans-signaling. iScience 2021; 24:103309. [PMID: 34765926 PMCID: PMC8571719 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Blocking the activity of cytokines is an efficient strategy to combat inflammatory diseases. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) fulfills its pro-inflammatory properties via its soluble receptor (IL-6 trans-signaling). The selective trans-signaling inhibitor olamkicept (sgp130Fc) is currently in clinical development. We have previously shown that sgp130Fc can also efficiently block trans-signaling of the closely related cytokine IL-11, which elicits the question how selectivity for one of the two cytokines can be achieved. Using structural information, we show that the interfaces between IL-6R-gp130 and IL-11R-gp130, respectively, within the so-called site III are different between the two cytokines. Modification of an aromatic cluster around Q113 of gp130 within these interfaces allows the discrimination between IL-6 and IL-11 trans-signaling. Using recombinant sgp130Fc variants, we demonstrate that these differences can indeed be exploited to generate a truly selective IL-6 trans-signaling inhibitor. Our data highlight how the selectivity of a clinically relevant designer protein can be further improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Lokau
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke-University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Garbers
- Institute of Psychology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Garbers
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke-University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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IL-6 in the Ecosystem of Head and Neck Cancer: Possible Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011027. [PMID: 34681685 PMCID: PMC8540903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a highly potent cytokine involved in multiple biological processes. It was previously reported to play a distinct role in inflammation, autoimmune and psychiatric disorders, ageing and various types of cancer. Furthermore, it is understood that IL-6 and its signaling pathways are substantial players in orchestrating the cancer microenvironment. Thus, they appear to be potential targets in anti-tumor therapy. The aim of this article is to elucidate the role of IL-6 in the tumor ecosystem and to review the possible therapeutic approaches in head and neck cancer.
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