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Chupp DP, Rivera CE, Zhou Y, Xu Y, Ramsey PS, Xu Z, Zan H, Casali P. A humanized mouse that mounts mature class-switched, hypermutated and neutralizing antibody responses. Nat Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41590-024-01880-3. [PMID: 38918608 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01880-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Humanized mice are limited in terms of modeling human immunity, particularly with regards to antibody responses. Here we constructed a humanized (THX) mouse by grafting non-γ-irradiated, genetically myeloablated KitW-41J mutant immunodeficient pups with human cord blood CD34+ cells, followed by 17β-estradiol conditioning to promote immune cell differentiation. THX mice reconstitute a human lymphoid and myeloid immune system, including marginal zone B cells, germinal center B cells, follicular helper T cells and neutrophils, and develop well-formed lymph nodes and intestinal lymphoid tissue, including Peyer's patches, and human thymic epithelial cells. These mice have diverse human B cell and T cell antigen receptor repertoires and can mount mature T cell-dependent and T cell-independent antibody responses, entailing somatic hypermutation, class-switch recombination, and plasma cell and memory B cell differentiation. Upon flagellin or Pfizer coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccination, THX mice mount neutralizing antibody responses to Salmonella or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Spike S1 receptor-binding domain, with blood incretion of human cytokines, including APRIL, BAFF, TGF-β, IL-4 and IFN-γ, all at physiological levels. These mice can also develop lupus autoimmunity after pristane injection. By leveraging estrogen activity to support human immune cell differentiation and maturation of antibody responses, THX mice provide a platform to study the human immune system and to develop human vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Chupp
- The Antibody Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Invivyd, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Carlos E Rivera
- The Antibody Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yulai Zhou
- The Antibody Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yijiang Xu
- The Antibody Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Patrick S Ramsey
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Zhenming Xu
- The Antibody Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hong Zan
- The Antibody Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Prellis Biologics, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Paolo Casali
- The Antibody Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Xiao T, Lee J, Gauntner TD, Velegraki M, Lathia JD, Li Z. Hallmarks of sex bias in immuno-oncology: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:338-355. [PMID: 38589557 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00680-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Sex differences are present across multiple non-reproductive organ cancers, with male individuals generally experiencing higher incidence of cancer with poorer outcomes. Although some mechanisms underlying these differences are emerging, the immunological basis is not well understood. Observations from clinical trials also suggest a sex bias in conventional immunotherapies with male individuals experiencing a more favourable response and female individuals experiencing more severe adverse events to immune checkpoint blockade. In this Perspective article, we summarize the major biological hallmarks underlying sex bias in immuno-oncology. We focus on signalling from sex hormones and chromosome-encoded gene products, along with sex hormone-independent and chromosome-independent epigenetic mechanisms in tumour and immune cells such as myeloid cells and T cells. Finally, we highlight opportunities for future studies on sex differences that integrate sex hormones and chromosomes and other emerging cancer hallmarks such as ageing and the microbiome to provide a more comprehensive view of how sex differences underlie the response in cancer that can be leveraged for more effective immuno-oncology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Xiao
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-The James, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Juyeun Lee
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Timothy D Gauntner
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-The James, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Maria Velegraki
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-The James, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumour Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Zihai Li
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-The James, Columbus, OH, USA.
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3
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Creisher PS, Parish MA, Lei J, Liu J, Perry JL, Campbell AD, Sherer ML, Burd I, Klein SL. Suppression of progesterone by influenza A virus mediates adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in mice. mBio 2024; 15:e0306523. [PMID: 38190129 PMCID: PMC10865978 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03065-23] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus infection during pregnancy can cause adverse maternal and fetal outcomes but the mechanism responsible remains elusive. Infection of outbred mice with 2009 H1N1 at embryonic day (E) 10 resulted in significant maternal morbidity, placental tissue damage and inflammation, fetal growth restriction, and developmental delays that lasted through weaning. Restriction of pulmonary virus replication was not inhibited during pregnancy, but infected dams had suppressed circulating and placental progesterone (P4) concentrations that were caused by H1N1-induced upregulation of pulmonary cyclooxygenase (COX)-1-, but not COX-2-, dependent synthesis and secretion of prostaglandin (PG) F2α. Treatment with 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC), a synthetic progestin that is safe to use in pregnancy, ameliorated the adverse maternal and fetal outcomes from H1N1 infection and prevented placental cell death and inflammation. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of progestin treatments for influenza during pregnancy.IMPORTANCEPregnant individuals are at risk of severe outcomes from both seasonal and pandemic influenza A viruses. Influenza infection during pregnancy is associated with adverse fetal outcomes at birth and adverse consequences for offspring into adulthood. When outbred dams, with semi-allogenic fetuses, were infected with 2009 H1N1, in addition to pulmonary virus replication, lung damage, and inflammation, the placenta showed evidence of transient cell death and inflammation that was mediated by increased activity along the arachidonic acid pathway leading to suppression of circulating progesterone. Placental damage and suppressed progesterone were associated with detrimental effects on perinatal growth and developmental delays in offspring. Treatment of H1N1-infected pregnant mice with 17-OHPC, a synthetic progestin treatment that is safe to use in pregnancy, prevented placental damage and inflammation and adverse fetal outcomes. This novel therapeutic option for the treatment of influenza during pregnancy should be explored clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S. Creisher
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maclaine A. Parish
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jamie L. Perry
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ariana D. Campbell
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Morgan L. Sherer
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sabra L. Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 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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Creisher PS, Parish MA, Lei J, Liu J, Perry JL, Campbell AD, Sherer ML, Burd I, Klein SL. Suppression of progesterone by influenza A virus mediates adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.11.557146. [PMID: 37745453 PMCID: PMC10515826 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.11.557146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Influenza A virus infection during pregnancy can cause adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, but the mechanism responsible remains elusive. Infection of outbred mice with 2009 H1N1 at embryonic day (E) 10 resulted in significant maternal morbidity, placental tissue damage and inflammation, fetal growth restriction, and developmental delays that lasted through weaning. Restriction of pulmonary virus replication was not inhibited during pregnancy, but infected dams had suppressed circulating and placental progesterone (P4) concentrations that were caused by H1N1-induced upregulation of pulmonary cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, but not COX-2-, dependent synthesis and secretion of prostaglandin (PG) F2α. Treatment with 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC), a synthetic progestin that is safe to use in pregnancy, ameliorated the adverse maternal and fetal outcomes from H1N1 infection and prevented placental cell death and inflammation. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of progestin treatments for influenza during pregnancy.
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6
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Al‐Kuraishy HM, Al‐Maiahy TJ, Al‐Gareeb AI, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Elhussieny O, Saad HM, Batiha GE. New insights on the potential effect of progesterone in Covid-19: Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e1100. [PMID: 38018575 PMCID: PMC10683562 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1100] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is higher in men than women and sex hormones have immune-modulator effects during different viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 infection. One of the essential sex hormones is progesterone (P4). AIMS This review aimed to reveal the association between P4 and Covid-19. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The possible role of P4 in COVID-19 could be beneficial through the modulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, induction of the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibition release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. P4 stimulates skew of naïve T cells from inflammatory Th1 toward anti-inflammatory Th2 with activation release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and activation of regulatory T cells (Treg) with decreased interferon-gamma production that increased during SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, P4 is regarded as a potent antagonist of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), it could reduce MRs that were activated by stimulated aldosterone from high AngII during SARS-CoV-2. P4 active metabolite allopregnanolone is regarded as a neurosteroid that acts as a positive modulator of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA ) so it may reduce neuropsychiatric manifestations and dysautonomia in COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION Taken together, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of P4 may improve central and peripheral complications in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M. Al‐Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Medicine, College of MedicineMustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Thabat J. Al‐Maiahy
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, College of MedicineAl‐Mustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Ali I. Al‐Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Medicine, College of MedicineMustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research & DevelopmentChandigarh UniversityMohaliPunjabIndia
- Department of Science and EngineeringNovel Global Community Educational FoundationHebershamNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Research & DevelopmentAFNP MedWienAustria
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten‐Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40University of Witten‐HerdeckeWuppertalGermany
| | - Omnya Elhussieny
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineMatrouh UniversityMarsa MatruhEgypt
| | - Hebatallah M. Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineMatrouh UniversityMarsa MatruhEgypt
| | - Gaber El‐Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour University, DamanhourAlBeheiraEgypt
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7
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Messas T, Lim RK, Burns L, Yumeen S, Kroumpouzos G. A critical review of COVID-19 course and vaccination in dermatology patients on immunomodulatory/biologic therapy: recommendations should not differ between non-pregnant and pregnant individuals. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1121025. [PMID: 37332768 PMCID: PMC10272467 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1121025] [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: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 can have detrimental effects on immunosuppressed patients. Here, we evaluate the evidence regarding continuing immunomodulatory/biologic (IMBI) therapy in pregnant dermatology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, we discuss the risks of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant dermatology patients on IMBI therapy. As indicated in this review, regarding continuing IMBI therapy in pregnant dermatology patients during the pandemic, there is no compelling reason for treating them differently than non-pregnant. The body of evidence indicates that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe during pregnancy. Studies on rheumatology patients, a group that overlaps significantly with the dermatology group, provided essential findings. IMBI in a non-pregnant rheumatology patient was not associated with COVID-19 mortality (except for rituximab), and vaccination of the rheumatology patient during pregnancy improved the obstetric outcomes compared to the unvaccinated patient. Based on this data, it can be stated that after weighing the benefit-risk profile of the available COVID-19 vaccines, the recommendation for the pregnant dermatology patient speaks in favor of the COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations in pregnant dermatology patients on IMBI should not differ from those for their non-pregnant counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tassahil Messas
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Centre, University of Constantine III, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Rachel K. Lim
- Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Laura Burns
- Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Sara Yumeen
- Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - George Kroumpouzos
- Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- GK Dermatology, PC, South Weymouth, MA, United States
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Creisher PS, Seddu K, Mueller AL, Klein SL. Biological Sex and Pregnancy Affect Influenza Pathogenesis and Vaccination. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 441:111-137. [PMID: 37695427 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35139-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Males and females differ in the outcome of influenza A virus (IAV) infections, which depends significantly on age. During seasonal influenza epidemics, young children (< 5 years of age) and aged adults (65+ years of age) are at greatest risk for severe disease, and among these age groups, males tend to suffer a worse outcome from IAV infection than females. Following infection with pandemic strains of IAVs, females of reproductive ages (i.e., 15-49 years of age) experience a worse outcome than their male counterparts. Although females of reproductive ages experience worse outcomes from IAV infection, females typically have greater immune responses to influenza vaccination as compared with males. Among females of reproductive ages, pregnancy is one factor linked to an increased risk of severe outcome of influenza. Small animal models of influenza virus infection and vaccination illustrate that immune responses and repair of damaged tissue following IAV infection also differ between the sexes and impact the outcome of infection. There is growing evidence that sex steroid hormones, including estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone, directly impact immune responses during IAV infection and vaccination. Greater consideration of the combined effects of sex and age as biological variables in epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies of influenza pathogenesis is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Creisher
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kumba Seddu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alice L Mueller
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sabra L Klein
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Creisher PS, Campbell AD, Perry JL, Roznik K, Burd I, Klein SL. Influenza subtype-specific maternal antibodies protect offspring against infection but inhibit vaccine-induced immunity and protection in mice. Vaccine 2022; 40:6818-6829. [PMID: 36253217 PMCID: PMC10024894 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Following influenza A virus (IAV) infection or vaccination during pregnancy, maternal antibodies are transferred to offspring in utero and during lactation. The age and sex of offspring may differentially impact the transfer and effects of maternal immunity on offspring. To evaluate the effects of maternal IAV infection on immunity in offspring, we intranasally inoculated pregnant mice with sublethal doses of mouse-adapted (ma) H1N1, maH3N2, or media (mock) at embryonic day 10. In offspring of IAV-infected dams, maternal subtype-specific antibodies peaked at postnatal day (PND) 23, remained detectable through PND 50, and were undetectable by PND 105 in both sexes. When offspring were challenged with homologous IAV at PND 23, both male and female offspring had greater clearance of pulmonary virus and less morbidity and mortality than offspring from mock-inoculated dams. Inactivated influenza vaccination (IIV) against homologous IAV at PND 23 caused lower vaccine-induced antibody responses and protection following live virus challenge in offspring from IAV than mock-infected dams, with this effect being more pronounced among female than male offspring. At PND 105, there was no impact of maternal infection status, but vaccination induced greater antibody responses and protection against challenge in female than male offspring of both IAV-infected and mock-inoculated dams. To determine if maternal antibody or infection interfered with vaccine-induced immunity and protection in early life, offspring were vaccinated and challenged against a heterosubtypic IAV (i.e., different IAV group than dam) at PND 23 or 105. Heterosubtypic IAV maternal immunity did not affect antibody responses after IIV or protection after live IAV challenge of vaccinated offspring at either age. Subtype-specific maternal IAV antibodies, therefore, provide protection independent of offspring sex but interfere with vaccine-induced immunity and protection in offspring with more pronounced effects among females than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Creisher
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ariana D Campbell
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie L Perry
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katerina Roznik
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 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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10
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Kolatorova L, Vitku J, Suchopar J, Hill M, Parizek A. Progesterone: A Steroid with Wide Range of Effects in Physiology as Well as Human Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7989. [PMID: 35887338 PMCID: PMC9322133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone is a steroid hormone traditionally linked with female fertility and pregnancy. In current reproductive medicine, progesterone and its analogues play crucial roles. While the discovery of its effects has a long history, over recent decades, various novel actions of this interesting steroid have been documented, of which its neuro- and immunoprotective activities are the most widely discussed. Discoveries of the novel biological activities of progesterone have also driven research and development in the field of progesterone analogues used in human medicine. Progestogen treatment has traditionally and predominately been used in maintaining pregnancy, the prevention of preterm labor, various gynecological pathologies, and in lowering the negative effects of menopause. However, there are also various other medical fields where progesterone and its analogues could find application in the future. The aim of this work is to show the mechanisms of action of progesterone and its metabolites, the physiological and pharmacological actions of progesterone and its synthetic analogues in human medicine, as well as the impacts of its production and use on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Kolatorova
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.V.); (M.H.)
| | - Jana Vitku
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.V.); (M.H.)
| | - Josef Suchopar
- DrugAgency, a.s., Klokotska 833/1a, 142 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Martin Hill
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.V.); (M.H.)
| | - Antonin Parizek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General Teaching Hospital, Apolinarska 18, 128 51 Prague, Czech Republic;
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11
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Hu J, Brendle SA, Li JJ, Walter V, Cladel NM, Cooper T, Shearer DA, Balogh KK, Christensen ND. Depo Medroxyprogesterone (DMPA) Promotes Papillomavirus Infections but Does Not Accelerate Disease Progression in the Anogenital Tract of a Mouse Model. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050980. [PMID: 35632722 PMCID: PMC9147738 DOI: 10.3390/v14050980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Contraceptives such as Depo-medroxyprogesterone (DMPA) are used by an estimated 34 million women worldwide. DMPA has been associated with increased risk of several viral infections including Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In the current study, we used the mouse papillomavirus (MmuPV1) anogenital infection model to test two hypotheses: (1) contraceptives such as DMPA increase the susceptibility of the anogenital tract to viral infection and (2) long-term contraceptive administration induces more advanced disease at the anogenital tract. DMPA treatments of both athymic nude mice and heterozygous NU/J (Foxn1nu/+) but ovariectomized mice led to a significantly increased viral load at the anogenital tract, suggesting that endogenous sex hormones were involved in increased viral susceptibility by DMPA treatment. Consistent with previous reports, DMPA treatment suppressed host anti-viral activities at the lower genital tract. To test the impact of long-term contraceptive treatment on the MmuPV1-infected lower genital tract, we included two other treatments in addition to DMPA: 17β-estradiol and a non-hormone based contraceptive Cilostazol (CLZ, Pletal). Viral infections were monitored monthly up to nine months post infection by qPCR. The infected vaginal and anal tissues were harvested and further examined by histological, virological, and immunological analyses. Surprisingly, we did not detect a significantly higher grade of histology in animals in the long-term DMPA and 17β-estradiol treated groups when compared to the control groups in the athymic mice we tested. Therefore, although DMPA promotes initial papillomavirus infections in the lower genital tract, the chronic administration of DMPA does not promote cancer development in the infected tissues in our mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafen Hu
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (S.A.B.); (J.J.L.); (N.M.C.); (D.A.S.); (K.K.B.); (N.D.C.)
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Sarah A. Brendle
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (S.A.B.); (J.J.L.); (N.M.C.); (D.A.S.); (K.K.B.); (N.D.C.)
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Jingwei J. Li
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (S.A.B.); (J.J.L.); (N.M.C.); (D.A.S.); (K.K.B.); (N.D.C.)
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Vonn Walter
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Nancy M. Cladel
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (S.A.B.); (J.J.L.); (N.M.C.); (D.A.S.); (K.K.B.); (N.D.C.)
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Timothy Cooper
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Debra A. Shearer
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (S.A.B.); (J.J.L.); (N.M.C.); (D.A.S.); (K.K.B.); (N.D.C.)
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Karla K. Balogh
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (S.A.B.); (J.J.L.); (N.M.C.); (D.A.S.); (K.K.B.); (N.D.C.)
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Neil D. Christensen
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (S.A.B.); (J.J.L.); (N.M.C.); (D.A.S.); (K.K.B.); (N.D.C.)
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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12
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Progesterone and Inflammatory Response in the Oviduct during Physiological and Pathological Conditions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071075. [PMID: 35406639 PMCID: PMC8997425 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone has been shown to be a potent suppressor of several inflammatory pathways. During pregnancy, progesterone levels increase, allowing for normal pregnancy establishment and maintenance. The dysregulation of progesterone, as well as inflammation, leads to poor pregnancy outcomes. However, it is unclear how progesterone imbalance could impact inflammatory responses in the oviduct and subsequently result in early pregnancy loss. Therefore, in this review, we describe the role of progesterone signaling in regulating the inflammatory response, with a focus on the oviduct and pathological conditions in the Fallopian tubes.
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13
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Zhu G, Du S, Wang Y, Huang X, Hu G, Lu X, Li D, Zhu Y, Qu D, Cai Q, Liu L, Du M. Delayed Antiviral Immune Responses in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infected Pregnant Mice. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:806902. [PMID: 35126335 PMCID: PMC8814454 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.806902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in immune responses had been reported to correlate with different symptoms and mortality in the disease course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection interferes with females’ fertility and causes different symptoms among pregnant and non-pregnant females remains unknown. Here, we examined the differences in viral loads, SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody titers, proinflammatory cytokines, and levels of T cell activation after SARS-CoV-2 sub-lethal infection between pregnant and non-pregnant human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme II (ACE2) transgenic mouse models. Both mice showed elevated levels of viral loads in the lung at 4 days post-infection (dpi). However, viral loads in the pregnant group remained elevated at 7 dpi while decreased in the non-pregnant group. Consistent with viral loads, increased production of proinflammatory cytokines was detected from the pregnant group, and the IgM or SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody in serum of pregnant mice featured delayed elevation compared with non-pregnant mice. Moreover, by accessing kinetics of activation marker expression of peripheral T cells after infection, a lower level of CD8+ T cell activation was observed in pregnant mice, further demonstrating the difference of immune-response between pregnant and non-pregnant mice. Although vertical transmission did not occur as SARS-CoV-2 RNA was absent in the uterus and fetus from the infected pregnant mice, a lower pregnancy rate was observed when the mice were infected before embryo implantation after mating, indicating that SARS-CoV-2 infection may interfere with mice’s fertility at a specific time window. In summary, pregnant mice bear a weaker ability to eliminate the SARS-CoV-2 virus than non-pregnant mice, which was correlated with lower levels of antibody production and T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohua Zhu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shujuan Du
- MOE & NHC & CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyan Wang
- MOE & NHC & CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xixi Huang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaowei Hu
- MOE & NHC & CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dajin Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhun Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Di Qu
- MOE & NHC & CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiliang Cai
- MOE & NHC & CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Qiliang Cai,
| | - Lu Liu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Lu Liu,
| | - Meirong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Meirong Du,
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14
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Rangchaikul P, Venketaraman V. SARS-CoV-2 and the Immune Response in Pregnancy with Delta Variant Considerations. Infect Dis Rep 2021; 13:993-1008. [PMID: 34940401 PMCID: PMC8700906 DOI: 10.3390/idr13040091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As of September 2021, there has been a total of 123,633 confirmed cases of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the US according to the CDC, with maternal death being 2.85 times more likely, pre-eclampsia 1.33 times more likely, preterm birth 1.47 times more likely, still birth 2.84 times more likely, and NICU admission 4.89 times more likely when compared to pregnant women without COVID-19 infection. In our literature review, we have identified eight key changes in the immunological functioning of the pregnant body that may predispose the pregnant patient to both a greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, as well as a more severe disease course. Factors that may impede immune clearance of SARS-CoV-2 include decreased levels of natural killer (NK) cells, Th1 CD4+ T cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), a decreased phagocytic index of neutrophil granulocytes and monocytes, as well as the immunomodulatory properties of progesterone, which is elevated in pregnancy. Factors that may exacerbate SARS-CoV-2 morbidity through hyperinflammatory states include increases in the complement system, which are linked to greater lung injury, as well as increases in TLR-1 and TLR-7, which are known to bind to the virus, leading to increased proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, which are already elevated in normal pregnant physiology. Other considerations include an increase in angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the maternal circulation, leading to increased viral binding on the host cell, as well as increased IL-6 and decreased regulatory T cells in pre-eclampsia. We also focus on how the Delta variant has had a concerning impact on SARS-CoV-2 cases in pregnancy, with an increased case volume and proportion of ICU admissions among the infected expecting mothers. We propose that the effects of the Delta variant are due to a combination of (1) the Delta variant itself being more transmissible, contagious, and efficient at infecting host cells, (2) initial evidence pointing to the Delta variant causing a significantly greater viral load that accumulates more rapidly in the respiratory system, (3) the pregnancy state being more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, as discussed in-depth, and (4) the lower rates of vaccination in pregnant women compared to the general population. In the face of continually evolving strains and the relatively low awareness of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women, it is imperative that we continue to push for global vaccine equity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vishwanath Venketaraman
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- C. E. Fedorka
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Department of Veterinary Science University of Kentucky Lexington KY USA
| | - M. H. T. Troedsson
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Department of Veterinary Science University of Kentucky Lexington KY USA
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16
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Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness about sex-specific differences in immunity and outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Strong evidence of a male bias in COVID-19 disease severity is hypothesized to be mediated by sex differential immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. This hypothesis is based on data from other viral infections, including influenza viruses, HIV, hepatitis viruses, and others that have demonstrated sex-specific immunity to viral infections. Although males are more susceptible to most viral infections, females possess immunological features that render them more vulnerable to distinct immune-related disease outcomes. Both sex chromosome complement and related genes as well as sex steroids play important roles in mediating the development of sex differences in immunity to viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabra L. Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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17
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Abstract
Biological sex affects the outcome of diverse respiratory viral infections. The pathogenesis of respiratory infections caused by viruses ranging from respiratory syncytial virus to influenza viruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 differs between the sexes across the life course. Generally, males are more susceptible to severe outcomes from respiratory viral infections at younger and older ages. During reproductive years (i.e., after puberty and prior to menopause), females are often at greater risk than males for severe outcomes. Pregnancy and biological sex affect the pathogenesis of respiratory viral infections. In addition to sex differences in the pathogenesis of disease, there are consistent sex differences in responses to treatments, with females often developing greater immune responses but experiencing more adverse reactions than males. Animal models provide mechanistic insights into the causes of sex differences in respiratory virus pathogenesis and treatment outcomes, where available. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology, Volume 8 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Ursin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21205;
| | - Sabra L Klein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21205; .,W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland, USA 21205
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18
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Werner LR, Gibson KA, Goodman ML, Helm DE, Walter KR, Holloran SM, Trinca GM, Hastings RC, Yang HH, Hu Y, Wei J, Lei G, Yang XY, Madan R, Molinolo AA, Markiewicz MA, Chalise P, Axelrod ML, Balko JM, Hunter KW, Hartman ZC, Lange CA, Hagan CR. Progesterone promotes immunomodulation and tumor development in the murine mammary gland. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001710. [PMID: 33958486 PMCID: PMC8103939 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical studies have linked usage of progestins (synthetic progesterone [P4]) to breast cancer risk. However, little is understood regarding the role of native P4, signaling through the progesterone receptor (PR), in breast tumor formation. Recently, we reported a link between PR and immune signaling pathways, showing that P4/PR can repress type I interferon signaling pathways. Given these findings, we sought to investigate whether P4/PR drive immunomodulation in the mammary gland and promote tumor formation. METHODS To determine the effect of P4 on immune cell populations in the murine mammary gland, mice were treated with P4 or placebo pellets for 21 days. Immune cell populations in the mammary gland, spleen, and inguinal lymph nodes were subsequently analyzed by flow cytometry. To assess the effect of PR overexpression on mammary gland tumor development as well as immune cell populations in the mammary gland, a transgenic mouse model was used in which PR was overexpressed throughout the entire mouse. Immune cell populations were assessed in the mammary glands, spleens, and inguinal lymph nodes of 6-month-old transgenic and control mice by flow cytometry. Transgenic mice were also monitored for mammary gland tumor development over a 2-year time span. Following development of mammary gland tumors, immune cell populations in the tumors and spleens of transgenic and control mice were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS We found that mice treated with P4 exhibited changes in the mammary gland indicative of an inhibited immune response compared with placebo-treated mice. Furthermore, transgenic mice with PR overexpression demonstrated decreased numbers of immune cell populations in their mammary glands, lymph nodes, and spleens. On long-term monitoring, we determined that multiparous PR-overexpressing mice developed significantly more mammary gland tumors than control mice. Additionally, tumors from PR-overexpressing mice contained fewer infiltrating immune cells. Finally, RNA sequencing analysis of tumor samples revealed that immune-related gene signatures were lower in tumors from PR-overexpressing mice as compared with control mice. CONCLUSION Together, these findings offer a novel mechanism of P4-driven mammary gland tumor development and provide rationale in investigating the usage of antiprogestin therapies to promote immune-mediated elimination of mammary gland tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptive Immunity/drug effects
- Animals
- Breast Neoplasms/chemically induced
- Breast Neoplasms/immunology
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/chemically induced
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/immunology
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Drug Implants
- Female
- Galectin 4/genetics
- Galectin 4/metabolism
- Immunity, Innate/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Mammary Glands, Animal/drug effects
- Mammary Glands, Animal/immunology
- Mammary Glands, Animal/metabolism
- Mammary Glands, Animal/pathology
- Mice, Transgenic
- Ovariectomy
- Progesterone/administration & dosage
- Receptors, Progesterone/agonists
- Receptors, Progesterone/genetics
- Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Time Factors
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Tumor Escape/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauryn R Werner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Katelin A Gibson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Merit L Goodman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Dominika E Helm
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Katherine R Walter
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Sean M Holloran
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Gloria M Trinca
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Richard C Hastings
- Flow Cytometry Core Laboratory, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Howard H Yang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ying Hu
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Junping Wei
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gangjun Lei
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xiao-Yi Yang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rashna Madan
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Alfredo A Molinolo
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Mary A Markiewicz
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Prabhakar Chalise
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Margaret L Axelrod
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Justin M Balko
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kent W Hunter
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Carol A Lange
- Department of Medicine (Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation), University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Christy R Hagan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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19
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Lam GY, Goodwin J, Wilcox PG, Quon BS. Sex disparities in cystic fibrosis: review on the effect of female sex hormones on lung pathophysiology and outcomes. ERJ Open Res 2021; 7:00475-2020. [PMID: 33532475 PMCID: PMC7836644 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00475-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in morbidity and mortality have been reported in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population worldwide. However, it is unclear why CF women have worse clinical outcomes than men. In this review, we focus on the influence of female sex hormones on CF pulmonary outcomes and summarise data from in vitro and in vivo experiments on how oestrogen and progesterone might modify mucociliary clearance, immunity and infection in the CF airways. The potential for novel sex hormone-related therapeutic interventions is also discussed. A disparity in survival has been noted between men and women with cystic fibrosis where female sex hormones may facilitate lung disease progression. There is strong evidence that implicates oestrogen in numerous aspects of CF airway pathophysiology.https://bit.ly/34ef4Cv
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Y Lam
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jodi Goodwin
- Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pearce G Wilcox
- Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bradley S Quon
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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20
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Wastnedge EAN, Reynolds RM, van Boeckel SR, Stock SJ, Denison FC, Maybin JA, Critchley HOD. Pregnancy and COVID-19. Physiol Rev 2021; 101:303-318. [PMID: 32969772 PMCID: PMC7686875 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00024.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There are many unknowns for pregnant women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Clinical experience of pregnancies complicated with infection by other coronaviruses e.g., Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome, has led to pregnant woman being considered potentially vulnerable to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Physiological changes during pregnancy have a significant impact on the immune system, respiratory system, cardiovascular function, and coagulation. These may have positive or negative effects on COVID-19 disease progression. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy remains to be determined, and a concerted, global effort is required to determine the effects on implantation, fetal growth and development, labor, and neonatal health. Asymptomatic infection presents a further challenge regarding service provision, prevention, and management. Besides the direct impacts of the disease, a plethora of indirect consequences of the pandemic adversely affect maternal health, including reduced access to reproductive health services, increased mental health strain, and increased socioeconomic deprivation. In this review, we explore the current knowledge of COVID-19 in pregnancy and highlight areas for further research to minimize its impact for women and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A N Wastnedge
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal Health, Medical Research Council (MRC)Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal Health, Medical Research Council (MRC)Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sara R van Boeckel
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal Health, Medical Research Council (MRC)Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Stock
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal Health, Medical Research Council (MRC)Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona C Denison
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal Health, Medical Research Council (MRC)Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline A Maybin
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal Health, Medical Research Council (MRC)Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hilary O D Critchley
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal Health, Medical Research Council (MRC)Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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21
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Abstract
This chapter describes the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in the general population with special consideration to diagnosis in pregnant women. Diagnosis includes the clinical characteristics including symptoms and signs of infection, similarities and differences between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other viral infections particularly influenza, and diagnostic investigations including nucleic acid amplification test, SARS-CoV-2 virus antigen detection, and antibodies against the virus testing. WHO recommendations for testing were discussed. The value of different laboratory investigations in diagnosis and prognosis was highlighted. Explanation of data related to chest imaging and discussion of indications of imaging and different findings were assessed.
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22
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Ye CH, Hsu WL, Peng GR, Yu WC, Lin WC, Hu S, Yu SH. Role of the Immune Microenvironment in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Cell Transplant 2021; 30:9636897211010632. [PMID: 33949207 PMCID: PMC8114753 DOI: 10.1177/09636897211010632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) first emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has since spread rapidly worldwide. As researchers seek to learn more about COVID-19, the disease it causes, this novel virus continues to infect and kill. Despite the socioeconomic impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infections and likelihood of future outbreaks of other pathogenic coronaviruses, options to prevent or treat coronavirus infections remain limited. In current clinical trials, potential coronavirus treatments focusing on killing the virus or on preventing infection using vaccines largely ignore the host immune response. The relatively small body of current research on the virus indicates pathological responses by the immune system as the leading cause for much of the morbidity and mortality caused by COVID-19. In this review, we investigated the host innate and adaptive immune responses against COVID-19, collated information on recent COVID-19 experimental data, and summarized the systemic immune responses to and histopathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we summarized the immune-related biomarkers to define patients with high-risk and worst-case outcomes, and identified the possible usefulness of inflammatory markers as potential immunotherapeutic targets. This review provides an overview of current knowledge on COVID-19 and the symptomatological differences between healthy, convalescent, and severe cohorts, while offering research directions for alternative immunoregulation therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hung Ye
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Lin Hsu
- Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Cancer Center, Hualien, Taiwan
- Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Department of Radiation Oncology, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Ru Peng
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chieh Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - SuiYun Hu
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Han Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chudnovets A, Liu J, Narasimhan H, Liu Y, Burd I. Role of Inflammation in Virus Pathogenesis during Pregnancy. J Virol 2020; 95:e01381-19. [PMID: 33115865 PMCID: PMC7944452 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01381-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections during pregnancy lead to a spectrum of maternal and fetal outcomes, ranging from asymptomatic disease to more critical conditions presenting with severe maternal morbidity, stillbirth, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal congenital anomalies, either apparent at birth or later in life. In this article, we review the pathogenesis of several viral infections that are particularly relevant in the context of pregnancy and intrauterine inflammation. Understanding the diverse mechanisms employed by viral pathogens as well as the repertoire of immune responses induced in the mother may help to establish novel therapeutic options to attenuate changes in the maternal-fetal interface and prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chudnovets
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jin Liu
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Harish Narasimhan
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Estradiol Enhances Antiviral CD4 + Tissue-Resident Memory T Cell Responses following Mucosal Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Vaccination through an IL-17-Mediated Pathway. J Virol 2020; 95:JVI.01206-20. [PMID: 33028712 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01206-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol (E2) is a sex hormone which has been shown to be protective against sexually transmitted infections such as herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). However, few studies have examined the underlying mechanisms by which this occurs. Here, we investigated the effect of E2 on the establishment of memory T cells post-intranasal immunization with HSV-2. CD4+ T cell responses first appeared in the upper respiratory tract (URT) within 3 days postimmunization before being detected in the female reproductive tract (FRT) at 7 days. E2 treatment resulted in greater and earlier Th17 responses, which preceded augmented Th1 responses at these sites. The CD4+ T cells persisted in the URT for up to 28 days, and E2 treatment resulted in higher frequencies of memory T cells. Intranasal immunization also led to the establishment of CD4+ tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM cells) in the FRT, and E2 treatment resulted in increased Th1 and Th17 TRM cells. When the migration of circulating T cells into the FRT was blocked by FTY720, immunized E2-treated mice remained completely protected against subsequent genital HSV-2 challenge compared to non-E2 controls, confirming that TRM cells alone are adequate for protection in these mice. Finally, the enhanced vaginal Th1 TRM cells present in E2-treated mice were found to be modulated through an interleukin 17 (IL-17)-mediated pathway, as E2-treated IL-17A-deficient mice had impaired establishment of Th1 TRM cells. This study describes a novel role for E2 in enhancing CD4+ memory T cells and provides insight on potential strategies for generating optimal immunity during vaccination.IMPORTANCE Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection for which there is currently no vaccine available. Interestingly, the female sex hormone estradiol has been shown to be protective against HSV-2. However, the underlying mechanisms by which this occurs remains relatively unknown. Our study demonstrates that under the influence of estradiol treatment, intranasal immunization with an attenuated strain of HSV-2 leads to enhanced establishment of antiviral memory T cell responses in the upper respiratory tract and female reproductive tract. In these sites, estradiol treatment leads to greater Th17 memory cells, which precede enhanced Th1 memory responses. Consequently, the T cell responses mounted by tissue-resident memory cells in the female reproductive tract of estradiol-treated mice are sufficient to protect mice against vaginal HSV-2 challenge. This study offers important insights regarding the regulation of mucosal immunity by hormones and on potential strategies for generating optimal immunity during vaccination.
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25
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Honce R, Wohlgemuth N, Meliopoulos VA, Short KR, Schultz-Cherry S. Influenza in High-Risk Hosts-Lessons Learned from Animal Models. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a038604. [PMID: 31871227 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a038604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Factoring significantly into the global burden of influenza disease are high-risk populations that suffer the bulk of infections. Classically, the very young, very old, and pregnant women have been identified as high-risk populations; however, recent research has uncovered several other conditions that contribute to severe infection. By using varied animal models, researchers have identified molecular mechanisms underpinning the increased likelihood for infection due to obesity and malnourishment, as well as insight into the role sex hormones play in antiviral immunity in males, in females, and across the life span. Additionally, novel comorbidity models have helped elucidate the role of chronic infectious and genetic diseases in influenza virus pathogenesis. Animal models play a vital role in understanding the contribution of host factors to influenza severity and immunity. An in-depth understanding of these host factors represents an important step in reducing the burden of influenza among the growing number of people living with one or more chronic medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Honce
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678, USA.,Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA
| | - Nicholas Wohlgemuth
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678, USA
| | - Victoria A Meliopoulos
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678, USA
| | - Kirsty R Short
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Stacey Schultz-Cherry
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678, USA
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26
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Cornish EF, Filipovic I, Åsenius F, Williams DJ, McDonnell T. Innate Immune Responses to Acute Viral Infection During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:572567. [PMID: 33101294 PMCID: PMC7556209 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.572567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological adaptations in pregnancy allow maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic fetus but also increase maternal susceptibility to infection. At implantation, the endometrial stroma, glands, arteries and immune cells undergo anatomical and functional transformation to create the decidua, the specialized secretory endometrium of pregnancy. The maternal decidua and the invading fetal trophoblast constitute a dynamic junction that facilitates a complex immunological dialogue between the two. The decidual and peripheral immune systems together assume a pivotal role in regulating the critical balance between tolerance and defense against infection. Throughout pregnancy, this equilibrium is repeatedly subjected to microbial challenge. Acute viral infection in pregnancy is associated with a wide spectrum of adverse consequences for both mother and fetus. Vertical transmission from mother to fetus can cause developmental anomalies, growth restriction, preterm birth and stillbirth, while the mother is predisposed to heightened morbidity and maternal death. A rapid, effective response to invasive pathogens is therefore essential in order to avoid overwhelming maternal infection and consequent fetal compromise. This sentinel response is mediated by the innate immune system: a heritable, highly evolutionarily conserved system comprising physical barriers, antimicrobial peptides (AMP) and a variety of immune cells—principally neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells—which express pattern-receptors that detect invariant molecular signatures unique to pathogenic micro-organisms. Recognition of these signatures during acute infection triggers signaling cascades that enhance antimicrobial properties such as phagocytosis, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activation of the complement system. As well as coordinating the initial immune response, macrophages and dendritic cells present microbial antigens to lymphocytes, initiating and influencing the development of specific, long-lasting adaptive immunity. Despite extensive progress in unraveling the immunological adaptations of pregnancy, pregnant women remain particularly susceptible to certain acute viral infections and continue to experience mortality rates equivalent to those observed in pandemics several decades ago. Here, we focus specifically on the pregnancy-induced vulnerabilities in innate immunity that contribute to the disproportionately high maternal mortality observed in the following acute viral infections: Lassa fever, Ebola virus disease (EVD), dengue fever, hepatitis E, influenza, and novel coronavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F Cornish
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iva Filipovic
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrika Åsenius
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J Williams
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas McDonnell
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
A male bias in mortality has emerged in the COVID-19 pandemic, which is consistent with the pathogenesis of other viral infections. Biological sex differences may manifest themselves in susceptibility to infection, early pathogenesis, innate viral control, adaptive immune responses or the balance of inflammation and tissue repair in the resolution of infection. We discuss available sex-disaggregated epidemiological data from the COVID-19 pandemic, introduce sex-differential features of immunity and highlight potential sex differences underlying COVID-19 severity. We propose that sex differences in immunopathogenesis will inform mechanisms of COVID-19, identify points for therapeutic intervention and improve vaccine design and increase vaccine efficacy. Why are males more susceptible to severe COVID-19 than females? In this Perspective, Sabra Klein and colleagues consider the sex differences in the immune system that may contribute to this sex bias.
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28
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Lee JK, Oh SJ, Park H, Shin OS. Recent Updates on Research Models and Tools to Study Virus-Host Interactions at the Placenta. Viruses 2019; 12:E5. [PMID: 31861492 PMCID: PMC7020004 DOI: 10.3390/v12010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a unique mixed organ, composed of both maternal and fetal tissues, that is formed only during pregnancy and serves as the key physiological and immunological barrier preventing maternal-fetal transmission of pathogens. Several viruses can circumvent this physical barrier and enter the fetal compartment, resulting in miscarriage, preterm birth, and birth defects, including microcephaly. The mechanisms underlying viral strategies to evade the protective role of placenta are poorly understood. Here, we reviewed the role of trophoblasts and Hofbauer cells in the placenta and have highlighted characteristics of vertical and perinatal infections caused by a wide range of viruses. Moreover, we explored current progress and future opportunities in cellular targets, pathogenesis, and underlying biological mechanisms of congenital viral infections, as well as novel research models and tools to study the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Kyung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308 Korea; (J.K.L.); (S.-J.O.)
| | - Soo-Jin Oh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308 Korea; (J.K.L.); (S.-J.O.)
| | - Hosun Park
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyeonchung-ro, Namgu, Daegu 42415, Korea
| | - Ok Sarah Shin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308 Korea; (J.K.L.); (S.-J.O.)
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López-López P, Rivero-Juarez A, Frias M, Machuca I, Caballero-Gómez J, Olivas I, Camacho A, Risalde MDLA, García-Bocanegra I, Rivero A. Mutations in the Progesterone Receptor (PROGINS) May Reduce the Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis E and Protect Against Infection. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2617. [PMID: 31787965 PMCID: PMC6854998 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the progesterone receptor (PR) gene, PROGINS, have been studied in relation to hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Patients with the PROGINS gene may develop a worse clinical course of hepatitis E. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of PROGINS on the susceptibility to and the clinical course of HEV infection in HIV patients. METHODS This study included patients with HIV who were evaluated in previous prospective studies for the prevalence and incidence of HEV. The following three groups of patients were studied: (i) never infected, (ii) past infections, and (iii) recently infected. We determined the PR genotype to evaluate the proportion of patients who were homozygous for PROGINS according to HEV infection. We also compared the proportion of PROGINS carriers with a recent HEV infection according to their symptomatology. RESULTS In this study, 311 patients infected with HIV were included. Of those patients, 198 were homozygous wild type (63.7%), 91 were heterozygous (29.3%), and 22 were homozygous PROGINS (7.1%). We found that the homozygous PROGINS genotype in women was associated with a lower HEV seroprevalence. In addition, in patients with a recent HEV infection, none of those homozygous for PROGINS presented symptoms. CONCLUSION The PROGINS mutation plays a protective role against HEV infection and is associated with subclinical infection in HIV-infected patients, particularly women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro López-López
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mario Frias
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Isabel Machuca
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Israel Olivas
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Angela Camacho
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María de los Angeles Risalde
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Rivero
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
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30
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Shah NM, Imami N, Kelleher P, Barclay WS, Johnson MR. Pregnancy-related immune suppression leads to altered influenza vaccine recall responses. Clin Immunol 2019; 208:108254. [PMID: 31470087 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2019.108254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe influenza infection. Despite achieving seroprotective antibody titres post immunisation fewer pregnant women experience a reduction in influenza-like illness compared to non-pregnant cohorts. This may be due to the effects that immune-modulation in pregnancy has on vaccine efficacy leading to a less favourable immunologic response. To understand this, we investigated the antigen-specific cellular responses and leukocyte phenotype in pregnant and non-pregnant women who achieved seroprotection post immunisation. We show that pregnancy is associated with better antigen-specific inflammatory (IFN-γ) responses and an expansion of central memory T cells (Tcm) post immunisation, but low-level pregnancy-related immune regulation (HLA-G, PIBF) and associated reduced B-cell antibody maintenance (TGF-β) suggest poor immunologic responses compared to the non-pregnant. Thus far, studies of influenza vaccine immunogenicity have focused on the induction of antibodies but understanding additional vaccine-related cellular responses is needed to fully appreciate how pregnancy impacts on vaccine effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishel M Shah
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom.
| | - Nesrina Imami
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Kelleher
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy S Barclay
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R Johnson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom
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31
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Vom Steeg LG, Flores-Garcia Y, Zavala F, Klein SL. Irradiated sporozoite vaccination induces sex-specific immune responses and protection against malaria in mice. Vaccine 2019; 37:4468-4476. [PMID: 31262583 PMCID: PMC7862922 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.06.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In both preclinical animal studies and human clinical trials, adult females tend to develop greater adaptive immune responses than males following receipt of either viral or bacterial vaccines. While there is currently no approved malaria vaccine, several anti-sporozoite vaccines, including RTS,S/AS01 and attenuated sporozoite vaccines, are in development, but the impact of sex and age on their efficacy remains undefined. To examine sex differences in the efficacy of anti-sporozoite stage malaria vaccination, adult (10 weeks of age) or juvenile (11 days of age) male and female C3H mice were twice vaccinated with irradiated transgenic Plasmodium berghei sporozoites expressing the P. falciparum circumsporozoite (CSP) protein and 45 days post boost vaccination, mice were challenged with transgenic P. berghei via mosquito bite or intradermal challenge. Immunization with irradiated sporozoites resulted in greater protection against challenge in adult females, which was associated with greater anti-CSP antibody production and avidity, as well as greater hepatic, but not splenic, CD8+ T cell IFNƴ production in adult females than adult males. No sex differences in adaptive immune responses or protection were observed in mice vaccinated prior to puberty, suggesting a role for sex steroid hormones. Depletion of testosterone in males increased, whereas rescue of testosterone decreased, anti-CSP antibody production, the number of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells isolated from the liver, and protection following parasite challenge. Conversely, depletion of sex steroids in female mice did not alter vaccine-induced responses or protection following challenge. These data suggest that elevated testosterone concentrations in males reduce adaptive immunity and contribute to sex differences in malaria vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon G Vom Steeg
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, USA
| | - Yevel Flores-Garcia
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, USA
| | - Fidel Zavala
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, USA
| | - Sabra L Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Age-associated changes in the impact of sex steroids on influenza vaccine responses in males and females. NPJ Vaccines 2019; 4:29. [PMID: 31312529 PMCID: PMC6626024 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-019-0124-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immunity declines with age, which may differ between males and females. Using human sera collected before and 21 days after receipt of the monovalent A/Cal/09 H1N1 vaccine, we evaluated cytokine and antibody responses in adult (18-45 years) and aged (65+ years) individuals. After vaccination, adult females developed greater IL-6 and antibody responses than either adult males or aged females, with female antibody responses being positively associated with concentrations of estradiol. To test whether protection against influenza virus challenge was greater in females than males, we primed and boosted adult (8-10 weeks) and aged (68-70 weeks) male and female mice with an inactivated A/Cal/09 H1N1 vaccine or no vaccine and challenged with a drift variant A/Cal/09 virus. As compared with unvaccinated mice, vaccinated adult, but not aged, mice experienced less morbidity and better pulmonary viral clearance following challenge, regardless of sex. Vaccinated adult female mice developed antibody responses that were of greater quantity and quality and more protective than vaccinated adult males. Sex differences in vaccine efficacy diminished with age in mice. To determine the role of sex steroids in vaccine-induced immune responses, adult mice were gonadectomized and hormones (estradiol in females and testosterone in males) were replaced in subsets of animals before vaccination. Vaccine-induced antibody responses were increased in females by estradiol and decreased in males by testosterone. The benefit of elevated estradiol on antibody responses and protection against influenza in females is diminished with age in both mice and humans.
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33
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Fedorka CE, Ball BA, Walker OF, Conley AJ, Corbin CJ, Lu KG, Hanneman JM, Troedsson MHT, Adams AA. Alteration of the mare's immune system by the synthetic progestin, altrenogest. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 82:e13145. [PMID: 31087434 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Progestins are immunomodulatory in a variety of species. In the horse, the most commonly administered synthetic progestin is altrenogest (ALT), but its effect on the immune system of the non-pregnant mare is unknown. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from diestrous mares were incubated with varying concentrations of progesterone (P4) or ALT to assess intracellular production of IFNγ and the expression of select cytokines. Additionally, ten mares received either ALT or VEH daily utilizing a switchback design beginning on the day of ovulation and continuing for 7 days. Circulating PBMCs and endometrial biopsies were obtained to assess the production and expression of the same cytokines. RESULTS In vitro, both P4 and ALT caused a dose-dependent decrease in intracellular IFNγ in PBMCs. P4 caused a dose-dependent decrease in the expression of IFNγ, IL-10 and IL-4, while ALT caused an increase in the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in PBMCs. In vivo, ALT suppressed the intracellular levels of IFNγ in PBMCs on d6. While control mares experienced a decrease in IL-1β expression from d0 to d6, ALT-treated mares did not. In the endometrium, ALT increased the expression of IL-1RN and IFNγ in comparison with VEH-treated mares. CONCLUSION P4 and ALT appear to alter the immune system of the non-pregnant mare both systemically in addition to locally within the endometrium. Further research is necessary to determine the pathways through which this synthetic progestin functions on the immune system of the horse, and the consequences it may have.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barry A Ball
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Olivia F Walker
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
| | - Alan J Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Cynthia J Corbin
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Kristina G Lu
- Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jessica M Hanneman
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Mats H T Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Amanda A Adams
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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Shah NM, Lai PF, Imami N, Johnson MR. Progesterone-Related Immune Modulation of Pregnancy and Labor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:198. [PMID: 30984115 PMCID: PMC6449726 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy involves a complex interplay between maternal neuroendocrine and immunological systems in order to establish and sustain a growing fetus. It is thought that the uterus at pregnancy transitions from quiescent to laboring state in response to interactions between maternal and fetal systems at least partly via altered neuroendocrine signaling. Progesterone (P4) is a vital hormone in maternal reproductive tissues and immune cells during pregnancy. As such, P4 is widely used in clinical interventions to improve the chance of embryo implantation, as well as reduce the risk of miscarriage and premature labor. Here we review research to date that focus on the pathways through which P4 mediates its actions on both the maternal reproductive and immune system. We will dissect the role of P4 as a modulator of inflammation, both systemic and intrinsic to the uterus, during human pregnancy and labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishel M. Shah
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pei F. Lai
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nesrina Imami
- Department of Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R. Johnson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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35
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Morgan R, Klein SL. The intersection of sex and gender in the treatment of influenza. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 35:35-41. [PMID: 30901632 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Males/men and females/women differ in the outcome of influenza A virus (IAV) infections, vaccination, and antiviral treatments. Both sex (i.e. biological factors) and gender (i.e. sociocultural factors) can impact exposure and severity of IAV infections as well as responses and outcomes of treatments for IAV. Greater consideration of the combined effects of sex and gender in epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies of influenza pathogenesis is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Morgan
- Department of International Health, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sabra L Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Littauer EQ, Skountzou I. Hormonal Regulation of Physiology, Innate Immunity and Antibody Response to H1N1 Influenza Virus Infection During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2455. [PMID: 30420854 PMCID: PMC6215819 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2009, the H1N1 swine flu pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of pregnant women to influenza viral infection. Pregnant women infected with influenza A virus were at increased risk of hospitalization and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is associated with high mortality, while their newborns had an increased risk of pre-term birth or low birth weight. Pregnant women have a unique immunological profile modulated by the sex hormones required to maintain pregnancy, namely progesterone and estrogens. The role of these hormones in coordinating maternal immunotolerance in uterine tissue and cellular subsets has been well researched; however, these hormones have wide-ranging effects outside the uterus in modulating the immune response to disease. In this review, we compile research findings in the clinic and in animal models that elaborate on the unique features of H1N1 influenza A viral pathogenesis during pregnancy, the crosstalk between innate immune signaling and hormonal regulation during pregnancy, and the role of pregnancy hormones in modulating cellular responses to influenza A viral infection at mid-gestation. We highlight the ways in which lung architecture and function is stressed by pregnancy, increasing baseline inflammation prior to infection. We demonstrate that infection disrupts progesterone production and upregulates inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandins, resulting in pre-term labor and spontaneous abortions. Lastly, we profile the ways in which pregnancy alters innate and adaptive cellular immune responses to H1N1 influenza viral infection, and the ways in which these protect fetal development at the expense of effective long-term immune memory. Thus, we highlight advancements in the field of reproductive immunology in response to viral infection and illustrate how that knowledge might be used to develop more effective post-infection therapies and vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Q Littauer
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ioanna Skountzou
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Sex and sex steroids impact influenza pathogenesis across the life course. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 41:189-194. [PMID: 30298431 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0718-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Males and females differ in the outcome of influenza A virus (IAV) infections, which depends significantly on age. During a typical seasonal influenza epidemic, young children (< 10 years of age) and aged adults (65+ years of age) are at greatest risk for severe disease, and among these age groups, males tend to suffer a worse outcome from IAV infection than females. Following infection with either pandemic or outbreak strains of IAVs, females of reproductive ages (i.e., 15-49 years of age) experience a worse outcome than their male counterparts. Among females of reproductive ages, pregnancy is one factor linked to an increased risk of severe outcome of influenza, although it is not the sole factor explaining the female-preponderance of severe disease. Small animal models of influenza virus infection illustrate that inflammatory immune responses and repair of damaged tissue following IAV infection also differ between the sexes and impact the outcome of infection. There also is growing evidence that sex steroid hormones, including estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone, directly impact immune responses during IAV infection to alter outcomes. Greater consideration of the combined effects of sex and age as biological variables in epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies of influenza pathogenesis is needed.
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38
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Celestino I, Checconi P, Amatore D, De Angelis M, Coluccio P, Dattilo R, Alunni Fegatelli D, Clemente AM, Matarrese P, Torcia MG, Mancinelli R, Mammola CL, Garaci E, Vestri AR, Malorni W, Palamara AT, Nencioni L. Differential Redox State Contributes to Sex Disparities in the Response to Influenza Virus Infection in Male and Female Mice. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1747. [PMID: 30105026 PMCID: PMC6077261 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza virus replicates intracellularly exploiting several pathways involved in the regulation of host responses. The outcome and the severity of the infection are thus strongly conditioned by multiple host factors, including age, sex, metabolic, and redox conditions of the target cells. Hormones are also important determinants of host immune responses to influenza and are recently proposed in the prophylaxis and treatment. This study shows that female mice are less susceptible than males to mouse-adapted influenza virus (A/PR8/H1N1). Compared with males, PR8-infected females display higher survival rate (+36%), milder clinical disease, and less weight loss. They also have milder histopathological signs, especially free alveolar area is higher than that in males, even if pro-inflammatory cytokine production shows slight differences between sexes; hormone levels, moreover, do not vary significantly with infection in our model. Importantly, viral loads (both in terms of viral M1 RNA copies and tissue culture infectious dose 50%) are lower in PR8-infected females. An analysis of the mechanisms contributing to sex disparities observed during infection reveals that the female animals have higher total antioxidant power in serum and their lungs are characterized by increase in (i) the content and biosynthesis of glutathione, (ii) the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxiredoxin 1, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), and (iii) the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. By contrast, infected males are characterized by high expression of NADPH oxidase 4 oxidase and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, both enzymes promoting viral replication. All these factors are critical for cell homeostasis and susceptibility to infection. Reappraisal of the importance of the host cell redox state and sex-related effects may be useful in the attempt to develop more tailored therapeutic interventions in the fight against influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Celestino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Checconi
- San Raffaele Pisana, IRCCS, Telematic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Amatore
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Coluccio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Dattilo
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Alunni Fegatelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ann Maria Clemente
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Matarrese
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Torcia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Loredana Mammola
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- San Raffaele Pisana, IRCCS, Telematic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Vestri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Malorni
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- San Raffaele Pisana, IRCCS, Telematic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Rainville JR, Tsyglakova M, Hodes GE. Deciphering sex differences in the immune system and depression. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 50:67-90. [PMID: 29288680 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Certain mood disorders and autoimmune diseases are predominately female diseases but we do not know why. Here, we explore the relationship between depression and the immune system from a sex-based perspective. This review characterizes sex differences in the immune system in health and disease. We explore the contribution of gonadal and stress hormones to immune function at the cellular and molecular level in the brain and body. We propose hormonal and genetic sex specific immune mechanisms that may contribute to the etiology of mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Rainville
- Department of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Mariya Tsyglakova
- Department of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Georgia E Hodes
- Department of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA.
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40
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Shah NM, Imami N, Johnson MR. Progesterone Modulation of Pregnancy-Related Immune Responses. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1293. [PMID: 29973928 PMCID: PMC6020784 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) is an important steroid hormone for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and its functional withdrawal in reproductive tissue is linked with the onset of parturition. However, the effects of P4 on adaptive immune responses are poorly understood. In this study, we took a novel approach by comparing the effects of P4 supplementation longitudinally, with treatment using a P4 antagonist mifepristone (RU486) in mid-trimester pregnancies. Thus, we were able to demonstrate the immune-modulatory functions of P4. We show that, in pregnancy, the immune system is increasingly activated (CD38, CCR6) with greater antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses (granzyme B). Simultaneously, pregnancy promotes a tolerant immune environment (IL-10 and regulatory-T cells) that gradually reverses prior to the onset of labor. P4 suppresses and RU486 enhances antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell inflammatory cytokine (IFN-γ) and cytotoxic molecule release (granzyme B). P4 and RU486 effectively modulate immune cell-mediated interactions, by regulating differentiated memory T cell subset sensitivity to antigen stimulation. Our results indicate that P4 and RU486, as immune modulators, share a reciprocal relationship. These data unveil key contributions of P4 to the modulation of the maternal immune system and suggests targets for future modulation of maternal immune function during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishel M. Shah
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nesrina Imami
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R. Johnson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Ren Z, Zhao Y, Liu J, Ji X, Meng L, Wang T, Sun W, Zhang K, Sang X, Yu Z, Li Y, Feng N, Wang H, Yang S, Yang Z, Ma Y, Gao Y, Xia X. Intramuscular and intranasal immunization with an H7N9 influenza virus-like particle vaccine protects mice against lethal influenza virus challenge. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 58:109-116. [PMID: 29571081 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The H7N9 influenza virus epidemic has been associated with a high mortality rate in China. Therefore, to prevent the H7N9 virus from causing further damage, developing a safe and effective vaccine is necessary. In this study, a vaccine candidate consisting of virus-like particles (VLPs) based on H7N9 A/Shanghai/2/2013 and containing hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), and matrix protein (M1) was successfully produced using a baculovirus (BV) expression system. Immunization experiments showed that strong humoral and cellular immune responses could be induced by the developed VLPs when administered via either the intramuscular (IM) or intranasal (IN) immunization routes. Notably, VLPs administered via both immunization routes provided 100% protection against lethal infection caused by the H7N9 virus. The IN immunization with 40μg of H7N9 VLPs induced strong lung IgA and lung tissue resident memory (TRM) cell-mediated local immune responses. These results provide evidence for the development of an effective preventive vaccine against the H7N9 virus based on VLPs administered through both the IM and IN immunization routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguang Ren
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kaifeng 475004, China; Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China; Key Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Henan University, School of Basic Medicine, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yongkun Zhao
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Xianliang Ji
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Lingnan Meng
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Tiecheng Wang
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Weiyang Sun
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sang
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Yuanguo Li
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Na Feng
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Hualei Wang
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Songtao Yang
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Zhengyan Yang
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kaifeng 475004, China; Key Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Henan University, School of Basic Medicine, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yuanfang Ma
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kaifeng 475004, China; Key Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Henan University, School of Basic Medicine, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yuwei Gao
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225000, China; Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China.
| | - Xianzhu Xia
- Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225000, China; Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China.
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Zheng J, Perlman S. Immune responses in influenza A virus and human coronavirus infections: an ongoing battle between the virus and host. Curr Opin Virol 2018; 28:43-52. [PMID: 29172107 PMCID: PMC5835172 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses, especially influenza A viruses and coronaviruses such as MERS-CoV, represent continuing global threats to human health. Despite significant advances, much needs to be learned. Recent studies in virology and immunology have improved our understanding of the role of the immune system in protection and in the pathogenesis of these infections and of co-evolution of viruses and their hosts. These findings, together with sophisticated molecular structure analyses, omics tools and computer-based models, have helped delineate the interaction between respiratory viruses and the host immune system, which will facilitate the development of novel treatment strategies and vaccines with enhanced efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
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43
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44
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H1N1 influenza virus infection results in adverse pregnancy outcomes by disrupting tissue-specific hormonal regulation. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006757. [PMID: 29176767 PMCID: PMC5720832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased susceptibility to influenza virus infection during pregnancy has been attributed to immunological changes occurring before and during gestation in order to “tolerate” the developing fetus. These systemic changes are most often characterized by a suppression of cell-mediated immunity and elevation of humoral immune responses referred to as the Th1-Th2 shift. However, the underlying mechanisms which increase pregnant mothers’ risk following influenza virus infection have not been fully elucidated. We used pregnant BALB/c mice during mid- to late gestation to determine the impact of a sub-lethal infection with A/Brisbane/59/07 H1N1 seasonal influenza virus on completion of gestation. Maternal and fetal health status was closely monitored and compared to infected non-pregnant mice. Severity of infection during pregnancy was correlated with premature rupture of amniotic membranes (PROM), fetal survival and body weight at birth, lung viral load and degree of systemic and tissue inflammation mediated by innate and adaptive immune responses. Here we report that influenza virus infection resulted in dysregulation of inflammatory responses that led to pre-term labor, impairment of fetal growth, increased fetal mortality and maternal morbidity. We observed significant compartment-specific immune responses correlated with changes in hormonal synthesis and regulation. Dysregulation of progesterone, COX-2, PGE2 and PGF2α expression in infected pregnant mice was accompanied by significant remodeling of placental architecture and upregulation of MMP-9 early after infection. Collectively these findings demonstrate the potential of a seasonal influenza virus to initiate a powerful pro-abortive mechanism with adverse outcomes in fetal health. Maternal immunology is finely balanced to maintain a tolerant and supportive molecular environment for the developing fetus while continuing surveillance against foreign microbial threats. Influenza viral infection during pregnancy is a significant clinical risk for mothers and their newborns, increasing hospitalization, preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide. In a mouse pregnancy model, we show how influenza virus infection disrupts the delicate and interconnected cytokine and hormonal signaling pathways that respond to respiratory pathogens. The health of mothers and offspring was impacted in our study, after pregnant mothers’ lung and placental architecture was compromised by infection. Influenza virus infection increased the stress on the mother’s body already present due to pregnancy, or reversed the hormonal environment required to establish and maintain healthy pregnancy. By dissecting the effects of inflammation post-infection throughout the mother’s anatomy, we can tailor anti-inflammatory treatments for the pregnant population. Also, thorough knowledge of immune responses will assist in tailoring vaccine design and dosage for this delicate period of women’s immunological and reproductive health.
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Yao Y, Li H, Ding J, Xia Y, Wang L. Progesterone impairs antigen-non-specific immune protection by CD8 T memory cells via interferon-γ gene hypermethylation. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006736. [PMID: 29155896 PMCID: PMC5714395 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women and animals have increased susceptibility to a variety of intracellular pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes (LM), which has been associated with significantly increased level of sex hormones such as progesterone. CD8 T memory(Tm) cell-mediated antigen-non-specific IFN-γ responses are critically required in the host defense against LM. However, whether and how increased progesterone during pregnancy modulates CD8 Tm cell-mediated antigen-non-specific IFN-γ production and immune protection against LM remain poorly understood. Here we show in pregnant women that increased serum progesterone levels are associated with DNA hypermethylation of IFN-γ gene promoter region and decreased IFN-γ production in CD8 Tm cells upon antigen-non-specific stimulation ex vivo. Moreover, IFN-γ gene hypermethylation and significantly reduced IFN-γ production post LM infection in antigen-non-specific CD8 Tm cells are also observed in pregnant mice or progesterone treated non-pregnant female mice, which is a reversible phenotype following demethylation treatment. Importantly, antigen-non-specific CD8 Tm cells from progesterone treated mice have impaired anti-LM protection when adoptive transferred in either pregnant wild type mice or IFN-γ-deficient mice, and demethylation treatment rescues the adoptive protection of such CD8 Tm cells. These data demonstrate that increased progesterone impairs immune protective functions of antigen-non-specific CD8 Tm cells via inducing IFN-γ gene hypermethylation. Our findings thus provide insights into a new mechanism through which increased female sex hormone regulate CD8 Tm cell functions during pregnancy. Increased female sex hormones during pregnancy generate a temporary immune suppression status in the pregnant that protect the developing fetus from maternal rejection but renders the pregnant highly susceptible to various pathogens. However, molecular mechanisms underlying such an increased maternal susceptibility to pathogens during pregnancy remain to be further understood. Here we show in pregnant women that increased progesterone levels are associated with IFN-γ gene hypermethylation and reduced IFN-γ production in peripheral CD8 Tm cells. By using murine models of LM infection, for the first time we show a causal relationship between increased level of progesterone, a characteristic female sex hormone of pregnancy, and increased susceptibility to Listeria monocytogenes, an intracellular bacterium that endangers both the pregnant and the fetus. Such an impact on anti-listeria host defense is mediated through progesterone-induced IFN-γ gene hypermethylation in CD8 Tm cells, resulting in impaired IFN-γ production and reduced immune protection by antigen-non-specific CD8 Tm cells. This study provides new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying the increased susceptibility to intracellular pathogens during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushi Yao
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yixin Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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46
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Hall OJ, Klein SL. Progesterone-based compounds affect immune responses and susceptibility to infections at diverse mucosal sites. Mucosal Immunol 2017; 10:1097-1107. [PMID: 28401937 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2017.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Over 100 million women worldwide are currently on progesterone-based contraceptives to improve their health outcomes through reduced maternal mortality and family planning. In addition to their role in reproduction, progesterone-based compounds modulate immune responses throughout the body, particularly at mucosal sites. By binding to receptors located in immune cells, including natural killer cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells, as well in non-immune cells, such as epithelial and endothelial cells, progesterone-based compounds alter cellular signaling and activity to affect the outcome of infections at diverse mucosal sites, including the genital, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts. As the use of progesterone-based compounds, in the form of contraceptives and hormone-based therapies, continue to increase worldwide, greater consideration should be given to how the immunomodulatory effects these compounds alter the outcome of diseases at mucosal sites beyond the reproductive tract, which has profound implications for women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Hall
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Sabra L Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland USA
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