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Christensen LM, Akimova T, Wang L, Han R, Samanta A, Di Giorgio E, Hancock WW. T-regulatory cells require Sin3a for stable expression of Foxp3. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1444937. [PMID: 39156895 PMCID: PMC11327135 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1444937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylases 1 and 2 play a major role in the transcriptional regulation of T-regulatory (Treg) cells via interactions with a myriad of coregulatory factors. Sin3a has been well established as a Hdac1/2 cofactor, while its role within Tregs has not been established. In this study, the effects of conditional deletion of Sin3a within Foxp3+ Tregs were evaluated. Developmental deletion of Sin3a from Foxp3+ Tregs resulted in the rapid onset of fatal autoimmunity. Treg numbers were greatly reduced, while residual Tregs had impaired suppressive function. Mice also showed effector T-cell activation, autoantibody production, and widespread tissue injury. Mechanistically, Sin3a deletion resulted in decreased transcription of Foxp3 with a complete lack of CNS2 CpG demethylation. In addition, Foxp3 protein stability was impaired with an increased ex-Treg population. Thus, Sin3a plays a critical role in the maintenance of Treg identity and function and is essential for the expression and stability of Foxp3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanette M. Christensen
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tatiana Akimova
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Liqing Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rongxiang Han
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Arabinda Samanta
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Wayne W. Hancock
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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2
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Sumida TS, Cheru NT, Hafler DA. The regulation and differentiation of regulatory T cells and their dysfunction in autoimmune diseases. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:503-517. [PMID: 38374298 PMCID: PMC11216899 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-00994-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells as a distinct cell lineage with a central role in regulating immune responses provided a deeper understanding of self-tolerance. The transcription factor FOXP3 serves a key role in Treg cell lineage determination and maintenance, but is not sufficient to enable the full potential of Treg cell suppression, indicating that other factors orchestrate the fine-tuning of Treg cell function. Moreover, FOXP3-independent mechanisms have recently been shown to contribute to Treg cell dysfunction. FOXP3 mutations in humans cause lethal fulminant systemic autoinflammation (IPEX syndrome). However, it remains unclear to what degree Treg cell dysfunction is contributing to the pathophysiology of common autoimmune diseases. In this Review, we discuss the origins of Treg cells in the periphery and the multilayered mechanisms by which Treg cells are induced, as well as the FOXP3-dependent and FOXP3-independent cellular programmes that maintain the suppressive function of Treg cells in humans and mice. Further, we examine evidence for Treg cell dysfunction in the context of common autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu S Sumida
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Nardos T Cheru
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David A Hafler
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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3
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Mahmood N, Arakelian A, Szyf M, Rabbani SA. Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (Mbd2) drives breast cancer progression through the modulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:959-974. [PMID: 38556549 PMCID: PMC11058268 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01205-2] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 (Mbd2), a reader of DNA methylation, has been implicated in different types of malignancies, including breast cancer. However, the exact role of Mbd2 in various stages of breast cancer growth and progression in vivo has not been determined. To test whether Mbd2 plays a causal role in mammary tumor growth and metastasis, we performed genetic knockout (KO) of Mbd2 in MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice and compared mammary tumor progression kinetics between the wild-type (PyMT-Mbd2+/+) and KO (PyMT-Mbd2-/-) groups. Our results demonstrated that deletion of Mbd2 in PyMT mice impedes primary tumor growth and lung metastasis at the experimental endpoint (postnatal week 20). Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of primary tumors revealed that Mbd2 deletion abrogates the expression of several key determinants involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, such as neural cadherin (N-cadherin) and osteopontin. Importantly, loss of the Mbd2 gene impairs the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, which is required for PyMT-mediated oncogenic transformation, growth, and survival of breast tumor cells. Taken together, the results of this study provide a rationale for further development of epigenetic therapies targeting Mbd2 to inhibit the progression of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A1A3, Canada
| | - Ani Arakelian
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Shafaat A Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada.
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4
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Martín-Cruz L, Benito-Villalvilla C, Sirvent S, Angelina A, Palomares O. The Role of Regulatory T Cells in Allergic Diseases: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2024. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2024; 185:503-518. [PMID: 38408438 DOI: 10.1159/000536335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergy represents a major health problem of increasing prevalence worldwide with a high socioeconomic impact. Our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying allergic diseases and their treatments has significantly improved over the last years. The generation of allergen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) is crucial in the induction of healthy immune responses to allergens, preventing the development and worsening of allergic diseases. SUMMARY In the last decades, intensive research has focused on the study of the molecular mechanisms involved in Treg development and Treg-mediated suppression. These mechanisms are essential for the induction of sustained tolerance by allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) after treatment discontinuation. Compelling experimental evidence demonstrated altered suppressive capacity of Tregs in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, food allergy, or atopic dermatitis, as well as the restoration of their numbers and functionality after successful AIT. KEY MESSAGE The better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in Treg generation during allergen tolerance induction might well contribute to the development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Martín-Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Benito-Villalvilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sofía Sirvent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Angelina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Palomares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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Fueyo-González F, Vilanova G, Ningoo M, Marjanovic N, González-Vera JA, Orte Á, Fribourg M. Small-molecule TIP60 inhibitors enhance regulatory T cell induction through TIP60-P300 acetylation crosstalk. iScience 2023; 26:108491. [PMID: 38094248 PMCID: PMC10716589 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Foxp3 acetylation is essential to regulatory T (Treg) cell stability and function, but pharmacologically increasing it remains an unmet challenge. Here, we report that small-molecule compounds that inhibit TIP60, an acetyltransferase known to acetylate Foxp3, unexpectedly increase Foxp3 acetylation and Treg induction. Utilizing a dual experimental/computational approach combined with a newly developed FRET-based methodology compatible with flow cytometry to measure Foxp3 acetylation, we unraveled the mechanism of action of these small-molecule compounds in murine and human Treg induction cell cultures. We demonstrate that at low-mid concentrations they activate TIP60 to acetylate P300, a different acetyltransferase, which in turn increases Foxp3 acetylation, thereby enhancing Treg cell induction. These results reveal a potential therapeutic target relevant to autoimmunity and transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Fueyo-González
- Translational Transplant Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Immunology Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Guillermo Vilanova
- LaCàN, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, 08034 Barcelona Spain
| | - Mehek Ningoo
- Translational Transplant Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Immunology Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nada Marjanovic
- Deparment of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Juan A. González-Vera
- Deparment of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Nanoscopy-UGR Laboratory, Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Unidad de Excelencia de Química Aplicada a Biomedicina y Medioambiente, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Ángel Orte
- Deparment of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Nanoscopy-UGR Laboratory, Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Unidad de Excelencia de Química Aplicada a Biomedicina y Medioambiente, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Fribourg
- Translational Transplant Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Immunology Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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6
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Looi CK, Foong LC, Chung FFL, Khoo ASB, Loo EM, Leong CO, Mai CW. Targeting the crosstalk of epigenetic modifications and immune evasion in nasopharyngeal cancer. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:2501-2526. [PMID: 37755585 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09830-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct type of head and neck cancer that is highly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV acts as an epigenetic driver in NPC tumorigenesis, reprogramming the viral and host epigenomes to regulate viral latent gene expression, and creating an environment conducive to the malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in pre-clinical studies has been shown promise in eradicating tumours and overcoming immune resistance in some solid tumours. However, its efficacy in NPC remains inclusive due to the complex nature of this cancer. In this review, we provide an updated understanding of the roles of epigenetic factors in regulating EBV latent gene expression and promoting NPC progression. We also explore the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion in NPC. Particularly, we discuss the potential roles of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in reversing immune suppression and augmenting antitumour immunity. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of combining epigenetic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor to reverse immune resistance and improve clinical outcomes. Epigenetic drugs have the potential to modulate both epigenetic mediators and immune factors involved in NPC. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the diverse range of epigenetic modifications in NPC. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion during NPC progression is crucial for the development of more effective treatments for this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-King Looi
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lian-Chee Foong
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alan Soo-Beng Khoo
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Pennsylvania, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Ee-Mun Loo
- AGTC Genomics, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- AGTC Genomics, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development, and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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7
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Zhang Z, Guo J, Jia R. Treg plasticity and human diseases. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:2181-2197. [PMID: 37878023 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01808-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As a subset of CD4+ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) with the characteristic expression of transcription factor FOXP3 play a key role in maintaining self-tolerance and regulating immune responses. However, in some inflammatory circumstances, Tregs can express cytokines of other T help (Th) cells by internal reprogramming, which is called Treg plasticity. These reprogrammed Tregs with impaired suppressive ability contribute to the progression of diseases by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, in the tumor microenvironment (TME), such changes in phenotype rarely occur in Tregs, on the contrary, Tregs usually display a stronger suppressive function and inhibit anti-tumor immunity. It is important to understand the mechanisms of Treg plasticity in inflammatory diseases and cancers. OBJECTIVES In this review, we summarize the characteristics of different Th-like Tregs and discuss the potential mechanisms of these changes in phenotype. Furthermore, we summarize the Treg plasticity in human diseases and discuss the effects of these changes in phenotype on disease progression, as well as the potential application of drugs or reagents that regulate Treg plasticity in human diseases. CONCLUSIONS Treg plasticity is associated with inflammatory diseases and cancers. Regulating Treg plasticity is a promising direction for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jihua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Department of Endodontics, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Rong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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8
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Lax E, Do Carmo S, Enuka Y, Sapozhnikov DM, Welikovitch LA, Mahmood N, Rabbani SA, Wang L, Britt JP, Hancock WW, Yarden Y, Szyf M. Methyl-CpG binding domain 2 (Mbd2) is an epigenetic regulator of autism-risk genes and cognition. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:259. [PMID: 37443311 PMCID: PMC10344909 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Methyl-CpG-Binding Domain Protein family has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. The Methyl-CpG-binding domain 2 (Mbd2) binds methylated DNA and was shown to play an important role in cancer and immunity. Some evidence linked this protein to neurodevelopment. However, its exact role in neurodevelopment and brain function is mostly unknown. Here we show that Mbd2-deficiency in mice (Mbd2-/-) results in deficits in cognitive, social and emotional functions. Mbd2 binds regulatory DNA regions of neuronal genes in the hippocampus and loss of Mbd2 alters the expression of hundreds of genes with a robust down-regulation of neuronal gene pathways. Further, a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis found an altered DNA methylation pattern in regulatory DNA regions of neuronal genes in Mbd2-/- mice. Differentially expressed genes significantly overlap with gene-expression changes observed in brains of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) individuals. Notably, downregulated genes are significantly enriched for human ortholog ASD risk genes. Observed hippocampal morphological abnormalities were similar to those found in individuals with ASD and ASD rodent models. Hippocampal Mbd2 knockdown partially recapitulates the behavioral phenotypes observed in Mbd2-/- mice. These findings suggest that Mbd2 is a novel epigenetic regulator of genes that are associated with ASD in humans. Mbd2 loss causes behavioral alterations that resemble those found in ASD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elad Lax
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Sonia Do Carmo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yehoshua Enuka
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Daniel M Sapozhnikov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lindsay A Welikovitch
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shafaat A Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Liqing Wang
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Biesecker Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan P Britt
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wayne W Hancock
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Biesecker Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yosef Yarden
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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9
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Pi Y, Sun F, Zhang Z, Liu X, Lou G. A Novel Notch-Related Gene Signature for Prognosis and Immune Response Prediction in Ovarian Cancer. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1277. [PMID: 37512088 PMCID: PMC10385113 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Notch is a fascinating signaling pathway. It is extensively involved in tumor growth, cancer stem cells, metastasis, and treatment resistance and plays important roles in metabolic regulation, tumor microenvironment, and tumor immunity. However, the role of Notch in ovarian cancer (OC) has yet to be fully understood. Therefore, this study systematically described the expression, mutation, and copy number variation of genes in the Notch signaling pathway in OC and evaluated the relationship between gene mutation and Overall Survival (OS) prognosis. Materials and Methods: Notch risk score (NTRS) was established by univariate Cox regression analysis combined with Lasso regression analysis, and the efficacy of NTRS in predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with OC was verified. We further assessed the correlations of NTRS with clinical features, immune infiltration level, immune checkpoint expression, and immune characteristics. Additionally, differential expression and functions of the fourteen signature genes were confirmed via vitro assays. Results: The results showed that Notch genes (NTGs) were markedly differentiated between tumor and normal tissues, which may help to explain the high heterogeneity in the biological characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of human OC. A Notch risk (NTR) prognostic model based on 11 key NTGs was successfully constructed. Tumors with high Notch risk scores (NTRS) were independently associated with shorter overall survival and poorer immunotherapy outcomes. We further assessed the correlations of NTRS with immune characteristics. The results showed that NTGs play a key role in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment. Additionally, we validated the baseline and induced expressions of 14 prognosis-related NTGs in our own OC samples. In vitro assays confirmed that the knockdown of NCOR2 and APH1B and overexpression of HEY2 and SKP2 could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of OC cells. Conclusions: These findings emphasize that Notch multilayer changes are associated with the prognosis of patients with OC and the characteristics of immune cell infiltration. Our predictive signature may predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of OC patients in an independent manner. NCOR2, APH1B, HEY2, and SKP2 may more prominently represent important indicators to improve patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Pi
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Fusheng Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Zhaocong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Harbin Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150086, China
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10
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Sun L, Su Y, Jiao A, Wang X, Zhang B. T cells in health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:235. [PMID: 37332039 PMCID: PMC10277291 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 133.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are crucial for immune functions to maintain health and prevent disease. T cell development occurs in a stepwise process in the thymus and mainly generates CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Upon antigen stimulation, naïve T cells differentiate into CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic effector and memory cells, mediating direct killing, diverse immune regulatory function, and long-term protection. In response to acute and chronic infections and tumors, T cells adopt distinct differentiation trajectories and develop into a range of heterogeneous populations with various phenotype, differentiation potential, and functionality under precise and elaborate regulations of transcriptional and epigenetic programs. Abnormal T-cell immunity can initiate and promote the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of T cell development, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell classification, and differentiation in physiological settings. We further elaborate the heterogeneity, differentiation, functionality, and regulation network of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in infectious disease, chronic infection and tumor, and autoimmune disease, highlighting the exhausted CD8+ T cell differentiation trajectory, CD4+ T cell helper function, T cell contributions to immunotherapy and autoimmune pathogenesis. We also discuss the development and function of γδ T cells in tissue surveillance, infection, and tumor immunity. Finally, we summarized current T-cell-based immunotherapies in both cancer and autoimmune diseases, with an emphasis on their clinical applications. A better understanding of T cell immunity provides insight into developing novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Yanhong Su
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Anjun Jiao
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Baojun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China.
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11
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Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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12
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DNA Methylation in Regulatory T Cell Differentiation and Function: Challenges and Opportunities. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091282. [PMID: 36139121 PMCID: PMC9496199 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As a bona fide epigenetic marker, DNA methylation has been linked to the differentiation and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells, a subset of CD4 T cells that play an essential role in maintaining immune homeostasis and suppressing autoimmunity and antitumor immune response. DNA methylation undergoes dynamic regulation involving maintenance of preexisting patterns, passive and active demethylation, and de novo methylation. Scattered evidence suggests that these processes control different stages of Treg cell lifespan ranging from lineage induction to cell fate maintenance, suppression of effector T cells and innate immune cells, and transdifferentiation. Despite significant progress, it remains to be fully explored how differential DNA methylation regulates Treg cell fate and immunological function. Here, we review recent progress and discuss the questions and challenges for further understanding the immunological roles and mechanisms of dynamic DNA methylation in controlling Treg cell differentiation and function. We also explore the opportunities that these processes offer to manipulate Treg cell suppressive function for therapeutic purposes by targeting DNA methylation.
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13
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Heris HV, Zahraei Z. miRNAs: Regulators of immune system in diabetes. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2022; 790:108442. [PMID: 36089265 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2022.108442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes, one of the most common multifactorial metabolic disorders, is a jeopardizing cause of human health worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that have been contributed to the regulation of gene expression through post-transcriptional mechanisms. The potential role of miRNAs has been studied in the most of biological processes and mechanisms underlying the progression of variety diseases including diabetes. In this review, we focus on the role of miRNAs in regulating pivotal molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with immune system that progress diabetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helaleh Vaezi Heris
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zohreh Zahraei
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kashan, Iran.
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14
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Long X, Luo C, Zhu Z. Role of CNSs Conserved Distal Cis-Regulatory Elements in CD4 + T Cell Development and Differentiation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:919550. [PMID: 35812386 PMCID: PMC9260786 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.919550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Naïve CD4+ T cells differentiate into diverse subsets of effector cells and perform various homeostatic and immune functions. The differentiation and maintenance of these different subsets are controlled through the upregulation and silencing of master genes. Mechanistic studies of the regulation of these master genes identified conserved and distal intronic regulatory elements, which are accessible subsets of conserved non-coding sequences (CNSs), acting as cis-regulatory elements in a lineage-specific manner that controls the function of CD4+ T cells. Abnormal CNS activity is associated with incorrect expression of master genes and development of autoimmune diseases or immune suppression. Here, we describe the function of several conserved, distal cis-regulatory elements at the Foxp3, Rorc, Il-4, Il-10 and Il-17 gene locus were shown to play important roles in CD4+ T cells differentiation. Together, this review briefly outlines currently known CNSs, with a focus on their regulations and functions in complexes modulating the differentiation and maintenance of various CD4+ T cells subsets, in health and disease contexts, as well as during the conversion of T regulatory cells to T helper 17 cells. This article will provide a comprehensive view of CNSs conserved distal cis-regulatory elements at a few loci that control aspects of CD4+ T cells function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunyi Long
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhengming Zhu, ; Chen Luo,
| | - Zhengming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhengming Zhu, ; Chen Luo,
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15
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Christensen LM, Hancock WW. Nuclear Coregulatory Complexes in Tregs as Targets to Promote Anticancer Immune Responses. Front Immunol 2022; 13:909816. [PMID: 35795673 PMCID: PMC9251111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.909816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
T-regulatory (Treg) cells display considerable heterogeneity in their responses to various cancers. The functional differences among this cell type are heavily influenced by multiprotein nuclear complexes that control their gene expression. Many such complexes act mechanistically by altering epigenetic profiles of genes important to Treg function, including the forkhead P3 (Foxp3) transcription factor. Complexes that form with certain members of the histone/protein deacetylase (HDAC) class of enzymes, like HDACs 1, 2, and 3, along with histone methyltransferase complexes, are important in the induction and stabilization of Foxp3 and Treg identity. The functional behavior of both circulating and intratumoral Tregs greatly impacts the antitumor immune response and can be predictive of patient outcome. Thus, targeting these regulatory complexes within Tregs may have therapeutic potential, especially in personalized immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanette M. Christensen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Wayne W. Hancock
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Wayne W. Hancock,
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16
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Targeting HNRNPM Inhibits Cancer Stemness and Enhances Antitumor Immunity in Wnt-activated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 13:1413-1447. [PMID: 35158098 PMCID: PMC8938476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cancer stemness and immune evasion are closely associated and play critical roles in tumor development and resistance to immunotherapy. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms that coordinate this association. METHODS The expressions of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (HNRNPM) in 240 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples, public databases, and liver development databases were analyzed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the associations between stem-cell transcription factors and HNRNPM. HNRNPM-regulated alternative splicing (AS) and its binding motif were identified by RNA-seq and RIP-seq. HNRNPM-specific antisense oligonucleotides were developed to explore potential therapeutic targets in HCC. CD8+ T cells that were co-cultured with tumor cells were sorted by flow cytometry assays. RESULTS We identified an elevated oncofetal splicing factor in HCC, HNRNPM, that unifies and regulates the positive association between cancer stemness and immune evasion. HNRNPM knockdown abolished HCC tumorigenesis and diminished cancer stem cell properties in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HNRNPM regulated the AS of MBD2 by binding its flanking introns, whose isoforms played opposing roles. Although MBD2a and MBD2c competitively bound to CpG islands in the FZD3 promoter, MBD2a preferentially increased FZD3 expression and then activated the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Interestingly, FZD3 and β-catenin further provided additional regulation by targeting OCT4 and SOX2. We found that HNRNPM inhibition significantly promoted CD8+ T cell activation and that HNRNPM- antisense oligonucleotides effectively inhibited WNT/β-catenin to enhance anti-programmed cell death protein-1 immunotherapy by promoting CD8+ T cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS HNRNPM has a tumor-intrinsic function in generating an immunosuppressive HCC environment through an AS-dependent mechanism and demonstrates proof of the concept of targeting HNRNPM in tailoring HCC immunotherapeutic approaches.
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17
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Dean W. Pathways of DNA Demethylation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1389:211-238. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11454-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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18
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Role of Sex Hormones at Different Physiobiological Conditions and Therapeutic Potential in MBD2 Mediated Severe Asthma. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:7097797. [PMID: 35096261 PMCID: PMC8799366 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7097797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormone has become a “hot topic” to evaluate the hormonal therapeutic potential in severe asthma. Th17 cell is one of the main influencing factors involved in the pathogenesis of severe asthma, hence also called as kernel of severe asthma, and Th17 subtype of non-T2 asthma is less responsive (resistance) to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), so severe in nature. Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) is overexpressed and regulates the Th17 differentiation, showing the possibility of therapeutic target in treating Th17 mediated severe asthma. Sex hormone fluctuates at the different physiobiological conditions of the human body and affects the asthma pathobiology showing its role in asthma prevalence, severity, remission, and therapy. This review briefly overviews the sex hormones, their influence in asthma at the different physiobiological conditions of human body, and MBD2 severe asthma connection with the possible therapeutic potential of sex steroids in MBD2 mediated Th17 predominant severe asthma. Male sex hormone tends to show a beneficial effect and possibly downregulates the expression of Th17 cells via regulating MBD2 through a mechanism distinct from corticosteroid treatment and guides us towards discovery of new therapeutic agent, reduces the asthma-related complications, and promotes long-term survival by lowering the risk of therapy-resistant issues of old age severe asthma.
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19
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Chen Z, Yuan Y, He Y, Wasti B, Duan W, Jia J, Li D, Xiao B, Zhang D, Ma L, Li J, Liu Y, Zeng Q, Xiang X, Zhang X, Liu S. MBD2 as a Potential Novel Biomarker for Identifying Severe Asthma With Different Endotypes. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:693605. [PMID: 34692717 PMCID: PMC8527858 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.693605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies have shown that methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) expression is significantly elevated in a neutrophil-dominant severe asthma mouse model. It also regulates Th17 cell differentiation. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum MBD2 levels in patients with severe asthma with different endotypes. Methods: Eligible adults with confirmed asthma (n = 63) underwent a clinical assessment, asthma control test and pulmonary function test and were classified as having mild, moderate or severe asthma. Severe asthma endotypes were defined according to the percentage of Th2 and Th17 cells in the peripheral blood and by the type of inflammation. The percentage of Th2 and Th17 cells in the peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry. Serum MBD2, eosinophilic cationic protein and myeloperoxidase were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlations of MBD2 expression with clinical parameters were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Results: Serum MBD2 levels were upregulated in patients with severe asthma compared to healthy controls and patients with mild to moderate asthma. MBD2 was also significantly increased in patients with Th17 severe asthma compared to patients with type 2 severe asthma. Furthermore, MBD2 was positively correlated with MPO and Th17 cells but negatively correlated with ECP and Th2 cells in patients with severe asthma. Conclusions: These findings suggest that serum MBD2 may be a potential new biomarker for identifying severe asthma, Th17 severe asthma and the type of airway inflammation. However, these findings are still preliminary and need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Hunan Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Yuan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Hunan Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi He
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Hunan Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Binaya Wasti
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Hunan Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wentao Duan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Hunan Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingsi Jia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Hunan Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Danhong Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Hunan Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bing Xiao
- Department of Emergency, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongshan Zhang
- Department of Emergency, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Libing Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhuzhou City Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Qingping Zeng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Longshan County People's Hospital, Longshan, China
| | - Xudong Xiang
- Department of Emergency, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiufeng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Shaokun Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Hunan Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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20
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Shao Y, Yang WY, Saaoud F, Drummer C, Sun Y, Xu K, Lu Y, Shan H, Shevach EM, Jiang X, Wang H, Yang X. IL-35 promotes CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs and inhibits atherosclerosis via maintaining CCR5-amplified Treg-suppressive mechanisms. JCI Insight 2021; 6:152511. [PMID: 34622804 PMCID: PMC8525592 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.152511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tregs play vital roles in suppressing atherogenesis. Pathological conditions reshape Tregs and increase Treg-weakening plasticity. It remains unclear how Tregs preserve their function and how Tregs switch into alternative phenotypes in the environment of atherosclerosis. In this study, we observed a great induction of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs in the spleen and aorta of ApoE–/– mice, accompanied by a significant increase of plasma IL-35 levels. To determine if IL-35 devotes its role in the rise of Tregs, we generated IL-35 subunit P35–deficient (IL-35P35–deficient) mice on an ApoE–/– background and found Treg reduction in the spleen and aorta compared with ApoE–/– controls. In addition, our RNA sequencing data show the elevation of a set of chemokine receptor transcripts in the ApoE–/– Tregs, and we have validated higher CCR5 expression in ApoE–/– Tregs in the presence of IL-35 than in the absence of IL-35. Furthermore, we observed that CCR5+ Tregs in ApoE–/– have lower Treg-weakening AKT-mTOR signaling, higher expression of inhibitory checkpoint receptors TIGIT and PD-1, and higher expression of IL-10 compared with WT CCR5+ Tregs. In conclusion, IL-35 counteracts hyperlipidemia in maintaining Treg-suppressive function by increasing 3 CCR5-amplified mechanisms, including Treg migration, inhibition of Treg weakening AKT-mTOR signaling, and promotion of TIGIT and PD-1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yu Sun
- Centers for Cardiovascular Research
| | - Keman Xu
- Centers for Cardiovascular Research
| | - Yifan Lu
- Centers for Cardiovascular Research
| | - Huimin Shan
- Metabolic Disease Research & Thrombosis Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ethan M Shevach
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, Cellular Immunology Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Centers for Cardiovascular Research.,Metabolic Disease Research & Thrombosis Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Metabolic Disease Research & Thrombosis Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Centers for Cardiovascular Research.,Metabolic Disease Research & Thrombosis Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Centers for Inflammation, Translational & Clinical Lung Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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21
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Noël G, Fontsa ML, Garaud S, De Silva P, de Wind A, Van den Eynden GG, Salgado R, Boisson A, Locy H, Thomas N, Solinas C, Migliori E, Naveaux C, Duvillier H, Lucas S, Craciun L, Thielemans K, Larsimont D, Willard-Gallo K. Functional Th1-oriented T follicular helper cells that infiltrate human breast cancer promote effective adaptive immunity. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e139905. [PMID: 34411002 DOI: 10.1172/jci139905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in human breast cancer sometimes form organized tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) characterized by CXCL13-producing T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. The present study found that CD4+ Tfh TIL, CD8+ TIL, and TIL-B, colocalizing in TLS, all express the CXCL13 receptor CXCR5. An ex vivo functional assay determined that only activated, functional Th1-oriented Tfh TIL (PD-1hiICOSint phenotype) provide help for immunoglobulin and IFN-γ production. A functional Tfh TIL presence signals an active TLS, characterized by humoral (immunoglobulins, Ki-67+ TIL-B in active germinal centers) and cytotoxic (GZMB+CD8+ and GZMB+CD68+ TIL plus Th1 gene expression) immune responses. Analysis of active versus inactive TLS in untreated patients revealed that the former are associated with positive clinical outcomes. TLS also contain functional T follicular regulatory (Tfr) TIL, which are characterized by a CD25+CXCR5+GARP+FOXP3+ phenotype and a demethylated FOXP3 gene. Functional Tfr inhibited functional Tfh activities via a glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP)-associated TGF-β-dependent mechanism. The activity of tumor-associated TLS was dictated by the relative balance between functional Tfh TIL and functional Tfr TIL. These data provide mechanistic insight into TLS processes orchestrated by functional Th1-oriented Tfh TIL, including TIL-B and CD8+ TIL activation and immunological memory generation. Tfh TIL, regulated by functional Tfr TIL, are an expected key target of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alexandre de Wind
- Department of Pathology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gert G Van den Eynden
- Molecular Immunology Unit, and.,Department of Pathology, GZA Ziekenhuizen, Sint-Augustinus Campus, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Roberto Salgado
- Department of Pathology, GZA Ziekenhuizen, Sint-Augustinus Campus, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Hanne Locy
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Hugues Duvillier
- Molecular Immunology Unit, and.,Flow Cytometry Facility, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Lucas
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ligia Craciun
- Department of Pathology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Denis Larsimont
- Department of Pathology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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22
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Piotrowska M, Gliwiński M, Trzonkowski P, Iwaszkiewicz-Grzes D. Regulatory T Cells-Related Genes Are under DNA Methylation Influence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7144. [PMID: 34281195 PMCID: PMC8267835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert a highly suppressive function in the immune system. Disturbances in their function predispose an individual to autoimmune dysregulation, with a predominance of the pro-inflammatory environment. Besides Foxp3, which is a master regulator of these cells, other genes (e.g., Il2ra, Ctla4, Tnfrsf18, Ikzf2, and Ikzf4) are also involved in Tregs development and function. Multidimensional Tregs suppression is determined by factors that are believed to be crucial in the action of Tregs-related genes. Among them, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, tend to be widely studied over the past few years. DNA methylation acts as a repressive mark, leading to diminished gene expression. Given the role of increased CpG methylation upon Tregs imprinting and functional stability, alterations in the methylation pattern can cause an imbalance in the immune response. Due to the fact that epigenetic changes can be reversible, so-called epigenetic modifiers are broadly used in order to improve Tregs performance. In this review, we place emphasis on the role of DNA methylation of the genes that are key regulators of Tregs function. We also discuss disease settings that have an impact on the methylation status of Tregs and systematize the usefulness of epigenetic drugs as factors able to influence Tregs functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dorota Iwaszkiewicz-Grzes
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.P.); (M.G.); (P.T.)
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23
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Santagata S, Ieranò C, Trotta AM, Capiluongo A, Auletta F, Guardascione G, Scala S. CXCR4 and CXCR7 Signaling Pathways: A Focus on the Cross-Talk Between Cancer Cells and Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:591386. [PMID: 33937018 PMCID: PMC8082172 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.591386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and 7 (CXCR7) are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) activated through their shared ligand CXCL12 in multiple human cancers. They play a key role in the tumor/tumor microenvironment (TME) promoting tumor progression, targeting cell proliferation and migration, while orchestrating the recruitment of immune and stromal cells within the TME. CXCL12 excludes T cells from TME through a concentration gradient that inhibits immunoactive cells access and promotes tumor vascularization. Thus, dual CXCR4/CXCR7 inhibition will target different cancer components. CXCR4/CXCR7 antagonism should prevent the development of metastases by interfering with tumor cell growth, migration and chemotaxis and favoring the frequency of T cells in TME. Herein, we discuss the current understanding on the role of CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 cross-talk in tumor progression and immune cells recruitment providing support for a combined CXCR4/CXCR7 targeting therapy. In addition, we consider emerging approaches that coordinately target both immune checkpoints and CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santagata
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Capiluongo
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Federica Auletta
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Guardascione
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
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Liu Z, Sun L, Cai Y, Shen S, Zhang T, Wang N, Wu G, Ma W, Li ST, Suo C, Hao Y, Jia WD, Semenza GL, Gao P, Zhang H. Hypoxia-Induced Suppression of Alternative Splicing of MBD2 Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis via Activation of FZD1. Cancer Res 2021; 81:1265-1278. [PMID: 33402389 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is responsible for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths, however, the mechanisms underlying metastasis in this disease remain largely elusive. Here we report that under hypoxic conditions, alternative splicing of MBD2 is suppressed, favoring the production of MBD2a, which facilitates breast cancer metastasis. Specifically, MBD2a promoted, whereas its lesser known short form MBD2c suppressed metastasis. Activation of HIF1 under hypoxia facilitated MBD2a production via repression of SRSF2-mediated alternative splicing. As a result, elevated MBD2a outcompeted MBD2c for binding to promoter CpG islands to activate expression of FZD1, thereby promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. Strikingly, clinical data reveal significantly correlated expression of MBD2a and MBD2c with the invasiveness of malignancy, indicating opposing roles for MBD2 splicing variants in regulating human breast cancer metastasis. Collectively, our findings establish a novel link between MBD2 switching and tumor metastasis and provide a promising therapeutic strategy and predictive biomarkers for hypoxia-driven breast cancer metastasis. SIGNIFICANCE: This study defines the opposing roles and clinical relevance of MBD2a and MBD2c, two MBD2 alternative splicing products, in hypoxia-driven breast cancer metastasis. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/81/5/1265/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoji Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Linchong Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Laboratory of Cancer and Stem Cell Metabolism, School of Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongping Cai
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shengqi Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Nana Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Gongwei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenhao Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Shi-Ting Li
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Caixia Suo
- Laboratory of Cancer and Stem Cell Metabolism, School of Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijie Hao
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei-Dong Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Gregg L Semenza
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ping Gao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Laboratory of Cancer and Stem Cell Metabolism, School of Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huafeng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Mehdi A, Rabbani SA. Role of Methylation in Pro- and Anti-Cancer Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030545. [PMID: 33535484 PMCID: PMC7867049 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA and RNA methylation play a vital role in the transcriptional regulation of various cell types including the differentiation and function of immune cells involved in pro- and anti-cancer immunity. Interactions of tumor and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are complex. TME shapes the fate of tumors by modulating the dynamic DNA (and RNA) methylation patterns of these immune cells to alter their differentiation into pro-cancer (e.g., regulatory T cells) or anti-cancer (e.g., CD8+ T cells) cell types. This review considers the role of DNA and RNA methylation in myeloid and lymphoid cells in the activation, differentiation, and function that control the innate and adaptive immune responses in cancer and non-cancer contexts. Understanding the complex transcriptional regulation modulating differentiation and function of immune cells can help identify and validate therapeutic targets aimed at targeting DNA and RNA methylation to reduce cancer-associated morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mehdi
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Shafaat A. Rabbani
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-514-843-1632
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Loss of MBD2 affects early T cell development by inhibiting the WNT signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2020; 398:112400. [PMID: 33271126 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation alters the expression of certain genes without any alteration to the DNA sequence and is a dynamic process during normal hematopoietic differentiation. As an epigenetic regulator, methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) is an important member of the MBD protein family and is acknowledged as a "reader" of DNA methylation. We used a mouse model to study the effects of MBD2 on the early development of T cells. Here, we found that MBD2 deficiency led to retardation of T cell differentiation at the DN3 stage. Meanwhile, decreased proliferative capacity and increased apoptosis were detected in Mbd2-/- DN thymocytes. Furthermore, we found the WNT pathway was significantly down-regulated in Mbd2-/- DN thymocytes: DKK1 (Dickkopf-1) expression was significantly increased, while TCF7 (transcription factor 7) and c-MYC were down-regulated. Thus, these findings established that MBD2 acted as a dominant regulator to imprint DN T cell development via the WNT pathway.
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Sawada Y, Gallo RL. Role of Epigenetics in the Regulation of Immune Functions of the Skin. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:1157-1166. [PMID: 33256976 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review is intended to illuminate the emerging understanding of epigenetic modifications that regulate both adaptive and innate immunity in the skin. Host defense of the epidermis and dermis involves the interplay of many cell types to enable homeostasis; tolerance to the external environment; and appropriate response to transient microbial, chemical, and physical insults. To understand this process, the study of cutaneous immunology has focused on immune responses that reflect both adaptive learned and genetically programmed innate defense systems. However, recent advances have begun to reveal that epigenetic modifications of chromatin structure also have a major influence on the skin immune system. This deeper understanding of how enzymatic changes in chromatin structure can modify the skin immune system and may explain how environmental exposures during life, and the microbiome, lead to both short-term and long-term changes in cutaneous allergic and other inflammatory processes. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for alterations in gene and chromatin structure within skin immunocytes could provide key insights into the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases that have thus far evaded understanding by dermatologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sawada
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Richard L Gallo
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
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28
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Economopoulou P, Kotsantis I, Psyrri A. Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy Response in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3377. [PMID: 33203092 PMCID: PMC7696050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) encompasses cellular and non-cellular components which play an important role in tumor evolution, invasion, and metastasis. A complicated interplay between tumor cells and adjacent TME cells, such as stromal cells, immune cells, inflammatory cells, and cytokines, leads to severe immunosuppression and the proliferation of cancer cells in several solid tumors. An immunosuppressive TME has a significant impact on treatment resistance and may guide response to immunotherapy. In head and neck cancer (HNC), immunotherapeutic drugs have been incorporated in everyday clinical practice. However, despite an exceptional rate of durable responses, only a low percentage of patients respond. In this review, we will focus on the complex interactions occurring in this dynamic system, the TME, which orchestrate key events that lead to tumor progression, immune escape, and resistance. Furthermore, we will summarize current clinical trials that depict the TME as a potential therapeutic target for improved patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amanda Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (I.K.)
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29
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Qiu R, Zhou L, Ma Y, Zhou L, Liang T, Shi L, Long J, Yuan D. Regulatory T Cell Plasticity and Stability and Autoimmune Diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2020; 58:52-70. [PMID: 30449014 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-018-8721-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a class of CD4+ T cells with immunosuppressive functions that play a critical role in maintaining immune homeostasis. However, in certain disease settings, Tregs demonstrate plastic differentiation, and the stability of these Tregs, which is characterized by the stable expression or protective epigenetic modifications of the transcription factor Foxp3, becomes abnormal. Plastic Tregs have some features of helper T (Th) cells, such as the secretion of Th-related cytokines and the expression of specific transcription factors in Th cells, but also still retain the expression of Foxp3, a feature of Tregs. Although such Th-like Tregs can secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, they still possess a strong ability to inhibit specific Th cell responses. Therefore, the plastic differentiation of Tregs not only increases the complexity of the immune circumstances under pathological conditions, especially autoimmune diseases, but also shows an association with changes in the stability of Tregs. The plastic differentiation and stability change of Tregs play vital roles in the progression of diseases. This review focuses on the phenotypic characteristics, functions, and formation conditions of several plastic Tregs and also summarizes the changes of Treg stability and their effects on inhibitory function. Additionally, the effects of Treg plasticity and stability on disease prognosis for several autoimmune diseases were also investigated in order to better understand the relationship between Tregs and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runze Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xianlin Dadao 138, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyu Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xianlin Dadao 138, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanjing Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xianlin Dadao 138, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingling Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xianlin Dadao 138, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xianlin Dadao 138, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xianlin Dadao 138, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Long
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xianlin Dadao 138, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dongping Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xianlin Dadao 138, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical contributors to immune homeostasis and their dysregulation can lead to the loss of immune tolerance and autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes (T1D). Recent studies have highlighted microRNAs (miRNAs) as important regulators of the immune system, by fine-tuning relevant genes in various immune cell types. In this review article, we discuss recent insights into miRNA regulation of immune tolerance and activation. Specifically, we discuss how the dysregulation of miRNAs in T cells contributes to their aberrant function and the onset of islet autoimmunity, as well as their potential as targets of novel intervention strategies to interfere with autoimmune activation. RECENT FINDINGS Several studies have shown that the dysregulation of individual miRNAs in T cells can contribute to impaired immune tolerance, contributing to onset and progression of islet autoimmunity. Importantly, the targeting of these miRNAs, including miR-92a, miR-142-3p and miR-181a, resulted in relevant effects on downstream pathways, improved Treg function and reduced islet autoimmunity in murine models. miRNAs are critical regulators of immune homeostasis and the dysregulation of individual miRNAs in T cells contributes to aberrant T cell function and autoimmunity. The specific targeting of individual miRNAs could improve Treg homeostasis and therefore limit overshooting T cell activation and islet autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin G. Scherm
- Institute of Diabetes Research, Group Immune Tolerance in Type 1 Diabetes, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, Heidemannstrasse 1, 80939 Munich, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung (DZD), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Munich-, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Carolin Daniel
- Institute of Diabetes Research, Group Immune Tolerance in Type 1 Diabetes, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, Heidemannstrasse 1, 80939 Munich, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung (DZD), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Munich-, Neuherberg, Germany
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
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FoxP3 + T regulatory cells in cancer: Prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Cancer Lett 2020; 490:174-185. [PMID: 32721551 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
T Regulatory cells (Tregs) can have both protective and pathological roles. They maintain immune homeostasis and inhibit immune responses in various diseases, including cancer. Proportions of Tregs in the peripheral blood of some cancer patients increase by approximately two-fold, compared to those in healthy individuals. Tregs contribute to cancer development and progression by suppressing T effector cell functions, thereby compromising tumor killing and promoting tumor growth. Highly immunosuppressive Tregs express upregulated levels of the transcription factor, Forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3). Elevated levels of FoxP3+ Tregs within the tumor microenvironment (TME) showed a positive correlation with poor prognosis in various cancer patients. Despite the success of immunotherapy, including the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, a significant proportion of patients show low response rates as a result of primary or acquired resistance against therapy. Some of the mechanisms which underlie the development of therapy resistance are associated with Treg suppressive function. In this review, we describe Treg contribution to cancer development/progression, and the mechanisms of Treg-mediated immunosuppression. We discuss the prognostic significance of FoxP3+ Tregs in different cancers and their potential use as prognostic biomarkers. We also describe potential therapeutic strategies to target Tregs in combination with other types of immunotherapies aiming to overcome tumor resistance and improve clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Overall, understanding the prognostic significance of FoxP3+ Tregs in various cancers and their contribution to therapy resistance could help in the development of more effective targeted therapeutic strategies to enhance the clinical outcomes in cancer patients.
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32
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Colamatteo A, Carbone F, Bruzzaniti S, Galgani M, Fusco C, Maniscalco GT, Di Rella F, de Candia P, De Rosa V. Molecular Mechanisms Controlling Foxp3 Expression in Health and Autoimmunity: From Epigenetic to Post-translational Regulation. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3136. [PMID: 32117202 PMCID: PMC7008726 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the transcription factor Forkhead box-p3 (Foxp3) has shed fundamental insights into the understanding of the molecular determinants leading to generation and maintenance of T regulatory (Treg) cells, a cell population with a key immunoregulatory role. Work over the past few years has shown that fine-tuned transcriptional and epigenetic events are required to ensure stable expression of Foxp3 in Treg cells. The equilibrium between phenotypic plasticity and stability of Treg cells is controlled at the molecular level by networks of transcription factors that bind regulatory sequences, such as enhancers and promoters, to regulate Foxp3 expression. Recent reports have suggested that specific modifications of DNA and histones are required for the establishment of the chromatin structure in conventional CD4+ T (Tconv) cells for their future differentiation into the Treg cell lineage. In this review, we discuss the molecular events that control Foxp3 gene expression and address the associated alterations observed in human diseases. Also, we explore how Foxp3 influences the gene expression programs in Treg cells and how unique properties of Treg cell subsets are defined by other transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Colamatteo
- Treg Cell Laboratory, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Fortunata Carbone
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per L'Endocrinologia e L'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), Naples, Italy.,Unità di NeuroImmunologia, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Bruzzaniti
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per L'Endocrinologia e L'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), Naples, Italy.,Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Galgani
- Treg Cell Laboratory, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per L'Endocrinologia e L'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Clorinda Fusco
- Treg Cell Laboratory, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgia Teresa Maniscalco
- Dipartimento di Neurologia, Centro Regionale Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Ospedaliera "A. Cardarelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Rella
- Clinical and Experimental Senology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Veronica De Rosa
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per L'Endocrinologia e L'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), Naples, Italy.,Unità di NeuroImmunologia, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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Rose DR, Yang H, Careaga M, Angkustsiri K, Van de Water J, Ashwood P. T cell populations in children with autism spectrum disorder and co-morbid gastrointestinal symptoms. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 2:100042. [PMID: 34589832 PMCID: PMC8474588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with ASD are more likely to experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms than typically-developed children. Numerous studies have reported immune abnormalities and inflammatory profiles in the majority of individuals with ASD. Immune dysfunction is often hypothesized as a driving factor in many GI diseases and it has been suggested that it is more apparent in children with ASD that exhibit GI symptoms. In this study we sought to characterize peripheral T cell subsets in children with and without GI symptoms, compared to healthy typically-developing children. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from participants, who were categorized into three groups: children with ASD who experience GI symptoms (n = 14), children with ASD who do not experience GI symptoms (n = 10) and typically-developing children who do not experience GI symptoms (n = 15). In order to be included in the GI group, GI symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and/or pain while defecating, had to be present in the child regularly for the past 6 months; likewise, in order to be placed in the no GI groups, bowel movements could not include the above symptoms present throughout development. Cells were assessed for surface markers and intracellular cytokines to identify T cell populations. Children with ASD and GI symptoms displayed elevated TH17 populations (0.757% ± 0.313% compared to 0.297% ± 0.197), while children with ASD who did not experience GI symptoms showed increased frequency of TH2 populations (2.02% ± 1.08% compared to 1.01% ± 0.58%). Both ASD groups showed evidence of reduced gut homing regulatory T cell populations compared to typically developing children (ASDGI:1.93% ± 0.75% and ASDNoGI:1.85% ± 0.89 compared to 2.93% ± 1.16%). Children with ASD may have deficits in immune regulation that lead to differential inflammatory T cell subsets that could be linked to associated co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Destanie R. Rose
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Houa Yang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Milo Careaga
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kathy Angkustsiri
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, CA, USA
- Children’s Center for Environmental Health, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Children’s Center for Environmental Health, University of California Davis, CA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis, CA, USA
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Brandt B, Rashidiani S, Bán Á, Rauch TA. DNA Methylation-Governed Gene Expression in Autoimmune Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5646. [PMID: 31718084 PMCID: PMC6888626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease hallmarked by progressive and irreversible joint destruction. RA pathogenesis is a T cell-regulated and B cell-mediated process in which activated lymphocyte-produced chemokines and cytokines promote leukocyte infiltration that ultimately leads to destruction of the joints. There is an obvious need to discover new drugs for RA treatment that have different biological targets or modes of action than the currently employed therapeutics. Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, certain diet components, and oral pathogens can significantly affect gene regulation via epigenetic factors. Epigenetics opened a new field for pharmacology, and DNA methylation and histone modification-implicated factors are feasible targets for RA therapy. Exploring RA pathogenesis involved epigenetic factors and mechanisms is crucial for developing more efficient RA therapies. Here we review epigenetic alterations associated with RA pathogenesis including DNA methylation and interacting factors. Additionally, we will summarize the literature revealing the involved molecular structures and interactions. Finally, potential epigenetic factor-based therapies will be discussed that may help in better management of RA in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Brandt
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary; (B.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Shima Rashidiani
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary; (B.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Ágnes Bán
- Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7621, Hungary;
| | - Tibor A. Rauch
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary; (B.B.); (S.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary
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Chen J, Liu W, Zhu W. Foxp3⁺ Treg Cells Are Associated with Pathological Process of Autoimmune Hepatitis by Activating Methylation Modification in Autoimmune Hepatitis Patients. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:6204-6212. [PMID: 31422415 PMCID: PMC6711260 DOI: 10.12659/msm.915408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic hepatic disorder. This study investigated role of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) and methylation-regulated Tregs in AIH pathological processes. Material/Methods Forty consecutive patients diagnosed with hepatitis were enrolled and divided into a virus hepatitis (n=20) group and an AIH group (n=20). Twenty healthy individuals were assigned to the healthy control group (HC, n=20), Liver function biomarkers were detected on an automatic biochemical analyzer. Serum auto-antibodies were evaluated using immunofluorescence method. Histopathological evaluation was conducted with liver tissues. Treg cells were counted using FACS flow cytometry. Peripheral lymphocytes surface/intracellular biomarkers, CD4+CD25+, CD127, and Foxp3, were examined. Serum cytokines were evaluated using cytometric bead array. Methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) was conducted to identify the status of Foxp3 gene methylation. Results Levels of liver function biomarkers were significantly increased in the AIH group compared to the HC group (p<0.05). Levels of ANA and ASMA were significantly enhanced in the AIH group compared to the HC group (p<0.05). Other auto-antibodies, including anti-AHA, anti-ribosome P protein, and anti-RO-52, were also discovered in the AIH group. Severe lymphocytic infiltration and inflammatory cells clustering were discovered in AIH patients. There were significantly fewer CD4+CD25+ T cells in the AIH group, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-10 levels were significantly decreased compared to the HC group (p<0.05). CD127+ Treg and Foxp3+ Treg expressions were decreased in the AIH group compared to the HC group (p<0.05). Foxp3 in Treg cells of AIH patients exhibited higher methylation frequency compared to that of HC patients (p<0.05). Conclusions Foxp3+ regulatory T cells were involved in pathological processes by activating methylation modification in autoimmune hepatitis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Chen
- Yibin Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Yibin, Sichuan, China (mainland)
| | - Wen Liu
- Yibin Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Yibin, Sichuan, China (mainland)
| | - Wenjing Zhu
- The No. 2 People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan, China (mainland)
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Mahmood N, Rabbani SA. DNA Methylation Readers and Cancer: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Applications. Front Oncol 2019; 9:489. [PMID: 31245293 PMCID: PMC6579900 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a major epigenetic process that regulates chromatin structure which causes transcriptional activation or repression of genes in a context-dependent manner. In general, DNA methylation takes place when methyl groups are added to the appropriate bases on the genome by the action of "writer" molecules known as DNA methyltransferases. How these methylation marks are read and interpreted into different functionalities represents one of the main mechanisms through which the genes are switched "ON" or "OFF" and typically involves different types of "reader" proteins that can recognize and bind to the methylated regions. A tightly balanced regulation exists between the "writers" and "readers" in order to mediate normal cellular functions. However, alterations in normal methylation pattern is a typical hallmark of cancer which alters the way methylation marks are written, read and interpreted in different disease states. This unique characteristic of DNA methylation "readers" has identified them as attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge on the different classes of DNA methylation "readers" identified thus far along with their normal biological functions, describe how they are dysregulated in cancer, and discuss the various anti-cancer therapies that are currently being developed and evaluated for targeting these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Shafaat A Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Moreno Ayala MA, Li Z, DuPage M. Treg programming and therapeutic reprogramming in cancer. Immunology 2019; 157:198-209. [PMID: 30866047 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Overcoming the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment is the major challenge impeding cancer immunotherapy today. Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are prevalent in nearly all cancers and, as immunosuppressive regulators of immune responses, they are the principal opponents of cancer immunotherapy. However, disabling Tregs systemically causes severe autoimmune toxicity, hastening the need for more selective methods to target intratumoural Tregs. In this review, we discuss a burgeoning new modality to specifically target tumour-infiltrating Tregs (TI-Tregs) by reprogramming their functionality from immunosuppressive to immune stimulatory within tumours. As the basis for therapeutic selectivity of TI-Tregs, we will focus on the defining features of Tregs within cancer: their highly activated state controlled by the engagement of key surface receptors, their distinct metabolic programme, and their unique transcriptional programme. By identifying proteins and pathways that distinguish TI-Tregs from other Tregs in the body, as well as from the beneficial antitumour effector T-cells within tumours, we highlight mechanisms to selectively reprogramme TI-Tregs for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela A Moreno Ayala
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Zehui Li
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michel DuPage
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Abstract
Functional interpretation of noncoding genetic variants identified by genome-wide association studies is a major challenge in human genetics and gene regulation. We generated epigenomics data using primary cells from type 1 diabetes patients. Using these data, we identified and validated multiple novel risk variants for this disease. In addition, our ranked list of candidate risk SNPs represents the most comprehensive annotation based on T1D-specific T-cell data. Because many autoimmune diseases share some genetic underpinnings, our dataset may be used to understand causal noncoding mutations in related autoimmune diseases. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have revealed 59 genomic loci associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Functional interpretation of the SNPs located in the noncoding region of these loci remains challenging. We perform epigenomic profiling of two enhancer marks, H3K4me1 and H3K27ac, using primary TH1 and TREG cells isolated from healthy and T1D subjects. We uncover a large number of deregulated enhancers and altered transcriptional circuitries in both cell types of T1D patients. We identify four SNPs (rs10772119, rs10772120, rs3176792, rs883868) in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with T1D-associated GWAS lead SNPs that alter enhancer activity and expression of immune genes. Among them, rs10772119 and rs883868 disrupt the binding of retinoic acid receptor α (RARA) and Yin and Yang 1 (YY1), respectively. Loss of binding by YY1 also results in the loss of long-range enhancer–promoter interaction. These findings provide insights into how noncoding variants affect the transcriptomes of two T-cell subtypes that play critical roles in T1D pathogenesis.
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Lio CWJ, Rao A. TET Enzymes and 5hmC in Adaptive and Innate Immune Systems. Front Immunol 2019; 10:210. [PMID: 30809228 PMCID: PMC6379312 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an abundant and stable epigenetic modification that allows inheritance of information from parental to daughter cells. At active genomic regions, DNA methylation can be reversed by TET (Ten-eleven translocation) enzymes, which are responsible for fine-tuning methylation patterns. TET enzymes oxidize the methyl group of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to yield 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and other oxidized methylcytosines, facilitating both passive and active demethylation. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the essential functions of TET enzymes in regulating gene expression, promoting cell differentiation, and suppressing tumor formation. In this review, we will focus on recent discoveries of the functions of TET enzymes in the development and function of lymphoid and myeloid cells. How TET activity can be modulated by metabolites, including vitamin C and 2-hydroxyglutarate, and its potential application in shaping the course of immune response will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Wang J. Lio
- Division of Signaling and Gene Expression, La Jolla Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Anjana Rao
- Division of Signaling and Gene Expression, La Jolla Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, San Diego, CA, United States
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Pei YF, Xu XN, Wang ZF, Wang FW, Wu WD, Geng JF, Liu XQ. Methyl-CpG Binding Domain Protein 2 Inhibits the Malignant Characteristic of Lung Adenocarcinoma through the Epigenetic Modulation of 10 to 11 Translocation 1 and miR-200s. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:1065-1076. [PMID: 30735628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been reported that disorders of epigenetic modulation play a critical role in carcinogenesis. Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) is known to act as an epigenetic modulator in various types of tumors; however, the role of MBD2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrated the down-regulation of MBD2 in LUAD compared with adjacent nontumor tissues. The down-regulation of MBD2 in LUAD was correlated with metastasis and poor survival. In addition, MBD2 inhibited tumor metastasis by maintaining the expression of the miR-200s, which suppressed the invasive properties of tumors. Also, MBD2 positively correlated with 5-hydroxymethylcytosine content in the promoter of miR-200s. The conventional view is that MBD2 acts as a transcriptional suppressor. However, the data revealed that MBD2 may act as a transcriptional activator by recruiting 10 to 11 translocation 1 (TET1) and forming a chromatin-remodeling complex. The MBD2-TET1 complex locates to the TET1 promoter and removes the methyl residues in this region, thereby activating TET1 transcription. TET1 also acted as a tumor suppressor in LUAD. Taken together, the data demonstrate the correlation between MBD2, miR-200s, and TET1, and tumor suppressive effect of MBD2 through up-regulation of TET1 and the miR-200s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Fei Pei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Nan Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Fei Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Ding Wu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Feng Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xi-Qiang Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Khosravi M, Bidmeshkipour A, Moravej A, Hojjat-Assari S, Naserian S, Karimi MH. Induction of CD4 +CD25 +Foxp3 + regulatory T cells by mesenchymal stem cells is associated with RUNX complex factors. Immunol Res 2019; 66:207-218. [PMID: 29143918 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-017-8973-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Among the particular immunomodulation properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), one relies on their capacity to regulatory T cell (Treg) induction from effector T cells. Stable expression of Foxp3 has a dominant role in suppressive phenotype and stability of induced regulatory T cells (iTregs). How MSCs induce stable Foxp3 expression in iTregs remains unknown. We previously showed MSCs could enhance demethylation of Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR) in iTregs in cell-cell contact manner (unpublished data). Here, we evaluated the possible effect of MSCs on the mRNA expression of Runx complex genes (Runx1, Runx3, and CBFB) that perch on TSDR in iTregs and play the main role in suppressive properties of Tregs, a regulatory pathway that has not yet been explored by MSCs. Also, we investigated the mRNA expression of MBD2 that promotes TSDR demethylation in Tregs. We first showed that in vitro MSC-iTreg induction was associated with strong mRNA modifications of genes involved in Runx complex. We next injected high doses of MSCs in a murine model of C57BL/6 into Balb/C allogeneic skin transplantation to prolong allograft survival. When splenocytes of grafted mice were analyzed, we realized that the Foxp3 expression was increased at day 5 and 10 post-graft merely in MSC-treated mice. Furthermore, Foxp3 mRNA expression was associated with modified Runx complex mRNA expression comparable to what was shown in in vitro studies. Hence, our data identify a possible mechanism in which MSCs convert conventional T cells to iTreg through strong modifications of mRNA of genes that are involved in Runx complex of Foxp3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Khosravi
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.,Institut Français de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur à l'International (IFRES-INT), Paris, France
| | - Ali Bidmeshkipour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Ali Moravej
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Suzzan Hojjat-Assari
- Institut Français de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur à l'International (IFRES-INT), Paris, France
| | - Sina Naserian
- Inserm, U1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 94807, Villejuif, France
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Development and Functional Modulation of Regulatory T Cells by Transcription Factors and Epigenetics. Cornea 2018; 37 Suppl 1:S42-S49. [PMID: 30211750 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000001720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Studies of Treg are not only necessary for understanding the mechanism of immune homeostasis but also extremely useful for the development of treatments of various immune diseases. Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) was identified as the master gene responsible for the immune-suppressing activity of Tregs. The promoter region and several intronic enhancers, designated conserved noncoding sequence (CNS) 0, 1, 2, and 3, at the Foxp3 gene locus have important roles in Foxp3 expression and Treg development. We demonstrated that transcription factors Nr4a and Smad2/3 are required for development of thymic Tregs and induced Tregs, respectively. In addition to transcription factors, Treg-specific DNA demethylation has been shown to be important for Treg stability. In particular, DNA demethylation of CNS2 was implicated in Treg stability, and members of the ten-eleven translocation family of demethylation factors were recently demonstrated to have important roles in 5'-C-phosphate-G-3' demethylation at CNS2. This article summarizes recent findings regarding the roles of transcription factors and epigenetic modifications in the differentiation, maintenance, and function of Tregs. This review will facilitate clinical application of Tregs to diseases in the field of ophthalmology, including uveitis and age-related macular degeneration.
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Wang L, Beier UH, Akimova T, Dahiya S, Han R, Samanta A, Levine MH, Hancock WW. Histone/protein deacetylase inhibitor therapy for enhancement of Foxp3+ T-regulatory cell function posttransplantation. Am J Transplant 2018; 18:1596-1603. [PMID: 29603600 PMCID: PMC6035084 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
T-regulatory (Treg) cells are like other cells present throughout the body in being subject to biochemical modifications in response to extracellular signals. An important component of these responses involves changes in posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of histones and many nonhistone proteins, including phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, ubiquitination/deubiquitination, and acetylation/deacetylation. Foxp3, the key transcription factor of Tregs, is constantly being rapidly turned over, and a number of these PTMs determine its level of expression and activity. Of interest in the transplant setting, modulation of the acetylation or deacetylation of key lysine residues in Foxp3 can promote the stability and function, leading to increased Treg production and increased Treg suppressive activity. This mini-review focuses on recent data concerning the roles that histone/protein deacetylases (HDACs) play in control of Treg function, and how small molecule HDAC inhibitors can be used to promote Treg-dependent allograft survival in experimental models. These data are discussed in the light of increasing interest in the identification and clinical evaluation of isoform-selective HDAC inhibitors, and their potential application as tools to modulate Foxp3+ Treg cell numbers and function in transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Wang
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - U. H. Beier
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - T. Akimova
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S. Dahiya
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R. Han
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A. Samanta
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M. H. Levine
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, and Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - W. W. Hancock
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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May S, Owen H, Phesse TJ, Greenow KR, Jones G, Blackwood A, Cook PC, Towers C, Gallimore AM, Williams GT, Stürzl M, Britzen‐Laurent N, Sansom OJ, MacDonald AS, Bird AP, Clarke AR, Parry L. Mbd2 enables tumourigenesis within the intestine while preventing tumour-promoting inflammation. J Pathol 2018; 245:270-282. [PMID: 29603746 PMCID: PMC6032908 DOI: 10.1002/path.5074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays a key role in the link between inflammation and cancer. Here we examine Mbd2, which mediates epigenetic transcriptional silencing by binding to methylated DNA. In separate studies the Mbd2-/- mouse has been shown (1) to be resistant to intestinal tumourigenesis and (2) to have an enhanced inflammatory/immune response, observations that are inconsistent with the links between inflammation and cancer. To clarify its role in tumourigenesis and inflammation, we used constitutive and conditional models of Mbd2 deletion to explore its epithelial and non-epithelial roles in the intestine. Using a conditional model, we found that suppression of intestinal tumourigenesis is due primarily to the absence of Mbd2 within the epithelia. Next, we demonstrated, using the DSS colitis model, that non-epithelial roles of Mbd2 are key in preventing the transition from acute to tumour-promoting chronic inflammation. Combining models revealed that prior to inflammation the altered Mbd2-/- immune response plays a role in intestinal tumour suppression. However, following inflammation the intestine converts from tumour suppressive to tumour promoting. To summarise, in the intestine the normal function of Mbd2 is exploited by cancer cells to enable tumourigenesis, while in the immune system it plays a key role in preventing tumour-enabling inflammation. Which role is dominant depends on the inflammation status of the intestine. As environmental interactions within the intestine can alter DNA methylation patterns, we propose that Mbd2 plays a key role in determining whether these interactions are anti- or pro-tumourigenic and this makes it a useful new epigenetic model for inflammation-associated carcinogenesis. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie May
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff University, School of BiosciencesCardiffUK
| | - Heather Owen
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell BiologyUniversity of Edinburgh, Michael Swann BuildingEdinburghUK
| | - Toby J Phesse
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff University, School of BiosciencesCardiffUK
| | - Kirsty R Greenow
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff University, School of BiosciencesCardiffUK
| | - Gareth‐Rhys Jones
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation ResearchManchesterUK
| | - Adam Blackwood
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff University, School of BiosciencesCardiffUK
| | - Peter C Cook
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation ResearchManchesterUK
| | - Christopher Towers
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff University, School of BiosciencesCardiffUK
| | - Awen M Gallimore
- Cardiff Institute of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome BuildingCardiffUK
| | - Geraint T Williams
- Institute of Cancer and GeneticsCardiff University School of MedicineCardiffUK
| | - Michael Stürzl
- Division of Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Department of SurgeryFriedrich‐Alexander‐Universität (FAU) Erlangen‐Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum ErlangenErlangenGermany
| | - Nathalie Britzen‐Laurent
- Division of Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Department of SurgeryFriedrich‐Alexander‐Universität (FAU) Erlangen‐Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum ErlangenErlangenGermany
| | | | | | - Adrian P Bird
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell BiologyUniversity of Edinburgh, Michael Swann BuildingEdinburghUK
| | - Alan R Clarke
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff University, School of BiosciencesCardiffUK
| | - Lee Parry
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff University, School of BiosciencesCardiffUK
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STAT5 and TET2 Cooperate to Regulate FOXP3-TSDR Demethylation in CD4 + T Cells of Patients with Colorectal Cancer. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:6985031. [PMID: 30013992 PMCID: PMC6022275 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6985031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor-infiltrating Tregs are linked to colorectal cancer progression and outcome. FOXP3 is regarded as a critical developmental and functional factor for Tregs. FOXP3-TSDR demethylation is required for stable expression of FOXP3 and maintenance of Treg function. In our study, we found specific DNA hypomethylation of FOXP3-TSDR in CD4+ T cells from colon tumor tissues as compared with normal colonic tissues. Moreover, we also found that the expression of STAT5 and TET2 was increased in CD4+ T cells from colon tumor tissues, and the superfluous STAT5 and TET2 binding to FOXP3-TSDR resulted in DNA hypomethylation. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that excessive amounts of STAT5 may bind more TET2 to the FOXP3-TSDR and upregulate FOXP3 expression via DNA demethylation. Our study improved the mechanism of FOXP3-TSDR hypomethylation in tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells of CRC patients.
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All-Trans Retinoic Acid Induces CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells by Increasing FOXP3 Demethylation in Systemic Sclerosis CD4+ T Cells. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:8658156. [PMID: 29854846 PMCID: PMC5952589 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8658156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinoic acid (RA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and has been reported to improve the clinical symptoms of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, the mechanism of RA in the prevention of SSc remains unclear. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subpopulation of T cells with immunosuppressive activity. The quantitative and functional defects of Tregs may mediate the immune dysfunction in SSc. The addition of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to human naïve CD4+ cells could promote the maturation of Tregs and increase the stable expression of Foxp3. In this study, we explored the role of RA on Tregs in SSc CD4+ T cells and its possible epigenetic mechanisms, so as to further understand the mechanisms of RA on SSc. Methods CD4+ T cells were isolated from peripheral blood of SSc and treated with or without ATRA and/or transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). The percentage of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs was counted by flow cytometry. FOXP3 mRNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Bisulfite sequencing was performed to determine the methylation status of the FOXP3 proximal promoter sequences. Results The expression of Tregs and FOXP3 in CD4+ T cells from patients with SSc increased in response to ATRA. Moreover, combined stimulation with ATRA and TGF-β resulted in the enhancement of these effects. Further studies revealed that stimulation with ATRA increased the expression of FOXP3 in SSc CD4+ T cells by downregulating FOXP3 promoter methylation levels. Conclusions ATRA acts as an inducer of Treg response in SSc CD4+ T cells via demethylation of the FOXP3 promoter and activation of FOXP3 expression. This may be one of the molecular mechanisms for ATRA, and therefore, RA can be used for the treatment of SSc.
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Becker W, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti PS. miR-466a Targeting of TGF-β2 Contributes to FoxP3 + Regulatory T Cell Differentiation in a Murine Model of Allogeneic Transplantation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:688. [PMID: 29686677 PMCID: PMC5900016 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The promise of inducing immunological tolerance through regulatory T cell (Treg) control of effector T cell function is crucial for developing future therapeutic strategies to treat allograft rejection as well as inflammatory autoimmune diseases. In the current study, we used murine allograft rejection as a model to identify microRNA (miRNA) regulation of Treg differentiation from naïve CD4 cells. We performed miRNA expression array in CD4+ T cells in the draining lymph node (dLN) of mice which received syngeneic or allogeneic grafts to determine the molecular mechanisms that hinder the expansion of Tregs. We identified an increase in miRNA cluster 297-669 (C2MC) after allogeneic transplantation, in CD4+ T cells, such that 10 of the 27 upregulated miRNAs were all from this cluster, with one of its members, mmu-miR-466a-3p (miR-466a-3p), targeting transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β2), as identified through reporter luciferase assay. Transfection of miR-466a-3p in CD4+ T cells led to a decreased inducible FoxP3+ Treg generation while inhibiting miR-466a-3p expression through locked nucleic acid resulting in increased Tregs and a reduction in effector T cells. Furthermore, in vivo inhibition of miR-466a-3p in an allogeneic skin-graft model attenuated T cell response against the graft through an increase in TGF-β2. TGF-β2 was as effective as TGF-β1 at both inducing Tregs and through adoptive transfer, mitigating host effector T cell response against the allograft. Together, the current study demonstrates for the first time a new role for miRNA-466a-3p and TGF-β2 in the regulation of Treg differentiation and thus offers novel avenues to control inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Prakash S. Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
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Zeng Z, Li M, Chen J, Li Q, Ning Q, Zhao J, Xu Y, Xie J, Yu J. Reduced MBD2 expression enhances airway inflammation in bronchial epithelium in COPD. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2018. [PMID: 29535511 PMCID: PMC5836663 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s148595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common inflammatory lung disease characterized by inflammatory cells activation and production of inflammatory mediators. Methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) plays an important role in diverse immunological disorders by regulating immune cell functions, such as differentiation and mediator secretion. However, the role of MBD2 in COPD remains unknown. Methods MBD2 protein expression in lung tissues of patients with COPD and cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed mice were evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The role of MBD2 in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induction of inflammatory mediator expression in the human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cell line was assessed by silencing MBD2 expression in vitro. The involvement of signaling pathways in mediation of inflammation was tested with signaling inhibitors. Results Compared with controls, MBD2 expression was distinctly reduced in the bronchial epithelium of both patients with COPD and CS-exposed mice. Moreover, MBD2 expression was decreased in HBE after CSE stimulation in vitro. Moreover, MBD2 knockdown enhanced interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 expression in HBE in the presence and absence of CSE treatment by the ERK signaling pathway. Conclusion MBD2 protein expression was reduced in the airway epithelium of COPD. In HBE, this reduced expression was associated with increased levels of IL-6 and IL-8 mediated by the ERK pathway. These results suggest that MBD2 could contribute to chronic airway inflammation in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Zeng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease.,Department of Infectious Disease, Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease
| | - Jinkun Chen
- Acadia Junior High School, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Qinghai Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease
| | - Qin Ning
- Department of Infectious Disease, Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease
| | - Yongjian Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease
| | - Jungang Xie
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Chae WJ, Bothwell ALM. Therapeutic Potential of Gene-Modified Regulatory T Cells: From Bench to Bedside. Front Immunol 2018; 9:303. [PMID: 29503652 PMCID: PMC5820299 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an important subset of adaptive immune cells and control immune reactions for maintaining homeostasis. Tregs are generated upon their encounter with self or non-self-antigen and mediate tolerance or suppress aberrant immune responses. A high level of specificity of Tregs to recognize antigen(s) suggested their instrumental potential to treat various inflammatory diseases. This review will first introduce seminal basic research findings in the field of Tregs over the last two decades pertinent to therapeutic approaches in progress. We will then discuss the previous approaches to use Tregs for therapeutic purposes and the more recent development of gene-modification approaches. The suppressive function of Tregs has been studied intensively in clinical settings, including cancer, autoimmunity, and allotransplantation. In cancer, Tregs are often aberrantly increased in their number, and their suppressor function inhibits mounting of effective antitumor immune responses. We will examine potential approaches of using gene-modified Tregs to treat cancer. In autoimmunity and allotransplantation, chronic inflammation due to inherent genetic defects in the immune system or mismatch between organ donor and recipient results in dysfunction of Tregs, leading to inflammatory diseases or rejection, respectively. Since the recognition of antigen is a central part in Treg function and their therapeutic use, the modulation of T cell receptor specificity will be discussed. Finally, we will focus on future novel strategies employing the therapeutic potential of Tregs using gene modification to broaden our perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wook-Jin Chae
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Alfred L. M. Bothwell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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