1
|
Schäfer S, Gogiraju R, Rösch M, Kerstan Y, Beck L, Garbisch J, Saliba AE, Gisterå A, Hermanns HM, Boon L, Kastenmüller W, Schäfer K, Cochain C, Zernecke A. CD8 + T Cells Drive Plaque Smooth Muscle Cell Dedifferentiation in Experimental Atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1852-1872. [PMID: 38868941 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320084] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is driven by the infiltration of the arterial intima by diverse immune cells and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). CD8+ T cells promote lesion growth during atherosclerotic lesion development, but their role in advanced atherosclerosis is less clear. Here, we studied the role of CD8+ T cells and their effects on SMCs in established atherosclerosis. METHODS CD8+ T cells were depleted in (SMC reporter) low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice with established atherosclerotic lesions. Atherosclerotic lesion formation was examined, and single-cell RNA sequencing of aortic SMCs and their progeny was performed. Additionally, coculture experiments with primary aortic SMCs and CD8+ T cells were conducted. RESULTS Although we could not detect differences in atherosclerotic lesion size, an increased plaque SMC content was noted in mice after CD8+ T-cell depletion. Single-cell RNA sequencing of aortic lineage-traced SMCs revealed contractile SMCs and a modulated SMC cluster, expressing macrophage- and osteoblast-related genes. CD8+ T-cell depletion was associated with an increased contractile but decreased macrophage and osteoblast-like gene signature in this modulated aortic SMC cluster. Conversely, exposure of isolated aortic SMCs to activated CD8+ T cells decreased the expression of genes indicative of a contractile SMC phenotype and induced a macrophage and osteoblast-like cell state. Notably, CD8+ T cells triggered calcium deposits in SMCs under osteogenic conditions. Mechanistically, we identified transcription factors highly expressed in modulated SMCs, including Runx1, to be induced by CD8+ T cells in cultured SMCs in an IFNγ (interferon-γ)-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS We here uncovered CD8+ T cells to control the SMC phenotype in atherosclerosis. CD8+ T cells promote SMC dedifferentiation and drive SMCs to adopt features of macrophage-like and osteoblast-like, procalcifying cell phenotypes. Given the critical role of SMCs in atherosclerotic plaque stability, CD8+ T cells could thus be explored as therapeutic target cells during lesion progression.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/immunology
- Cell Dedifferentiation
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic
- Mice
- Disease Models, Animal
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/immunology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/immunology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Cells, Cultured
- Male
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/deficiency
- Phenotype
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/metabolism
- Aorta/pathology
- Aorta/immunology
- Aorta/metabolism
- Coculture Techniques
- Aortic Diseases/pathology
- Aortic Diseases/genetics
- Aortic Diseases/immunology
- Aortic Diseases/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schäfer
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine (S.S., M.R., Y.K., L. Beck, J.G., C.C., A.Z.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rajinikanth Gogiraju
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medicine Mainz, Germany (R.G., K.S.)
| | - Melanie Rösch
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine (S.S., M.R., Y.K., L. Beck, J.G., C.C., A.Z.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Kerstan
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine (S.S., M.R., Y.K., L. Beck, J.G., C.C., A.Z.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lina Beck
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine (S.S., M.R., Y.K., L. Beck, J.G., C.C., A.Z.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Janine Garbisch
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine (S.S., M.R., Y.K., L. Beck, J.G., C.C., A.Z.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antoine-Emmanuel Saliba
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg, Germany (A.-E.S.)
| | - Anton Gisterå
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (A.G.)
| | - Heike M Hermanns
- Medical Clinic II, Division of Hepatology (H.M.H.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Katrin Schäfer
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medicine Mainz, Germany (R.G., K.S.)
| | - Clément Cochain
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine (S.S., M.R., Y.K., L. Beck, J.G., C.C., A.Z.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alma Zernecke
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine (S.S., M.R., Y.K., L. Beck, J.G., C.C., A.Z.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Jong MJM, Depuydt MAC, Schaftenaar FH, Liu K, Maters D, Wezel A, Smeets HJ, Kuiper J, Bot I, van Gisbergen K, Slütter B. Resident Memory T Cells in the Atherosclerotic Lesion Associate With Reduced Macrophage Content and Increased Lesion Stability. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1318-1329. [PMID: 38634281 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320511] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tissue resident memory T (TRM) cells are a T-cell subset that resides at the site of prior antigen recognition to protect the body against reoccurring encounters. Besides their protective function, TRM cells have also been implicated in inflammatory disorders. TRM cells are characterized by the expression of CD69 and transcription factors Hobit (homolog of Blimp-1 [B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1] in T cells) and Blimp-1. As the majority of T cells in the arterial intima expresses CD69, TRM cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis as well. Here, we aimed to assess the presence and potential role of TRM cells in atherosclerosis. METHODS To identify TRM cells in human atherosclerotic lesions, a single-cell RNA-sequencing data set was interrogated, and T-cell phenotypes were compared with that of integrated predefined TRM cells. The presence and phenotype of TRM in atherosclerotic lesions was corroborated using a mouse model that enabled tracking of Hobit-expressing TRM cells. To explore the function of TRM cells during atherogenesis, RAG1-/- (recombination activating gene 1 deficient) LDLr-/- (low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout) mice received a bone marrow transplant from HobitKO/CREBlimp-1flox/flox mice, which exhibit abrogated TRM cell formation, whereafter the mice were fed a Western-type diet for 10 weeks. RESULTS Human atherosclerotic lesions contained T cells that exhibited a TRM cell-associated gene signature. Moreover, a fraction of these T cells clustered together with predefined TRM cells upon integration. The presence of Hobit-expressing TRM cells in the atherosclerotic lesion was confirmed in mice. These lesion-derived TRM cells were characterized by the expression of CD69 and CD49α. Moreover, we demonstrated that this small T-cell subset significantly affects lesion composition, by reducing the amount of intralesional macrophages and increasing collagen content. CONCLUSIONS TRM cells, characterized by the expression of CD69 and CD49α, constitute a minor population in atherosclerotic lesions and are associated with increased lesion stability in a Hobit and Blimp-1 knockout mouse model.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/immunology
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Humans
- Memory T Cells/immunology
- Memory T Cells/metabolism
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/immunology
- Macrophages/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Immunologic Memory
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/deficiency
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice
- Male
- Mice, Knockout
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Lectins, C-Type/metabolism
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Phenotype
- Female
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Aortic Diseases/pathology
- Aortic Diseases/immunology
- Aortic Diseases/genetics
- Aortic Diseases/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maaike J M de Jong
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (M.J.M.d.J., M.A.C.D., F.H.S., K.L., D.M., J.K., I.B., B.S.)
| | - Marie A C Depuydt
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (M.J.M.d.J., M.A.C.D., F.H.S., K.L., D.M., J.K., I.B., B.S.)
| | - Frank H Schaftenaar
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (M.J.M.d.J., M.A.C.D., F.H.S., K.L., D.M., J.K., I.B., B.S.)
| | - Kun Liu
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (M.J.M.d.J., M.A.C.D., F.H.S., K.L., D.M., J.K., I.B., B.S.)
| | - David Maters
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (M.J.M.d.J., M.A.C.D., F.H.S., K.L., D.M., J.K., I.B., B.S.)
| | - Anouk Wezel
- Department of Surgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands (A.W., H.J.S.)
| | - Harm J Smeets
- Department of Surgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands (A.W., H.J.S.)
| | - Johan Kuiper
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (M.J.M.d.J., M.A.C.D., F.H.S., K.L., D.M., J.K., I.B., B.S.)
| | - Ilze Bot
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (M.J.M.d.J., M.A.C.D., F.H.S., K.L., D.M., J.K., I.B., B.S.)
| | - Klaas van Gisbergen
- van Gisbergen Lab, Tissue Immunity, Champalimaud Research, Lisbon, Portugal (K.v.G.)
| | - Bram Slütter
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (M.J.M.d.J., M.A.C.D., F.H.S., K.L., D.M., J.K., I.B., B.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ding D, Zhao Y, Jia Y, Niu M, Li X, Zheng X, Chen H. Identification of novel genes associated with atherosclerosis in Bama miniature pig. Animal Model Exp Med 2024; 7:377-387. [PMID: 38720469 PMCID: PMC11228093 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12412] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is a chronic cardiovascular disease of great concern. However, it is difficult to establish a direct connection between conventional small animal models and clinical practice. The pig's genome, physiology, and anatomy reflect human biology better than other laboratory animals, which is crucial for studying the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. METHODS We used whole-genome sequencing data from nine Bama minipigs to perform a genome-wide linkage analysis, and further used bioinformatic tools to filter and identify underlying candidate genes. Candidate gene function prediction was performed using the online prediction tool STRING 12.0. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of proteins encoded by candidate genes. RESULTS We mapped differential single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to genes and obtained a total of 102 differential genes, then we used GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis to identify four candidate genes, including SLA-1, SLA-2, SLA-3, and TAP2. nsSNPs cause changes in the primary and tertiary structures of SLA-I and TAP2 proteins, the primary structures of these two proteins have undergone amino acid changes, and the tertiary structures also show slight changes. In addition, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results showed that the expression changes of TAP2 protein in coronary arteries showed a trend of increasing from the middle layer to the inner layer. CONCLUSIONS We have identified SLA-I and TAP2 as potential susceptibility genes of atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of antigen processing and immune response in atherogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dengfeng Ding
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yuqiong Zhao
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yunxiao Jia
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Miaomiao Niu
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xuezhuang Li
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xinou Zheng
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Hua Chen
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lecis D, Massaro G, Benedetto D, Di Luozzo M, Russo G, Mauriello A, Federici M, Sangiorgi GM. Immunomodulation Therapies for Atherosclerosis: The Past, the Present, and the Future. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10979. [PMID: 37446157 PMCID: PMC10342012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of morbidity and death worldwide. Recent studies have demonstrated that this chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall can be controlled through the modulation of immune system activity. Many patients with cardiovascular disease remain at elevated risk of recurrent events despite receiving current, state-of-the-art preventive medical treatment. Much of this residual risk is attributed to inflammation. Therefore, finding new treatment strategies for this category of patients became of common interest. This review will discuss the experimental and clinical data supporting the possibility of developing immune-based therapies for lowering cardiovascular risk, explicitly focusing on vaccination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalgisio Lecis
- Division of Cardiology, “Tor Vergata” University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (D.B.); (M.D.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Gianluca Massaro
- Division of Cardiology, “Tor Vergata” University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (D.B.); (M.D.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Daniela Benedetto
- Division of Cardiology, “Tor Vergata” University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (D.B.); (M.D.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Marco Di Luozzo
- Division of Cardiology, “Tor Vergata” University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (D.B.); (M.D.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Giulio Russo
- Division of Cardiology, “Tor Vergata” University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (D.B.); (M.D.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimo Federici
- Department of Systemic Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Massimo Sangiorgi
- Division of Cardiology, “Tor Vergata” University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (D.B.); (M.D.L.); (G.R.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chyu KY, Zhao X, Zhou J, Dimayuga PC, Lio NW, Cercek B, Trac NT, Chung EJ, Shah PK. Immunization using ApoB-100 peptide-linked nanoparticles reduces atherosclerosis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:149741. [PMID: 35536648 PMCID: PMC9220835 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149741] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Active immunization with the apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB-100) peptide P210 reduces experimental atherosclerosis. To advance this immunization strategy to future clinical testing, we explored the possibility of delivering P210 as an antigen using nanoparticles, given this approach has been used clinically. We first characterized the responses of T cells to P210 using PBMCs from patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We then investigated the use of P210 in self-assembling peptide amphiphile micelles (P210-PAMs) as a vaccine formulation to reduce atherosclerosis in B6.129P2-Apoetm1Unc/J (ApoE–/–) mice and P210’s potential mechanisms of action. We also generated and characterized a humanized mouse model with chimeric HLA-A*02:01/Kb in ApoE–/– background to test the efficacy of P210-PAM immunization as a bridge to future clinical testing. P210 provoked T cell activation and memory response in PBMCs of patients with ASCVD. Dendritic cell uptake of P210-PAM and its costaining with MHC-I molecules supported its use as a vaccine formulation. In ApoE–/– mice, immunization with P210-PAMs dampened P210-specific CD4+ T cell proliferative response and CD8+ T cell cytolytic response, modulated macrophage phenotype, and significantly reduced aortic atherosclerosis. Potential clinical relevance of P210-PAM immunization was demonstrated by reduced atherosclerosis in the humanized ApoE–/– mouse model. Our data support experimental and translational use of P210-PAM as a potential vaccine candidate against human ASCVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yuh Chyu
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Xiaoning Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Jianchang Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Paul C Dimayuga
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Nicole Wm Lio
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Bojan Cercek
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Noah T Trac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Eun Ji Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Prediman K Shah
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mallat Z, Binder CJ. The why and how of adaptive immune responses in ischemic cardiovascular disease. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:431-444. [PMID: 36382200 PMCID: PMC7613798 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00049-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a major cause of disability and death worldwide. Most therapeutic approaches target traditional risk factors but ignore the fundamental role of the immune system. This is a huge unmet need. Recent evidence indicates that reducing inflammation may limit cardiovascular events. However, the concomitant increase in the risk of lifethreatening infections is a major drawback. In this context, targeting adaptive immunity could constitute a highly effective and safer approach. In this Review, we address the why and how of the immuno-cardiovascular unit, in health and in atherosclerotic disease. We review and discuss fundamental mechanisms that ensure immune tolerance to cardiovascular tissue, and examine how their disruption promotes disease progression. We identify promising strategies to manipulate the adaptive immune system for patient benefit, including novel biologics and RNA-based vaccination strategies. Finally, we advocate for establishing a molecular classification of atherosclerosis as an important milestone in our quest to radically change the understanding and treatment of atherosclerotic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziad Mallat
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Unversité de Paris, and INSERM U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Centre, Paris, France
| | - Christoph J. Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Roy P, Orecchioni M, Ley K. How the immune system shapes atherosclerosis: roles of innate and adaptive immunity. Nat Rev Immunol 2022; 22:251-265. [PMID: 34389841 PMCID: PMC10111155 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-021-00584-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the root cause of many cardiovascular diseases. Extensive research in preclinical models and emerging evidence in humans have established the crucial roles of the innate and adaptive immune systems in driving atherosclerosis-associated chronic inflammation in arterial blood vessels. New techniques have highlighted the enormous heterogeneity of leukocyte subsets in the arterial wall that have pro-inflammatory or regulatory roles in atherogenesis. Understanding the homing and activation pathways of these immune cells, their disease-associated dynamics and their regulation by microbial and metabolic factors will be crucial for the development of clinical interventions for atherosclerosis, including potentially vaccination-based therapeutic strategies. Here, we review key molecular mechanisms of immune cell activation implicated in modulating atherogenesis and provide an update on the contributions of innate and adaptive immune cell subsets in atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Payel Roy
- Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marco Orecchioni
- Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Klaus Ley
- Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Promoting athero-protective immunity by vaccination with low density lipoprotein-derived antigens. Atherosclerosis 2021; 335:89-97. [PMID: 34462127 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Immune responses activated by LDL particles that have been trapped and oxidized in the arterial wall play an important role in atherosclerosis. Some of these immune responses are protective by facilitating the removal of pro-inflammatory and toxic lipid species formed as result of LDL oxidation. However, should these protective immune responses be insufficient, other more potent pro-inflammatory immune responses instead contributing to disease progression will gradually become dominant. The importance of the balance between protective and pathogenic immunity is particularly apparent when it comes to the adaptive immune system where pro-inflammatory T helper 1 (Th1) type T cells aggravate atherosclerosis, while regulatory T cells (Tregs) have an opposing role. As oxidized LDL is a key autoantigen in atherosclerosis, it has become an interesting possibility that immune-modulatory therapy that favors the activity of apolipoprotein B peptide-specific Tregs could be developed into a novel treatment strategy for prevention/stabilization of atherosclerosis and ischemic cardiovascular events. Indeed, several such oxidized LDL tolerance vaccines have shown promising results in animal models of atherosclerosis. This review will discuss the experimental background for development of atherosclerosis vaccines based on LDL-derived antigens as well as the challenges involved in translating these findings into clinical application.
Collapse
|
9
|
Muhammad K, Ayoub MA, Iratni R. Vascular Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease: Is Immune System Protective or Bystander? Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:2141-2150. [PMID: 33461451 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666210118121952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Chronic atherosclerosis induced vascular inflammation and perturbation of lipid metabolism is believed to be a major cause of CVD. Interplay of innate and adaptive Immune system has been interwined with various risk factors associated with the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis in CVD. A large body of evidence indicates a correlation between immunity and atherosclerosis. Retention of plasma lipoproteins in arterial subendothelial wall triggers the T helper type 1 (Th1) cells and monocyte-derived macrophages to form atherosclerotic plaques. In the present review, we will discuss the pathogenesis of CVD in relation to atherosclerosis with a particular focus on pro-atherogenic role of immune cells. Recent findings have also suggested anti-atherogenic roles of different B cell subsets. Therapeutic approaches to target atherosclerosis risk factors have reduced the mortality, but a need exists for the novel therapies to treat arterial vascular inflammation. These insights into the immune pathogenesis of atherosclerosis can lead to new targeted therapeutics to abate cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Muhammad
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed A Ayoub
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rabah Iratni
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Winkels H, Wolf D. Heterogeneity of T Cells in Atherosclerosis Defined by Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing and Cytometry by Time of Flight. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:549-563. [PMID: 33267666 PMCID: PMC7837690 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.312137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The infiltration and accumulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory leukocytes within the intimal layer of the arterial wall is a hallmark of developing and progressing atherosclerosis. While traditionally perceived as macrophage- and foam cell-dominated disease, it is now established that atherosclerosis is a partial autoimmune disease that involves the recognition of peptides from ApoB (apolipoprotein B), the core protein of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol particles, by CD4+ T-helper cells and autoantibodies against LDL and ApoB. Autoimmunity in the atherosclerotic plaque has long been understood as a pathogenic T-helper type-1 driven response with proinflammatory cytokine secretion. Recent developments in high-parametric cell immunophenotyping by mass cytometry, single-cell RNA-sequencing, and in tools exploring antigen-specificity have established the existence of several unforeseen layers of T-cell diversity with mixed TH1 and T regulatory cells transcriptional programs and unpredicted fates. These findings suggest that pathogenic ApoB-reactive T cells evolve from atheroprotective and immunosuppressive CD4+ T regulatory cells that lose their protective properties over time. Here, we discuss T-cell heterogeneity in atherosclerosis with a focus on plasticity, antigen-specificity, exhaustion, maturation, tissue residency, and its potential use in clinical prediction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holger Winkels
- Department of Cardiology, Clinic III for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Germany. Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, University Heart Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Wolf
- Department of Cardiology, Clinic III for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Germany. Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, University Heart Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Atherosclerotic lesions are populated by cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, including CD8+ T cells. The CD8+ T cell infiltrate has recently been characterized in mouse and human atherosclerosis and revealed activated, cytotoxic, and possibly dysfunctional and exhausted cell phenotypes. In mouse models of atherosclerosis, antibody-mediated depletion of CD8+ T cells ameliorates atherosclerosis. CD8+ T cells control monopoiesis and macrophage accumulation in early atherosclerosis. In addition, CD8+ T cells exert cytotoxic functions in atherosclerotic plaques and contribute to macrophage cell death and necrotic core formation. CD8+ T cell activation may be antigen-specific, and epitopes of atherosclerosis-relevant antigens may be targets of CD8+ T cells and their cytotoxic activity. CD8+ T cell functions are tightly controlled by costimulatory and coinhibitory immune checkpoints. Subsets of regulatory CD25+CD8+ T cells with immunosuppressive functions can inhibit atherosclerosis. Importantly, local cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses may trigger endothelial damage and plaque erosion in acute coronary syndromes. Understanding the complex role of CD8+ T cells in atherosclerosis may pave the way for defining novel treatment approaches in atherosclerosis. In this review article, we discuss these aspects, highlighting the emerging and critical role of CD8+ T cells in atherosclerosis.
Collapse
|
12
|
Mohmmad‐Rezaei M, Arefnezhad R, Ahmadi R, Abdollahpour‐Alitappeh M, Mirzaei Y, Arjmand M, Ferns GA, Bashash D, Bagheri N. An overview of the innate and adaptive immune system in atherosclerosis. IUBMB Life 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.2425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Mohmmad‐Rezaei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences Shahrekord Iran
| | - Reza Arefnezhad
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA Tehran Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
| | - Reza Ahmadi
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences Shahrekord Iran
| | | | - Yousef Mirzaei
- Department of Biogeosciences, Scientific Research Center Soran University Soran Iraq
| | - Mohammad‐Hassan Arjmand
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences Shahrekord Iran
- Cancer Research Center Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences Shahrekord Iran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education Sussex United Kingdom
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Nader Bagheri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences Shahrekord Iran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Atherosclerosis is a complex disease process with lipid as a traditional modifiable risk factor and therapeutic target in treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD). Recent evidence indicates that genetic influence and host immune response also are vital in this process. How these elements interact and modify each other and if immune response may emerge as a novel modifiable target remain poorly understood. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous preclinical studies have clearly demonstrated that hypercholesterolemia is essential for atherogenesis, but genetic variations and host immune-inflammatory responses can modulate the pro-atherogenic effect of elevated LDL-C. Clinical studies also suggest that a similar paradigm may also be operational in atherogenesis in humans. More importantly each element modifies the biological behavior of the other two elements, forming a triangular relationship among the three. Modulating any one of them will have downstream impact on atherosclerosis. This brief review summarizes the relationship among lipids, genes, and immunity in atherogenesis and presents evidence to show how these elements affect each other. Modulation of immune response, though in its infancy, has a potential to emerge as a novel clinical strategy in treating ACVD.
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall and the primary underlying cause of cardiovascular disease. Data from in vivo imaging, cell-lineage tracing and knockout studies in mice, as well as clinical interventional studies and advanced mRNA sequencing techniques, have drawn attention to the role of T cells as critical drivers and modifiers of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. CD4+ T cells are commonly found in atherosclerotic plaques. A large body of evidence indicates that T helper 1 (TH1) cells have pro-atherogenic roles and regulatory T (Treg) cells have anti-atherogenic roles. However, Treg cells can become pro-atherogenic. The roles in atherosclerosis of other TH cell subsets such as TH2, TH9, TH17, TH22, follicular helper T cells and CD28null T cells, as well as other T cell subsets including CD8+ T cells and γδ T cells, are less well understood. Moreover, some T cells seem to have both pro-atherogenic and anti-atherogenic functions. In this Review, we summarize the knowledge on T cell subsets, their functions in atherosclerosis and the process of T cell homing to atherosclerotic plaques. Much of our understanding of the roles of T cells in atherosclerosis is based on findings from experimental models. Translating these findings into human disease is challenging but much needed. T cells and their specific cytokines are attractive targets for developing new preventive and therapeutic approaches including potential T cell-related therapies for atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Saigusa
- Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Holger Winkels
- Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Klaus Ley
- Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lio WM, Cercek B, Yano J, Yang W, Ghermezi J, Zhao X, Zhou J, Zhou B, Freeman MR, Chyu KY, Shah PK, Dimayuga PC. Sex as a Determinant of Responses to a Coronary Artery Disease Self-Antigen Identified by Immune-Peptidomics. Front Immunol 2020; 11:694. [PMID: 32373127 PMCID: PMC7187896 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant body of work implicates the adaptive immune response in atherosclerosis, the main underlying cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), yet specific antigens involved remain to be fully identified. The pathobiology of CAD is influenced by sex with many factors that may be involved in the underlying mechanisms. Given the reported sexual dimorphic nature of immune-inflammatory responses, we investigated the influence of sex on potential CAD self-antigens from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients using immune-precipitation of soluble HLA Class-I/peptide complexes and mass spectrometry. Relevance of identified self-antigens to atherosclerosis, the major underlying cause of CAD, was tested in the apoE–/– atherosclerotic mouse model. Soluble HLA Class-I complexes from ACS patients and self-reported controls were immune-precipitated and subjected to elution, denaturation and size-exclusion to obtain HLA-bound peptides. Peptides were then subjected to mass spectrometry and patient-unique self-peptides were grouped as common to both female and male, or unique to either sex. Three peptides common to both female and male patients (COL6A1, CDSN, and SAA2), and 2 peptides each unique to female (COL1A1 and COL5A2) or male (SAA1 and KRT 9) patients were selected and mouse homologs of the peptides were screened for self-reactive immune responses in apoE–/– mice. The screening step revealed potential sex-influenced immune responses which was associated with differential immune profiles. Based on the frequency in patient plasma, COL6A1, COL5A2, and KRT 9 peptides were then tested in immunization studies. Neither COL5A2 nor KRT 9 peptide immunization resulted in significant effects on atherosclerosis compared to controls. On the other hand, female mice immunized with COL6A1 peptide had significantly reduced atherosclerosis whereas male mice had significantly increased atherosclerosis, associated with differential immune profiles. Our study identified potential self-antigens involved in atherosclerosis using the immune peptidome of CAD patients. Altering self-reactive immune responses to COL6A1 in apoE–/– mice resulted in differential effects on atherosclerosis burden with sex as a determinant of outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wai Man Lio
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bojan Cercek
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Juliana Yano
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Wei Yang
- Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Departments of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan Ghermezi
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xiaoning Zhao
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jianchang Zhou
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bo Zhou
- Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Departments of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michael R Freeman
- Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Departments of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kuang-Yuh Chyu
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Prediman K Shah
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Paul C Dimayuga
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
van Duijn J, Kritikou E, Benne N, van der Heijden T, van Puijvelde GH, Kröner MJ, Schaftenaar FH, Foks AC, Wezel A, Smeets H, Yagita H, Bot I, Jiskoot W, Kuiper J, Slütter B. CD8+ T-cells contribute to lesion stabilization in advanced atherosclerosis by limiting macrophage content and CD4+ T-cell responses. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 115:729-738. [PMID: 30335148 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS T lymphocytes play an important role in atherosclerosis development, but the role of the CD8+ T-cell remains debated, especially in the clinically relevant advanced stages of atherosclerosis development. Here, we set out to determine the role of CD8+ T-cells in advanced atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Human endarterectomy samples analysed by flow cytometry showed a negative correlation between the percentage of CD8+ T-cells and macrophages, suggesting a possible protective role for these cells in lesion development. To further test this hypothesis, LDLr-/- mice were fed a western-type diet (WTD) for 10 weeks to induce atherosclerosis, after which they received CD8α-depleting or isotype control antibody for 6 weeks. Depletion of CD8+ T-cells in advanced atherosclerosis resulted in less stable lesions, with significantly reduced collagen content in the trivalve area, increased macrophage content and increased necrotic core area compared with controls. Mechanistically, we observed that CD8 depletion specifically increased the fraction of Th1 CD4+ T-cells in the lesions. Treatment of WTD-fed LDLr-/- mice with a FasL-neutralizing antibody resulted in similar changes in macrophages and CD4+ T-cell skewing as CD8+ T-cell depletion. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate for the first time a local, protective role for CD8+ T-cells in advanced atherosclerosis, through limiting accumulation of Th1 cells and macrophages, identifying a novel regulatory mechanism for these cells in atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janine van Duijn
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Eva Kritikou
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Naomi Benne
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas van der Heijden
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs H van Puijvelde
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mara J Kröner
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Frank H Schaftenaar
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Amanda C Foks
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Hideo Yagita
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ilze Bot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Wim Jiskoot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Kuiper
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Slütter
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Schaftenaar FH, Amersfoort J, Douna H, Kröner MJ, Foks AC, Bot I, Slütter BA, van Puijvelde GHM, Drijfhout JW, Kuiper J. Induction of HLA-A2 restricted CD8 T cell responses against ApoB100 peptides does not affect atherosclerosis in a humanized mouse model. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17391. [PMID: 31757993 PMCID: PMC6874568 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53642-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases form the most common cause of death worldwide, with atherosclerosis as main etiology. Atherosclerosis is marked by cholesterol rich lipoprotein deposition in the artery wall, evoking a pathogenic immune response. Characteristic for the disease is the pathogenic accumulation of macrophages in the atherosclerotic lesion, which become foam cells after ingestion of large quantities of lipoproteins. We hypothesized that, by inducing a CD8 T cell response towards lipoprotein derived apolipoprotein-B100 (ApoB100), lesional macrophages, that are likely to cross-present lipoprotein constituents, can specifically be eliminated. Based on in silico models for protein processing and MHC-I binding, 6 putative CD8 T cell epitopes derived from ApoB100 were synthesized. HLA-A2 binding was confirmed for all peptides by T2 cell binding assays and recall responses after vaccination with the peptides proved that 5 of 6 peptides could induce CD8 T cell responses. Induction of ApoB100 specific CD8 T cells did not impact plaque size and cellular composition in HLA-A2 and human ApoB100 transgenic LDLr−/− mice. No recall response could be detected in cultures of cells isolated from the aortic arch, which were observed in cell cultures of splenocytes and mesenteric lymph nodes, suggesting that the atherosclerotic environment impairs CD8 T cell activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank H Schaftenaar
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Jacob Amersfoort
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hidde Douna
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mara J Kröner
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Amanda C Foks
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ilze Bot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bram A Slütter
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs H M van Puijvelde
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan W Drijfhout
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Kuiper
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mihailovic PM, Lio WM, Herscovici R, Chyu KY, Yano J, Zhao X, Zhou J, Zhou B, Freeman MR, Yang W, Shah PK, Cercek B, Dimayuga PC. Keratin 8 is a potential self-antigen in the coronary artery disease immunopeptidome: A translational approach. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213025. [PMID: 30811493 PMCID: PMC6392305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammation is an important risk factor in atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of coronary artery disease (CAD). Unresolved inflammation may result in maladaptive immune responses and lead to immune reactivity to self-antigens. We hypothesized that inflammation in CAD patients would manifest in immune reactivity to self-antigens detectable in soluble HLA-I/peptide complexes in the plasma. Methods Soluble HLA-I/peptide complexes were immuno-precipitated from plasma of male acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients or age-matched controls and eluted peptides were subjected to mass spectrometry to generate the immunopeptidome. Self-peptides were ranked according to frequency and signal intensity, then mouse homologs of selected peptides were used to test immunologic recall in spleens of male apoE-/- mice fed either normal chow or high fat diet. The peptide detected with highest frequency in patient plasma samples and provoked T cell responses in mouse studies was selected for use as a self-antigen to stimulate CAD patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results The immunopeptidome profile identified self-peptides unique to the CAD patients. The mouse homologs tested showed immune responses in apoE-/- mice. Keratin 8 was selected for further study in patient PBMCs which elicited T Effector cell responses in CAD patients compared to controls, associated with reduced PD-1 mRNA expression. Conclusion An immunopeptidomic strategy to search for self-antigens potentially involved in CAD identified Keratin 8. Self-reactive immune response to Keratin 8 may be an important factor in the inflammatory response in CAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Mihailovic
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Wai Man Lio
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Romana Herscovici
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Kuang-Yuh Chyu
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Juliana Yano
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Xiaoning Zhao
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jianchang Zhou
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Bo Zhou
- Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Freeman
- Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Wei Yang
- Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Prediman K. Shah
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Bojan Cercek
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Paul C. Dimayuga
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which subendothelial infiltration of lipoproteins leads to inflamed lesions in arteries. Despite improvements in secondary prevention, most cardiovascular events cannot be avoided with current therapies. This review focuses on novel mechanistic insights on lipid-driven immune activation, which could pave the way for new anti-inflammatory treatments for atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS Immunometabolic interactions can shape the immune response. Within atherosclerotic plaques, macrophages and T cells are the dominant immune cell populations. Using multiple mechanisms, lipoprotein-derived components activate both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Cholesterol crystals and apolipoprotein B-peptides have been shown to activate macrophages and T cells, respectively. Lipoproteins are also important modulators of regulatory T cells that can hamper vascular inflammation. In the liver, T cells can influence hepatic inflammation and lipoprotein metabolism. Hence, there is an intricate crosstalk between the immune system and lipoprotein metabolism. SUMMARY Novel treatments are needed to prevent clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. Improved understanding of lipid-driven immunometabolic responses is likely to reveal new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton Gisterå
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mihailovic PM, Lio WM, Yano J, Zhao X, Zhou J, Chyu KY, Shah PK, Cercek B, Dimayuga PC. The cathelicidin protein CRAMP is a potential atherosclerosis self-antigen in ApoE(-/-) mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187432. [PMID: 29091929 PMCID: PMC5665601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Auto-immunity is believed to contribute to inflammation in atherosclerosis. The antimicrobial peptide LL-37, a fragment of the cathelicidin protein precursor hCAP18, was previously identified as an autoantigen in psoriasis. Given the reported link between psoriasis and coronary artery disease, the biological relevance of the autoantigen to atherosclerosis was tested in vitro using a truncated (t) form of the mouse homolog of hCAP18, CRAMP, on splenocytes from athero-prone ApoE(-/-) mice. Stimulation with tCRAMP resulted in increased CD8+ T cells with Central Memory and Effector Memory phenotypes in ApoE(-/-) mice, differentially activated by feeding with normal chow or high fat diet. Immunization of ApoE(-/-) with different doses of the shortened peptide (Cramp) resulted in differential outcomes with a lower dose reducing atherosclerosis whereas a higher dose exacerbating the disease with increased neutrophil infiltration of the atherosclerotic plaques. Low dose Cramp immunization also resulted in increased splenic CD8+ T cell degranulation and reduced CD11b+CD11c+ conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), whereas high dose increased CD11b+CD11c+ cDCs. Our results identified CRAMP, the mouse homolog of hCAP-18, as a potential self-antigen involved in the immune response to atherosclerosis in the ApoE(-/-) mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Mihailovic
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Wai Man Lio
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Juliana Yano
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Xiaoning Zhao
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jianchang Zhou
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Kuang-Yuh Chyu
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Prediman K. Shah
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Bojan Cercek
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Paul C. Dimayuga
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|