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Yang Z, Tian D, Zhao X, Luo Y, Chen Y. The gut-retina axis: Uncovering the role of autoimmunity in glaucoma development. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35516. [PMID: 39170439 PMCID: PMC11336731 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve damage. While elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only known modifiable risk factor, normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) challenges this notion, suggesting other mechanisms beyond IOP may contribute to its development. Emerging evidence support the hypothesis that glaucoma may be an autoimmune disease. This review summarizes evidence for this hypothesis, focusing on the gut-retina axis. We discuss how antigens of gut bacterial prime peripheral T cells to breach the blood-retina barrier (BRB) and initiate cross-reactivity with ocular tissues via molecular mimicry, resulting in autoimmune RGC damage. Understanding these mechanisms may uncover new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies targeting immune pathways alongside conventional IOP-lowering treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuyi Yang
- Eight-year Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dianzhe Tian
- Eight-year Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
- Key Lab of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yunping Luo
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Youxin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
- Key Lab of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
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2
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Atkins HM, Uslu AA, Li JJ, Shearer DA, Brendle SA, Han C, Kozak M, Lopez P, Nayar D, Balogh KK, Abendroth C, Copper J, Cheng KC, Christensen ND, Zhu Y, Avril S, Burgener AD, Murooka TT, Hu J. Monitoring mouse papillomavirus-associated cancer development using longitudinal Pap smear screening. mBio 2024; 15:e0142024. [PMID: 39012151 PMCID: PMC11323795 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01420-24] [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: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
A substantial percentage of the population remains at risk for cervical cancer due to pre-existing human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, despite prophylactic vaccines. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better disease outcomes. The development of new treatments heavily relies on suitable preclinical model systems. Recently, we established a mouse papillomavirus (MmuPV1) model that is relevant to HPV genital pathogenesis. In the current study, we validated the use of Papanicolaou (Pap) smears, a valuable early diagnostic tool for detecting HPV cervical cancer, to monitor disease progression in the MmuPV1 mouse model. Biweekly cervicovaginal swabs were collected from the MmuPV1-infected mice for viral DNA quantitation and cytology assessment. The Pap smear slides were evaluated for signs of epithelial cell abnormalities using the 2014 Bethesda system criteria. Tissues from the infected mice were harvested at various times post-viral infection for additional histological and virological assays. Over time, increased viral replication was consistent with higher levels of viral DNA, and it coincided with an uptick in epithelial cell abnormalities with higher severity scores noted as early as 10 weeks after viral infection. The cytological results also correlated with the histological evaluation of tissues harvested simultaneously. Both immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cytology also developed vaginal SCCs. Notably, samples from the MmuPV1-infected mice exhibited similar cellular abnormalities compared to the corresponding human samples at similar disease stages. Hence, Pap smear screening proves to be an effective tool for the longitudinal monitoring of disease progression in the MmuPV1 mouse model. IMPORTANCE Papanicolaou (Pap) smear has saved millions of women's lives as a valuable early screening tool for detecting human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical precancers and cancer. However, more than 200,000 women in the United States alone remain at risk for cervical cancer due to pre-existing HPV infection-induced precancers, as there are currently no effective treatments for HPV-associated precancers and cancers other than invasive procedures including a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to remove abnormal tissues. In the current study, we validated the use of Pap smears to monitor disease progression in our recently established mouse papillomavirus model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that provides compelling evidence of applying Pap smears from cervicovaginal swabs to monitor disease progression in mice. This HPV-relevant cytology assay will enable us to develop and test novel antiviral and anti-tumor therapies using this model to eliminate HPV-associated diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Atkins
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Comparative Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aysegul Aksakal Uslu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Comparative Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jingwei J. Li
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Debra A. Shearer
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah A. Brendle
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chen Han
- TEM facility, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Kozak
- Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul Lopez
- Department of Immunology, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Deesha Nayar
- Department of Immunology, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Karla K. Balogh
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Catherine Abendroth
- Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jean Copper
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Keith C. Cheng
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Neil D. Christensen
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology and immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yusheng Zhu
- Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stefanie Avril
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Adam D. Burgener
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas T. Murooka
- Department of Immunology, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jiafen Hu
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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3
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Liang S. Role of T cell-induced autoimmune response in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:241. [PMID: 38904796 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03224-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aims to elucidate the role of T cell-induced autoimmune responses in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, focusing on the immunological changes contributing to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage. METHODS A comprehensive review of recent studies examining immunological mechanisms in glaucoma was conducted. This included analyses of T cell interactions, heat shock proteins (HSPs), and resultant autoimmune responses. Key findings from experimental models and clinical observations were synthesized to present a coherent understanding of immune dynamics in glaucoma. RESULTS Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease marked by optic nerve atrophy and irreversible vision loss due to RGC damage. The disease is etiologically heterogeneous, with multiple risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms. Recent research highlights the dual immunomodulatory role of T cells in immune protection and injury. T cells, pre-sensitized by bacterial HSPs, can cross-react with endogenous HSPs in RGCs under stress, leading to autoimmune damage. Elevated levels of HSP autoantibodies and abnormal T cell activity have been observed in glaucoma patients, indicating a significant autoimmune component in disease progression. CONCLUSIONS T cell-induced autoimmune responses are crucial in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, contributing to RGC degeneration beyond the effects of elevated intraocular pressure. Understanding these immunological mechanisms is vital for developing targeted neuroprotective therapies for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxin Liang
- The Red Bird Program, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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4
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Zeng H, Mayberry JE, Wadkins D, Chen N, Summers DW, Kuehn MH. Loss of Sarm1 reduces retinal ganglion cell loss in chronic glaucoma. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:23. [PMID: 38331947 PMCID: PMC10854189 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01736-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide and vision loss in the disease results from the deterioration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and their axons. Metabolic dysfunction of RGC plays a significant role in the onset and progression of the disease in both human patients and rodent models, highlighting the need to better define the mechanisms regulating cellular energy metabolism in glaucoma. This study sought to determine if Sarm1, a gene involved in axonal degeneration and NAD+ metabolism, contributes to glaucomatous RGC loss in a mouse model with chronic elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Our data demonstrate that after 16 weeks of elevated IOP, Sarm1 knockout (KO) mice retain significantly more RGC than control animals. Sarm1 KO mice also performed significantly better when compared to control mice during optomotor testing, indicating that visual function is preserved in this group. Our findings also indicate that Sarm1 KO mice display mild ocular developmental abnormalities, including reduced optic nerve axon diameter and lower visual acuity than controls. Finally, we present data to indicate that SARM1 expression in the optic nerve is most prominently associated with oligodendrocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that attenuating Sarm1 activity through gene therapy, pharmacologic inhibition, or NAD+ supplementation, may be a novel therapeutic approach for patients with glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilan Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jordan E Mayberry
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - David Wadkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Nathan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Daniel W Summers
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Markus H Kuehn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA.
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5
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He C, Peng K, Zhu X, Wang Z, Xiu W, Zhang G, Chen Y, Sun C, Xiao X, Liu D, Li A, Gao Y, Wang J, Shuai P, Chen Y, Yu L, Lu F. Th1 cells contribute to retinal ganglion cell loss in glaucoma in a VCAM-1-dependent manner. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:43. [PMID: 38317227 PMCID: PMC10840227 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03035-5] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and optic nerve axons, leading to irreversible visual impairment. Despite its clinical significance, the underlying mechanisms of glaucoma pathogenesis remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to unravel the multifaceted nature of glaucoma by investigating the interaction between T cells and retinas. By utilizing clinical samples, murine glaucoma models, and T cell transfer models, we made several key findings. Firstly, we observed that CD4+ T cells from glaucoma patients displayed enhanced activation and a bias towards T helper (Th) 1 responses, which correlated with visual impairment. Secondly, we identified the infiltration of Th1 cells into the retina, where they targeted RGC and integrated into the pro-inflammatory glial network, contributing to progressive RGC loss. Thirdly, we discovered that circulating Th1 cells upregulated vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) on retinal microvessels, facilitating their entry into the neural retina. Lastly, we found that Th1 cells underwent functional reprogramming before reaching the retina, acquiring a phenotype associated with lymphocyte migration and neurodegenerative diseases. Our study provides novel insights into the role of peripheral CD4+ T cells in glaucoma pathogenesis, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying their infiltration into the retina and offering potential avenues for innovative therapeutic interventions in this sight-threatening disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong He
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Peng
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiong Zhu
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zuo Wang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenbo Xiu
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Gao Zhang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chaonan Sun
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Donghua Liu
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - An Li
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanping Gao
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinxia Wang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Shuai
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilian Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Quzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Quzhou, China.
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6
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Zhou W, Yuan W, Chen Y, Li C, Hu L, Li Q, Wang J, Xue R, Sun Y, Xia Q, Hu L, Wei Y, He M. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals the pulmonary inflammation induced by inhalation of subway fine particles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132896. [PMID: 37951166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
People generally take the subway and inevitably inhale the fine particles (PM2.5) on subway platforms. This study revealed whether and how subway PM2.5 causes lung inflammation. Herein, the pulmonary inflammatory response to subway PM2.5 was observed in mice, manifesting as the inflammatory cells infiltration and collagen deposition in tissue, inflammatory cytokine enhancement in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and Toll-like receptors signal pathway activation in the lungs. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing unearthed subway PM2.5-induced cell-specific responses in the lungs. Twenty immune subsets were identified by the molecular and functional properties. Specific cell populations of CD4+ T and γδ T cells were regarded as the predominant sources of pneumonitis induced by subway PM2.5. Moreover, we demonstrated that the lung inflammatory injury was significantly more attenuated in Rag1-/- mice lacking functional T cells and B cells than that in wild type mice. We proved the slight inflammation of lung tissue in Rag1-/- mice may be dependent on monocytes and neutrophils by activation of the intracellular molecular network. This is the first experimental study on subway PM2.5 causing pulmonary inflammatory damage. It will set an alarm for people who usually travel by subway and efficient measures to reduce PM2.5 should be developed in subway stations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilai Zhou
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Wenke Yuan
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yuwei Chen
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Chao Li
- Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Liwen Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Qidian Li
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Rou Xue
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Longji Hu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yuan Wei
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Miao He
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, China.
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7
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Spurlock M, An W, Reshetnikova G, Wen R, Wang H, Braha M, Solis G, Kurtenbach S, Galindez OJ, de Rivero Vaccari JP, Chou TH, Porciatti V, Shestopalov VI. The Inflammasome-Dependent Dysfunction and Death of Retinal Ganglion Cells after Repetitive Intraocular Pressure Spikes. Cells 2023; 12:2626. [PMID: 37998361 PMCID: PMC10670000 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222626] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction and selective loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a known cause of vision loss in glaucoma and other neuropathies, where ocular hypertension (OHT) is the major risk factor. We investigated the impact of transient non-ischemic OHT spikes (spOHT) on RGC function and viability in vivo to identify cellular pathways linking low-grade repetitive mechanical stress to RGC pathology. We found that repetitive spOHT had an unexpectedly high impact on intraocular homeostasis and RGC viability, while exposure to steady OHT (stOHT) of a similar intensity and duration failed to induce pathology. The repetitive spOHT induced the rapid activation of the inflammasome, marked by the upregulation of NLRP1, NLRP3, AIM2, caspases -1, -3/7, -8, and Gasdermin D (GSDMD), and the release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and other cytokines into the vitreous. Similar effects were also detected after 5 weeks of exposure to chronic OHT in an induced glaucoma model. The onset of these immune responses in both spOHT and glaucoma models preceded a 50% deficit in pattern electroretinogram (PERG) amplitude and a significant loss of RGCs 7 days post-injury. The inactivation of inflammasome complexes in Nlrp1-/-, Casp1-/-, and GsdmD-/- knockout animals significantly suppressed the spOHT-induced inflammatory response and protected RGCs. Our results demonstrate that mechanical stress produced by acute repetitive spOHT or chronic OHT is mechanistically linked to inflammasome activation, which leads to RGC dysfunction and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Spurlock
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Weijun An
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Galina Reshetnikova
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Rong Wen
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Hua Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Michelle Braha
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Gabriela Solis
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Stefan Kurtenbach
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Orlando J. Galindez
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Juan Pablo de Rivero Vaccari
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Valery I. Shestopalov
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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8
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Conedera FM, Runnels JM, Stein JV, Alt C, Enzmann V, Lin CP. Assessing the role of T cells in response to retinal injury to uncover new therapeutic targets for the treatment of retinal degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:206. [PMID: 37689689 PMCID: PMC10492418 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02867-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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal degeneration is a disease affecting the eye, which is an immune-privileged site because of its anatomical and physiological properties. Alterations in retinal homeostasis-because of injury, disease, or aging-initiate inflammatory cascades, where peripheral leukocytes (PL) infiltrate the parenchyma, leading to retinal degeneration. So far, research on PL's role in retinal degeneration was limited to observing a few cell types at specific times or sectioning the tissue. This restricted our understanding of immune cell interactions and response duration. METHODS In vivo microscopy in preclinical mouse models can overcome these limitations enabling the spatio-temporal characterization of PL dynamics. Through in vivo imaging, we assessed structural and fluorescence changes in response to a focal injury at a defined location over time. We also utilized minimally invasive techniques, pharmacological interventions, and knockout (KO) mice to determine the role of PL in local inflammation. Furthermore, we investigated PL abundance and localization during retinal degeneration in human eyes by histological analysis to assess to which extent our preclinical study translates to human retinal degeneration. RESULTS We demonstrate that PL, especially T cells, play a detrimental role during retinal injury response. In mice, we observed the recruitment of helper and cytotoxic T cells in the parenchyma post-injury, and T cells also resided in the macula and peripheral retina in pathological conditions in humans. Additionally, we found that the pharmacological PL reduction and genetic depletion of T-cells reduced injured areas in murine retinas and rescued the blood-retina barrier (BRB) integrity. Both conditions promoted morphological changes of Cx3cr1+ cells, including microglial cells, toward an amoeboid phenotype during injury response. Interestingly, selective depletion of CD8+ T cells accelerated recovery of the BRB compared to broader depletions. After anti-CD8 treatment, the retinal function improved, concomitant to a beneficial immune response. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide novel insights into the adaptive immune response to retinal injury in mice and human retinal degeneration. Such information is fundamental to understanding retinal disorders and developing therapeutics to modulate immune responses to retinal degeneration safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica M Conedera
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Judith M Runnels
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jens V Stein
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Clemens Alt
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Charles P Lin
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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He C, Xiu W, Chen Q, Peng K, Zhu X, Wang Z, Xu X, Chen Y, Zhang G, Fu J, Dong Q, Wu X, Li A, Liu D, Gao Y, Wang J, Wang Z, Deng B, Shuai P, Gao C, Chen Y, Yu L, Lu F. Gut-licensed β7 + CD4 + T cells contribute to progressive retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadg1656. [PMID: 37531415 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg1656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Currently, most therapeutic strategies aim to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (EIOP), but this does not always halt disease progression. Evidence suggests a role for T cells in glaucoma pathogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we found that the percentage of circulating CD4+ T cells expressing a gut-homing integrin β7 was increased in patients with glaucoma and was associated with disease stage. In an EIOP-triggered glaucoma mouse model, β7+ CD4+ T cells infiltrated the retina in the progressive phase of glaucoma via eliciting retinal endothelial cell expression of mucosal vascular addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1). MAdCAM-1 was minimally detected in retinas of healthy mice, and neutralization with an MAdCAM-1 antibody ameliorated retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and glial activity in mice with glaucoma. We furthermore found that EIOP-induced β7+ CD4+ T cells homed to the gut during the acute phase of glaucoma, which was essential for progressive RGC damage in diseased mice. Gut-homing β7+ CD4+ T cells underwent transcriptional reprogramming, showing up-regulated pathways enriched in autoimmune diseases, bacteria responses, mucosal immunity, and glial activity. Gut-homing β7+ CD4+ T cells gained the competence to induce retinal MAdCAM-1 expression and to cross the blood-retina barrier. Together, our study reveals a role of gut-licensed β7+ CD4+ T cells and MAdCAM-1 in RGC degeneration and emphasizes the importance of the "gut-retina" axis in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong He
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenbo Xiu
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinyuan Chen
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Peng
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiong Zhu
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zuo Wang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Gao Zhang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiwei Dong
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Luzhou Meternal and Child Health Hospital, Luzhou, China
| | - An Li
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Donghua Liu
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanping Gao
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinxia Wang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Bolin Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Shuai
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Caiping Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilian Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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10
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Harper MM, Gramlich OW, Elwood BW, Boehme NA, Dutca LM, Kuehn MH. Immune responses in mice after blast-mediated traumatic brain injury TBI autonomously contribute to retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and death. Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109272. [PMID: 36209837 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the immune system and its influence on chronic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction following blast-mediated traumatic brain injury (bTBI). METHODS C57BL/6J and B6.129S7-Rag1tm1Mom/J (Rag-/-) mice were exposed to one blast injury of 140 kPa. A separate cohort of C57BL/6J mice was exposed to sham-blast. Four weeks following bTBI mice were euthanized, and splenocytes were collected. Adoptive transfer (AT) of splenocytes into naïve C57BL/6J recipient mice was accomplished via tail vein injection. Three groups of mice were analyzed: those receiving AT of splenocytes from C57BL/6J mice exposed to blast (AT-TBI), those receiving AT of splenocytes from C57BL/6J mice exposed to sham (AT-Sham), and those receiving AT of splenocytes from Rag-/- mice exposed to blast (AT-Rag-/-). The visual function of recipient mice was analyzed with the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), and the optomotor response (OMR). The structure of the retina was evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histologically using BRN3A-antibody staining. RESULTS Analysis of the PERG showed a decreased amplitude two months post-AT that persisted for the duration of the study in AT-TBI mice. We also observed a significant decrease in the retinal thickness of AT-TBI mice two months post-AT compared to sham, but not at four or six months post-AT. The OMR response was significantly decreased in AT-TBI mice 5- and 6-months post-AT. BRN3A staining showed a loss of RGCs in AT-TBI and AT-Rag-/- mice. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the immune system contributes to chronic RGC dysfunction following bTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Harper
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Departments of Biology, And Pharmacology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Oliver W Gramlich
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Departments of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Benjamin W Elwood
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nickolas A Boehme
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Laura M Dutca
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Markus H Kuehn
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
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11
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Lambuk L, Suhaimi NAA, Sadikan MZ, Jafri AJA, Ahmad S, Nasir NAA, Uskoković V, Kadir R, Mohamud R. Nanoparticles for the treatment of glaucoma-associated neuroinflammation. EYE AND VISION 2022; 9:26. [PMID: 35778750 PMCID: PMC9250254 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-022-00298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a considerable amount of literature has emerged around the theme of neuroinflammation linked to neurodegeneration. Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by visual impairment. Understanding the complex neuroinflammatory processes underlying retinal ganglion cell loss has the potential to improve conventional therapeutic approaches in glaucoma. Due to the presence of multiple barriers that a systemically administered drug has to cross to reach the intraocular space, ocular drug delivery has always been a challenge. Nowadays, studies are focused on improving the current therapies for glaucoma by utilizing nanoparticles as the modes of drug transport across the ocular anatomical and physiological barriers. This review offers some important insights on the therapeutic advancements made in this direction, focusing on the use of nanoparticles loaded with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents in the treatment of glaucoma. The prospect of these novel therapies is discussed in relation to the current therapies to alleviate inflammation in glaucoma, which are being reviewed as well, along with the detailed molecular and cellular mechanisms governing the onset and the progression of the disease.
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12
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Guo M, Zhu Y, Shi Y, Meng X, Dong X, Zhang H, Wang X, Du M, Yan H. Inhibition of ferroptosis promotes retina ganglion cell survival in experimental optic neuropathies. Redox Biol 2022; 58:102541. [PMID: 36413918 PMCID: PMC9679710 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death is a hallmark of traumatic optic neuropathy, glaucoma, and other optic neuropathies that result in irreversible vision loss. However, therapeutic strategies for rescuing RGC loss still remain challenging, and the molecular mechanism underlying RGC loss has not been fully elucidated. Here, we highlight the role of ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of programmed cell death characterized by iron-dependent lethal lipid peroxides accumulation, in RGC death using an experimental model of glaucoma and optic nerve crush (ONC). ONC treatment resulted in significant downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) and system xc(-) cystine/glutamate antiporter (xCT) in the rat retina, accompanied by increased lipid peroxide and iron levels. The reduction of GPx4 expression in RGCs after ONC was confirmed by laser-capture microdissection and PCR. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed alterations in mitochondrial morphology, including increased membrane density and reduced mitochondrial cristae in RGCs after ONC. Notably, the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) significantly promoted RGC survival and preserved retinal function in ONC and microbead-induced glaucoma mouse models. In addition, compared to the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, Fer-1 showed better effect in rescuing RGCs death in ONC retinas. Mechanistically, we found the downregulation of GPx4 mainly occurred in the mitochondrial compartment, accompanied by increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxides. The mitochondria-selective antioxidant MitoTEMPO attenuated RGC loss after ONC, implicating mitochondrial ROS and lipid peroxides as major mechanisms in ferroptosis-induced RGC death in ONC retinas. Notably, administering Fer-1 effectively prevented the production of mitochondrial lipid peroxides, the impairment of mitochondrial adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) production, and the downregulation of mitochondrial genes, such as mt-Cytb and MT-ATP6, in ONC retinas. Our findings suggest that ferroptosis is a major form of regulated cell death for RGCs in experimental glaucoma and ONC models and suggesting targeting mitochondria-dependent ferroptosis as a protective strategy for RGC injuries in optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, China,Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanfang Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, China,Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, China,Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China,Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangda Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, China,Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, China,Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Haokun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, China,Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, China,Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China,Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China,Corresponding author. Tianjin Medical University, No. 22, Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Mei Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, China,Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China,Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China,Corresponding author. Tianjin Medical University, No. 22, Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Hua Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, China,Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China,School of Medicine, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China,Corresponding author. Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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13
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Hohberger B, Prüss H, Mardin C, Lämmer R, Müller J, Wallukat G. Glaucoma and Alzheimer: Neurodegenerative disorders show an adrenergic dysbalance. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272811. [PMID: 36201426 PMCID: PMC9536590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272811] [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: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma disease is characterized by an increased intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucomatous alterations of the optic disc and corresponding visual field defects. Even lowering the main risk factor IOP until an individual target level does not prevent this neurodegenerative disorder from proceeding. Several autoimmune mechanisms were discovered, partly showing a functionality. One of these autoimmune phenomena targets the ß2-adrenergic receptor (ß2-AR; i.e. agonistic autoantibodies; ß2-agAAb) and is linked to an elevated IOP and an impaired retinal microcirculation. As neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is postulated to share a common molecular mechanism with glaucoma. In the present study we investigated autoimmune phenomena targeting the ß2-AR in patients with AD. Sera of the patients were analyzed in a rat cardiomyocyte bioassay for the presence of functional autoantibodies against ß2-AR. In addition, different species of amyloid beta (Aß) monomers were tested (Aß1-14, Aß10-25, Aβ10-37 Aß1-40, Aß1-42, Aβ28-40, and Aß-[Pyr]3-43). Our results demonstrate that none of the short-chain Aß (Aß1-14, Aß10-25, or Aβ28-40) showed any agonistic or inhibitory effect on ß2-AR. Contrary, long-chain Aß-[Pyr]3-43, representing a major neurogenic plaque component, exerted an activation that after blocking by the ß2-AR antagonist ICI118.551, could be identified as that the effect was realized via the ß2-AR. Moreover, the long chain Aß1-40, Aβ1-42, and Aβ10-37, yet not the short-chain Aß peptides prevented the clenbuterol induced desensitization of the ß2-AR. In addition, we identified functional autoantibodies in the sera of AD patients, activating the ß2-AR, like the ß2-agAAb found in patients with glaucoma. As autoimmune mechanisms were reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and Alzheimer's Disease, we postulate that overstimulation of the ß2-AR pathway can induce an adrenergic overdrive, that may play an important role in the multifactorial interplay of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Hohberger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universität of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Harald Prüss
- Department of Neurology, Charite´-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Mardin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universität of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert Lämmer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universität of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Systemic Treatment with Pioglitazone Reverses Vision Loss in Preclinical Glaucoma Models. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020281. [PMID: 35204782 PMCID: PMC8961625 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation significantly contributes to the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases. This is also the case in glaucoma and may be a reason why many patients suffer from progressive vision loss despite maximal reduction in intraocular pressure. Pioglitazone is an agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) whose pleiotrophic activities include modulation of cellular energy metabolism and reduction in inflammation. In this study we employed the DBA2/J mouse model of glaucoma with chronically elevated intraocular pressure to investigate whether oral low-dose pioglitazone treatment preserves retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival. We then used an inducible glaucoma model in C57BL/6J mice to determine visual function, pattern electroretinographs, and tracking of optokinetic reflex. Our findings demonstrate that pioglitazone treatment does significantly protect RGCs and prevents axonal degeneration in the glaucomatous retina. Furthermore, treatment preserves and partially reverses vision loss in spite of continuously elevated intraocular pressure. These data suggest that pioglitazone may provide treatment benefits for those glaucoma patients experiencing continued vision loss.
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15
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Immune responses to injury and their links to eye disease. Transl Res 2021; 236:52-71. [PMID: 34051364 PMCID: PMC8380715 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The eye is regarded as an immune privileged site. Since the presence of a vasculature would impair vision, the vasculature of the eye is located outside of the central light path. As a result, many regions of the eye evolved mechanisms to deliver immune cells to sites of dysgenesis, injury, or in response to the many age-related pathologies. While the purpose of these immune responses is reparative or protective, cytokines released by immune cells compromise visual acuity by inducing inflammation and fibrosis. The response to traumatic or pathological injury is distinct in different regions of the eye. Age-related diseases impact both the anterior and posterior segment and lead to reduced quality of life and blindness. Here we focus attention on the role that inflammation and fibrosis play in the progression of age-related pathologies of the cornea and the lens as well as in glaucoma, the formation of epiretinal membranes, and in proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
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Key Words
- 2ryERM
- A T-helper cell that expresses high levels of IL-17 which can suppress T-regulatory cell function
- A cytokine expressed early during inflammation that attracts neutrophils
- A cytokine expressed early during inflammation that attracts neutrophils, sometimes referred to as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1))
- A mouse model that lacks functional T and B cells and used to study the immune response
- A pigmented mouse strain used for research and known to mount a primarily Th1 response to infection
- A protein encoded by the ADGRE1 gene that, in mice, is expressed primarily on macrophages
- A strain of pigmented mice used in glaucoma research
- ACAID
- APCs
- ASC
- An albino mouse strain used for research and known to mount a primarily Th2 response to infection
- Antigen Presenting Cells, this class includes dendritic cells and monocytes
- BALB/c
- BM
- C57BL6
- CCL2
- CD45
- CNS
- CXCL1
- Central Nervous System
- Cluster of differentiation 45 antigen
- DAMPs
- DBA/2J
- EBM
- ECM
- EMT
- ERM
- Epithelial Basement Membrane
- F4/80
- FGF2
- HA =hyaluronic acid
- HSK
- HSP
- HSPGs
- HSV
- ICN
- IL-20
- IL6
- ILM
- IOP
- Inner (or internal) limiting membrane
- Interleukin 6
- Interleukin-20
- MAGP1
- MHC-II
- Major histocompatibility complex type II, a class of MHC proteins typically found only on APCs
- Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 1
- N-cad
- N-cadherin
- NEI
- NK
- National Eye Institute
- Natural killer T cells
- PCO
- PDGF
- PDR
- PVD
- PVR
- Platelet derived growth factor
- Posterior capsular opacification
- RGC
- RPE
- RRD
- Rag1-/-
- Retinal ganglion cells
- Retinal pigment epithelial cells
- SMAD
- Sons of Mothers Against Decapentaplegic, SMADs are a class of molecules that mediate TGF and bone morphogenetic protein signaling
- T-helper cell 1 response, proinflammatory adaptive response involving interferon gamma and associated with autoimmunity
- T-helper cell 2 response involving IgE and interleukins 4,5, and 13, also induces the anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 family cytokines
- T-regulatory cell
- TG
- TGF1
- TM
- TNF
- Th1
- Th17
- Th2
- Transforming growth factor 1
- Treg
- Tumor necrosis factor a cytokine produced during inflammation
- VEGF
- Vascular endothelial growth factor
- WHO
- World Health Organization
- anterior chamber immune deviation
- anterior subcapsular cataracts
- basement membrane
- damage-associated molecular patterns
- epiretinal membrane
- epiretinal membrane secondary to disease pathology
- epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- extracellular matrix
- fibroblast growth factor 2, also referred to as basic FGF
- heat shock protein
- heparan sulfate proteoglycans
- herpes simplex virus
- herpes stromal keratitis
- iERM
- idiopathic epiretinal membrane
- intraepithelial corneal nerves
- intraocular pressure
- mTOR
- mechanistic target of rapamycin, a protein kinase encoded by the MTOR genes that regulates a variety of signal transduction events including cell growth, autophagy and actin cytoskeleton
- posterior vitreous detachment
- proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- proliferative vitreoretinopathy
- rhegmatogenous (rupture, tear) retinal detachment
- trabecular meshwork
- trigeminal ganglion
- αSMA
- α−Smooth muscle actin, a class of actin expressed in mesenchymal cells
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Immune Responses in the Glaucomatous Retina: Regulation and Dynamics. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081973. [PMID: 34440742 PMCID: PMC8391899 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease resulting in progressive vision loss due to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction and death. Early events in the pathobiology of the disease include oxidative, metabolic, or mechanical stress that acts upon RGC, causing these to rapidly release danger signals, including extracellular ATP, resulting in micro- and macroglial activation and neuroinflammation. Danger signaling also leads to the formation of inflammasomes in the retina that enable maturation of proinflammatory cytokines such IL-1β and IL-18. Chronic neuroinflammation can have directly damaging effects on RGC, but it also creates a proinflammatory environment and compromises the immune privilege of the retina. In particular, continuous synthesis of proinflammatory mediators such as TNFα, IL-1β, and anaphylatoxins weakens the blood–retina barrier and recruits or activates T-cells. Recent data have demonstrated that adaptive immune responses strongly exacerbate RGC loss in animal models of the disease as T-cells appear to target heat shock proteins displayed on the surface of stressed RGC to cause their apoptotic death. It is possible that dysregulation of these immune responses contributes to the continued loss of RGC in some patients.
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Early Functional Impairment in Experimental Glaucoma Is Accompanied by Disruption of the GABAergic System and Inceptive Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147581. [PMID: 34299211 PMCID: PMC8306430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor. We aimed to determine if early functional and molecular differences in the glaucomatous retina manifest before significant retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss is apparent. Adenoviral vectors expressing a pathogenic form of myocilin (Ad5.MYOC) were used to induce IOP elevation in C57BL/6 mice. IOP and pattern electroretinograms (pERG) were recorded, and retinas were prepared for RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, or to determine RGC loss. Ocular injection of Ad5.MYOC leads to reliable IOP elevation, resulting in significant loss of RGC after nine weeks. A significant decrease in the pERG amplitude was evident in eyes three weeks after IOP elevation. Retinal gene expression analysis revealed increased expression for 291 genes related to complement cascade, inflammation, and antigen presentation in hypertensive eyes. Decreased expression was found for 378 genes associated with the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glutamatergic systems and axon guidance. These data suggest that early functional changes in RGC might be due to reduced GABAA receptor signaling and neuroinflammation that precedes RGC loss in this glaucoma model. These initial changes may offer new targets for early detection of glaucoma and the development of new interventions.
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