Interleukin-27 promotes CD8+ T cell reconstitution following antibody-mediated lymphoablation

Comprehensive analysis of protein post-translational modifications reveals PTPN2-STAT1-AOX axis-mediated tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinomas

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor. Although the proteomics of HCC is well studied, the landscape of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in HCC is poorly understood. The PTMs themselves and their crosstalk might be deeply involved in HCC development and progression. Herein, we investigated nine types of PTMs in paired tumor and normal tissues from nine patients with HCC using the label-free quantitative liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based technique. We identified >60,000 modified sites, and found that phosphorylation and ubiquitination were two most frequently changed PTMs between tumor and normal tissues. Crosstalk between malonylation-ubiquitination, phosphorylation-ubiquitination, and succinylation-propionylation were most significant among all PTMs. Further analysis revealed that Thr-160 of CDK2 regulated EZH2 via H3K27me3, and proposed a PTPN2-STAT1-AOX1 axis for HCC development through driver PTM exploration. In conclusion, our study provides a database of multiple PTMs in HCC, which might help to understand the biology of HCC and reveal novel targets for drug development.

Recognizing Complexity of CD8 T Cells in Transplantation

The major role of CD8 + T cells in clinical and experimental transplantation is well documented and acknowledged. Nevertheless, the precise impact of CD8 + T cells on graft tissue injury is not completely understood, thus impeding the development of specific treatment strategies. The goal of this overview is to consider the biology and functions of CD8 + T cells in the context of experimental and clinical allotransplantation, with special emphasis on how this cell subset is affected by currently available and emerging therapies.

TCF1highPD-1+Ly108+CD8+ T Cells Are Associated with Graft Preservation in Sensitized Mice Treated with Non-Fc Receptor-Binding CD3 Antibodies

The non-Fc-binding anti-CD3 Ab [anti-CD3F(ab')2] can induce graft acceptance depending on the therapeutic window in a rodent heart transplant model. The delayed protocol allows for early graft infiltration of lymphocytes, which may behave in an inhibitory manner. We investigated the most effective protocol for anti-CD3F(ab')2 in sensitized conditions to confirm the evidence for clinical application. C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with BALB/c tail skin grafts and transplanted with BALB/c heart grafts at 8-12 wk after sensitization. Fifty micrograms of anti-CD3F(ab')2 was administered daily for 5 consecutive days on days 1-5 (day 1 protocol) or days 3-7 (delayed protocol). In nonsensitized mice, the delayed protocol significantly prolonged graft survival after transplantation from BALB/c to naive B6 (median survival time [MST], >100 d). In contrast, the delayed protocol was unable to prevent graft rejection in sensitized mice (MST, 5 d). A significantly increased percentage of granzyme B+ CD8+ T cells was observed in the graft on day 3 posttransplantation in sensitized conditions. Further, the day 1 protocol significantly prolonged graft survival (MST, 18 d), even in sensitized conditions. Day 1 treatment significantly increased the percentage of Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ T cells and phenotypically changed CD8+ T cells in the graft (i.e., caused a significant increase in the proportion of Ly108+TCF1highPD-1+CD8+ T cells). In conclusion, different timings of delayed anti-CD3F(ab')2 treatment promoted allograft preservation in association with phenotypic changes in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the graft under sensitized conditions.

Nanoparticle-based T cell immunoimaging and immunomodulatory for diagnosing and treating transplant rejection

T cells serve a pivotal role in the rejection of transplants, both by directly attacking the graft and by recruiting other immune cells, which intensifies the rejection process. Therefore, monitoring T cells becomes crucial for early detection of transplant rejection, while targeted drug delivery specifically to T cells can significantly enhance the effectiveness of rejection therapy. However, regulating the activity of T cells within transplanted organs is challenging, and the prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs is associated with notable side effects and complications. Functionalized nanoparticles offer a potential solution by targeting T cells within transplants or lymph nodes, thereby reducing the off-target effects and improving the long-term survival of the graft. In this review, we will provide an overview of recent advancements in T cell-targeted imaging molecular probes for diagnosing transplant rejection and the progress of T cell-regulating nanomedicines for treating transplant rejection. Additionally, we will discuss future directions and the challenges in clinical translation.

Study the mRNA level of IL-27/IL-27R pathway molecules in kidney transplant rejection

BACKGROUND

Renal transplantation stands as the sole remedy for individuals afflicted with end-stage renal diseases, and safeguarding them from transplant rejection represents a vital, life-preserving endeavor posttransplantation. In this context, the impact of cytokines, notably IL-27, assumes a critical role in managing immune responses aimed at countering rejection. Consequently, this investigation endeavors to explore the precise function of IL-27 and its associated cytokines in the context of kidney transplant rejection.

METHODS

The study involved the acquisition of blood samples from a cohort of participants, consisting of 61 individuals who had undergone kidney transplantation (comprising 32 nonrejected patients and 29 rejected patients), and 33 healthy controls. The expression levels of specific genes were examined using SYBR Green Real-time PCR. Additionally, the evaluation encompassed the estimation of the ROC curve, the assessment of the relationship between certain blood factors, and the construction of protein-protein interaction networks for the genes under investigation.

RESULTS

Significant statistical differences in gene expression levels were observed between the rejected group and healthy controls, encompassing all the genes examined, except for TLR3 and TLR4 genes. Moreover, the analysis of the Area Under the Curve (AUC) revealed that IL-27, IL-27R, TNF-α, and TLR4 exhibited greater significance in discriminating between the two patient groups. These findings highlight the potential importance of IL-27, IL-27R, TNF-α, and TLR4 as key factors for distinguishing between individuals in the rejected group and those in the healthy control group.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of kidney rejections occurring within the specific timeframe of 2 weeks to 2 months post-transplantation, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of cytokines mRNA level, including IL-27, IL-27R, TNF-α, and TLR4, in elucidating and discerning the diverse immune system responses. The comprehensive examination of these cytokines' mRNA level assumes considerable importance in understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying kidney rejection processes during this critical period.

Failure of Costimulatory Blockade-induced Regulatory T Cells to Sustain Long-term Survival of High Ischemic Allografts

BACKGROUND

Costimulatory blockade-induced allograft tolerance has been achieved in rodent models, but these strategies do not translate well to nonhuman primate and clinical transplants. One confounder that may underlie this discrepancy is the greater ischemic inflammation imposed on the transplants. In mice, cardiac allografts subjected to prolonged cold ischemic storage (CIS) before transplant have increased ischemia-reperfusion injury, which amplifies infiltrating endogenous memory CD8 T-cell activation within hours after transplantation to mediate acute graft inflammation and cytotoxic lymphocyte-associated molecule-4 immunoglobulin-resistant rejection. This study tested strategies inhibiting memory CD8 T-cell activation within such high ischemic allografts to achieve long-term survival.

METHODS

A/J (H-2 a ) hearts subjected to 0.5 or 8 h of CIS were transplanted to C57BL/6 (H-2 b ) recipients and treatment with peritransplant costimulatory blockade. At 60 d posttransplant, regulatory T cells (Treg) were depleted in recipients of high ischemic allografts with anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (mAb) or diphtheria toxin.

RESULTS

Whereas peritransplant (days 0 and +1) anti-lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 mAb and anti-CD154 mAb prolonged survival of >60% allografts subjected to minimal CIS for >100 d, only 20% of allografts subjected to prolonged CIS survived beyond day 80 posttransplant and rejection was accompanied by high titers of donor-specific antibody. Peritransplant anti-lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, anti-tumor necrosis factor-α, and anti-CD154 mAb plus additional anti-CD154 mAb on days 14 and 16 obviated this donor-specific antibody and promoted Treg-mediated tolerance and survival of 60% of high ischemic allografts beyond day 100 posttransplant, but all allografts failed by day 120.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies indicate a strategy inducing prolonged high ischemic allograft survival through Treg-mediated tolerance that is not sustained indefinitely.

Regulation of CD8 T cell by B-cells: A narrative review

Activation of CD4 T cells by B cells has been extensively studied, but B cell-regulated priming, proliferation, and survival of CD8 T cells remains controversial. B cells express high levels of MHC class I molecules and can potentially act as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for CD8 T cells. Several in vivo studies in mice and humans demonstrate the role of B cells as modulators of CD8 T cell function in the context of viral infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer and allograft rejection. In addition, B-cell depletion therapies can lead to impaired CD8 T-cell responses. In this review, we attempt to answer 2 important questions: 1. the role of B cell antigen presentation and cytokine production in the regulation of CD8 T cell survival and cell fate determination, and 2. The role of B cells in the formation and maintenance of CD8 T cell memory.

Macrophage-inducible C-type lectin activates B cells to promote T cell reconstitution in heart allograft recipients

Diminishing homeostatic proliferation of memory T cells is essential for improving the efficacy of lymphoablation in transplant recipients. Our previous studies in a mouse heart transplantation model established that B lymphocytes secreting proinflammatory cytokines are critical for T cell recovery after lymphoablation. The goal of the current study was to identify mediators of B cell activation following lymphoablation in allograft recipients. Transcriptome analysis revealed that macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle, Clec4e) expression is up-regulated in B cells from heart allograft recipients treated with murine anti-thymocyte globulin (mATG). Recipient Mincle deficiency diminishes B cell production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and impairs T lymphocyte reconstitution. Mixed bone marrow chimeras lacking Mincle only in B lymphocytes have similar defects in T cell recovery. Conversely, treatment with a synthetic Mincle ligand enhances T cell reconstitution after lymphoablation in non-transplanted mice. Treatment with agonistic CD40 mAb facilitates T cell reconstitution in CD4 T cell-depleted, but not in Mincle-deficient, recipients indicating that CD40 signaling induces T cell proliferation via a Mincle-dependent pathway. These findings are the first to identify an important function of B cell Mincle as a sensor of damage-associated molecular patterns released by the graft and demonstrate its role in clinically relevant settings of organ transplantation.

IL-27 Derived From Macrophages Facilitates IL-15 Production and T Cell Maintenance Following Allergic Hypersensitivity Responses

Crosstalk between T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages in temporal leukocyte clusters within barrier tissues provides a new concept for T cell activation in the skin. Activated T cells from these leukocyte clusters play critical roles in the efferent phase of allergic contact hypersensitivity (CHS). However, the cytokines driving maintenance and survival of pathogenic T cells during and following CHS remain mostly unknown. Upon epicutaneous allergen challenge, we here report that macrophages produce IL-27 which then induces IL-15 production from epidermal keratinocytes and dermal myeloid cells within leukocyte clusters. In agreement with the known role of IL-15 as a T cell survival factor and growth cytokine, this signaling axis enhances BCL2 and survival of skin T cells. Genetic depletion or pharmacological blockade of IL-27 in CHS mice leads to abrogated epidermal IL-15 production resulting in a decrease in BCL2 expression in T cells and a decline in dermal CD8⁺ T cells and T cell cluster numbers. These findings suggest that the IL-27 pathway is an important cytokine for regulating cutaneous T cell immunity.

B cells promote CD8 T cell primary and memory responses to subunit vaccines

The relationship between B cells and CD4 T cells has been carefully studied, revealing a collaborative effort in which B cells promote the activation, differentiation, and expansion of CD4 T cells while the so-called “helper” cells provide signals to B cells, influencing their class switching and fate. Interactions between B cells and CD8 T cells are not as well studied, although CD8 T cells exhibit an accelerated contraction after certain infections in B-cell-deficient mice. Here, we find that B cells significantly enhance primary CD8 T cell responses after vaccination. Moreover, memory CD8 numbers and function are impaired in B-cell-deficient animals, leading to increased susceptibility to bacterial challenge. We also show that interleukin-27 production by B cells contributes to their impact on primary, but not memory, CD8 responses. Better understanding of the interactions between CD8 T cells and B cells may aid in the design of more effective future vaccine strategies.

Generating cytotoxic CD8 T cell responses with vaccines can greatly improve their efficacy, but inducing adequate numbers of these cells can be challenging. Klarquist et al. reveal that the magnitude, persistence, and function of CD8 T cell vaccine responses depend on B cells.

Endogenous memory T cells with donor-reactivity: early post-transplant mediators of acute graft injury in unsensitized recipients

The pretransplant presence of endogenous donor-reactive memory T cells is an established risk factor for acute rejection and poorer transplant outcomes. A major source of these memory T cells in unsensitized recipients is heterologously generated memory T cells expressing reactivity to donor allogeneic MHC molecules. Multiple clinical studies have shown that the pretransplant presence of high numbers of circulating endogenous donor-reactive memory T cells correlates with higher incidence of acute rejection and decreased graft function during the first-year post-transplant. These findings have spurred investigation in preclinical models to better understand mechanisms underlying endogenous donor-reactive memory T-cell-mediated allograft injury in unsensitized graft recipients. These studies have led to the identification of unique mechanisms underlying the activation of these memory T cells within allografts at early times after transplant. In particular, optimal activation to mediate acute allograft injury is dependent on the intensity of ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Therapeutic strategies directed at the recruitment and activation of endogenous donor-reactive memory T cells are effective in attenuating acute injury in allografts experiencing increased ischaemia-reperfusion injury in preclinical models and should be translatable to clinical transplantation.

IL-30† (IL-27A): a familiar stranger in immunity, inflammation, and cancer

Over the years, interleukin (IL)-27 has received much attention because of its highly divergent, sometimes even opposing, functions in immunity. IL-30, the p28 subunit that forms IL-27 together with Ebi3 and is also known as IL-27p28 or IL-27A, has been considered a surrogate to represent IL-27. However, it was later discovered that IL-30 can form complexes with other protein subunits, potentially leading to overlapping or discrete functions. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence that IL-30 itself may perform immunomodulatory functions independent of Ebi3 or other binding partners and that IL-30 production is strongly associated with certain cancers in humans. In this review, we will discuss the biology of IL-30 and other IL-30-associated cytokines and their functions in inflammation and cancer.

Studying the ways that interleukin IL-30 regulates immune responses may provide novel insights into tumor development and inflammatory conditions. Interleukins are a diverse family of proteins involved in intercellular communications and immunity, where they can exert divergent and even opposing functions. Booki Min at Northwestern University in Chicago, USA, and co-workers reviewed the current understanding of IL-30 and its links to inflammation and cancer. IL-30 forms the IL-27 complex with the Ebi3 protein and was thought to be a surrogate for IL-27 in terms of activity. However, recent insights suggest that IL-30 may perform discrete immune modulation functions. Elevated IL-30 secretion is linked to prostate and breast cancer development. Extensive research is needed into the formation of IL-30, its associated protein interactions, and the development of a suitable animal model.

Regulatory B cells control airway hyperreactivity and lung remodeling in a murine asthma model

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a widespread, multifactorial chronic airway disease. The influence of regulatory B cells on airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and remodeling in asthma is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to analyze the role of B cells in a house dust mite (HDM)-based murine asthma model.

METHODS

The influence of B cells on lung function, tissue remodeling, and the immune response were analyzed by using wild-type and B-cell-deficient (μMT) mice and transfer of IL-10-proficient and IL-10-deficient B cells to μMT mice.

RESULTS

After HDM-sensitization, both wild-type and μMT mice developed AHR, but the AHR was significantly stronger in μMT mice, as confirmed by 2 independent techniques: invasive lung function measurement in vivo and examination of precision-cut lung slices ex vivo. Moreover, airway remodeling was significantly increased in allergic μMT mice, as shown by enhanced collagen deposition in the airways, whereas the numbers of FoxP3⁺ and FoxP3^- IL-10-secreting regulatory T cells were reduced. Adoptive transfer of IL-10-proficient but not IL-10-deficient B cells into μMT mice before HDM-sensitization attenuated AHR and lung remodeling. In contrast, FoxP3⁺ regulatory T cells were equally upregulated by transfer of IL-10-proficient and IL-10-deficient B cells.

CONCLUSION

Our data in a murine asthma model illustrate a central role of regulatory B cells in the control of lung function and airway remodeling and may support future concepts for B-cell-targeted prevention and treatment strategies for allergic asthma.

B cell-derived IL-1β and IL-6 drive T cell reconstitution following lymphoablation

Understanding the mechanisms of T cell homeostatic expansion is crucial for clinical applications of lymphoablative therapies. We previously established that T cell recovery in mouse heart allograft recipients treated with anti-thymocyte globulin (mATG) critically depends on B cells and is mediated by B cell-derived soluble factors. B cell production of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 is markedly upregulated after heart allotransplantation and lymphoablation. Neutralizing IL-1β or IL-6 with mAb or the use of recipients lacking mature IL-1β, IL-6, IL-1R, MyD88, or IL-6R impair CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell recovery and significantly enhance the graft-prolonging efficacy of lymphoablation. Adoptive co-transfer experiments demonstrate a direct effect of IL-6 but not IL-1β on T lymphocytes. Furthermore, B cells incapable of IL-1β or IL-6 production have diminished capacity to mediate T cell reconstitution and initiate heart allograft rejection upon adoptive transfer into mATG treated B cell deficient recipients. These findings reveal the essential role of B cell-derived IL-1β and IL-6 during homeostatic T cell expansion in a clinically relevant model of lymphoablation.

IL-27 Rα+ cells promoted allorejection via enhancing STAT1/3/5 phosphorylation

Recently, emerging evidence strongly suggested that the activation of interleukin-27 Receptor α (IL-27Rα) could modulate different inflammatory diseases. However, whether IL-27Rα affects allotransplantation rejection is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the role of IL-27Rα on allorejection both in vivo and in vitro. The skin allotransplantation mice models were established, and the dynamic IL-27Rα/IL-27 expression was detected, and IL-27Rα⁺ spleen cells adoptive transfer was performed. STAT1/3/5 phosphorylation, proliferation and apoptosis were investigated in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) with recombinant IL-27 (rIL-27) stimulation. Finally, IFN-γ/ IL-10 in graft/serum from model mice was detected. Results showed higher IL-27Rα/IL-27 expression in allografted group compared that syngrafted group on day 10 (top point of allorejection). IL-27Rα⁺ spleen cells accelerated allograft rejection in vivo. rIL-27 significantly promoted proliferation, inhibited apoptosis and increased STAT1/3/5 phosphorylation of alloreactive splenocytes, and these effects of rIL-27 could be almost totally blocked by JAK/ STAT inhibitor and anti-IL-27 p28 Ab. Finally, higher IL-27Rα⁺ IFN-γ⁺ cells and lower IL-27Rα⁺ IL-10⁺ cells within allografts, and high IFN-γ/low IL-10 in serum of allorejecting mice were detected. In conclusion, these data suggested that IL-27Rα⁺ cells apparently promoted allograft rejection through enhancing alloreactive proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis and up-regulating IFN-γ via enhancing STAT pathway. Blocking IL-27 pathway may favour to prevent allorejection, and IL-27Rα may be as a high selective molecule for targeting diagnosis and therapy for allotransplantation rejection.

IL-27Rα: A Novel Molecular Imaging Marker for Allograft Rejection

Non-invasively monitoring allogeneic graft rejection with a specific marker is of great importance for prognosis of patients. Recently, data revealed that IL-27Rα was up-regulated in alloreactive CD4⁺ T cells and participated in inflammatory diseases. Here, we evaluated whether IL-27Rα could be used in monitoring allogeneic graft rejection both in vitro and in vivo. Allogeneic (C57BL/6 donor to BALB/c recipient) and syngeneic (BALB/c both as donor and recipient) skin grafted mouse models were established. The expression of IL-27Rα in grafts was detected. The radio-probe, ¹²⁵I-anti-IL-27Rα mAb, was prepared. Dynamic whole-body phosphor-autoradiography, ex vivo biodistribution and immunofluorescence staining were performed. The results showed that the highest expression of IL-27Rα was detected in allogeneic grafts on day 10 post transplantation (top period of allorejection). ¹²⁵I-anti-IL-27Rα mAb was successfully prepared with higher specificity and affinity. Whole-body phosphor-autoradiography showed higher radioactivity accumulation in allogeneic grafts than syngeneic grafts on day 10. The uptake of ¹²⁵I-anti-IL-27Rα mAb in allogeneic grafts could be almost totally blocked by pre-injection with excess unlabeled anti-IL-27Rα mAb. Interestingly, we found that ¹²⁵I-anti-IL-27Rα mAb accumulated in allogeneic grafts, along with weaker inflammation earlier on day 6. The high uptake of ¹²⁵I-anti-IL-27Rα mAb was correlated with the higher infiltrated IL-27Rα positive cells (CD3⁺/CD68⁺) in allogeneic grafts. In conclusion, IL-27Rα may be a novel molecular imaging marker to predict allorejection.