1
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Divolis G, Synolaki E, Doulou A, Gavriil A, Giannouli CC, Apostolidou A, Foster ML, Matzuk MM, Skendros P, Galani IE, Sideras P. Neutrophil-derived Activin-A moderates their pro-NETotic activity and attenuates collateral tissue damage caused by Influenza A virus infection. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302489. [PMID: 38476229 PMCID: PMC10929267 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-neutrophils, while developing in the bone marrow, transcribe the Inhba gene and synthesize Activin-A protein, which they store and release at the earliest stage of their activation in the periphery. However, the role of neutrophil-derived Activin-A is not completely understood. Methods To address this issue, we developed a neutrophil-specific Activin-A-deficient animal model (S100a8-Cre/Inhba fl/fl mice) and analyzed the immune response to Influenza A virus (IAV) infection. More specifically, evaluation of body weight and lung mechanics, molecular and cellular analyses of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, flow cytometry and cell sorting of lung cells, as well as histopathological analysis of lung tissues, were performed in PBS-treated and IAV-infected transgenic animals. Results We found that neutrophil-specific Activin-A deficiency led to exacerbated pulmonary inflammation and widespread hemorrhagic histopathology in the lungs of IAV-infected animals that was associated with an exuberant production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Moreover, deletion of the Activin-A receptor ALK4/ACVR1B in neutrophils exacerbated IAV-induced pathology as well, suggesting that neutrophils themselves are potential targets of Activin-A-mediated signaling. The pro-NETotic tendency of Activin-A-deficient neutrophils was further verified in the context of thioglycollate-induced peritonitis, a model characterized by robust peritoneal neutrophilia. Of importance, transcriptome analysis of Activin-A-deficient neutrophils revealed alterations consistent with a predisposition for NET release. Conclusion Collectively, our data demonstrate that Activin-A, secreted by neutrophils upon their activation in the periphery, acts as a feedback mechanism to moderate their pro-NETotic tendency and limit the collateral tissue damage caused by neutrophil excess activation during the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Divolis
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evgenia Synolaki
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasia Doulou
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ariana Gavriil
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina C. Giannouli
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Apostolidou
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Martin M. Matzuk
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Panagiotis Skendros
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioanna-Evdokia Galani
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Paschalis Sideras
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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2
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Hu Y, Recouvreux MS, Haro M, Taylan E, Taylor-Harding B, Walts AE, Karlan BY, Orsulic S. INHBA(+) cancer-associated fibroblasts generate an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:35. [PMID: 38360876 PMCID: PMC10869703 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00523-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is hindered by the lack of specific biomarkers and a poor understanding of the mechanisms by which different populations of CAFs contribute to cancer progression. While the role of TGFβ in CAFs is well-studied, less attention has been focused on a structurally and functionally similar protein, Activin A (encoded by INHBA). Here, we identified INHBA(+) CAFs as key players in tumor promotion and immunosuppression. Spatiotemporal analyses of patient-matched primary, metastatic, and recurrent ovarian carcinomas revealed that aggressive metastatic tumors enriched in INHBA(+) CAFs were also enriched in regulatory T cells (Tregs). In ovarian cancer mouse models, intraperitoneal injection of the Activin A neutralizing antibody attenuated tumor progression and infiltration with pro-tumorigenic subsets of myofibroblasts and macrophages. Downregulation of INHBA in human ovarian CAFs inhibited pro-tumorigenic CAF functions. Co-culture of human ovarian CAFs and T cells revealed the dependence of Treg differentiation on direct contact with INHBA(+) CAFs. Mechanistically, INHBA/recombinant Activin A in CAFs induced the autocrine expression of PD-L1 through SMAD2-dependent signaling, which promoted Treg differentiation. Collectively, our study identified an INHBA(+) subset of immunomodulatory pro-tumoral CAFs as a potential therapeutic target in advanced ovarian cancers which typically show a poor response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Maria Sol Recouvreux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Marcela Haro
- Women's Cancer Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Enes Taylan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Barbie Taylor-Harding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ann E Walts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Beth Y Karlan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA.
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3
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Pinjusic K, Ambrosini G, Lourenco J, Fournier N, Iseli C, Guex N, Egorova O, Nassiri S, Constam DB. Inhibition of anti-tumor immunity by melanoma cell-derived Activin-A depends on STING. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1335207. [PMID: 38304252 PMCID: PMC10830842 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1335207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family member activin A (hereafter Activin-A) is overexpressed in many cancer types, often correlating with cancer-associated cachexia and poor prognosis. Activin-A secretion by melanoma cells indirectly impedes CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity and promotes resistance to immunotherapies, even though Activin-A can be proinflammatory in other contexts. To identify underlying mechanisms, we here analyzed the effect of Activin-A on syngeneic grafts of Braf mutant YUMM3.3 mouse melanoma cells and on their microenvironment using single-cell RNA sequencing. We found that the Activin-A-induced immune evasion was accompanied by a proinflammatory interferon signature across multiple cell types, and that the associated increase in tumor growth depended at least in part on pernicious STING activity within the melanoma cells. Besides corroborating a role for proinflammatory signals in facilitating immune evasion, our results suggest that STING holds considerable potential as a therapeutic target to mitigate tumor-promoting Activin-A signaling at least in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Pinjusic
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), SV ISREC, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Ambrosini
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joao Lourenco
- Translational Data Science Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Fournier
- Translational Data Science Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christian Iseli
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Guex
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olga Egorova
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), SV ISREC, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sina Nassiri
- Translational Data Science Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel B Constam
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), SV ISREC, Lausanne, Switzerland
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4
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Wang J, Zhao X, Wan YY. Intricacies of TGF-β signaling in Treg and Th17 cell biology. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1002-1022. [PMID: 37217798 PMCID: PMC10468540 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01036-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Balanced immunity is pivotal for health and homeostasis. CD4+ helper T (Th) cells are central to the balance between immune tolerance and immune rejection. Th cells adopt distinct functions to maintain tolerance and clear pathogens. Dysregulation of Th cell function often leads to maladies, including autoimmunity, inflammatory disease, cancer, and infection. Regulatory T (Treg) and Th17 cells are critical Th cell types involved in immune tolerance, homeostasis, pathogenicity, and pathogen clearance. It is therefore critical to understand how Treg and Th17 cells are regulated in health and disease. Cytokines are instrumental in directing Treg and Th17 cell function. The evolutionarily conserved TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) cytokine superfamily is of particular interest because it is central to the biology of both Treg cells that are predominantly immunosuppressive and Th17 cells that can be proinflammatory, pathogenic, and immune regulatory. How TGF-β superfamily members and their intricate signaling pathways regulate Treg and Th17 cell function is a question that has been intensely investigated for two decades. Here, we introduce the fundamental biology of TGF-β superfamily signaling, Treg cells, and Th17 cells and discuss in detail how the TGF-β superfamily contributes to Treg and Th17 cell biology through complex yet ordered and cooperative signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Xingqi Zhao
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Yisong Y Wan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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5
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Ganjoo S, Puebla-Osorio N, Nanez S, Hsu E, Voss T, Barsoumian H, Duong LK, Welsh JW, Cortez MA. Bone morphogenetic proteins, activins, and growth and differentiation factors in tumor immunology and immunotherapy resistance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1033642. [PMID: 36353620 PMCID: PMC9638036 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1033642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β superfamily is a group of secreted polypeptides with key roles in exerting and regulating a variety of physiologic effects, especially those related to cell signaling, growth, development, and differentiation. Although its central member, TGF-β, has been extensively reviewed, other members of the family-namely bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, and growth and differentiation factors (GDFs)-have not been as thoroughly investigated. Moreover, although the specific roles of TGF-β signaling in cancer immunology and immunotherapy resistance have been extensively reported, little is known of the roles of BMPs, activins, and GDFs in these domains. This review focuses on how these superfamily members influence key immune cells in cancer progression and resistance to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria Angelica Cortez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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6
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Li F, Long Y, Yu X, Tong Y, Gong L. Different Immunoregulation Roles of Activin A Compared With TGF-β. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921366. [PMID: 35774793 PMCID: PMC9237220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a critical member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, is a pluripotent factor involved in allergies, autoimmune diseases, cancers and other diseases with immune disorder. Similar to its family member, TGF-β, activin A also transmits signals through SMAD2/SMAD3, however, they bind to distinct receptors. Recent studies have uncovered that activin A plays a pivotal role in both innate and adaptive immune systems. Here we mainly focus its effects on activation, differentiation, proliferation and function of cells which are indispensable in the immune system and meanwhile make some comparisons with those of TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiru Long
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongliang Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Likun Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
- *Correspondence: Likun Gong,
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7
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Pinjusic K, Dubey OA, Egorova O, Nassiri S, Meylan E, Faget J, Constam DB. Activin-A impairs CD8 T cell-mediated immunity and immune checkpoint therapy response in melanoma. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004533. [PMID: 35580932 PMCID: PMC9125758 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Activin-A, a transforming growth factor β family member, is secreted by many cancer types and is often associated with poor disease prognosis. Previous studies have shown that Activin-A expression can promote cancer progression and reduce the intratumoral frequency of cytotoxic T cells. However, the underlying mechanisms and the significance of Activin-A expression for cancer therapies are unclear. Methods We analyzed the expression of the Activin-A encoding gene INHBA in melanoma patients and the influence of its gain- or loss-of-function on the immune infiltration and growth of BRAF-driven YUMM3.3 and iBIP2 mouse melanoma grafts and in B16 models. Using antibody depletion strategies, we investigated the dependence of Activin-A tumor-promoting effect on different immune cells. Immune-regulatory effects of Activin-A were further characterized in vitro and by an adoptive transfer of T cells. Finally, we assessed INHBA expression in melanoma patients who received immune checkpoint therapy and tested whether it impairs the response in preclinical models. Results We show that Activin-A secretion by melanoma cells inhibits adaptive antitumor immunity irrespective of BRAF status by inhibiting CD8+ T cell infiltration indirectly and even independently of CD4 T cells, at least in part by attenuating the production of CXCL9/10 by myeloid cells. In addition, we show that Activin-A/INHBA expression correlates with anti-PD1 therapy resistance in melanoma patients and impairs the response to dual anti-cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte associated protein 4/anti-PD1 treatment in preclinical models. Conclusions Our findings suggest that strategies interfering with Activin-A induced immune-regulation offer new therapeutic opportunities to overcome CD8 T cell exclusion and immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Pinjusic
- School of Life Sciences (SV), ISREC, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Andreas Dubey
- School of Life Sciences (SV), ISREC, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olga Egorova
- School of Life Sciences (SV), ISREC, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sina Nassiri
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Etienne Meylan
- School of Life Sciences (SV), ISREC, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Bordet Cancer Research Laboratories, Institut Jules Bordet, Faculty of Medicine, and Laboratory of Immunobiology, Faculty of Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Julien Faget
- School of Life Sciences (SV), ISREC, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Equipe Immunity and Cancer IRCM, INSERM U1194, Montpellier, France
| | - Daniel Beat Constam
- School of Life Sciences (SV), ISREC, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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8
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Zhu LP, Zhong WL, Wang ZG, Sun KD, Liu QLF, Zhao J, Zhao JW, Chen X, Wang BM. Cronkhite-Canada syndrome: An investigation in clinical features and pathogenesis. J Dig Dis 2021; 22:663-671. [PMID: 34697888 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and potential pathogenesis of a rare nonhereditary polyposis syndrome, Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS). METHODS Medical records of eight patients with CCS who were admitted to our hospital from January 2005 to November 2019 were reviewed. Transcriptome profiling was performed in one patient to investigate its difference between gastric polyp tissue and normal mucosa. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined for functional analysis. The expression of inhibin beta A (INHBA) was further assessed by using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS All patients presented with gastrointestinal polyposis, accompanied by diarrhea, skin hyperpigmentation, hair loss and nail dystrophy. Hyperplastic polyps were observed in seven patients, tubular adenoma in two, inflammatory polyps in one and hamartomatous polyps in one, respectively. All patients underwent comprehensive treatment and five achieved clinical remission. A total of 2107 DEGs, including 1265 upregulated and 842 downregulated, were found in the gastric polyp. Gene ontology analysis showed that upregulated genes were significantly enriched in the positive regulation of cell proliferation, epithelium development and angiogenesis. A protein-protein interaction analysis suggested that INHBA was at the center of the interaction network and might play an important role in CCS. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that INHBA expression was upregulated in CCS gastric polyps. CONCLUSIONS CCS is a rare disease and its diagnosis mainly depends on typical clinical manifestations, endoscopic findings and histological features. INHBA upregulation may contribute to its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Ping Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Long Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ze Gui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai Di Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qin Ling Fei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Wen Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bang Mao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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9
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Neag MA, Mitre AO, Catinean A, Mitre CI. An Overview on the Mechanisms of Neuroprotection and Neurotoxicity of Isoflurane and Sevoflurane in Experimental Studies. Brain Res Bull 2020; 165:281-289. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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10
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Dickinson M, Kliszczak AE, Giannoulatou E, Peppa D, Pellegrino P, Williams I, Drakesmith H, Borrow P. Dynamics of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β Superfamily Cytokine Induction During HIV-1 Infection Are Distinct From Other Innate Cytokines. Front Immunol 2020; 11:596841. [PMID: 33329587 PMCID: PMC7732468 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.596841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection triggers rapid induction of multiple innate cytokines including type I interferons, which play important roles in viral control and disease pathogenesis. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily is a pleiotropic innate cytokine family, some members of which (activins and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)) were recently demonstrated to exert antiviral activity against Zika and hepatitis B and C viruses but are poorly studied in HIV-1 infection. Here, we show that TGF-β1 is systemically induced with very rapid kinetics (as early as 1-4 days after viremic spread begins) in acute HIV-1 infection, likely due to release from platelets, and remains upregulated throughout infection. Contrastingly, no substantial systemic upregulation of activins A and B or BMP-2 was observed during acute infection, although plasma activin levels trended to be elevated during chronic infection. HIV-1 triggered production of type I interferons but not TGF-β superfamily cytokines from plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro, putatively explaining their differing in vivo induction; whilst lipopolysaccharide (but not HIV-1) elicited activin A production from myeloid DCs. These findings underscore the need for better definition of the protective and pathogenic capacity of TGF-β superfamily cytokines, to enable appropriate modulation for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dickinson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anna E Kliszczak
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Giannoulatou
- Computational Genomics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dimitra Peppa
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Mortimer Market Centre, Department of HIV, CNWL NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pierre Pellegrino
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Williams
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hal Drakesmith
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Persephone Borrow
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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11
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Soler Palacios B, Nieto C, Fajardo P, González de la Aleja A, Andrés N, Dominguez-Soto Á, Lucas P, Cuenda A, Rodríguez-Frade JM, Martínez-A C, Villares R, Corbí ÁL, Mellado M. Growth Hormone Reprograms Macrophages toward an Anti-Inflammatory and Reparative Profile in an MAFB-Dependent Manner. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:776-788. [PMID: 32591394 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH), a pleiotropic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, regulates immune and inflammatory responses. In this study, we show that GH regulates the phenotypic and functional plasticity of macrophages both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, GH treatment of GM-CSF-primed monocyte-derived macrophages promotes a significant enrichment of anti-inflammatory genes and dampens the proinflammatory cytokine profile through PI3K-mediated downregulation of activin A and upregulation of MAFB, a critical transcription factor for anti-inflammatory polarization of human macrophages. These in vitro data correlate with improved remission of inflammation and mucosal repair during recovery in the acute dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model in GH-overexpressing mice. In this model, in addition to the GH-mediated effects on other immune cells, we observed that macrophages from inflamed gut acquire an anti-inflammatory/reparative profile. Overall, these data indicate that GH reprograms inflammatory macrophages to an anti-inflammatory phenotype and improves resolution during pathologic inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Soler Palacios
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; and
| | - Concha Nieto
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Fajardo
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; and
| | - Arturo González de la Aleja
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Andrés
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; and
| | - Ángeles Dominguez-Soto
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Lucas
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; and
| | - Ana Cuenda
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; and
| | - José Miguel Rodríguez-Frade
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; and
| | - Carlos Martínez-A
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; and
| | - Ricardo Villares
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; and
| | - Ángel L Corbí
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Mellado
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049 Madrid, Spain; and
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12
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Kariyawasam HH, Gane SB. Allergen-induced asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis and transforming growth factor-β superfamily signaling: mechanisms and functional consequences. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:1155-1170. [PMID: 31549888 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1672538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Often co-associated, asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are complex heterogeneous disease syndromes. Severity in both is related to tissue inflammation and abnormal repair (termed remodeling). Understanding signaling factors that can modulate, integrate the activation, and regulation of such key processes together is increasingly important. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily of ligands comprise a versatile system of immunomodulatory molecules that are gaining recognition as having an essential function in the immunopathogenesis of asthma. Early data suggest an important role in CRS as well. Abnormal or dysregulated signaling may contribute to disease pathogenesis and severity.Areas covered: The essential biology of this complex family of growth factors in relation to the excess inflammation and remodeling that occurs in allergic asthma and CRS is reviewed. The need to understand the integration of signaling pathways together is highlighted. Studies in human airway tissue are evaluated and only selected key animal models relevant to human disease discussed given the highly context-dependent signaling and function of these ligands.Expert opinion: Abnormal or dysregulated TGF-β superfamily signaling may be central to the excess inflammation and tissue remodeling in asthma, and possibly CRS. Therefore, the TGF-β superfamily signaling pathways represent an emerging and attractive therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsha H Kariyawasam
- Department of Adult Specialist Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Royal National ENT Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Rhinology, Royal National ENT Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon B Gane
- Department of Rhinology, Royal National ENT Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,University College London, London, UK
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13
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Rautela J, Dagley LF, de Oliveira CC, Schuster IS, Hediyeh-Zadeh S, Delconte RB, Cursons J, Hennessy R, Hutchinson DS, Harrison C, Kita B, Vivier E, Webb AI, Degli-Esposti MA, Davis MJ, Huntington ND, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F. Therapeutic blockade of activin-A improves NK cell function and antitumor immunity. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/596/eaat7527. [PMID: 31455725 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aat7527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play a major role in immunosurveillance against tumor initiation and metastatic spread. The signals and checkpoints that regulate NK cell fitness and function in the tumor microenvironment are not well defined. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a suppressor of NK cells that inhibits interleukin-15 (IL-15)-dependent signaling events and increases the abundance of receptors that promote tissue residency. Here, we showed that NK cells express the type I activin receptor ALK4, which, upon binding to its ligand activin-A, phosphorylated SMAD2/3 to suppress IL-15-mediated NK cell metabolism. Activin-A impaired human and mouse NK cell proliferation and reduced the production of granzyme B to impair tumor killing. Similar to TGF-β, activin-A also induced SMAD2/3 phosphorylation and stimulated NK cells to increase their cell surface expression of several markers of ILC1 cells. Activin-A also induced these changes in TGF-β receptor-deficient NK cells, suggesting that activin-A and TGF-β stimulate independent pathways that drive SMAD2/3-mediated NK cell suppression. Last, inhibition of activin-A by follistatin substantially slowed orthotopic melanoma growth in mice. These data highlight the relevance of examining TGF-β-independent SMAD2/3 signaling mechanisms as a therapeutic axis to relieve NK cell suppression and promote antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai Rautela
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura F Dagley
- Systems Biology and Personalized Medicine Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Carolina C de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Células Inflamatórias e Neoplásicas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, SCB, Centro Politecnico, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, CEP 81531-980, PR, Brazil
| | - Iona S Schuster
- Immunology and Virology Program, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Soroor Hediyeh-Zadeh
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology and Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca B Delconte
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Joseph Cursons
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology and Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Robert Hennessy
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Dana S Hutchinson
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Craig Harrison
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Badia Kita
- Paranta Biosciences Limited, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Eric Vivier
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Inserm, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Andrew I Webb
- Systems Biology and Personalized Medicine Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Mariapia A Degli-Esposti
- Immunology and Virology Program, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa J Davis
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology and Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fernando Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia. .,University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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14
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Activin-A in the regulation of immunity in health and disease. J Autoimmun 2019; 104:102314. [PMID: 31416681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The TGF-β superfamily of cytokines plays pivotal roles in the regulation of immune responses protecting against or contributing to diseases, such as, allergy, autoimmunity and cancer. Activin-A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, was initially identified as an inducer of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion. Extensive research over the past decades illuminated fundamental roles for activin-A in essential biologic processes, including embryonic development, stem cell maintenance and differentiation, haematopoiesis, cell proliferation and tissue fibrosis. Activin-A signals through two type I and two type II receptors which, upon ligand binding, activate their kinase activity, phosphorylate the SMAD2 and 3 intracellular signaling mediators that form a complex with SMAD4, translocate to the nucleus and activate or silence gene expression. Most immune cell types, including macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), T and B lymphocytes and natural killer cells have the capacity to produce and respond to activin-A, although not in a similar manner. In innate immune cells, including macrophages, DCs and neutrophils, activin-A exerts a broad range of pro- or anti-inflammatory functions depending on the cell maturation and activation status and the spatiotemporal context. Activin-A also controls the differentiation and effector functions of Th cell subsets, including Th9 cells, TFH cells, Tr1 Treg cells and Foxp3+ Treg cells. Moreover, activin-A affects B cell responses, enhancing mucosal IgA secretion and inhibiting pathogenic autoantibody production. Interestingly, an array of preclinical and clinical studies has highlighted crucial functions of activin-A in the initiation, propagation and resolution of human diseases, including autoimmune diseases, such as, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, in allergic disorders, including allergic asthma and atopic dermatitis, in cancer and in microbial infections. Here, we provide an overview of the biology of activin-A and its signaling pathways, summarize recent studies pertinent to the role of activin-A in the modulation of inflammation and immunity, and discuss the potential of targeting activin-A as a novel therapeutic approach for the control of inflammatory diseases.
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15
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Marlin R, Nugeyre MT, Tchitchek N, Parenti M, Lefebvre C, Hocini H, Benjelloun F, Cannou C, Nozza S, Dereuddre-Bosquet N, Levy Y, Barré-Sinoussi F, Scarlatti G, Le Grand R, Menu E. Seminal Plasma Exposures Strengthen Vaccine Responses in the Female Reproductive Tract Mucosae. Front Immunol 2019; 10:430. [PMID: 30915079 PMCID: PMC6423065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 sexual transmission occurs mainly via mucosal semen exposures. In the female reproductive tract (FRT), seminal plasma (SP) induces physiological modifications, including inflammation. An effective HIV-1 vaccine should elicit mucosal immunity, however, modifications of vaccine responses by the local environment remain to be characterized. Using a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) as a vaccine model, we characterized the impact of HIV-1+ SP intravaginal exposure on the local immune responses of non-human primates. Multiple HIV-1+ SP exposures did not impact the anti-MVA antibody responses. However, SP exposures revealed an anti-MVA responses mediated by CD4+ T cells, which was not observed in the control group. Furthermore, the frequency and the quality of specific anti-MVA CD8+ T cell responses increased in the FRT exposed to SP. Multi-parameter approaches clearly identified the cervix as the most impacted compartment in the FRT. SP exposures induced a local cell recruitment of antigen presenting cells, especially CD11c+ cells, and CD8+ T cell recruitment in the FRT draining lymph nodes. CD11c+ cell recruitment was associated with upregulation of inflammation-related gene expression after SP exposures in the cervix. We thus highlight the fact that physiological conditions, such as SP exposures, should be taken into consideration to test and to improve vaccine efficacy against HIV-1 and other sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Marlin
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Nugeyre
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Nicolas Tchitchek
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France
| | - Matteo Parenti
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Cécile Lefebvre
- Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Équipe 16 Physiopathologie et Immunothérapies dans l'Infection VIH, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale - INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Hakim Hocini
- Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Équipe 16 Physiopathologie et Immunothérapies dans l'Infection VIH, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale - INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Fahd Benjelloun
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Claude Cannou
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Silvia Nozza
- Infectious Diseases Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nathalie Dereuddre-Bosquet
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France
| | - Yves Levy
- Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Équipe 16 Physiopathologie et Immunothérapies dans l'Infection VIH, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale - INSERM U955, Créteil, France.,Groupe Henri-Mondor Albert-Chenevier, Service d'Immunologie Clinique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Créteil, France
| | - Françoise Barré-Sinoussi
- Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,International Division, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Gabriella Scarlatti
- Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roger Le Grand
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Elisabeth Menu
- IDMIT Department, U1184 ≪ Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases ≫ (IMVA), CEA, IBFJ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France.,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Vaccine Research Institute - VRI, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
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16
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Bloise E, Ciarmela P, Dela Cruz C, Luisi S, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Activin A in Mammalian Physiology. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:739-780. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are dimeric glycoproteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and resulting from the assembly of two beta subunits, which may also be combined with alpha subunits to form inhibins. Activins were discovered in 1986 following the isolation of inhibins from porcine follicular fluid, and were characterized as ovarian hormones that stimulate follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release by the pituitary gland. In particular, activin A was shown to be the isoform of greater physiological importance in humans. The current understanding of activin A surpasses the reproductive system and allows its classification as a hormone, a growth factor, and a cytokine. In more than 30 yr of intense research, activin A was localized in female and male reproductive organs but also in other organs and systems as diverse as the brain, liver, lung, bone, and gut. Moreover, its roles include embryonic differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the uterine wall in early pregnancy, and fetal/neonate brain protection in hypoxic conditions. It is now recognized that activin A overexpression may be either cytostatic or mitogenic, depending on the cell type, with important implications for tumor biology. Activin A also regulates bone formation and regeneration, enhances joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and triggers pathogenic mechanisms in the respiratory system. In this 30-yr review, we analyze the evidence for physiological roles of activin A and the potential use of activin agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
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17
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Kim SJ, Lee K, Diamond B. Follicular Helper T Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1793. [PMID: 30123218 PMCID: PMC6085416 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+ follicular helper T (Tfh) cells constitute a subset of effector T cells that participate in the generation of high-affinity humoral responses. They express the chemokine receptor CXCR5 and produce the cytokine IL-21, both of which are required for their contribution to germinal center formation. Uncontrolled expansion of Tfh cells is observed in various mouse models of systemic autoimmune diseases and in patients with these diseases. In particular, the frequency of circulating Tfh is correlated with disease activity and anti-DNA antibody titer in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Recent studies reveal functional diversity within the Tfh population in both humans and mice. We will summarize here the molecular mechanisms for Tfh cell generation, survival and function in both humans and mice, and the relationship between Tfh cells and autoimmune disease in animal models and in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Jung Kim
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kyungwoo Lee
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Betty Diamond
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, New York, NY, United States
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18
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Komai T, Okamura T, Inoue M, Yamamoto K, Fujio K. Reevaluation of Pluripotent Cytokine TGF-β3 in Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082261. [PMID: 30071700 PMCID: PMC6121403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-βs are pluripotent cytokines with stimulatory and inhibitory properties for multiple types of immune cells. Analyses of genetic knockouts of each isoform of TGF-β have revealed differing expression patterns and distinct roles for the three mammalian isoforms of TGF-β. Considerable effort has been focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of TGF-β1-mediated immune regulation, given its pivotal role in prohibiting systemic autoimmune disease. In recent years, functional similarities and differences between the TGF-β isoforms have delineated their distinct roles in the development of immunopathology and immune tolerance, with increased recent attention being focused on TGF-β3. In addition to the characteristic properties of each TGF-β isoform, recent progress has identified determinants of context-dependent functionality, including various cellular targets, cytokine concentrations, tissue microenvironments, and cytokine synergy, which combine to shape the physiological and pathophysiological roles of the TGF-βs in immunity. Controlling TGF-β production and signaling is being tested as a novel therapeutic strategy in multiple clinical trials for several human diseases. This review highlights advances in the understanding of the cellular sources, activation processes, contextual determinants, and immunological roles of TGF-β3 with comparisons to other TGF-β isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Komai
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Tomohisa Okamura
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
- Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
- Max Planck-The University of Tokyo Center for Integrative Inflammology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan.
| | - Mariko Inoue
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
- Max Planck-The University of Tokyo Center for Integrative Inflammology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan.
- Laboratory for Autoimmune Diseases, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
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19
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Lyu S, Jiang C, Xu R, Huang Y, Yan S. INHBA upregulation correlates with poorer prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:1585-1596. [PMID: 29950896 PMCID: PMC6014728 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s160186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose INHBA, which encodes a member of the TGF-beta superfamily of proteins, has been identified to play a critical role in different types of cancer. However, its clinical significance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has never been reported. Patients and methods In this study, we collected 239 ESCC paraffin-embedded specimens and measured the expression of INHBA with immunohistochemistry (IHC). The clinical and prognostic significance of INHBA expression was statistically analyzed. What is more, we conducted a meta-analysis to study the prognostic value of INHBA expression in multiple types of solid tumors. Results The results showed that INHBA expression was observed predominantly in the cytoplasm of cells in the ESCC specimens. INHBA expression was closely correlated with N categories (P=0.026). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that ESCC patients in the low INHBA expression subgroup had significantly better prognosis than those with high INHBA level. Subgroup analysis revealed that INHBA distinguished the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) when patients were stratified by TNM stage status and N status. Multivariate analysis results suggested that INHBA expression was an independent factor that affected OS (HR =1.679, P=0.022) and DFS (HR =1.715, P=0.017). In the meta-analysis, six papers with 1321 patients were included and patients with high INHBA level had worse prognosis than patients with low INHBA level (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.75–3.57, P<0.0001). Conclusion High INHBA level predicts poor prognosis in ESCC and other solid tumors. More studies are required to elucidate the role of INHBA and its clinical application in cancer settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Lyu
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Jiang
- Department of Cancer Center, People's Hospital of Baoan District, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shumei Yan
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Nieto C, Bragado R, Municio C, Sierra-Filardi E, Alonso B, Escribese MM, Domínguez-Andrés J, Ardavín C, Castrillo A, Vega MA, Puig-Kröger A, Corbí AL. The Activin A-Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Axis Contributes to the Transcriptome of GM-CSF-Conditioned Human Macrophages. Front Immunol 2018; 9:31. [PMID: 29434585 PMCID: PMC5796898 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
GM-CSF promotes the functional maturation of lung alveolar macrophages (A-MØ), whose differentiation is dependent on the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) transcription factor. In fact, blockade of GM-CSF-initiated signaling or deletion of the PPARγ-encoding gene PPARG leads to functionally defective A-MØ and the onset of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. In vitro, macrophages generated in the presence of GM-CSF display potent proinflammatory, immunogenic and tumor growth-limiting activities. Since GM-CSF upregulates PPARγ expression, we hypothesized that PPARγ might contribute to the gene signature and functional profile of human GM-CSF-conditioned macrophages. To verify this hypothesis, PPARγ expression and activity was assessed in human monocyte-derived macrophages generated in the presence of GM-CSF [proinflammatory GM-CSF-conditioned human monocyte-derived macrophages (GM-MØ)] or M-CSF (anti-inflammatory M-MØ), as well as in ex vivo isolated human A-MØ. GM-MØ showed higher PPARγ expression than M-MØ, and the expression of PPARγ in GM-MØ was found to largely depend on activin A. Ligand-induced activation of PPARγ also resulted in distinct transcriptional and functional outcomes in GM-MØ and M-MØ. Moreover, and in the absence of exogenous activating ligands, PPARγ knockdown significantly altered the GM-MØ transcriptome, causing a global upregulation of proinflammatory genes and significantly modulating the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and migration. Similar effects were observed in ex vivo isolated human A-MØ, where PPARγ silencing led to enhanced expression of genes coding for growth factors and chemokines and downregulation of cell surface pathogen receptors. Therefore, PPARγ shapes the transcriptome of GM-CSF-dependent human macrophages (in vitro derived GM-MØ and ex vivo isolated A-MØ) in the absence of exogenous activating ligands, and its expression is primarily regulated by activin A. These results suggest that activin A, through enhancement of PPARγ expression, help macrophages to switch from a proinflammatory to an anti-inflammatory polarization state, thus contributing to limit tissue damage and restore homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concha Nieto
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Bragado
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Municio
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Sierra-Filardi
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara Alonso
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María M Escribese
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Domínguez-Andrés
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Ardavín
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Castrillo
- Instituto Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (IIBM), and Centro Mixto Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (ICSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad de Biomedicina (Unidad Asociada al CSIC), IIBM-Universidad Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), and Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Miguel A Vega
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Amaya Puig-Kröger
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel L Corbí
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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21
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Luz-Crawford P, Espinosa-Carrasco G, Ipseiz N, Contreras R, Tejedor G, Medina DA, Vega-Letter AM, Ngo D, Morand EF, Pène J, Hernandez J, Jorgensen C, Djouad F. Gilz-Activin A as a Novel Signaling Axis Orchestrating Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Th17 Cell Interplay. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:846-859. [PMID: 29344311 PMCID: PMC5771098 DOI: 10.7150/thno.21793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are highly immunosuppressive cells able to reduce chronic inflammation through the active release of mediators. Recently, we showed that glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (Gilz) expression by MSC is involved in their therapeutic effect by promoting the generation of regulatory T cells. However, the mechanisms underlying this pivotal role of Gilz remain elusive. Methods and Results In this study, we have uncovered evidence that Gilz modulates the phenotype and function of Th1 and Th17 cells likely by upregulating the level of Activin A and NO2 secreted by MSC. Adoptive transfer experiments sustained this Gilz-dependent suppressive effect of MSC on Th1 and Th17 cell functions. In immunoregulatory MSC, obtained by priming with IFN-γ and TNF-α, Gilz was translocated to the nucleus and bound to the promoters of inos and Activin βA to induce their expression. The increased expression of Activin A directly impacted on Th17 cells fate by repressing their differentiation program through the activation of Smad3/2 and enhancing IL-10 production. Conclusion Our results reveal how Gilz controls inos and Activin βA gene expression to ultimately assign immunoregulatory status to MSC able to repress the pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation program and uncover Activin A as a novel mediator of MSC in this process.
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Spottiswoode N, Armitage AE, Williams AR, Fyfe AJ, Biswas S, Hodgson SH, Llewellyn D, Choudhary P, Draper SJ, Duffy PE, Drakesmith H. Role of Activins in Hepcidin Regulation during Malaria. Infect Immun 2017; 85:e00191-17. [PMID: 28893916 PMCID: PMC5695100 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00191-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological observations have linked increased host iron with malaria susceptibility, and perturbed iron handling has been hypothesized to contribute to the potentially life-threatening anemia that may accompany blood-stage malaria infection. To improve our understanding of these relationships, we examined the pathways involved in regulation of the master controller of iron metabolism, the hormone hepcidin, in malaria infection. We show that hepcidin upregulation in Plasmodium berghei murine malaria infection was accompanied by changes in expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/sons of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) pathway target genes, a key pathway involved in hepcidin regulation. We therefore investigated known agonists of the BMP/SMAD pathway and found that Bmp gene expression was not increased in infection. In contrast, activin B, which can signal through the BMP/SMAD pathway and has been associated with increased hepcidin during inflammation, was upregulated in the livers of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice; hepatic activin B was also upregulated at peak parasitemia during infection with Plasmodium chabaudi Concentrations of the closely related protein activin A increased in parallel with hepcidin in serum from malaria-naive volunteers infected in controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) clinical trials. However, antibody-mediated neutralization of activin activity during murine malaria infection did not affect hepcidin expression, suggesting that these proteins do not stimulate hepcidin upregulation directly. In conclusion, we present evidence that the BMP/SMAD signaling pathway is perturbed in malaria infection but that activins, although raised in malaria infection, may not have a critical role in hepcidin upregulation in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Spottiswoode
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology & Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew E Armitage
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R Williams
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alex J Fyfe
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sumi Biswas
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Llewellyn
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Simon J Draper
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology & Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hal Drakesmith
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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De Feo D, Merlini A, Brambilla E, Ottoboni L, Laterza C, Menon R, Srinivasan S, Farina C, Garcia Manteiga JM, Butti E, Bacigaluppi M, Comi G, Greter M, Martino G. Neural precursor cell-secreted TGF-β2 redirects inflammatory monocyte-derived cells in CNS autoimmunity. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:3937-3953. [PMID: 28945200 DOI: 10.1172/jci92387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis, the pathological interaction between autoreactive Th cells and mononuclear phagocytes in the CNS drives initiation and maintenance of chronic neuroinflammation. Here, we found that intrathecal transplantation of neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) impairs the accumulation of inflammatory monocyte-derived cells (MCs) in the CNS, leading to improved clinical outcome. Secretion of IL-23, IL-1, and TNF-α, the cytokines required for terminal differentiation of Th cells, decreased in the CNS of NPC-treated mice, consequently inhibiting the induction of GM-CSF-producing pathogenic Th cells. In vivo and in vitro transcriptome analyses showed that NPC-secreted factors inhibit MC differentiation and activation, favoring the switch toward an antiinflammatory phenotype. Tgfb2-/- NPCs transplanted into EAE mice were ineffective in impairing MC accumulation within the CNS and failed to drive clinical improvement. Moreover, intrathecal delivery of TGF-β2 during the effector phase of EAE ameliorated disease severity. Taken together, these observations identify TGF-β2 as the crucial mediator of NPC immunomodulation. This study provides evidence that intrathecally transplanted NPCs interfere with the CNS-restricted inflammation of EAE by reprogramming infiltrating MCs into antiinflammatory myeloid cells via secretion of TGF-β2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ramesh Menon
- Immunobiology of Neurological Disorders Lab, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, and
| | - Sundararajan Srinivasan
- Immunobiology of Neurological Disorders Lab, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, and
| | - Cinthia Farina
- Immunobiology of Neurological Disorders Lab, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, and
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia Manteiga
- Center for Translational Genomics and BioInformatics, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Melanie Greter
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Mechanism of chimeric vaccine stimulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase biosynthesis in human dendritic cells is independent of TGF-β signaling. Cell Immunol 2017; 319:43-52. [PMID: 28864263 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cholera toxin B subunit fusion to autoantigens such as proinsulin (CTB-INS) down regulate dendritic cell (DC) activation and stimulate synthesis of DC immunosuppressive cytokines. Recent studies of CTB-INS induction of immune tolerance in human DCs indicate that increased biosynthesis of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) may play an important role in CTB-INS vaccine suppression of DC activation. Studies in murine models suggest a role for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in the stimulation of IDO1 biosynthesis, for the induction of tolerance in DCs. Here, we investigated the contribution of TGF-β superfamily proteins to CTB-INS induction of IDO1 biosynthesis in human monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs). We show that CTB-INS upregulates the level of TGF-β1, activin-A and the TGF-β activator, integrin αvβ8 in human DCs. However, inhibition of endogenous TGF-β, activin-A or addition of biologically active TGF-β1, and activin-A, did not inhibit or stimulate IDO1 biosynthesis in human DCs treated with CTB-INS. While inhibition with the kinase inhibitor, RepSox, blocked SMAD2/3 phosphorylation and diminished IDO1 biosynthesis in a concentration dependent manner. Specific blocking of the TGF-β type 1 kinase receptor with SB-431542 did not arrest IDO1 biosynthesis, suggesting the involvement of a different kinase pathway other than TGF-β type 1 receptor kinase in CTB-INS induction of IDO1 in human moDCs. Together, our experimental findings identify additional immunoregulatory proteins induced by the CTB-INS fusion protein, suggesting CTB-INS may utilize multiple mechanisms in the induction of tolerance in human moDCs.
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25
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Wang ZJ, Martin JA, Gancarz AM, Adank DN, Sim FJ, Dietz DM. Activin A is increased in the nucleus accumbens following a cocaine binge. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43658. [PMID: 28272550 PMCID: PMC5341561 DOI: 10.1038/srep43658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction is a long-lasting disease characterized by compulsive drug intake mediated in part by neuronal and biological adaptations in key brain areas, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc). While we previously demonstrated involvement of the activin 2a receptor in drug taking, the role of its ligand, activin A, in cocaine relapse is unknown. Activin A levels in the NAc were assessed via ELISA and immunohistochemistry (in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia) following a cocaine binge paradigm. Cocaine exposure significantly increased the levels of activin A in the NAc of animals that had self-administered cocaine prior to the 14-day withdrawal compared with levels in saline controls. This was accompanied by an increase in the proportion of IBA1+ microglia in the NAc that were immunopositive for activin A. In contrast, the proportions of NeuN+ neurons and GFAP+ astrocytes that were immunopositive for activin A remained unaltered. In conclusion, these data suggest that increased secretion of activin A, particularly from microglia, in the NAc represents a novel potential target for the treatment of cocaine relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Martin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Amy M. Gancarz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, California State University Bakersfield, Bakersfield, CA, USA
| | - Danielle N. Adank
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Fraser J. Sim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - David M. Dietz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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26
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Olguín-Alor R, de la Fuente-Granada M, Bonifaz LC, Antonio-Herrera L, García-Zepeda EA, Soldevila G. A Key Role for Inhibins in Dendritic Cell Maturation and Function. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167813. [PMID: 27936218 PMCID: PMC5147992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibins are members of the TGFβ superfamily, which regulate many cellular processes including differentiation, proliferation, survival and apoptosis. Although initially described as hormones regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, based on their ability to antagonize Activins, our group has recently reported that they play a role in thymocyte differentiation and survival, as well as in thymic stromal cell maturation and nTreg generation. Here, we used Inhibin knock out mice (Inhα-/-) to investigate the role of Inhibins in peripheral dendritic cell maturation and function. We first demonstrated that LPS treated Inhα+/+ bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDC) were capable to produce significant levels of Inhibin A. Interestingly, Inhα-/- BMDC showed reduced MHCII and CD86 upregulation and increased PD-L1 expression in response to LPS compared to Inhα+/+, which correlated with reduced ability to induce proliferation of allogeneic T cells. The "semi-mature" phenotype displayed by Inhα-/- mBMDC correlated with increased levels of IL-10 and slightly decreased IL-6 production after LPS stimulation. In addition, Inhα-/- mBMDC showed impaired migration towards CCL19 and CCL21, assessed by in vitro chemotaxis and in vivo competitive homing experiments, despite their normal CCR7 expression. Furthermore, in vivo LPS-induced DC maturation was also diminished in Inhα-/- mice, specially within the LC (CD207+ CD11b+ CD103-) subpopulation. Finally, analysis of delayed type hypersensitivity responses in Inhα-/- mice, showed reduced ear swelling as a result of reduced cellular infiltration in the skin, correlating with impaired homing of CD207+ DCs to the draining lymph nodes. In summary, our data demonstrate for the first time that Inhibins play a key role in peripheral DC maturation and function, regulating the balance between immunity and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Olguín-Alor
- Departamento de Inmunología. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Marisol de la Fuente-Granada
- Departamento de Inmunología. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Laura C. Bonifaz
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunoquímica. Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Laura Antonio-Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunoquímica. Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Eduardo A. García-Zepeda
- Departamento de Inmunología. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Gloria Soldevila
- Departamento de Inmunología. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico city, Mexico
- * E-mail:
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27
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Ueno H. T follicular helper cells in human autoimmunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2016; 43:24-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Palin NK, Savikko J, Pasternack A, Rintala JM, Kalra B, Mistry S, Kumar A, Roth MP, Helin H, Ritvos O. Activin inhibition limits early innate immune response in rat kidney allografts-a pilot study. Transpl Int 2016; 30:96-107. [DOI: 10.1111/tri.12876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Niina K. Palin
- Kidney Transplant Research Group; Transplantation Laboratory; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Johanna Savikko
- Kidney Transplant Research Group; Transplantation Laboratory; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
- Transplantation and Liver Surgery Unit; Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Arja Pasternack
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology and Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Jukka M. Rintala
- Kidney Transplant Research Group; Transplantation Laboratory; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | | | | | | | | | - Heikki Helin
- Department of Pathology; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology and Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
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30
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The Expression of Human Cytomegalovirus MicroRNA MiR-UL148D during Latent Infection in Primary Myeloid Cells Inhibits Activin A-triggered Secretion of IL-6. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31205. [PMID: 27491954 PMCID: PMC4974560 DOI: 10.1038/srep31205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful establishment and maintenance of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) latency is dependent on the expression of a subset of viral genes. Whilst the exact spectrum and functions of these genes are far from clear, inroads have been made for protein-coding genes. In contrast, little is known about the expression of non-coding RNAs. Here we show that HCMV encoded miRNAs are expressed de novo during latent infection of primary myeloid cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miR-UL148D, one of the most highly expressed viral miRNAs during latent infection, directly targets the cellular receptor ACVR1B of the activin signalling axis. Consistent with this, we observed upregulation of ACVR1B expression during latent infection with a miR-UL148D deletion virus (ΔmiR-UL148D). Importantly, we observed that monocytes latently infected with ΔmiR-UL148D are more responsive to activin A stimulation, as demonstrated by their increased secretion of IL-6. Collectively, our data indicates miR-UL148D inhibits ACVR1B expression in latently infected cells to limit proinflammatory cytokine secretion, perhaps as an immune evasion strategy or to postpone cytokine-induced reactivation until conditions are more favourable. This is the first demonstration of an HCMV miRNA function during latency in primary myeloid cells, implicating that small RNA species may contribute significantly to latent infection.
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Activin A programs the differentiation of human TFH cells. Nat Immunol 2016; 17:976-84. [PMID: 27376469 PMCID: PMC4955732 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Follicular helper T (TFH) cells are CD4+ T cells specialized in helping B cells and are associated both with protective antibody responses and autoimmune diseases. The promise of targeting TFH cells therapeutically has been limited by fragmentary understanding of extrinsic signals regulating human TFH cell differentiation. A screen of a human protein library identified activin A as new regulator of TFH cell differentiation. Activin A orchestrated expression of multiple TFH-associated genes, independently or in concert with additional signals. TFH programming by activin A was antagonized by the cytokine IL-2. Activin A’s capacity to drive TFH cell differentiation in vitro was conserved for non-human primates but not mice. Finally, activin A-induced TFH programming was dependent on SMAD2 and SMAD3 signaling and blocked by pharmacological inhibitors.
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32
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Shurin MR, Ma Y, Keskinov AA, Zhao R, Lokshin A, Agassandian M, Shurin GV. BAFF and APRIL from Activin A-Treated Dendritic Cells Upregulate the Antitumor Efficacy of Dendritic Cells In Vivo. Cancer Res 2016; 76:4959-69. [PMID: 27364554 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-2668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The members of the TGFβ superfamily play a key role in regulating developmental and homeostasis programs by controlling differentiation, proliferation, polarization, and survival of different cell types. Although the role of TGFβ1 in inflammation and immunity is well evident, the contribution of other TGFβ family cytokines in the modulation of the antitumor immune response remains less documented. Here we show that activin A triggers SMAD2 and ERK1/2 pathways in dendritic cells (DC) expressing type I and II activin receptors, and upregulates production of the TNFα family cytokines BAFF (TALL-1, TNFSF13B) and APRIL (TALL-2, TNFSF13A), which is blocked by SMAD2 and ERK1/2 inhibitors, respectively. BAFF and APRIL derived from activin A-treated DCs upregulate proliferation and survival of T cells expressing the corresponding receptors, BAFF-R and TACI. In vivo, activin A-stimulated DCs demonstrate a significantly increased ability to induce tumor-specific CTLs and inhibit the growth of melanoma and lung carcinoma, which relies on DC-derived BAFF and APRIL, as knockdown of the BAFF and APRIL gene expression in activin A-treated DCs blocks augmentation of their antitumor potential. Although systemic administration of activin A, BAFF, or APRIL for the therapeutic purposes is not likely due to the pluripotent effects on malignant and nonmalignant cells, our data open a novel opportunity for improving the efficacy of DC vaccines. In fact, a significant augmentation of the antitumor activity of DC pretreated with activin A and the proven role of DC-derived BAFF and APRIL in the induction of antitumor immunity in vivo support this direction. Cancer Res; 76(17); 4959-69. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yang Ma
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anton A Keskinov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ruijing Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Anna Lokshin
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marianna Agassandian
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Galina V Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Hardy CL, Rolland JM, O'Hehir RE. The immunoregulatory and fibrotic roles of activin A in allergic asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 45:1510-22. [PMID: 25962695 PMCID: PMC4687413 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily of cytokines, was originally identified as an inducer of follicle stimulating hormone release, but has since been ascribed roles in normal physiological processes, as an immunoregulatory cytokine and as a driver of fibrosis. In the last 10–15 years, it has also become abundantly clear that activin A plays an important role in the regulation of asthmatic inflammation and airway remodelling. This review provides a brief introduction to the activin A/TGF-β superfamily, focussing on the regulation of receptors and signalling pathways. We examine the contradictory evidence for generalized pro- vs. anti-inflammatory effects of activin A in inflammation, before appraising its role in asthmatic inflammation and airway remodelling specifically by evaluating data from both murine models and clinical studies. We identify key issues to be addressed, paving the way for safe exploitation of modulation of activin A function for treatment of allergic asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Hardy
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
| | - J M Rolland
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
| | - R E O'Hehir
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
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Lee JK, Choi SM, Lee J, Park YS, Lee CH, Yim JJ, Yoo CG, Kim YW, Han SK, Lee SM. Serum activin-A as a predictive and prognostic marker in critically ill patients with sepsis. Respirology 2016; 21:891-7. [PMID: 26969968 DOI: 10.1111/resp.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE There are limited data regarding serum activin-A as a biomarker for sepsis. We examined whether serum activin-A concentration could predict sepsis severity and prognosis in the management of critically ill patients with sepsis. METHODS The subjects were adult patients suspected of having sepsis and admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2013 to March 2014. Serum activin-A concentration was measured in blood sampled within 48 h after ICU admission. The primary and secondary outcomes were the diagnostic value of serum activin-A concentration as a biomarker of sepsis and the prognostic value for predicting the clinical outcomes of sepsis, respectively. RESULTS One hundred and thirty patients who had clinically suspected sepsis were included. Most (66.2%) were male; their median age was 65 years, and their Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 22.3. Serum activin-A concentration tended to increase with sepsis severity and differed significantly between those with non-sepsis and severe sepsis and between those with severe sepsis and septic shock. The risks of sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock were significantly higher in patients with a serum activin-A concentration of 251, 319 and 432 pg/mL or greater, respectively. Serum activin-A concentration was significantly associated with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, Charlson comorbidity index and ICU mortality. CONCLUSION Serum activin-A was a predictor of sepsis severity and a prognostic marker in critically ill patients with sepsis. Serum activin-A concentration in the early phase of sepsis was associated with prognostic indexes on ICU admission and with ICU mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Kyu Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Mi Choi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Sik Park
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Joon Yim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul-Gyu Yoo
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Whan Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Koo Han
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Min Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Samitas K, Poulos N, Semitekolou M, Morianos I, Tousa S, Economidou E, Robinson DS, Kariyawasam HH, Zervas E, Corrigan CJ, Ying S, Xanthou G, Gaga M. Activin-A is overexpressed in severe asthma and is implicated in angiogenic processes. Eur Respir J 2016; 47:769-82. [PMID: 26869672 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00437-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Activin-A is a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates allergic inflammation. Its role in the regulation of angiogenesis, a key feature of airways remodelling in asthma, remains unexplored. Our objective was to investigate the expression of activin-A in asthma and its effects on angiogenesis in vitro.Expression of soluble/immunoreactive activin-A and its receptors was measured in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and endobronchial biopsies from 16 healthy controls, 19 patients with mild/moderate asthma and 22 severely asthmatic patients. In vitro effects of activin-A on baseline and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced human endothelial cell angiogenesis, signalling and cytokine release were compared with BALF concentrations of these cytokines in vivo.Activin-A expression was significantly elevated in serum, BALF and bronchial tissue of the asthmatics, while expression of its protein receptors was reduced. In vitro, activin-A suppressed VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis, inducing autocrine production of anti-angiogenic soluble VEGF receptor (R)1 and interleukin (IL)-18, while reducing production of pro-angiogenic VEGFR2 and IL-17. In parallel, BALF concentrations of soluble VEGFR1 and IL-18 were significantly reduced in severe asthmatics in vivo and inversely correlated with angiogenesis.Activin-A is overexpressed and has anti-angiogenic effects in vitro that are not propagated in vivo, where reduced basal expression of its receptors is observed particularly in severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Samitas
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Division of Cell Biology, Centre for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece 7th Respiratory Medicine Department and Asthma Centre, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", Athens, Greece These authors contributed equally
| | - Nikolaos Poulos
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Division of Cell Biology, Centre for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece These authors contributed equally
| | - Maria Semitekolou
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Division of Cell Biology, Centre for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece These authors contributed equally
| | - Ioannis Morianos
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Division of Cell Biology, Centre for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Tousa
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Division of Cell Biology, Centre for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Erasmia Economidou
- 7th Respiratory Medicine Department and Asthma Centre, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", Athens, Greece
| | - Douglas S Robinson
- Medical Research Council and Asthma UK Centre for Mechanisms of Allergic Asthma, National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Harsha H Kariyawasam
- Medical Research Council and Asthma UK Centre for Mechanisms of Allergic Asthma, National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK Department of Allergy and Medical Rhinology, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, University College, London, UK
| | - Eleftherios Zervas
- 7th Respiratory Medicine Department and Asthma Centre, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", Athens, Greece
| | - Christopher J Corrigan
- Department of Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Science, King's College London School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sun Ying
- Department of Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Science, King's College London School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Georgina Xanthou
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Division of Cell Biology, Centre for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece Both authors contributed equally
| | - Mina Gaga
- 7th Respiratory Medicine Department and Asthma Centre, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", Athens, Greece Both authors contributed equally
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Guo W, Miller AD, Pencina K, Wong S, Lee A, Yee M, Toraldo G, Jasuja R, Bhasin S. Joint dysfunction and functional decline in middle age myostatin null mice. Bone 2016; 83:141-148. [PMID: 26549246 PMCID: PMC5461924 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since its discovery as a potent inhibitor for muscle development, myostatin has been actively pursued as a drug target for age- and disease-related muscle loss. However, potential adverse effects of long-term myostatin deficiency have not been thoroughly investigated. We report herein that male myostatin null mice (mstn(-/-)), in spite of their greater muscle mass compared to wild-type (wt) mice, displayed more significant functional decline from young (3-6months) to middle age (12-15months) than age-matched wt mice, measured as gripping strength and treadmill endurance. Mstn(-/-) mice displayed markedly restricted ankle mobility and degenerative changes of the ankle joints, including disorganization of bone, tendon and peri-articular connective tissue, as well as synovial thickening with inflammatory cell infiltration. Messenger RNA expression of several pro-osteogenic genes was higher in the Achilles tendon-bone insertion in mstn(-/-) mice than wt mice, even at the neonatal age. At middle age, higher plasma concentrations of growth factors characteristic of excessive bone remodeling were found in mstn(-/-) mice than wt controls. These data collectively indicate that myostatin may play an important role in maintaining ankle and wrist joint health, possibly through negative regulation of the pro-osteogenic WNT/BMP pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Guo
- Research Program in Men's Health, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Andrew D Miller
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States
| | - Karol Pencina
- Research Program in Men's Health, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Siu Wong
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Amanda Lee
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Michael Yee
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Gianluca Toraldo
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Ravi Jasuja
- Research Program in Men's Health, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Shalender Bhasin
- Research Program in Men's Health, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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Sharkey DJ, Schjenken JE, Mottershead DG, Robertson SA. Seminal fluid factors regulate activin A and follistatin synthesis in female cervical epithelial cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 417:178-90. [PMID: 26415587 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Seminal fluid induces pro-inflammatory cytokines and elicits an inflammation-like response in the cervix. Here, Affymetrix microarray and qPCR was utilised to identify activin A (INHBA) and its inhibitor follistatin (FST) amongst the cytokines induced by seminal plasma in Ect1 ectocervical epithelial cells, and a similar response was confirmed in primary ectocervical epithelial cells. TGFB is abundant in seminal plasma and all three TGFB isoforms induced INHBA in Ect1 and primary cells, and neutralisation of TGFB in seminal plasma suppressed the INHBA response. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide in seminal plasma also elicited INHBA, but potently suppressed FST production. There was moderate reciprocal inhibition between FST and INHBA, and cross-attenuating effects were seen. These data identify TGFB and potentially LPS as factors mediating seminal plasma-induced INHBA synthesis in cervical cells. INHBA and FST induced by seminal fluid in cervical tissues may thus contribute to regulation of the post-coital response in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David G Mottershead
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Bashir M, Damineni S, Mukherjee G, Kondaiah P. Activin-A signaling promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastatic growth of breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2015; 1:15007. [PMID: 28721365 PMCID: PMC5515205 DOI: 10.1038/npjbcancer.2015.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Activins belong to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily of cytokines. Although the role of TGF-β in cancer progression has been highly advocated, the role of activin signaling in cancer is not well known. However, overexpression of activin-A has been observed in several cancers. Aims: The gene expression profile indicated higher expression of Activin-A in breast tumors. Hence the aim of this study was to evaluate the status and role of Activin signaling pathway in these tumors. Methods: Microarray analysis was performed to reveal gene expression changes in breast tumors. The results were validated by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical analysis in two independent sets of normal and tumor samples. Further, correlation of activin expression with survival and distant metastasis was performed to evaluate its possible role in tumor progression. We used recombinant activin-A, inhibitors, overexpression, and knockdown strategies both in vitro and in vivo, to understand the mechanism underlying the protumorigenic role of this signaling pathway. Results: We report that activin-A signaling is hyperactivated in breast cancers as indicated by higher activin-A, phosphoSMAD2, and phosphoSMAD3 levels in advanced breast cancers. Bone morphogenetic proteins and molecules involved in this signaling pathway were downregulated, suggesting its suppression in breast cancers. Activin-A expression correlates inversely with survival and metastasis in advanced breast cancers. Further, activin-A promotes anchorage-independent growth, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion, angiogenesis, and stemness of breast cancer cells. We show that activin-A-induced phenotype is mediated by SMAD signaling pathway. In addition, activin-A expression affects the tumor-forming ability and metastatic colonization of cancer cells in nude mice. Conclusions: These results suggest that activin-A has a critical role in breast cancer progression and, hence, targeting this pathway can be a valuable strategy in treating breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Bashir
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Surekha Damineni
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Geetashree Mukherjee
- Department of Pathology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, India
| | - Paturu Kondaiah
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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The TGF-β superfamily in dendritic cell biology. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 26:647-57. [PMID: 26115564 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The TGF-β superfamily consists of a large group of pleiotropic cytokines that are involved in the regulation of many developmental, physiological and pathological processes. Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells that play a key role in innate and adaptive immune responses. Dendritic cells have a complex relationship with the TGF-β cytokine superfamily being both source and targets for many of these cytokines. Some TGF-β family members are expressed by dendritic cells and modulate immune responses, for instance through the induction of T cell polarization. Others play a crucial role in the development and function of the different dendritic cell subsets. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of TGF-β family cytokines in dendritic cell biology, focusing on TGF-β as well as on other, less characterized, members of these important immune mediators.
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40
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Inhibins tune the thymocyte selection process by regulating thymic stromal cell differentiation. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:837859. [PMID: 25973437 PMCID: PMC4418002 DOI: 10.1155/2015/837859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibins and Activins are members of the TGF-β superfamily that regulate the differentiation of several cell types. These ligands were initially identified as hormones that regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis; however, increasing evidence has demonstrated that they are key regulators in the immune system. We have previously demonstrated that Inhibins are the main Activin ligands expressed in the murine thymus and that they regulate thymocyte differentiation, promoting the DN3-DN4 transition and the selection of SP thymocytes. As Inhibins are mainly produced by thymic stromal cells, which also express Activin receptors and Smad proteins, we hypothesized that Inhibins might play a role in stromal cell differentiation and function. Here, we demonstrate that, in the absence of Inhibins, thymic conventional dendritic cells display reduced levels of MHC Class II (MHCII) and CD86. In addition, the ratio between cTECs and mTECs was affected, indicating that mTEC differentiation was favoured and cTEC diminished in the absence of Inhibins. These changes appeared to impact thymocyte selection leading to a decreased selection of CD4SP thymocytes and increased generation of natural regulatory T cells. These findings demonstrate that Inhibins tune the T cell selection process by regulating both thymocyte and stromal cell differentiation.
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Refaat B, Ashshi AM, El-Shemi AG, Azhar E. Activins and Follistatin in Chronic Hepatitis C and Its Treatment with Pegylated-Interferon-α Based Therapy. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:287640. [PMID: 25969625 PMCID: PMC4417604 DOI: 10.1155/2015/287640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pegylated-interferon-α based therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is considered suboptimal as not all patients respond to the treatment and it is associated with several side effects that could lead to dose reduction and/or termination of therapy. The currently used markers to monitor the response to treatment are based on viral kinetics and their performance in the prediction of treatment outcome is moderate and does not combine accuracy and their values have several limitations. Hence, the development of new sensitive and specific predictor markers could provide a useful tool for the clinicians and healthcare providers, especially in the new era of interferon-free therapy, for the classification of patients according to their response to the standard therapy and only subscribing the novel directly acting antiviral drugs to those who are anticipated not to respond to the conventional therapy and/or have absolute contraindications for its use. The importance of activins and follistatin in the regulation of immune system, liver biology, and pathology has recently emerged. This review appraises the up-to-date knowledge regarding the role of activins and follistatin in liver biology and immune system and their role in the pathophysiology of CHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Ashshi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Galal El-Shemi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 6515, Egypt
| | - Esam Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Liu Q, Wang G, Chen Y, Li G, Yang D, Kang J. A miR-590/Acvr2a/Rad51b axis regulates DNA damage repair during mESC proliferation. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 3:1103-17. [PMID: 25458897 PMCID: PMC4264031 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) enable rapid proliferation that also causes DNA damage. To maintain genomic stabilization during rapid proliferation, ESCs must have an efficient system to repress genotoxic stress. Here, we show that withdrawal of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), which maintains the self-renewal capability of mouse ESCs (mESCs), significantly inhibits the cell proliferation and DNA damage of mESCs and upregulates the expression of miR-590. miR-590 promotes single-strand break (SSB) and double-strand break (DSB) damage repair, thus slowing proliferation of mESCs without influencing stemness. miR-590 directly targets Activin receptor type 2a (Acvr2a) to mediate Activin signaling. We identified the homologous recombination-mediated repair (HRR) gene, Rad51b, as a downstream molecule of the miR-590/Acvr2a pathway regulating the SSB and DSB damage repair and cell cycle. Our study shows that a miR-590/Acvr2a/Rad51b signaling axis ensures the stabilization of mESCs by balancing DNA damage repair and rapid proliferation during self-renewal. miR-590 promotes DNA damage repair and slows proliferation by targeting Acvr2a miR-590/Acvr2a/Rad51b axis balances SSB and DSB damage repair in mESCs
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Affiliation(s)
- Qidong Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Guiying Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Yafang Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoping Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiuhong Kang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China.
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Narumi M, Kashiwagi Y, Namba H, Ohe R, Yamakawa M, Yamashita H. Contribution of corneal neovascularization to dendritic cell migration into the central area during human corneal infection. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109859. [PMID: 25299318 PMCID: PMC4192358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with the peripheral corneal limbus, the human central cornea lacks blood vessels, which is responsible for its immunologically privileged status and high transparency. Dendritic cells (DCs) are present in the central avascular area of inflamed corneas, but the mechanisms of their migration to this location are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the contribution of vessel formation to DC migration into the central cornea, and analyzed the DC chemotactic factors produced by human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells. Using human eyes obtained from surgical procedures, we then assessed vessel formation, DC distribution, and activin A expression immunohistochemically. The results demonstrated increased numbers of vessels and DCs in the central area of inflamed corneas, and a positive correlation between the number of vessels and DCs. Activin A was expressed in the subepithelial space and the endothelium of newly formed blood vessels in the inflamed cornea. In infected corneas, DCs were present in the central area but no vascularization was observed, suggesting the presence of chemotactic factors that induced DC migration from the limbal vessels. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the migration of monocyte-derived DCs toward HCE cell supernatants with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of HCE cells and inflammatory cytokines (released by HCE cells). DCs migrated toward tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and activin A, as well as LPS-stimulated HCE cell supernatants. The supernatant contained elevated TNF-α, IL-6, and activin A levels, suggesting that they were produced by HCE cells after LPS stimulation. Therefore, vessels in the central cornea might constitute a DC migration route, and activin A expressed in the endothelium of newly formed vessels might contribute to corneal vascularization. Activin A also functions as a chemotactic factor, similar to HCE-produced TNF-α and IL-6. These findings enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of corneal inflammation during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Narumi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Kashiwagi
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Yamagata Prefectural Yonezawa Women’s Junior College, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Namba
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Rintaro Ohe
- Department of Pathological Diagnostics, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Yamakawa
- Department of Pathological Diagnostics, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Yamashita
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
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Robson NC, Hidalgo L, Mc Alpine T, Wei H, Martínez VG, Entrena A, Melen GJ, MacDonald AS, Phythian-Adams A, Sacedón R, Maraskovsky E, Cebon J, Ramírez M, Vicente A, Varas A. Optimal effector functions in human natural killer cells rely upon autocrine bone morphogenetic protein signaling. Cancer Res 2014; 74:5019-5031. [PMID: 25038228 PMCID: PMC4167038 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-2845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical for innate tumor immunity due to their specialized ability to recognize and kill neoplastically transformed cells. However, NK cells require a specific set of cytokine-mediated signals to achieve optimal effector function. Th1-associated cytokines promote effector functions that are inhibited by the prototypic Th2 cytokine IL4 and the TGFβ superfamily members TGFβ1 and activin-A. Interestingly, the largest subgroup of the TGFβ superfamily are the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), but the effects of BMP signaling on NK cell effector functions have not been evaluated. Here, we demonstrate that blood-circulating NK cells express type I and II BMP receptors, BMP-2 and BMP-6 ligands, and phosphorylated isoforms of Smad-1/-5/-8, which mediate BMP family member signaling. In opposition to the inhibitory effects of TGFβ1 or activin-A, autocrine BMP signaling was supportive to NK cell function. Mechanistic investigations in cytokine and TLR-L-activated NK cells revealed that BMP signaling optimized IFNγ and global cytokine and chemokine production, phenotypic activation and proliferation, and autologous dendritic cell activation and target cytotoxicity. Collectively, our findings identify a novel auto-activatory pathway that is essential for optimal NK cell effector function, one that might be therapeutically manipulated to help eradicate tumors. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5019-31. ©2014 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil C Robson
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Sir Graeme Davis Building, The University of Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Laura Hidalgo
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tristan Mc Alpine
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Heng Wei
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Víctor G Martínez
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Entrena
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo J Melen
- Department of Oncohematology, Niño Jesús Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew S MacDonald
- MCCIR, Core Technology Facility, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | | | - Rosa Sacedón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jonathan Cebon
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Manuel Ramírez
- Department of Oncohematology, Niño Jesús Hospital, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angeles Vicente
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Varas
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Jeong J, Ahn M, Sim KB, Moon C, Shin T. Immunohistochemical analysis of activin A expression in spinal cords of rats with clip compression injuries. Acta Histochem 2014; 116:747-52. [PMID: 24529943 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, plays roles in neuroprotection and immunomodulation. In the present study, activin A expression was investigated on days 1, 4 and 7 post-injury in female adult Sprague-Dawley rats with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). The spinal cord was compressed with a vascular clip for 1 min following laminectomy at T9/T10. Western blot analysis showed that activin A levels peaked in SCI core lesions 4 days post-injury (p<0.01) and fell thereafter until day 7. Immunohistochemically, activin A was constitutively expressed in vascular endothelial cells, astrocytes and neurons of sham-operated controls, and in macrophages and reactive astrocytes of lesional cores and peripheries. As activin A plays an immunomodulatory role in the early stages of SCI and facilitates behavioral improvement, we postulate that transient upregulation of activin A in SCI tissue may contribute to modulation of inflammation development during SCI, thus leading to neuroprotection.
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Circulating conventional and plasmacytoid dendritic cell subsets display distinct kinetics during in vivo repeated allergen skin challenges in atopic subjects. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:231036. [PMID: 24877070 PMCID: PMC4022198 DOI: 10.1155/2014/231036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Upon allergen challenge, DC subsets are recruited to target sites under the influence of chemotactic agents; however, details pertinent to their trafficking remain largely unknown. We investigated the kinetic profiles of blood and skin-infiltrating DC subsets in twelve atopic subjects receiving six weekly intradermal allergen and diluent injections. The role of activin-A, a cytokine induced in allergic and tissue repair processes, on the chemotactic profiles of DC subsets was also examined. Plasmacytoid (pDCs) and conventional DCs (cDCs) were evaluated at various time-points in the blood and skin. In situ activin-A expression was assessed in the skin and its effects on chemokine receptor expression of isolated cDCs were investigated. Blood pDCs were reduced 1 h after challenge, while cDCs decreased gradually within 24 h. Skin cDCs increased significantly 24 h after the first challenge, inversely correlating with blood cDCs. Activin-A in the skin increased 24 h after the first allergen challenge and correlated with infiltrating cDCs. Activin-A increased the CCR10/CCR4 expression ratio in cultured human cDCs. DC subsets demonstrate distinct kinetic profiles in the blood and skin especially during acute allergic inflammation, pointing to disparate roles depending on each phase of the inflammatory response. The effects of activin-A on modulating the chemotactic profile of cDCs suggest it may be a plausible therapeutic target for allergic diseases.
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Seeger P, Bosisio D, Parolini S, Badolato R, Gismondi A, Santoni A, Sozzani S. Activin A as a mediator of NK-dendritic cell functional interactions. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2014; 192:1241-8. [PMID: 24395917 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of NK cells with dendritic cells (DCs) results in reciprocal cell activation through the interaction of membrane proteins and the release of soluble factors. In this article, we report that in NK-DC cocultures, among a set of 84 cytokines investigated, activin A was the second highest induced gene, with CXCL8 being the most upregulated one. Activin A is a member of the TGF-β superfamily and was previously shown to possess both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities. In NK-DC cocultures, the induction of activin A required cell contact and was dependent on the presence of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., IFN-γ, TNF-α, and GM-CSF), as well as on NK cell-mediated DC killing. CD1(+) DCs were the main activin A producer cells among myeloid blood DC subsets. In NK-DC cocultures, inhibition of activin A by follistatin, a natural inhibitory protein, or by a specific blocking Ab, resulted in the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokine release (i.e., IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) by DCs and in the increase of DC maturation. In conclusion, our study reports that activin A, produced during NK-DC interactions, represents a relevant negative feedback mechanism that might function to prevent excessive immune activation by DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Seeger
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Activin-A exerts a crucial anti-inflammatory role in neonatal infections. Pediatr Res 2013; 74:675-81. [PMID: 24002335 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2013.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activin-A is a cytokine with a critical role in infections and associated inflammation in experimental models and humans. Still, the effects of activin-A on neonatal infections remain elusive. Here, we investigated the expression of activin-A in the serum of septicemic preterm and term neonates and in peripheral blood leukocytes stimulated with inflammatory agents in vitro. The role of activin-A in the regulation of inflammatory responses by neonatal leukocytes was delineated. METHODS Peripheral blood was obtained from 37 septicemic neonates between the first and fifth days postinfection and from 35 healthy controls. Isolated monocytes and lymphocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in vitro in the presence of activin-A. Cell proliferation, cytokine, and chemokine release were investigated. RESULTS Activin-A was significantly increased in the serum of preterm septicemic neonates. Neonatal leukocytes secreted copious amounts of activin-A following stimulation, pointing to these cells as an essential source of activin-A in the circulation. Of note, treatment of neonatal leukocytes with activin-A during PHA and LPS stimulation resulted in significantly decreased interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and CXCL8 production, concomitant with a striking increase in the anti-inflammatory mediator, IL-10. CONCLUSION Our findings uncover activin-A as a novel immunomodulatory agent critical for the control of inflammatory responses in septicemic neonates.
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Placental trophoblast cell differentiation: Physiological regulation and pathological relevance to preeclampsia. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 34:981-1023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 12/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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