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Baxter J, Waters A. CVID With Unusual Peripheral Mononeuropathy and Associated IL-7 Receptor Mutation. Mil Med 2024; 189:e1819-e1822. [PMID: 38126802 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common symptomatic primary immunodeficiency. It is characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and can present with a broad range of symptoms including recurrent bacterial infections, autoimmunity, and malignancy. Rarely, it has been implicated with peripheral neuropathy. We present a case of CVID with peripheral neuropathy and a pathogenic heterozygous variant of IL-7 receptor gene. The patient is a 38-year-old female with a history of recurrent infections since childhood including pneumonia and sinus infections status post tonsillectomy and sinus surgery. She subsequently developed severe left leg and lower back pain that progressed to left foot drop and decreased sensation over the left leg. She was found to have severe hypogammaglobulinemia and poor polysaccharide and protein response, thus meeting criteria for CVID. Mononeuropathy is a rare finding in CVID. Genetic panel was performed and was significant for a single pathogenic variant in IL-7 receptor. Disruptions in the IL-7 and IL-7 receptor signaling pathway have been associated with autoimmunity such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Further investigation is indicated to determine the clinical significance of this variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Baxter
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, JBSA-Lackland AFB, TX 78236, USA
| | - Aubri Waters
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
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2
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Bin Y, Ren J, Zhang H, Zhang T, Liu P, Xin Z, Yang H, Feng Z, Chen Z, Zhang H. Against all odds: The road to success in the development of human immune reconstitution mice. Animal Model Exp Med 2024. [PMID: 38591343 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The mouse genome has a high degree of homology with the human genome, and its physiological, biochemical, and developmental regulation mechanisms are similar to those of humans; therefore, mice are widely used as experimental animals. However, it is undeniable that interspecies differences between humans and mice can lead to experimental errors. The differences in the immune system have become an important factor limiting current immunological research. The application of immunodeficient mice provides a possible solution to these problems. By transplanting human immune cells or tissues, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells or hematopoietic stem cells, into immunodeficient mice, a human immune system can be reconstituted in the mouse body, and the engrafted immune cells can elicit human-specific immune responses. Researchers have been actively exploring the development and differentiation conditions of host recipient animals and grafts in order to achieve better immune reconstitution. Through genetic engineering methods, immunodeficient mice can be further modified to provide a favorable developmental and differentiation microenvironment for the grafts. From initially only being able to reconstruct single T lymphocyte lineages, it is now possible to reconstruct lymphoid and myeloid cells, providing important research tools for immunology-related studies. In this review, we compare the differences in immune systems of humans and mice, describe the development history of human immune reconstitution from the perspectives of immunodeficient mice and grafts, and discuss the latest advances in enhancing the efficiency of human immune cell reconstitution, aiming to provide important references for immunological related researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Bin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Ren
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haowei Zhang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tianjiao Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Peijuan Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhiqian Xin
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haijiao Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhuan Feng
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhinan Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hai Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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3
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Mackeh R, El Bsat Y, Elmi A, Bibawi H, Karim MY, Hassan A, Lo B. Novel Synonymous Variant in IL7R Causes Preferential Expression of the Soluble Isoform. J Clin Immunol 2024; 44:96. [PMID: 38587703 PMCID: PMC11001715 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-024-01688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) is primarily expressed on lymphoid cells and plays a crucial role in the development, proliferation, and survival of T cells. Autosomal recessive mutations that disrupt IL-7Rα chain expression give rise to a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), which is characterized by lymphopenia and a T-B+NK+ phenotype. The objective here was to diagnose two siblings displaying the T-B+NK+ SCID phenotype as initial clinical genetic testing did not detect any variants in known SCID genes. METHODS Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was utilized to identify potential variants causing the SCID phenotype. Splicing prediction tools were employed to assess the deleterious impact of the mutation. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Sanger sequencing, flow cytometry, and ELISA were then used to validate the pathogenicity of the detected mutation. RESULTS We discovered a novel homozygous synonymous mutation in the IL7R gene. Our functional studies indicate that this variant is pathogenic, causing exon 6, which encodes the transmembrane domain, to be preferentially spliced out. CONCLUSION In this study, we identified a novel rare synonymous mutation causing a loss of IL-7Rα expression at the cellular membrane. This case demonstrates the value of reanalyzing genetic data based on the clinical phenotype and highlights the significance of functional studies in determining the pathogenicity of genetic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Asha Elmi
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hani Bibawi
- Division of Hematopathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Yousuf Karim
- Division of Hematopathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amel Hassan
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Department, Sidra Medicine, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar
| | - Bernice Lo
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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Liongue C, Ratnayake T, Basheer F, Ward AC. Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3): A Critical Conserved Node in Immunity Disrupted in Immune Cell Cancer and Immunodeficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2977. [PMID: 38474223 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Janus kinase (JAK) family is a small group of protein tyrosine kinases that represent a central component of intracellular signaling downstream from a myriad of cytokine receptors. The JAK3 family member performs a particularly important role in facilitating signal transduction for a key set of cytokine receptors that are essential for immune cell development and function. Mutations that impact JAK3 activity have been identified in a number of human diseases, including somatic gain-of-function (GOF) mutations associated with immune cell malignancies and germline loss-of-function (LOF) mutations associated with immunodeficiency. The structure, function and impacts of both GOF and LOF mutations of JAK3 are highly conserved, making animal models highly informative. This review details the biology of JAK3 and the impact of its perturbation in immune cell-related diseases, including relevant animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford Liongue
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
- The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | | | - Faiza Basheer
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
- The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Alister C Ward
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
- The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
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5
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Okuma K, Oku T, Sasaki C, Kitagori K, Mimori T, Aramori I, Hirayama Y, Yoshifuji H. Similarity and difference between systemic lupus erythematosus and NZB/W F1 mice by multi-omics analysis. Mod Rheumatol 2024; 34:359-368. [PMID: 36869711 DOI: 10.1093/mr/road024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several animal disease models have been used to understand the mechanisms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, the translation of findings from animals to humans has not been sufficiently examined in drug development. To confirm the validity of New Zealand black x New Zealand white (NZB/W) F1 mice as an SLE model, we extensively characterized SLE patients and NZB/W F1 mice by omics analysis. METHODS Peripheral blood from patients and mice and spleen and lymph node tissue from mice were analysed using cell subset analysis, cytokine panel assays, and transcriptome analysis. RESULTS CD4+ effector memory T cells, plasmablasts, and plasma cells were increased in both SLE patients and NZB/W F1 mice. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon gamma induced protein-10, and B cell activating factor in plasma were significantly higher in SLE patients and NZB/W F1 mice than in their corresponding controls. Transcriptome analysis revealed an upregulation of genes involved in the interferon signalling pathway and T-cell exhaustion signalling pathway in both SLE patients and the mouse model. In contrast, death receptor signalling genes showed changes in the opposite direction between patients and mice. CONCLUSION NZB/W F1 mice are a generally suitable model of SLE for analysing the pathophysiology and treatment response of T/B cells and monocytes/macrophages and their secreted cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Okuma
- Center for Innovation in Immunoregulation Technology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takuma Oku
- Center for Innovation in Immunoregulation Technology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Chiyomi Sasaki
- Center for Innovation in Immunoregulation Technology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Koji Kitagori
- Center for Innovation in Immunoregulation Technology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsuneyo Mimori
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Takeda General Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ichiro Aramori
- Center for Innovation in Immunoregulation Technology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hirayama
- Center for Innovation in Immunoregulation Technology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hajime Yoshifuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Yan L, He Y, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Xu L, Han C, Zhao Y, Li H. A novel 268 kb deletion combined with a splicing variant in IL7R causes of severe combined immunodeficiency in a Chinese family: a case report. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:323. [PMID: 38082310 PMCID: PMC10712040 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01765-8] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a group of fatal primary immunodeficiencies characterized by the severe impairment of T-cell differentiation. IL7R deficiency is a rare form of SCID that usually presents in the first months of life with severe and opportunistic infections, failure to thrive, and a high risk of mortality unless treated. Although recent improvements in early diagnosis have been achieved through newborn screening, few IL7R-related SCID patients had been reported in the Chinese population. CASE PRESENTATION Here, we retrospectively analyzed a case of SCID in a 5-month-old girl with symptoms, including severe T-cell depletion, recurrent fever, oral ulcers, pneumonia, hepatosplenomegaly, bone marrow hemophagocytosis, and bacterial and viral infections. Whole-exome sequencing (WES), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) were performed to identify the patient's genetic etiology. We identified a 268 kb deletion and a splicing variant, c.221 + 1G > A, in the proband. These two variants of IL7R were inherited from the father and mother. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report of whole IL7R gene deletion in combination with a pathogenic splicing variant in a patient with SCID. This deletion also expands the pathogenic variation spectrum of SCID caused by IL7R. The incorporation of exome-based copy number variant analysis makes WES a powerful molecular diagnostic technique for the clinical diagnosis of pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Yan
- The Central Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Pediatrics, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- The Central Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
| | - Yingwen Liu
- The Central Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
| | - Limin Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
| | - Chunxiao Han
- The Central Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
| | - Yudan Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
| | - Haibo Li
- The Central Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China.
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IL-7: Comprehensive review. Cytokine 2022; 160:156049. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.156049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Zebrafish Model of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) Due to JAK3 Mutation. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101521. [PMID: 36291730 PMCID: PMC9599616 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
JAK3 is principally activated by members of the interleukin-2 receptor family and plays an essential role in lymphoid development, with inactivating JAK3 mutations causing autosomal-recessive severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This study aimed to generate an equivalent zebrafish model of SCID and to characterize the model across the life-course. Genome editing of zebrafish jak3 created mutants similar to those observed in human SCID. Homozygous jak3 mutants showed reduced embryonic T lymphopoiesis that continued through the larval stage and into adulthood, with B cell maturation and adult NK cells also reduced and neutrophils impacted. Mutant fish were susceptible to lymphoid leukemia. This model has many of the hallmarks of human SCID resulting from inactivating JAK3 mutations and will be useful for a variety of pre-clinical applications.
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Galarza-Muñoz G, Kennedy-Boone D, Schott G, Bradrick SS, Garcia-Blanco MA. Antisense modulation of IL7R splicing to control sIL7R expression in human CD4 + T cells. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 28:1058-1073. [PMID: 35613883 PMCID: PMC9297843 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079137.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R) is strongly associated with increased risk to develop multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, and this association is likely driven by up-regulation of the soluble isoform of IL7R (sIL7R). Expression of sIL7R is determined by exclusion of the alternative exon 6 from IL7R transcripts, and our previous work revealed that the MS risk allele of the SNP rs6897932 within this exon enhances the expression of sIL7R by promoting exclusion of exon 6. sIL7R potentiates the activity of IL7, leading to enhanced expansion of T cells and increased disability in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) murine model of MS. This role in modulating T cell-driven immunity positions sIL7R as an attractive therapeutic target whose expression could be reduced for treatment of MS or increased for treatment of cancers. In this study, we identified novel antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that effectively control the inclusion (anti-sIL7R ASOs) or exclusion (pro-sIL7R ASOs) of this exon in a dose-dependent fashion. These ASOs provided excellent control of exon 6 splicing and sIL7R secretion in human primary CD4+ T cells. Supporting their potential for therapeutic targeting, we showed that lead anti-sIL7R ASOs correct the enhanced exon 6 exclusion imposed by the MS risk allele of rs6897932, whereas lead pro-sIL7R ASOs phenocopy it. The data presented here form the foundation for future preclinical studies that will test the therapeutic potential of these ASOs in MS and immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaddiel Galarza-Muñoz
- Autoimmunity BioSolutions, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
| | - Debbie Kennedy-Boone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
| | - Geraldine Schott
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
| | - Shelton S Bradrick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
- Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
| | - Mariano A Garcia-Blanco
- Autoimmunity BioSolutions, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
- Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
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10
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Wang X, Chang S, Wang T, Wu R, Huang Z, Sun J, Liu J, Yu Y, Mao Y. IL7R Is Correlated With Immune Cell Infiltration in the Tumor Microenvironment of Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:857289. [PMID: 35264973 PMCID: PMC8899515 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.857289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the development, progression, and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. Exploring new biomarkers based on the immune microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma can effectively predict the prognosis and provide effective clinical treatment. In this study, we used the ESTIMATE algorithm to score the immune and stromal components in lung adenocarcinoma data downloaded from the TCGA database. The result showed that the immune/stromal score was associated with clinical features and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Interleukin-7 receptor (IL7R) is an important prognostic biomarker identified by intersection analysis of protein-protein interaction networks and Cox regression survival analysis. According to TCGA and Oncomine database analysis, IL7R expression in adenocarcinoma tissues was significantly lower than that in normal lung tissues and was further verified in clinical tissue samples. Survival analysis showed IL7R was an independent prognostic factor of lung adenocarcinoma. IL7R expression was positively correlated with the overall survival and progression-free survival of lung adenocarcinoma patients and negatively correlated with tumor size. Our results suggest that IL7R inhibits tumor growth by regulating the proportion of immune infiltrating cells in the tumor immune microenvironment. IL7R could be a beneficial prognostic marker in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and has great potential in immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Shujian Chang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Teng Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ruirong Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zebo Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Junjie Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yong Mao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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11
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Qiu K, Li K, Zeng T, Liao Y, Min J, Zhang N, Peng M, Kong W, Chen LL. Integrative Analyses of Genes Associated with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:8263829. [PMID: 34493981 PMCID: PMC8418929 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8263829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a common autoimmune thyroiditis, which mostly occurs in young and middle-aged women. It can be manifested as hyperthyroidism in the early stage; hypothyroidism may appear with the progression of the disease. Studies have shown that multiple factors such as heredity, environment, and autoimmunity are involved in the pathogenesis, but the specific mechanism is not clear. In our study, we tried to find key genes and potential molecular mechanisms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis to provide new ideas for the therapeutic targets of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. METHOD GSE138198 and GSE54958 were downloaded from the GEO database, and two datasets were combined for analysis. The combined data were normalized to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and hub genes between DEGs were identified. We also used the miRWalk database to identify regulatory miRNAs associated with expressions of DEGs. RESULT We identified 182 DEGs (160 upregulated and 22 downregulated) between Hashimoto's disease patients and the healthy control group. GO analysis showed that DEGs were mostly concentrated in detection of chemical stimulus involved in sensory perception, intermediate filament cytoskeleton, and olfactory receptor activity. KEGG pathway analysis showed that DEGs were mainly related to olfactory transduction. Some members of the KRTAP family and HTR5A, KNG1, DRD3, HTR1D, TAS2R16, INSL5, TAS2R42, and GRM7 are the most important hub genes in the PPI network. In addition, we recognized that OTUD4, LLPH, and ECHDC1 were the most important hub genes in the miRNA-target gene network. CONCLUSION In this study, a series of bioinformatics analyses of DEGs were performed to identify the key genes and pathways associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. These genes and pathways provide a more detailed understanding of the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's disease and provide new ideas for the therapeutic targets of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangli Qiu
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Kai Li
- Network and Computing Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Tianshu Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yunfei Liao
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jie Min
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Miaomiao Peng
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wen Kong
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Lu-lu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Wuhan 430022, China
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12
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Schott G, Galarza-Muñoz G, Trevino N, Chen X, Weirauch M, Gregory SG, Bradrick SS, Garcia-Blanco MA. U2AF2 binds IL7R exon 6 ectopically and represses its inclusion. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:rna.078279.120. [PMID: 33568552 PMCID: PMC8051268 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078279.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 7 receptor α-chain is crucial for the development and maintenance of T cells and is genetically associated with autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease of the CNS. Exon 6 of IL7R encodes for the transmembrane domain of the receptor and is regulated by alternative splicing: inclusion or skipping of IL7R exon 6 results in membrane-bound or soluble IL7R isoforms, respectively. We previously identified a SNP (rs6897932) in IL7R exon 6, strongly associated with MS risk and showed that the risk allele (C) increases skipping of the exon, resulting in elevated levels of sIL7R. This has important pathological consequences as elevated levels of sIL7R has been shown to exacerbate the disease in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of MS. Understanding the regulation of exon 6 splicing provides important mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of MS. Here we report two mechanisms by which IL7R exon 6 is controlled. First, a competition between PTBP1 and U2AF2 at the polypyrimidine tract (PPT) of intron 5, and second, an unexpected U2AF2-mediated assembly of spicing factors in the exon. We noted the presence of a branchpoint sequence (BPS) (TACTAAT or TACTAAC) within exon 6, which is stronger with the C allele. We also noted that the BPS is followed by a PPT and conjectured that silencing could be mediated by the binding of U2AF2 to that tract. In support of this model, we show that evolutionary conservation of the exonic PPT correlates well with the degree of alternative splicing of exon 6 in two non-human primate species and that U2AF2 binding to this PPT recruits U2 snRNP components to the exon. These observations provide the first explanation for the stronger silencing of IL7R exon 6 with the disease associated C allele at rs6897932.
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13
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Della Mina E, Guérin A, Tangye SG. Molecular requirements for human lymphopoiesis as defined by inborn errors of immunity. Stem Cells 2021; 39:389-402. [PMID: 33400834 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the progenitor cells that give rise to the diverse repertoire of all immune cells. As they differentiate, HSCs yield a series of cell states that undergo gradual commitment to become mature blood cells. Studies of hematopoiesis in murine models have provided critical insights about the lineage relationships among stem cells, progenitors, and mature cells, and these have guided investigations of the molecular basis for these distinct developmental stages. Primary immune deficiencies are caused by inborn errors of immunity that result in immune dysfunction and subsequent susceptibility to severe and recurrent infection(s). Over the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in the number and depth of the molecular, cellular, and clinical characterization of such genetically defined causes of immune dysfunction. Patients harboring inborn errors of immunity thus represent a unique resource to improve our understanding of the multilayered and complex mechanisms underlying lymphocyte development in humans. These breakthrough discoveries not only enable significant advances in the diagnosis of such rare and complex conditions but also provide substantial improvement in the development of personalized treatments. Here, we will discuss the clinical, cellular, and molecular phenotypes, and treatments of selected inborn errors of immunity that impede, either intrinsically or extrinsically, the development of B- or T-cells at different stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Della Mina
- Immunology and Immunodeficiency Laboratory, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antoine Guérin
- Immunology and Immunodeficiency Laboratory, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stuart G Tangye
- Immunology and Immunodeficiency Laboratory, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Facts and Challenges in Immunotherapy for T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207685. [PMID: 33081391 PMCID: PMC7589289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), a T-cell malignant disease that mainly affects children, is still a medical challenge, especially for refractory patients for whom therapeutic options are scarce. Recent advances in immunotherapy for B-cell malignancies based on increasingly efficacious monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have been encouraging for non-responding or relapsing patients suffering from other aggressive cancers like T-ALL. However, secondary life-threatening T-cell immunodeficiency due to shared expression of targeted antigens by healthy and malignant T cells is a main drawback of mAb—or CAR-based immunotherapies for T-ALL and other T-cell malignancies. This review provides a comprehensive update on the different immunotherapeutic strategies that are being currently applied to T-ALL. We highlight recent progress on the identification of new potential targets showing promising preclinical results and discuss current challenges and opportunities for developing novel safe and efficacious immunotherapies for T-ALL.
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15
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Abstract
Although the development of effective vaccines has saved countless lives from infectious diseases, the basic workings of the human immune system are complex and have required the development of animal models, such as inbred mice, to define mechanisms of immunity. More recently, new strategies and technologies have been developed to directly explore the human immune system with unprecedented precision. We discuss how these approaches are advancing our mechanistic understanding of human immunology and are facilitating the development of vaccines and therapeutics for infection, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bali Pulendran
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford ChEM-H: Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mark M Davis
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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16
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Calzoni E, Castagnoli R, Giliani SC. Human inborn errors of immunity caused by defects of receptor and proteins of cellular membrane. Minerva Pediatr 2020; 72:393-407. [PMID: 32960006 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4946.20.06000-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Inborn errors of immunity are diseases of the immune system resulting from mutations that alter the expression of encoded proteins or molecules. Total updated number of these disorders is currently 406, with 430 different identified gene defects involved. Studies of the underlying mechanisms have contributed in better understanding the pathophysiology of the diseases, but also the complexity of the biology of innate and adaptive immune system and its interaction with microbes. In this review we present and briefly discuss Inborn Errors of Immunity caused by defects in genes encoding for receptors and protein of cellular membrane, including cytokine receptors, T cell antigen receptor (TCR) complex, cellular surface receptors or receptors signaling causing predominantly antibody deficiencies, co-stimulatory receptors and others. These alterations impact many biological processes of immune-system cells, including development, proliferation, activation and down-regulation of the immunological response, and result in a variety of diseases that present with distinct clinical features or with overlapping signs and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Calzoni
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, A. Nocivelli Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy -
| | - Riccardo Castagnoli
- Pediatric Clinic, IRCCS San Matteo Polyclinic Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia C Giliani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, A. Nocivelli Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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17
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Campos LW, Pissinato LG, Yunes JA. Deleterious and Oncogenic Mutations in the IL7RA. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121952. [PMID: 31817502 PMCID: PMC6966522 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 7 (IL-7) is a critical cytokine that plays a fundamental role in B- and T-cell development and in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Its receptor (IL7R) is a transmembrane heterodimer formed by the IL7Rα and the IL2Rγ chain (γc). The IL7R signals through the JAK/STAT pathway. Loss-of-function mutations and some polymorphisms of the IL7Rα were associated to immunodeficiency and inflammatory diseases, respectively. Gain-of-function mutations were described in T-cell ALL and in high risk precursor B-cell ALL. Most confirmed loss-of-function mutations occur in the extracellular part of the IL7Rα while oncogenic mutations are exclusively found in the extracellular juxtamembrane (EJM) or transmembrane regions. Oncogenic mutations promote either IL7Rα/IL7Rα homodimerization and constitutive signaling, or increased affinity to γc or IL-7. This work presents a review on IL7Rα polymorphisms/mutations and attempts to present a classification based on their structural consequences and resulting biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Weijenborg Campos
- Centro Infantil Boldrini, Campinas, SP 13083-210, Brazil; (L.W.C.); (L.G.P.)
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP 13083-210, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Granato Pissinato
- Centro Infantil Boldrini, Campinas, SP 13083-210, Brazil; (L.W.C.); (L.G.P.)
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP 13083-210, Brazil
| | - José Andrés Yunes
- Centro Infantil Boldrini, Campinas, SP 13083-210, Brazil; (L.W.C.); (L.G.P.)
- Medical Genetics Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP 13083-894, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-19-37875070; Fax: +55-19-3289-3571
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18
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Healy LM, Yaqubi M, Ludwin S, Antel JP. Species differences in immune-mediated CNS tissue injury and repair: A (neuro)inflammatory topic. Glia 2019; 68:811-829. [PMID: 31724770 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cells of the adaptive and innate immune systems in the brain parenchyma and in the meningeal spaces contribute to physiologic functions and disease states in the central nervous system (CNS). Animal studies have demonstrated the involvement of immune constituents, along with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, in neural development and rare genetic disorders (e.g., colony stimulating factor 1 receptor [CSF1R] deficiency). Genome wide association studies suggest a comparable role of the immune system in humans. Although the CNS can be the target of primary autoimmune disorders, no current experimental model captures all of the features of the most common human disorder placed in this category, multiple sclerosis (MS). Such features include spontaneous onset, environmental contributions, and a recurrent/progressive disease course in a genetically predisposed host. Numerous therapeutic interventions related to antigen and cytokine specific therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model used to define principles underlying immune-mediated mechanisms in MS. Despite the similarities in the two diseases, most treatments used to ameliorate EAE have failed to translate to the human disease. As directly demonstrated in animal models and implicated by correlative studies in humans, adaptive and innate immune constituents within the systemic compartment and resident in the CNS contribute to the disease course of neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral disorders. The expanding knowledge of the molecular properties of glial cells provides increasing insights into species related variables. These variables affect glial bidirectional interactions with the immune system as well as their own production of "immune molecules" that mediate tissue injury and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke M Healy
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Moein Yaqubi
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Samuel Ludwin
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jack P Antel
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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19
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Aiello A, Farzaneh F, Candore G, Caruso C, Davinelli S, Gambino CM, Ligotti ME, Zareian N, Accardi G. Immunosenescence and Its Hallmarks: How to Oppose Aging Strategically? A Review of Potential Options for Therapeutic Intervention. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2247. [PMID: 31608061 PMCID: PMC6773825 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 405] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by remodeling of the immune system. With time, this leads to a decline in immune efficacy, resulting in increased vulnerability to infectious diseases, diminished responses to vaccination, and a susceptibility to age-related inflammatory diseases. An age-associated immune alteration, extensively reported in previous studies, is the reduction in the number of peripheral blood naïve cells, with a relative increase in the frequency of memory cells. These two alterations, together with inflamm-aging, are considered the hallmarks of immunosenescence. Because aging is a plastic process, it is influenced by both nutritional and pharmacological interventions. Therefore, the role of nutrition and of immunomodulation in immunosenescence is discussed, due to the multifactorial influence on these hallmarks. The close connection between nutrition, intake of bioactive nutrients and supplements, immune function, and inflammation demonstrate the key role of dietary strategies as regulators of immune response and inflammatory status, hence as possible modulators of the rate of immunosenescence. In addition, potential options for therapeutic intervention are clarified. In particular, the use of interleukin-7 as growth factor for naïve T cells, the function of checkpoint inhibitors in improving T cell responses during aging and, the potential of drugs that inhibit mitogen-activated protein kinases and their interaction with nutrient signaling pathways are discussed. Finally, it is suggested that the inclusion of appropriate combinations of toll-like receptor agonists may enhance the efficacy of vaccination in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aiello
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Farzin Farzaneh
- Molecular Medicine Group, Department of Hematological Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogero Caruso
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sergio Davinelli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Caterina Maria Gambino
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mattia Emanuela Ligotti
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nahid Zareian
- Molecular Medicine Group, Department of Hematological Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Accardi
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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20
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Lev A, Simon AJ, Barel O, Eyal E, Glick-Saar E, Nayshool O, Birk O, Stauber T, Hochberg A, Broides A, Almashanu S, Hendel A, Lee YN, Somech R. Reduced Function and Diversity of T Cell Repertoire and Distinct Clinical Course in Patients With IL7RA Mutation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1672. [PMID: 31379863 PMCID: PMC6650764 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The alpha subunit of IL-7 receptor (IL7R7α) is critical for the differentiation of T cells, specifically for the development and maintenance of γδT cells. Mutations in IL7RA are associated with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). Infants with IL7RA deficiency can be identified through newborn screening program. We aimed at defining the immunological and genetic parameters that are directly affected by the IL7RA mutation on the immune system of five unrelated patients which were identified by our newborn screening program for SCID. The patients were found to have a novel identical homozygote mutation in IL7RA (n.c.120 C>G; p.F40L). Both surface expression of IL7Rα and functionality of IL-7 signaling were impaired in patients compared to controls. Structural modeling demonstrated instability of the protein structure due to the mutation. Lastly the TRG immune repertoire of the patients showed reduced diversity, increased clonality and differential CDR3 characteristics. Interestingly, the patients displayed significant different clinical outcome with two displaying severe clinical picture of immunodeficiency and three had spontaneous recovery. Our data supports that the presented IL7RA mutation affects the IL-7 signaling and shaping of the TRG repertoire, reinforcing the role of IL7RA in the immune system, while non-genetic factors may exist that attribute to the ultimate clinical presentation and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atar Lev
- The National Lab for Diagnosing SCID - The Israeli Newborn Screening Program, Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel HaShomer, Israel.,The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Amos J Simon
- Sheba Cancer Research Center and Institute of Hematology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ortal Barel
- Sheba Cancer Research Center and Institute of Hematology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Eyal
- Sheba Cancer Research Center and Institute of Hematology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel
| | - Efrat Glick-Saar
- Sheba Cancer Research Center and Institute of Hematology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel
| | - Omri Nayshool
- Sheba Cancer Research Center and Institute of Hematology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel
| | - Ohad Birk
- Soroka Medical Center, Genetics Institute, The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Tali Stauber
- The National Lab for Diagnosing SCID - The Israeli Newborn Screening Program, Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel HaShomer, Israel
| | - Amit Hochberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Arnon Broides
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, Pediatric Immunology Clinic, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Shlomo Almashanu
- The National Center for Newborn Screening, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel HaShomer, Israel
| | - Ayal Hendel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yu Nee Lee
- The National Lab for Diagnosing SCID - The Israeli Newborn Screening Program, Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel HaShomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raz Somech
- The National Lab for Diagnosing SCID - The Israeli Newborn Screening Program, Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel HaShomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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21
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Abstract
Cytokines are secreted or otherwise released polypeptide factors that exert autocrine and/or paracrine actions, with most cytokines acting in the immune and/or hematopoietic system. They are typically pleiotropic, controlling development, cell growth, survival, and/or differentiation. Correspondingly, cytokines are clinically important, and augmenting or attenuating cytokine signals can have deleterious or therapeutic effects. Besides physiological fine-tuning of cytokine signals, altering the nature or potency of the signal can be important in pathophysiological responses and can also provide novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we give an overview of cytokines, their signaling and actions, and the physiological mechanisms and pharmacologic strategies to fine-tune their actions. In particular, the differential utilization of STAT proteins by a single cytokine or by different cytokines and STAT dimerization versus tetramerization are physiological mechanisms of fine-tuning, whereas anticytokine and anticytokine receptor antibodies and cytokines with altered activities, including cytokine superagonists, partial agonists, and antagonists, represent new ways of fine-tuning cytokine signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1674, USA; ,
| | - Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1674, USA; ,
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22
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Fulop T, Franceschi C, Hirokawa K, Pawelec G. Nonhuman Primate Models of Immunosenescence. HANDBOOK OF IMMUNOSENESCENCE 2019. [PMCID: PMC7121907 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-99375-1_80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Due to a dramatic increase in life expectancy, the number of individuals aged 65 and older is rapidly rising. This presents considerable challenges to our health care system since advanced age is associated with a higher susceptibility to infectious diseases due to immune senescence. However, the mechanisms underlying age-associated dysregulated immunity are still incompletely understood. Advancement in our comprehension of mechanisms of immune senescence and development of interventions to improve health span requires animal models that closely recapitulate the physiological changes that occur with aging in humans. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are invaluable preclinical models to study the underlying causal mechanism of pathogenesis due to their outbred nature, high degree of genetic and physiological similarity to humans, and their susceptibility to human pathogens. In this chapter, we review NHP models available for biogerontology research, advantages and challenges they present, and advances they facilitated. Furthermore, we emphasize the utility of NHPs in characterizing immune senescence, evaluating interventions to reverse aging of the immune system, and development of vaccine strategies that are better suited for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Fulop
- Division of Geriatrics Research Center on Aging, University of Sherbrooke Department of Medicine, Sherbrooke, QC Canada
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Graham Pawelec
- Center for Medical Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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23
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Manickam C, Shah SV, Lucar O, Ram DR, Reeves RK. Cytokine-Mediated Tissue Injury in Non-human Primate Models of Viral Infections. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2862. [PMID: 30568659 PMCID: PMC6290327 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections trigger robust secretion of interferons and other antiviral cytokines by infected and bystander cells, which in turn can tune the immune response and may lead to viral clearance or immune suppression. However, aberrant or unrestricted cytokine responses can damage host tissues, leading to organ dysfunction, and even death. To understand the cytokine milieu and immune responses in infected host tissues, non-human primate (NHP) models have emerged as important tools. NHP have been used for decades to study human infections and have played significant roles in the development of vaccines, drug therapies and other immune treatment modalities, aided by an ability to control disease parameters, and unrestricted tissue access. In addition to the genetic and physiological similarities with humans, NHP have conserved immunologic properties with over 90% amino acid similarity for most cytokines. For example, human-like symptomology and acute respiratory syndrome is found in cynomolgus macaques infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, antibody enhanced dengue disease is common in neotropical primates, and in NHP models of viral hepatitis cytokine-induced inflammation induces severe liver damage, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma recapitulates human disease. To regulate inflammation, anti-cytokine therapy studies in NHP are underway and will provide important insights for future human interventions. This review will provide a comprehensive outline of the cytokine-mediated exacerbation of disease and tissue damage in NHP models of viral infections and therapeutic strategies that can aid in prevention/treatment of the disease syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Manickam
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Spandan V. Shah
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Olivier Lucar
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniel R. Ram
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - R. Keith Reeves
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
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24
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Taheri M, Sayad A. Investigating the exon 6 sequence changes of interleukin 7 receptor A (IL7RA) gene in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Hum Antibodies 2018; 26:43-48. [PMID: 28582853 DOI: 10.3233/hab-170320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin 7 receptor alpha (IL7RA) gene that encodes a subunit of IL7 receptor has been reported to be associated with different immunologic disease. OBJECTIVE Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients have shown an aberrant blood level of soluble form of IL7R protein. The genomic changes in the sequence of this gene have been suggested to be correlated with its altered splicing specially, variants in the exon 6 of the gene have been reported to influence the maintenance or skipping of this exon and control the soluble or insoluble form of the final product. In order to evaluate this changes in the IL7RA gene and to determine a possible correlation between these changes and the MS susceptibility the whole sequence of the exon 6 and 7 and their flanking sequences were analyzed. METHODS In this regard, we investigate the sequence changes of the exon 6 and 7 of the IL7RA gene in 75 relapsing-remitting MS patients and compare the results with 75 healthy control using sequence analyzing. RESULTS The results of the sequence analysis were used in two aspects. The allelic and genotypic estimated frequencies of a reported risk variant rs6897932 in patients and controls in our population confirmed its association with the disease (P= 0.009, OR = 6.273, for TT genotype). Also, we report a possible hazardous cutoff for changes in a potential exon splicing silencer element (ESS (nt. 20-24)) and its correlation with rs6897932 to confer the risk of developing MS. CONCLUSION In conclusion our results confirm the association between IL7RA exon 6 sequence changes and increased susceptibility for multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Taheri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Labbafi Nejad Educational Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezou Sayad
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Abdelsamed HA, Zebley CC, Youngblood B. Epigenetic Maintenance of Acquired Gene Expression Programs during Memory CD8 T Cell Homeostasis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:6. [PMID: 29403491 PMCID: PMC5778141 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory CD8 T cells have a unique ability to provide lifelong immunity against pathogens containing their cognate epitope. Because of their ability to provide lifelong protection, the generation of memory T cells is now a major focus for current vaccination or adoptive cell therapy approaches to treat chronic viral infections and cancer. It is now clear that maintenance of memory CD8 T cells occurs through a process of antigen-independent homeostatic proliferation, which is regulated in part by the gamma chain cytokines IL-7 and IL-15. Here, we will describe the role of these cytokines in the survival and self-renewal of memory CD8 T cells. Further, we will describe the role of epigenetics in the maintenance of acquired functions among memory CD8 T cells during homeostatic proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam A Abdelsamed
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Caitlin C Zebley
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States.,Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ben Youngblood
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
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26
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Majumdar S, Nandi D. Thymic Atrophy: Experimental Studies and Therapeutic Interventions. Scand J Immunol 2017; 87:4-14. [PMID: 28960415 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is essential for T cell development and maturation. It is extremely sensitive to atrophy, wherein loss in cellularity of the thymus and/or disruption of the thymic architecture occur. This may lead to lower naïve T cell output and limited TCR diversity. Thymic atrophy is often associated with ageing. What is less appreciated is that proper functioning of the thymus is critical for reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with various clinical conditions including infections and transplantation. Therefore, therapeutic interventions which possess thymopoietic potential and lower thymic atrophy are required. These treatments enhance thymic output, which is a vital factor in generating favourable outcomes in clinical conditions. In this review, experimental studies on thymic atrophy in rodents and clinical cases where the thymus atrophies are discussed. In addition, mechanisms leading to thymic atrophy during ageing as well as during various stress conditions are reviewed. Therapies such as zinc supplementation, IL7 administration, leptin treatment, keratinocyte growth factor administration and sex steroid ablation during thymic atrophy involving experiments in animals and various clinical scenarios are reviewed. Interventions that have been used across different scenarios to reduce the extent of thymic atrophy and enhance its output are discussed. This review aims to speculate on the roles of combination therapies, which by acting additively or synergistically may further alleviate thymic atrophy and boost its function, thereby strengthening cellular T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Majumdar
- Department of Biochemistry & Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - D Nandi
- Department of Biochemistry & Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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27
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Chhabra A. Inherent Immunogenicity or Lack Thereof of Pluripotent Stem Cells: Implications for Cell Replacement Therapy. Front Immunol 2017; 8:993. [PMID: 28868053 PMCID: PMC5563324 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Donor-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer opportunities for personalized cell replacement therapeutic approaches due to their unlimited self-renewal potential and ability to differentiate into different somatic cells. A significant progress has been made toward generating iPSC lines that are free of integrating viral vectors, development of xeno-free culture conditions, and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into functional somatic cell lineages. Since donor-specific iPSC lines are genetically identical to the individual, they are expected to be immunologically matched and these iPSC lines and their cellular derivatives are not expected to be immunologically rejected. However, studies in mouse models, utilizing rejection of teratomas as a model, have claimed that syngenic iPSC lines, especially the iPSC lines derived with integrating viral vectors, could be inherently immunogenic. This manuscript reviews current understanding of inherent immunogenicity of PSC lines, especially that of the human iPSC lines and their cellular derivatives, and strategies to overcome it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Chhabra
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center (UCONN Health), Farmington, CT, United States
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28
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Galarza-Muñoz G, Briggs FBS, Evsyukova I, Schott-Lerner G, Kennedy EM, Nyanhete T, Wang L, Bergamaschi L, Widen SG, Tomaras GD, Ko DC, Bradrick SS, Barcellos LF, Gregory SG, Garcia-Blanco MA. Human Epistatic Interaction Controls IL7R Splicing and Increases Multiple Sclerosis Risk. Cell 2017; 169:72-84.e13. [PMID: 28340352 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder where T cells attack neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) leading to demyelination and neurological deficits. A driver of increased MS risk is the soluble form of the interleukin-7 receptor alpha chain gene (sIL7R) produced by alternative splicing of IL7R exon 6. Here, we identified the RNA helicase DDX39B as a potent activator of this exon and consequently a repressor of sIL7R, and we found strong genetic association of DDX39B with MS risk. Indeed, we showed that a genetic variant in the 5' UTR of DDX39B reduces translation of DDX39B mRNAs and increases MS risk. Importantly, this DDX39B variant showed strong genetic and functional epistasis with allelic variants in IL7R exon 6. This study establishes the occurrence of biological epistasis in humans and provides mechanistic insight into the regulation of IL7R exon 6 splicing and its impact on MS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaddiel Galarza-Muñoz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Center for RNA Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Farren B S Briggs
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Irina Evsyukova
- Center for RNA Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Geraldine Schott-Lerner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Edward M Kennedy
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Tinashe Nyanhete
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Liuyang Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Laura Bergamaschi
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Steven G Widen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Georgia D Tomaras
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Immunology, Duke University Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dennis C Ko
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center; Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Shelton S Bradrick
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Center for RNA Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Lisa F Barcellos
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Simon G Gregory
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Mariano A Garcia-Blanco
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Center for RNA Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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29
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Update on Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccinology. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2017; 24:CVI.00543-16. [PMID: 28228394 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00543-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Attempts to produce a vaccine to protect against Chlamydia trachomatis-induced trachoma were initiated more than 100 years ago and continued for several decades. Using whole organisms, protective responses were obtained. However, upon exposure to C. trachomatis, disease exacerbation developed in some immunized individuals, precluding the implementation of the vaccine. Evidence of the role of C. trachomatis as a sexually transmitted pathogen started to emerge in the 1960s, and it soon became evident that it can cause acute infections and long-term sequelae in women, men, and newborns. The main focus of this minireview is to summarize recent findings and discuss formulations, including antigens, adjuvants, routes, and delivery systems for immunization, primarily explored in the female mouse model, with the goal of implementing a vaccine against C. trachomatis genital infections.
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30
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Morimoto M, Myung C, Beirnes K, Choi K, Asakura Y, Bokenkamp A, Bonneau D, Brugnara M, Charrow J, Colin E, Davis A, Deschenes G, Gentile M, Giordano M, Gormley AK, Govender R, Joseph M, Keller K, Lerut E, Levtchenko E, Massella L, Mayfield C, Najafian B, Parham D, Spranger J, Stenzel P, Yis U, Yu Z, Zonana J, Hendson G, Boerkoel CF. Increased Wnt and Notch signaling: a clue to the renal disease in Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia? Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:149. [PMID: 27816064 PMCID: PMC5097426 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0519-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is a multisystemic disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily A-like 1 (SMARCAL1) gene. Changes in gene expression underlie the arteriosclerosis and T-cell immunodeficiency of SIOD; therefore, we hypothesized that SMARCAL1 deficiency causes the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) of SIOD by altering renal gene expression. We tested this hypothesis by gene expression analysis of an SIOD patient kidney and verified these findings through immunofluorescent analysis in additional SIOD patients and a genetic interaction analysis in Drosophila. Results We found increased expression of components and targets of the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in the SIOD patient kidney, increased levels of unphosphorylated β-catenin and Notch1 intracellular domain in the glomeruli of most SIOD patient kidneys, and genetic interaction between the Drosophila SMARCAL1 homologue Marcal1 and genes of the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways. Conclusions We conclude that increased Wnt and Notch activity result from SMARCAL1 deficiency and, as established causes of FSGS, contribute to the renal disease of most SIOD patients. This further clarifies the pathogenesis of SIOD and will hopefully direct potential therapeutic approaches for SIOD patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13023-016-0519-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Morimoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Clara Myung
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kimberly Beirnes
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kunho Choi
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yumi Asakura
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Arend Bokenkamp
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique Bonneau
- Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Milena Brugnara
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Joel Charrow
- Division of Genetics, Birth Defects and Metabolism, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Estelle Colin
- Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Amira Davis
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Mattia Gentile
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hospital Di Venere - ASL Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Giordano
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Giovanni XXIII, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrew K Gormley
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rajeshree Govender
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mark Joseph
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kory Keller
- Child Development and Rehabiliation Center, Oregon Institute on Disability & Development, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Evelyne Lerut
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elena Levtchenko
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Massella
- Division of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Behzad Najafian
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Parham
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Peter Stenzel
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Uluc Yis
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Dokuz Eylül University, School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Zhongxin Yu
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jonathan Zonana
- Child Development and Rehabiliation Center, Oregon Institute on Disability & Development, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Glenda Hendson
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cornelius F Boerkoel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Provincial Medical Genetics Program, Department of Medical Genetics, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, 4500 Oak Street, Room C234, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada.
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31
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Transcriptional regulation of the IL-7Rα gene by dexamethasone and IL-7 in primary human CD8 T cells. Immunogenetics 2016; 69:13-27. [PMID: 27541597 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-016-0948-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 is essential for the development and maintenance of T cells, and the expression of the IL-7 receptor is tightly regulated at every stage of the T cell's lifespan. In mature CD8 T cells, IL-7 plays important roles in cell survival, peripheral homeostasis, and cytolytic function. The IL-7 receptor alpha-chain (CD127) is expressed at high levels on naïve and memory cells, but it is rapidly downregulated upon IL-7 stimulation. In this study, we illustrate the dynamicity of the CD127 promoter and show that it possesses positive as well as negative regulatory sites involved in upregulating and downregulating CD127 expression, respectively. We cloned the CD127 gene promoter and identified key cis-regulatory elements required for CD127 expression in mature resting primary CD8 T cells. The core promoter necessary for efficient basal transcription is contained within the first 262 bp upstream of the TATA box. Additional positive regulatory elements are located between -1200 and -2406 bp, conferring a further 2- to 4-fold enhancement in gene expression. While transcription of the CD127 gene is increased directly through a glucocorticoid response element located between -2255 and -2269 bp upstream of the TATA box, we identified a suppressive region that lies upstream of 1760 bp from the TATA box, which is likely involved in the IL-7-mediated suppression of CD127 transcription. Finally, we illustrated IL-7 does not bias alternative splicing of CD127 transcripts in primary human CD8 T cells.
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Abstract
Severe combined immunodeficiency disorders represent pediatric emergencies due to absence of adaptive immune responses to infections. The conditions result from either intrinsic defects in T-cell development (ie, severe combined immunodeficiency disease [SCID]) or congenital athymia (eg, complete DiGeorge anomaly). Hematopoietic stem cell transplant provides the only clinically approved cure for SCID, although gene therapy research trials are showing significant promise. For greatest survival, patients should undergo transplant before 3.5 months of age and before the onset of infections. Newborn screening programs have yielded successful early identification and treatment of infants with SCID and congenital athymia in the United States.
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Menkova-Garnier I, Hocini H, Foucat E, Tisserand P, Bourdery L, Delaugerre C, Benne C, Lévy Y, Lelièvre JD. P2X7 Receptor Inhibition Improves CD34 T-Cell Differentiation in HIV-Infected Immunological Nonresponders on c-ART. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005571. [PMID: 27082982 PMCID: PMC4833302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral CD4+ T-cell levels are not fully restored in a significant proportion of HIV+ individuals displaying long-term viral suppression on c-ART. These immunological nonresponders (INRs) have a higher risk of developing AIDS and non-AIDS events and a lower life expectancy than the general population, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We used an in vitro system to analyze the T- and B-cell potential of CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. Comparisons of INRs with matched HIV+ patients with high CD4+ T-cell counts (immune responders (IRs)) revealed an impairment of the generation of T-cell progenitors, but not of B-cell progenitors, in INRs. This impairment resulted in the presence of smaller numbers of recent thymic emigrants (RTE) in the blood and lower peripheral CD4+ T-cell counts. We investigated the molecular pathways involved in lymphopoiesis, focusing particularly on T-cell fate specification (Notch pathway), survival (IL7R-IL7 axis) and death (Fas, P2X7, CD39/CD73). P2X7 expression was abnormally strong and there was no CD73 mRNA in the CD34+ cells of INRs, highlighting a role for the ATP pathway. This was confirmed by the demonstration that in vitro inhibition of the P2X7-mediated pathway restored the T-cell potential of CD34+ cells from INRs. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed major differences in cell survival and death pathways between CD34+ cells from INRs and those from IRs. These findings pave the way for the use of complementary immunotherapies, such as P2X7 antagonists, to restore T-cell lymphopoiesis in INRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Menkova-Garnier
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France.,Vaccine Research Institute, Créteil, France
| | - Hakim Hocini
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France.,Vaccine Research Institute, Créteil, France
| | - Emile Foucat
- Université Paris Est Créteil, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | - Pascaline Tisserand
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France.,Vaccine Research Institute, Créteil, France
| | - Laure Bourdery
- Université Paris Est Créteil, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | | | - Clarisse Benne
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | - Yves Lévy
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France.,Vaccine Research Institute, Créteil, France.,Groupe Hospitalier Henri-Mondor Albert-Chenevier, Créteil, France
| | - Jean-Daniel Lelièvre
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France.,Vaccine Research Institute, Créteil, France.,Groupe Hospitalier Henri-Mondor Albert-Chenevier, Créteil, France
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34
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Sanyal M, Morimoto M, Baradaran-Heravi A, Choi K, Kambham N, Jensen K, Dutt S, Dionis-Petersen KY, Liu LX, Felix K, Mayfield C, Dekel B, Bokenkamp A, Fryssira H, Guillen-Navarro E, Lama G, Brugnara M, Lücke T, Olney AH, Hunley TE, Polat AI, Yis U, Bogdanovic R, Mitrovic K, Berry S, Najera L, Najafian B, Gentile M, Nur Semerci C, Tsimaratos M, Lewis DB, Boerkoel CF. Lack of IL7Rα expression in T cells is a hallmark of T-cell immunodeficiency in Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD). Clin Immunol 2015; 161:355-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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35
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Faller EM, Ghazawi FM, Cavar M, MacPherson PA. IL-7 induces clathrin-mediated endocytosis of CD127 and subsequent degradation by the proteasome in primary human CD8 T cells. Immunol Cell Biol 2015; 94:196-207. [PMID: 26272555 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2015.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7), a key immunoregulatory cytokine, plays an essential role in peripheral T-cell homeostasis and function. Signaling via the IL-7 receptor is tightly regulated and we and others have shown IL-7 provides negative feedback on its own signaling by downregulating expression of the IL-7 receptor alpha-chain (CD127) through both suppression of CD127 gene transcription and by internalization of existing CD127 proteins from the cell membrane. We show here for the first time in primary human CD8 T cells that upon stimulation with IL-7, CD127 is internalized through clathrin-coated pits, a process dependent on both lipid-raft formation and the activity of dynamin. As visualized by confocal microscopy, CD127 shows increased co-localization with clathrin within 5 min of IL-7 stimulation and within 15-30 min is seen in multiple intracellular punctae co-localizing with the early endosomal marker EEA1. By 2 h after addition of IL-7, CD127 staining associates with the late endosomal marker RAB7 and with the proteasomal 20S subunit. By inducing receptor internalization and translocation from early endosomes to the proteasome, IL-7 directly influences its receptor density on the cell surface and thus regulates the intensity of its own signaling cascades. Given the important role IL-7 plays in T-cell development, homeostasis and function, deciphering how expression of its receptor is controlled on the cell surface is essential in understanding how T-cell activity can be regulated in different microenvironments and in response to different pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Feras M Ghazawi
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marko Cavar
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul A MacPherson
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital General Campus, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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36
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Lindborg CM, Propert KJ, Pignolo RJ. Conservation of pro-longevity genes among mammals. Mech Ageing Dev 2015; 146-148:23-7. [PMID: 25804384 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Genes which confer a relative longevity advantage may be regulated at the level of transcription or translation. Alternatively, pro-longevity genes may mediate their effects at the level of protein structure-functional relationships that are beneficially optimized in long-lived species. Longevity associated genes (LAGs) may be operationally defined as genes that confer beneficial effects and are relatively more conserved among long-lived species. Global and local protein sequence alignments of over 10,000 genes across at least 30 mammalian species were examined to identify LAGs. Known LAGs, including growth hormone receptor (GHR), and breast cancer 1, early onset (BRCA1), have strong associations with maximum lifespan by our analysis. Several common categories of protein function were observed among genes ranked with the strongest associations with MLS identified by all regression models. These genes included those that function in the immune system, cell cycle regulation, and DNA damage response. We provide a ranking of genes with the strongest associations with species maximum lifespan (MLS) by several phylogenetic generalized least squares regression models, including adjustment for confounding variables such as body weight and gestation length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter M Lindborg
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen J Propert
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert J Pignolo
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Picard C, Moshous D, Fischer A. The Genetic and Molecular Basis of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. CURRENT PEDIATRICS REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40124-014-0070-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Bayer DK, Martinez CA, Sorte HS, Forbes LR, Demmler-Harrison GJ, Hanson IC, Pearson NM, Noroski LM, Zaki SR, Bellini WJ, Leduc MS, Yang Y, Eng CM, Patel A, Rodningen OK, Muzny DM, Gibbs RA, Campbell IM, Shaw CA, Baker MW, Zhang V, Lupski JR, Orange JS, Seeborg FO, Stray-Pedersen A. Vaccine-associated varicella and rubella infections in severe combined immunodeficiency with isolated CD4 lymphocytopenia and mutations in IL7R detected by tandem whole exome sequencing and chromosomal microarray. Clin Exp Immunol 2014; 178:459-69. [PMID: 25046553 PMCID: PMC4238873 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In areas without newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), disease-defining infections may lead to diagnosis, and in some cases, may not be identified prior to the first year of life. We describe a female infant who presented with disseminated vaccine-acquired varicella (VZV) and vaccine-acquired rubella infections at 13 months of age. Immunological evaluations demonstrated neutropenia, isolated CD4 lymphocytopenia, the presence of CD8(+) T cells, poor lymphocyte proliferation, hypergammaglobulinaemia and poor specific antibody production to VZV infection and routine immunizations. A combination of whole exome sequencing and custom-designed chromosomal microarray with exon coverage of primary immunodeficiency genes detected compound heterozygous mutations (one single nucleotide variant and one intragenic copy number variant involving one exon) within the IL7R gene. Mosaicism for wild-type allele (20-30%) was detected in pretransplant blood and buccal DNA and maternal engraftment (5-10%) demonstrated in pretransplant blood DNA. This may be responsible for the patient's unusual immunological phenotype compared to classical interleukin (IL)-7Rα deficiency. Disseminated VZV was controlled with anti-viral and immune-based therapy, and umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation was successful. Retrospectively performed T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) analyses completed on neonatal Guthrie cards identified absent TREC. This case emphasizes the danger of live viral vaccination in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) patients and the importance of newborn screening to identify patients prior to high-risk exposures. It also illustrates the value of aggressive pathogen identification and treatment, the influence newborn screening can have on morbidity and mortality and the significant impact of newer genomic diagnostic tools in identifying the underlying genetic aetiology for SCID patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Bayer
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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Fuchs S, Rensing-Ehl A, Erlacher M, Vraetz T, Hartjes L, Janda A, Rizzi M, Lorenz MR, Gilmour K, de Saint-Basile G, Roifman CM, Cheuk S, Gennery A, Thrasher AJ, Fuchs I, Schwarz K, Speckmann C, Ehl S. Patients with T⁺/low NK⁺ IL-2 receptor γ chain deficiency have differentially-impaired cytokine signaling resulting in severe combined immunodeficiency. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:3129-40. [PMID: 25042067 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201444689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) leads to a T(-) NK(-) B(+) immunophenotype and is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the IL-2 receptor γ-chain (IL2RG). IL2RG(R222C) leads to atypical SCID with a severe early onset phenotype despite largely normal NK- and T-cell numbers. To address this discrepancy, we performed a detailed analysis of T, B, and NK cells, including quantitative STAT phosphorylation and functional responses to the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-15, and IL-21 in a patient with the IL2RG(R222C) mutation. Moreover, we identified nine additional unpublished patients with the same mutations, all with a full SCID phenotype, and confirmed selected immunological observations. T-cell development was variably affected, but led to borderline T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) levels and a normal repertoire. T cells showed moderately reduced proliferation, failing enhancement by IL-2. While NK-cell development was normal, IL-2 enhancement of NK-cell degranulation and IL-15-induced cytokine production were absent. IL-2 or IL-21 failed to enhance B-cell proliferation and plasmablast differentiation. These functional alterations were reflected by a differential impact of IL2RG(R222C) on cytokine signal transduction, with a gradient IL-4<IL-2/IL-15<IL-21. Thus, IL2RG(R222C) causes a consistently severe clinical phenotype that is not predicted by the variable and moderate impairment of T-cell immunity or TREC analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Fuchs
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Zago CA, Jacob CMA, de Albuquerque Diniz EM, Lovisolo SM, Zerbini MCN, Dorna M, Watanabe L, Fernandes JF, Rocha V, Oliveira JB, Carneiro-Sampaio M. Autoimmune manifestations in SCID due to IL7R mutations: Omenn syndrome and cytopenias. Hum Immunol 2014; 75:662-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2014.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Felices M, Lenvik TR, Ankarlo DE, Foley B, Curtsinger J, Luo X, Blazar BR, Anderson SK, Miller JS. Functional NK cell repertoires are maintained through IL-2Rα and Fas ligand. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2014; 192:3889-97. [PMID: 24634493 PMCID: PMC3979985 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Acquisition of a functional NK cell repertoire, known as education or licensing, is a complex process mediated through inhibitory receptors that recognize self. We found that NK cells containing self-killer Ig-like receptors for cognate HLA ligand in vivo were less susceptible to apoptosis. In vitro IL-15 withdrawal showed that uneducated NK cells upregulated Bim and Fas. Conversely, educated NK cells upregulated Fas ligand (FasL) under these conditions. Induction of cell death and Bim expression on uneducated cells correlated with increased IL-2Rα expression. Overexpression and knockdown studies showed that higher IL-2Rα limits NK cell survival in a novel manner that is independent from the role of IL-2 in activation-induced cell death. To study the role of FasL in induction of IL-2Rα(hi) NK cell death, a coculture assay with FasL-blocking Abs was used. IL-15 withdrawal led to FasL-dependent killing of IL-2Rα(hi) NK cells by more educated IL-2Rα(lo) NK cells. Finally, CMV reactivation induces a potent long-lasting population of licensed NK cells with enhanced survival. These findings show that education-dependent NK cell survival advantages and killing of uneducated NK cells result in the maintenance of a functional repertoire, which may be manipulated to exploit NK cells for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Felices
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Todd R. Lenvik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Dave E.M. Ankarlo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Bree Foley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Julie Curtsinger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Xianghua Luo
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Stephen K. Anderson
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, SAIC-Frederick Inc., Frederick MD 21702, USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Miller
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Ferrando-Martínez S, Lorente R, Gurbindo D, De José MI, Leal M, Muñoz-Fernández MA, Correa-Rocha R. Low thymic output, peripheral homeostasis deregulation, and hastened regulatory T cells differentiation in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. J Pediatr 2014; 164:882-9. [PMID: 24461789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform an extensive analysis of the immune status of asymptomatic children with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, with special emphasis on the regulatory T cells (Treg) population. STUDY DESIGN Analysis of thymic function, frequency and absolute counts of immune subsets, and phenotype of Treg were performed in 10 asymptomatic children bearing the 22q11.2 deletion and compared with 12 age-matched, healthy children. RESULTS Children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome showed a curtailed thymic output, lower T-cell levels, and a homeostatic deregulation in the CD4 T-cell compartment, characterized by a greater proliferative history in the naïve CD4 T-cell subset. Treg numbers were markedly reduced in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and remaining Treg showed mostly an activated phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Reduced thymic output in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome could be related with an increased proliferation in the naïve CD4 T-cell compartment and the consequent Treg activation to ensure that T-cell expansion remains under control. Deregulated peripheral homeostasis and loss of suppressive capacity by Treg could compromise the integrity of T-cell immunity during adulthood and play a relevant role in the increased incidence of autoimmune diseases reported in patients with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ferrando-Martínez
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain; Laboratorio de Inmunovirología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Unidad clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Raquel Lorente
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Gurbindo
- Sección de Inmunopediatría, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ma Isabel De José
- Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas Infantil, Hospital Universitario "La Paz", Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Leal
- Laboratorio de Inmunovirología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Unidad clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ma Angeles Muñoz-Fernández
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain; Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Correa-Rocha
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain.
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Rozovski U, Li P, Harris D, Ohanian M, Kantarjian H, Estrov Z. Interleukin-7 receptor-α gene mutations are not detected in adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cancer Med 2014; 3:550-4. [PMID: 24678068 PMCID: PMC4101745 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic mutations in cancer cell genes are classified according to their functional significance. Those that provide the malignant cells with significant advantage are collectively referred to as driver mutations and those that do not, are the passenger mutations. Accordingly, analytical criteria to distinguish driver mutations from passenger mutations have been recently suggested. Recent studies revealed mutations in interleukin-7 receptor-α (IL7R) gene in 10% of pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients and in only a few cases of pediatric B-ALL. IL7R mutations are also frequently found in patients with lung cancer, but whereas in pediatric T-ALL IL7R mutations are “drivers” (consisting of gain-of-function mutations within a narrow 50-base pair interval at exon 6 that confer cytokine-independent cell growth and promote tumor transformation), in lung cancer, mutations are substitution mutations randomly distributed across the gene and are probably only “passenger” events. Because the treatment response of adult T-ALL is significantly poorer than that of childhood T-ALL and because exon 6 IL7R mutations play a role in the pathogenesis of childhood T-ALL, we sought to determine how the pattern of IL7R mutations varies between adult and childhood T-ALL. To that end, we sequenced the 50-base pair interval in exon 6 of the IL7R of DNA obtained from bone marrow samples of 35 randomly selected adult patients with T-ALL. Our analysis revealed that none of these 35 samples carried an IL7R mutation in exon 6. Whether differences in the genetic makeup of adult and childhood T-ALL explain the differential response to therapy remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Rozovski
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Tal N, Shochat C, Geron I, Bercovich D, Izraeli S. Interleukin 7 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin: from immunity to leukemia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:365-78. [PMID: 23625073 PMCID: PMC11113825 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1337-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is often caused by deregulation of normal developmental processes. Here, we review recent research on the aberrant activation of two hematopoietic cytokine receptors in acute lymphoid leukemias. Somatic events in the genes for thymic stromal lymphopoietin and Interleukin 7 receptors as well as in their downstream JAK kinases result in constitutive ligand-independent activation of survival and proliferation in B and T lymphoid precursors. Drugs targeting these receptors or the signaling pathways might provide effective therapies of these leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Tal
- Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Tel Hashomer, 52621 Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chen Shochat
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Migal Galilee Technology Center, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- Tel Hai College, 12210 Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Ifat Geron
- Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Tel Hashomer, 52621 Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Division of Biological Sciences and Department of Medicine Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California USA
| | - Dani Bercovich
- Migal Galilee Technology Center, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- Tel Hai College, 12210 Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Shai Izraeli
- Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Tel Hashomer, 52621 Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Suryani S, Tangye SG. Therapeutic implications of advances in our understanding of transitional B-cell development in humans. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 6:765-75. [DOI: 10.1586/eci.10.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Ellsworth S, Balmanoukian A, Kos F, Nirschl CJ, Nirschl TR, Grossman SA, Luznik L, Drake CG. Sustained CD4 + T cell-driven lymphopenia without a compensatory IL-7/IL-15 response among high-grade glioma patients treated with radiation and temozolomide. Oncoimmunology 2014; 3:e27357. [PMID: 24790790 PMCID: PMC4004618 DOI: 10.4161/onci.27357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged lymphopenia correlating with decreased survival commonly occurs among glioma patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ) treatment. To better understand the pathophysiology of this phenomenon, we prospectively monitored serum cytokine levels and lymphocyte subsets in 15 high-grade glioma patients undergoing combined radiation and TMZ (referred to as RT/TMZ) treatment. Sufficient data for analysis were acquired from 11 of the patients initially enrolled. Lymphocyte phenotyping data were obtained using cytofluorometric analysis and serum cytokine levels were measured using the a multiplex bead-based assays. Total lymphocyte counts (TLCs) were > 1000 cells per μL peripheral blood in 10/11 patients at baseline, but dropped significantly after treatment. Specifically, after RT/TMZ therapy, the TLCs were found to be < 500 cells/μL in 2/11 patients, 500-1000 cells/μL in 7/11 patients, and > 1000 cells/μL in the remaining 2 patients. Among residual mononuclear blood cells, we observed a proportional drop in B and CD4+ T cells but not in CD8+ T lymphocytes. Natural killer cells remained to near-to-baseline levels and there was a transient and slight (insignificant) increase in regulatory T cells (Tregs). The circulating levels of IL-7 and IL-15 remained low despite marked drops in both the total and CD4+ T lymphocyte counts. Thus, patients with malignant glioma undergoing RT/TMZ treatment exhibit a marked decline in TLCs, affecting both CD4+ T cells and B lymphocytes, in the absence of a compensatory increase in interleukin-7 levels. The failure to mount an appropriate homeostatic cytokine response may be responsible for the prolonged lymphopenia frequently observed in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Ellsworth
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Ani Balmanoukian
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | | | - Christopher J Nirschl
- Department of Medical Oncology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Thomas R Nirschl
- Department of Medical Oncology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Stuart A Grossman
- Department of Medical Oncology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Leo Luznik
- Department of Medical Oncology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Charles G Drake
- Department of Medical Oncology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; Baltimore, MD USA
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; Baltimore, MD USA
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Lang J, Kelly M, Freed BM, McCarter MD, Kedl RM, Torres RM, Pelanda R. Studies of lymphocyte reconstitution in a humanized mouse model reveal a requirement of T cells for human B cell maturation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:2090-101. [PMID: 23335750 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The hematopoietic humanized mouse (hu-mouse) model is a powerful resource to study and manipulate the human immune system. However, a major and recurrent issue with this model has been the poor maturation of B cells that fail to progress beyond the transitional B cell stage. Of interest, a similar problem has been reported in transplant patients who receive cord blood stem cells. In this study, we characterize the development of human B and T cells in the lymph nodes (LNs) and spleen of BALB/c-Rag2(null)Il2rγ(null) hu-mice. We find a dominant population of immature B cells in the blood and spleen early, followed by a population of human T cells, coincident with the detection of LNs. Notably, in older mice we observe a major population of mature B cells in LNs and in the spleens of mice with higher T cell frequencies. Moreover, we demonstrate that T cells are necessary for B cell maturation, as introduction of autologous human T cells expedites the appearance of mature B cells, whereas in vivo depletion of T cells retards B cell maturation. The presence of the mature B cell population correlates with enhanced IgG and Ag-specific responses to both T cell-dependent and T cell-independent challenges, indicating their functionality. These findings enhance our understanding of human B cell development, provide increased details of the reconstitution dynamics of hu-mice, and validate the use of this animal model to study mechanisms and treatments for the similar delay of functional B cells associated with cord blood transplantations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lang
- Integrated Department of Immunology, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
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Ma D, Wei Y, Liu F. Regulatory mechanisms of thymus and T cell development. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 39:91-102. [PMID: 22227346 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2011.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a central hematopoietic organ which produces mature T lymphocytes with diverse antigen specificity. During development, the thymus primordium is derived from the third pharyngeal endodermal pouch, and then differentiates into cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells (TECs). TECs represent the primary functional cell type that forms the unique thymic epithelial microenvironment which is essential for intrathymic T-cell development, including positive selection, negative selection and emigration out of the thymus. Our understanding of thymopoiesis has been greatly advanced by using several important animal models. This review will describe progress on the molecular mechanisms involved in thymus and T cell development with particular focus on the signaling and transcription factors involved in this process in mouse and zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Abstract
IL-7 plays many essential roles in human health and disease. Congenital deficiencies in IL-7 signaling result in profound immunodeficiency, polymorphisms in IL7Rα modulate susceptibility to autoimmune disease, and acquired somatic activating mutations in IL7Rα contribute to neoplastic transformation in B cell and T cell leukemia. In response to lymphopenia, IL-7 accumulates to supranormal levels, which alters T cell homeostasis by augmenting T cell reactivity toward self and cognate antigens. This physiologic response is now routinely exploited to improve the efficacy of adoptive cell therapies for cancer. Clinical trials of recombinant IL-7 have demonstrated safety and potent immunorestorative effects, and current studies are investigating whether rhIL-7 therapy can improve outcomes in chronic viral infection and in the context of cancer immunotherapies. Building upon the large fund of knowledge regarding the basic biology of IL-7, this review will discuss the many and varied roles of IL-7 in human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangko Lundström
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
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50
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Correa-Rocha R, Pérez A, Lorente R, Ferrando-Martínez S, Leal M, Gurbindo D, Muñoz-Fernández MÁ. Preterm neonates show marked leukopenia and lymphopenia that are associated with increased regulatory T-cell values and diminished IL-7. Pediatr Res 2012; 71:590-7. [PMID: 22398700 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2012.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current advances in neonatology have improved survival among preterm and low-birth-weight infants. However, the risk of neonatal death in preterm infants is much greater than in full-term neonates and is frequently associated with infections. METHODS Little is known about the immune status of preterm neonates; therefore, we analyzed the frequency and absolute counts of different immune populations in 211 cord blood samples taken from very-preterm to full-term neonates. RESULTS We found that absolute counts of all the immune subsets analyzed (i.e., monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, CD4(+), and CD8(+) T cells) were markedly lower in preterm infants than in full-term infants. Surprisingly, we observed that regulatory T cells (Tregs) were the only cell subset that did not decrease in preterm infants, and their frequency was even higher than in full-term infants. DISCUSSION Tregs are crucial to maternal-fetal tolerance, but their suppressive role could be also implicated in the leukopenia observed in preterm infants. We did not observe differences in thymic function, but we found that plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-7 and the frequency of its receptor were significantly decreased in preterm infants. Our results could help to identify leukopenia and to implement immune therapies that significantly diminish mortality in preterm neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Correa-Rocha
- Laboratorio de Inmunobiología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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