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Zhang HP, Zhou Z, Chen K, Xiong LF, Wu J, Jin L. Primary biliary cholangitis has causal effects on systemic rheumatic diseases: a Mendelian randomization study. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:294. [PMID: 39210292 PMCID: PMC11360496 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03319-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An association has been observed between primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and systemic rheumatic diseases (SRDs) in observational studies, however the exact causal link remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the causal effects of PBC on SRDs through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. METHODS The genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data were obtained from MRC IEU OpenGWAS and FinnGen databases. Independent genetic variants for PBC were selected as instrumental variables. Inverse variance weighted was used as the main approach to evaluate the causal effects of PBC on Sjögren syndrome (SS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and polymyositis (PM). Horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity were measured by MR‒Egger intercept test and Cochran's Q value, respectively. RESULTS PBC had causal effects on SS (OR = 1.177, P = 8.02e-09), RA (OR = 1.071, P = 9.80e-04), SLE (OR = 1.447, P = 1.04e-09), SSc (OR = 1.399, P = 2.52e-04), MCTD (OR = 1.306, P = 4.92e-14), and PM (OR = 1.416, P = 1.16e-04). Based on the MR‒Egger intercept tests, horizontal pleiotropy was absent (all P values > 0.05). The robustness of our results was further enhanced by the leave-one-out method. CONCLUSIONS Our research has provided new insights into PBC and SRDs, indicating casual effects on various SRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ping Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hubei NO. 3 People's Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Zhe Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hubei NO. 3 People's Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Li-Fen Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hubei NO. 3 People's Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hubei NO. 3 People's Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hubei NO. 3 People's Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430000, China.
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Mansurov A, Lauterbach A, Budina E, Alpar AT, Hubbell JA, Ishihara J. Immunoengineering approaches for cytokine therapy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C369-C383. [PMID: 34232748 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00515.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of cytokines, much effort has been put forth to achieve therapeutic translation for treatment of various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. Despite these efforts, very few cytokines have cleared regulatory approval, and those that were approved are not commonly used due to their challenging toxicity profile and/or limited therapeutic efficacy. The main limitation in translation has been that wild-type cytokines have unfavorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, either eliciting unwanted systemic side effects or insufficient residence in secondary lymphoid organs. In this review, we address protein-engineering approaches that have been applied to both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines to enhance their therapeutic indices, and we highlight diseases in which administration of engineered cytokines is especially relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslan Mansurov
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Abigail Lauterbach
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Erica Budina
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Aaron T Alpar
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeffrey A Hubbell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Song XH, Tang J, Gao TT, Xu XF, Yang HX, Wu K, Yang CG, Cheng ZQ, Sun BY. Interleukin-12 receptor β2 from grass carp: Molecular characterization and its involvement in Aeromonas hydrophila-induced intestinal inflammation. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 87:226-234. [PMID: 30641187 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-12 receptor β2 (IL-12Rβ2) is a signaling subunit of heterodimeric receptors for IL-12 and IL-35. It plays important regulatory functions in the development of Th1 cells and in the expression of inflammatory cytokines in mammals and other higher vertebrates. However, little is known about IL-12Rβ2 in teleost fish. In this work, we have cloned and characterized IL-12Rβ2 from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The full-length cDNA of grass carp IL-12Rβ2 is 2875 bp, which encodes a mature protein with 741 amino acids. This mature protein contains three fibronectin type III domains, a transmembrane helix, and CXW and WSXWS-like motifs that are characteristic of the type I cytokine receptor family. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that cyprinid fish IL-12Rβ2 formed a single branch, clearly separated from those of other vertebrates. We expressed and purified a recombinant grass carp IL-12Rβ2 protein containing major antigenic regions, which was used to raise a polyclonal antibody. The specificity of the antibody was assessed by Western blotting analysis of whole cell lysates from Escherichia coli cells expressing the recombinant IL-12Rβ2, grass carp intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes, and cultured C. idella kidney cells. To explore the potential regulatory role of IL-12Rβ2 in inflammation, we generated an intestinal inflammation model by anal intubation of fish with Aeromonas hydrophila. Immunohistochemical staining of the inflamed intestines revealed that IL-12Rβ2 expression is consistent with inflammatory cell recruitment during intestinal inflammation. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that IL-12Rβ2 is widely expressed in normal tissues and is up-regulated in most tissues after infecting with A. hydrophila. We found that IL-12Rβ2, IL-12p35, and interferon-γ were expressed in similar patterns in the intestines during inflammation. Taken together, our results suggest that IL-12Rβ2 is involved in the regulation of intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Hong Song
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Jian Tang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Tian-Tian Gao
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xu-Fang Xu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Hui-Xing Yang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Kang Wu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Cai-Gen Yang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Zhong-Qin Cheng
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Bing-Yao Sun
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
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4
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Vacaflores A, Freedman SN, Chapman NM, Houtman JCD. Pretreatment of activated human CD8 T cells with IL-12 leads to enhanced TCR-induced signaling and cytokine production. Mol Immunol 2016; 81:1-15. [PMID: 27883938 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
During the immune response to pathogens and autoantigens, CD8T cells are exposed to numerous inflammatory agents including the cytokine IL-12. Previous studies have focused on how IL-12 regulates T cell functions when present during or after the activation of the T cell receptor (TCR). However, recent studies suggest that prior exposure to IL-12 also alters the TCR responsiveness of murine T cells. Whether similar phenomena occur in human activated CD8T cells and the mechanisms mediating these effects remain unexplored. In this study, we observed that pretreatment of human activated CD8T cells with IL-12 results in increased cytokine mRNA and protein production following subsequent TCR challenge. The potentiation of TCR-mediated cytokine release was transient and required low doses of IL-12 for at least 24h. Mechanistically, prior exposure to IL-12 increased the TCR induced activation of select MAPKs and AKT without altering the activation of more proximal TCR signaling molecules, suggesting that the IL-12 mediated changes in TCR signaling are responsible for the increased production of cytokines. Our data suggest that prior treatment with IL-12 potentiates human CD8T cell responses at sites of infection and inflammation, expanding our understanding of the function of this clinically important cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Vacaflores
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Samantha N Freedman
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Nicole M Chapman
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Jon C D Houtman
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
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5
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Verma MK, Sobha K. Understanding the major risk factors in the beginning and the progression of rheumatoid arthritis: current scenario and future prospects. Inflamm Res 2015; 64:647-59. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-015-0843-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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6
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Wachowicz K, Hermann-Kleiter N, Meisel M, Siegmund K, Thuille N, Baier G. Protein kinase C θ regulates the phenotype of murine CD4+ Th17 cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96401. [PMID: 24788550 PMCID: PMC4008503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C θ (PKCθ) is involved in signaling downstream of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and is important for shaping effector T cell functions and inflammatory disease development. Acquisition of Th1-like effector features by Th17 cells has been linked to increased pathogenic potential. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Th17/Th1 phenotypic instability remain largely unknown. In the current study, we address the role of PKCθ in differentiation and function of Th17 cells by using genetic knock-out mice. Implementing in vitro (polarizing T cell cultures) and in vivo (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, EAE) techniques, we demonstrated that PKCθ-deficient CD4+ T cells show normal Th17 marker gene expression (interleukin 17A/F, RORγt), accompanied by enhanced production of the Th1-typical markers such as interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and transcription factor T-bet. Mechanistically, this phenotype was linked to aberrantly elevated Stat4 mRNA levels in PKCθ−/− CD4+ T cells during the priming phase of Th17 differentiation. In contrast, transcription of the Stat4 gene was suppressed in Th17-primed wild-type cells. This change in cellular effector phenotype was reflected in vivo by prolonged neurological impairment of PKCθ-deficient mice during the course of EAE. Taken together, our data provide genetic evidence that PKCθ is critical for stabilizing Th17 cell phenotype by selective suppression of the STAT4/IFN-γ/T-bet axis at the onset of differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Wachowicz
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Natascha Hermann-Kleiter
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marlies Meisel
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kerstin Siegmund
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Thuille
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail:
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7
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Wang H, Brown J, Gao S, Liang S, Jotwani R, Zhou H, Suttles J, Scott DA, Lamont RJ. The role of JAK-3 in regulating TLR-mediated inflammatory cytokine production in innate immune cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:1164-74. [PMID: 23797672 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The role of JAK-3 in TLR-mediated innate immune responses is poorly understood, although the suppressive function of JAK3 inhibition in adaptive immune response has been well studied. In this study, we found that JAK3 inhibition enhanced TLR-mediated immune responses by differentially regulating pro- and anti- inflammatory cytokine production in innate immune cells. Specifically, JAK3 inhibition by pharmacological inhibitors or specific small interfering RNA or JAK3 gene knockout resulted in an increase in TLR-mediated production of proinflammatory cytokines while concurrently decreasing the production of IL-10. Inhibition of JAK3 suppressed phosphorylation of PI3K downstream effectors including Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and CREB. Constitutive activation of Akt or inhibition of GSK3β abrogated the capability of JAK3 inhibition to enhance proinflammatory cytokines and suppress IL-10 production. In contrast, inhibition of PI3K enhanced this regulatory ability of JAK3 in LPS-stimulated monocytes. At the transcriptional level, JAK3 knockout lead to the increased phosphorylation of STATs that could be attenuated by neutralization of de novo inflammatory cytokines. JAK3 inhibition exhibited a GSK3 activity-dependent ability to enhance phosphorylation levels and DNA binding of NF-κB p65. Moreover, JAK3 inhibition correlated with an increased CD4(+) T cell response. Additionally, higher neutrophil infiltration, IL-17 expression, and intestinal epithelium erosion were observed in JAK3 knockout mice. These findings demonstrate the negative regulatory function of JAK3 and elucidate the signaling pathway by which JAK3 differentially regulates TLR-mediated inflammatory cytokine production in innate immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhi Wang
- Oral Health and Systemic Disease Research Group, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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8
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Zhou L, Yao F, Luan H, Wang Y, Dong X, Zhou W, Wang Q. Functional polymorphisms in the interleukin-12 gene contribute to cancer risk: evidence from a meta-analysis of 18 case-control studies. Gene 2012; 510:71-7. [PMID: 22940148 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence from preclinical and clinical studies has shown that interleukin-12 (IL-12) has some effectiveness against endogenously arising carcinogenesis. Several potentially functional polymorphisms of IL-12 gene have been implicated in cancer risk, but individually published studies showed inconclusive results. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between IL-12 polymorphisms and cancer risk. METHODS The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of science and CBM databases were searched for all articles published up to June 10, 2012 that addressed IL-12 polymorphisms and cancer risk. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.1.6 and STATA 12.0 softwares. RESULTS Eighteen studies were included with a total of 6463 cancer cases and 7412 healthy controls. We found that the 3'UTR A>C (rs3212227) polymorphism of IL-12B gene was associated with significantly increased overall risk of cancers using random effects model (C vs A: odds ratio [OR]=1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.27; AC+CC vs AA: OR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.01-1.43). However, the 3'UTR G>A (rs568408), IVS2 T>A (rs582054) and 5'UTR T>G (rs2243115) polymorphisms of IL-12A gene did not appear to have an influence on cancer susceptibility. Further subgroup analyses showed that the 3'UTR A>C (rs3212227) polymorphism was associated with increased cancer risks in the subgroups of Asians, cervical and nasopharyngeal cancers. CONCLUSIONS Results from the current meta-analysis indicates that the 3'UTR A>C (rs3212227) polymorphism of IL-12B gene might be a potential biomarker for cancer risk among Asians, especially for cervical and nasopharyngeal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhou
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China.
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9
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MicroRNA regulation of STAT4 protein expression: rapid and sensitive modulation of IL-12 signaling in human natural killer cells. Blood 2011; 118:6793-802. [PMID: 22077060 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-05-356162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IL-12 exerts several regulatory effects on natural killer (NK) cells by activating IL-12 signaling. IL-12 signaling is tightly auto-regulated to control its onset and termination, with prolonged IL-12 treatment resulting in IL-12 hyporesponsiveness. However, the mechanisms underlying IL-12 auto-regulation are still unclear. In this study we report that prolonged IL-12 treatment significantly up-regulates microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-132, -212, and -200a in primary human NK cells. This up-regulation correlates temporally with gradually decreasing STAT4 levels and decreasing IFN-γ expression, after an initial increase within the first 16 hours of IL-12 treatment. The IL-12 hyporesponsiveness is dependent on IL-12 concentration, and associated up-regulation of miR-132, -212, and -200a. Furthermore, IL-12-hyporesponsive cells regain responsiveness of IFN-γ production 24 hours after IL-12 removal, which correlates with decreases in miR-132, -212, and -200a levels. Overexpression of miR-132, -212, and -200a by transfection into NK cells mimics IL-12 priming, inducing IL-12 hyporesponsiveness, whereas transfection of miR-132, -212, and -200a inhibitors largely abolishes IL-12 induction of IL-12 hyporesponsiveness. These data suggest that miR-132, -212, and -200a up-regulation during prolonged IL-12 treatment, negatively regulates the IL-12 signaling pathway by reducing STAT4 expression in primary human NK cells.
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10
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Abstract
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 4 (STAT4) is a transcription factor that is activated by IL-12 signaling and promotes Th1-cell differentiation and IFN-γ production. Defective IFN-γ production because of STAT4 mRNA and protein deficiency occurs after autologous stem cell transplantation for lymphoma. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of STAT4 deficiency in lymphoma patients. The tumor-bearing state is not responsible, because STAT4 levels were not significantly different in PBMCs obtained from healthy control subjects compared with those from lymphoma patients before treatment. STAT4 protein levels were significantly decreased in PBMCs and T cells obtained from lymphoma patients after standard-dose chemotherapy. Furthermore, treatment of control PBMC cultures or a natural killer cell line with chemotherapy drugs in vitro also resulted in reduced STAT4 protein and diminished, IL-12-induced IFN-γ production. Translation of STAT4 protein was not impaired in chemotherapy-treated cells, whereas the STAT4 protein half-life was significantly reduced. Chemotherapy drugs promoted the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of STAT4. Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib reversed chemotherapy-induced STAT4 deficiency and defective IFN-γ production. We conclude that acquired STAT4 deficiency in lymphoma patients is a consequence of treatment with chemotherapy, results that have important implications for the design of optimal immunotherapy for lymphoma.
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Fusco A, Vigliano I, Palamaro L, Cirillo E, Aloj G, Piscopo G, Giardino G, Pignata C. Altered signaling through IL-12 receptor in children with very high serum IgE levels. Cell Immunol 2010; 265:74-9. [PMID: 20696422 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2010.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
An alteration of Th1/Th2 homeostasis may lead to diseases in humans. In this study, we investigated whether an impaired IL-12R signaling occurred in children with elevated serum IgE levels divided on the basis of the IgE levels (group A: >2000kU/l; group B: <2000kU/l). We evaluated the integrity of the IL-12R signaling through the analysis of phosphorylation/activation of STAT4, and mRNA expression and membrane assembly of the receptor chains. At a functional level, a proliferative defect of lymphocytes from group A patients was observed. In these patients, an abnormal IL-12R signaling was documented, and this finding was associated with abnormal expression of the IL-12Rbeta2 chain. Our data indicate that in patients with very high IgE levels the generation of Th1 response is impaired, and that this abnormality associates with abnormal IL-12R signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fusco
- Department of Pediatrics, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
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Karpuzoglu E, Phillips RA, Dai R, Graniello C, Gogal RM, Ahmed SA. Signal transducer and activation of transcription (STAT) 4beta, a shorter isoform of interleukin-12-induced STAT4, is preferentially activated by estrogen. Endocrinology 2009; 150:1310-20. [PMID: 18988675 PMCID: PMC2654738 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen, a natural immunomodulatory compound, has been shown to promote the induction of a prototype T helper 1 cytokine, interferon (IFN)-gamma, as well as to up-regulate IFNgamma-mediated proinflammatory molecules (nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase 2, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1). Because IL-12 is a major IFNgamma-inducing cytokine, in this study we investigated whether estrogen treatment of wild-type C57BL/6 mice alters IL-12-mediated signaling pathways. A recent study has shown that IL-12 activates two isoforms of signal transducer and activation of transcription (STAT) 4, a normal-sized (full-length STAT4alpha) and a truncated form (STAT4beta). Interestingly, we found that estrogen treatment preferentially up-regulates the phosphorylation of STAT4beta in splenic lymphoid cells. Time kinetic data showed the differential activation of STAT4beta in splenic lymphoid cells from estrogen-treated mice, but not in cells from placebo controls. The activation of STAT4beta was mediated by IL-12 and not IFNgamma because deliberate addition or neutralization of IL-12, but not IFNgamma, affected the activation of STAT4beta. In contrast to IL-12-induced activation of STAT4beta in cells from estrogen-treated mice, STAT4alpha was not increased, rather it tended to be decreased. In this context, STAT4alpha-induced p27(kip1) protein was decreased in concanavalin A + IL-12-activated lymphocytes from estrogen-treated mice only. By using the in vitro DNA binding assay, we confirmed the ability of pSTAT4beta to bind to the IFNgamma-activated sites (IFNgamma activation sequences)/STAT4-binding sites in estrogen-treated mice. Our data are the first to show that estrogen apparently has selective effects on IL-12-mediated signaling by preferentially activating STAT4beta. These novel findings are likely to provide new knowledge with regard to estrogen regulation of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Karpuzoglu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
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Ren Y, Lu L, Guo TB, Qiu J, Yang Y, Liu A, Zhang JZ. Novel immunomodulatory properties of berbamine through selective down-regulation of STAT4 and action of IFN-gamma in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 181:1491-8. [PMID: 18606704 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.2.1491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Berbamine (BM) is an herbal compound derived from Berberis vulgaris L commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we show that BM has potent anti-inflammatory properties through novel regulatory mechanisms, leading to reduced encephalitogenic T cell responses and amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The treatment effect of BM was attributable to its selective inhibitory effect on the production and action of IFN-gamma in CD4(+) T cells, which was mediated through altered STAT4 expression in T cells. BM was found to up-regulate SLIM, a ubiquitin E3 ligase for STAT4, and promote STAT4 degradation, resulting in markedly decreased IFN-gamma production in CD4(+) T cells in EAE mice. Regulation of IFN-gamma by BM had profound anti-inflammatory actions through its effect on both CD4(+) T cells and APCs. BM-treated APCs exhibited reduced stimulatory function as a result of altered expression of PD-L1, CD80, and CD86 in treated mice. The treatment effect of BM in EAE was directly related to its action on IFN-gamma, and was abolished in IFN-gamma knockout mice. The study also confirmed that BM was able to inhibit NFAT translocation through effecting calcium mobilization in lymphocytes. However, this effect was not directly responsible for the treatment efficacy of BM in EAE. The study has important implications in our approaches to evaluating the utility of natural compounds in drug discovery and to probing the role of cytokine network in the development of autoimmune conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Ren
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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14
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Guo H, Wai PY, Mi Z, Gao C, Zhang J, Kuo PC. Osteopontin mediates Stat1 degradation to inhibit iNOS transcription in a cecal ligation and puncture model of sepsis. Surgery 2008; 144:182-8. [PMID: 18656624 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2008.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Accepted: 03/01/2008] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteopontin (OPN) represses inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression by increasing ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome degradation of Stat1, a critical transcription factor for iNOS expression. We investigated the in vivo relevance of our findings in a cecal ligation and puncture model. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 129 wild-type (WT; n = 24) and OPN null (n = 24) mice were used. Bone marrow macrophages and whole liver tissue were isolated. iNOS and phosphorylated Stat-1 (P-Stat1) protein were significantly greater in OPN null than WT. Cecal ligation and puncture increased Ub-P-Stat1; Ub-P-Stat1 was significantly less in OPN null than WT. In chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, P-Stat1 binding to the iNOS promoter was increased in OPN null. Ex vivo studies with bone marrow macrophages were performed with MG132 (10 microM), an inhibitor of 26S proteasome function, and/or exogenous OPN (50 microM). Ub-P-Stat1 was decreased in OPN null bone marrow macrophages treated with LPS; iNOS was increased. Exogenous OPN or MG132 restored Ub-P-Stat1 and iNOS to levels seen in WT. Our results indicate that absence of OPN does the following: (1) increases iNOS and P-Stat1 protein, (2) decreases ubiquitination and degradation of P-Stat1, and (3) increases iNOS transcription. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that OPN downregulates iNOS expression by accelerating ubiquitination and degradation of Stat1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Guo
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Berenson LS, Gavrieli M, Farrar JD, Murphy TL, Murphy KM. Distinct characteristics of murine STAT4 activation in response to IL-12 and IFN-alpha. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 177:5195-203. [PMID: 17015705 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.8.5195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The role of type I IFN in Th1 development, STAT4 activation, and IFN-gamma production in murine T cells has remained unresolved despite extensive examination. Initial studies indicated that IFN-alpha induced Th1 development and IFN-gamma production in human, but not murine, T cells, suggesting species-specific differences in signaling. Later studies suggested that IFN-alpha also induced Th1 development in mice, similar to IL-12. More recent studies have questioned whether IFN-alpha actually induces Th1 development even in the human system. In the present study, we compared the capacity of IL-12 and IFN-alpha to induce Th1 differentiation, STAT4 phosphorylation, and IFN-gamma production in murine T cells. First, we show that IFN-alpha, in contrast to IL-12, cannot induce Th1 development. However, in differentiated Th1 cells, IFN-alpha can induce transient, but not sustained, STAT4 phosphorylation and, in synergy with IL-18, can induce transient, but not sustained, IFN-gamma production in Th1 cells, in contrast to the sustained actions of IL-12. Furthermore, loss of STAT1 increases IFN-alpha-induced STAT4 phosphorylation, but does not generate levels of STAT4 activation or IFN-gamma production achieved by IL-12 or convert transient STAT4 activation into a sustained response. Our findings agree with recent observations in human T cells that IFN-alpha-induced STAT4 activation is transient and unable to induce Th1 development, and indicate that IFN-alpha may act similarly in human and murine T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Berenson
- Department of Pathology and Center for Immunology, Washington University of School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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16
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Becknell B, Hughes TL, Freud AG, Blaser BW, Yu J, Trotta R, Mao HC, Caligiuri de Jesús ML, Alghothani M, Benson DM, Lehman A, Jarjoura D, Perrotti D, Bates MD, Caligiuri MA. Hlx homeobox transcription factor negatively regulates interferon-gamma production in monokine-activated natural killer cells. Blood 2006; 109:2481-7. [PMID: 17110450 PMCID: PMC1852195 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2006-10-050096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to host immunity, including tumor surveillance, through the production of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). Although there is some knowledge about molecular mechanisms that induce IFN-gamma in NK cells, considerably less is known about the mechanisms that reduce its expression. Here, we investigate the role of the Hlx transcription factor in IFN-gamma production by NK cells. Hlx expression is induced in monokine-activated NK cells, but with delayed kinetics compared to IFN-gamma. Ectopic Hlx expression decreases IFN-gamma synthesis in primary human NK cells and IFN-gamma promoter activity in an NK-like cell line. Hlx protein levels inversely correlate with those of STAT4, a requisite factor for optimal IFN-gamma transcription. Mechanistically, we provide evidence indicating that Hlx overexpression accelerates dephosphorylation and proteasome-dependent degradation of the active Y693-phosphorylated form of STAT4. Thus, Hlx expression in activated NK cells temporally controls and limits the monokine-induced production of IFN-gamma, in part through the targeted depletion of STAT4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Becknell
- Medical Scientist Program, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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17
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Tanaka T, Soriano MA, Grusby MJ. SLIM is a nuclear ubiquitin E3 ligase that negatively regulates STAT signaling. Immunity 2005; 22:729-36. [PMID: 15963787 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2005.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2004] [Revised: 04/14/2005] [Accepted: 04/20/2005] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
STAT proteins are a family of latent cytoplasmic transcription factors that are activated by tyrosine phosphorylation in response to a variety of cytokines, growth factors, and hormones. Once activated, STAT proteins translocate into the nucleus and help coordinate gene transcription. One striking feature of STAT signaling is its rapid and transient activation and deactivation cycle, although the molecular mechanisms responsible for this remain poorly understood. Here, we report on a nuclear protein that contains both PDZ and LIM domains and that interacts with activated STAT4 molecules. We show that SLIM is an ubiquitin E3 ligase that acts on STAT proteins to cause their proteosome-mediated degradation and enhance their dephosphorylation. Overexpression of SLIM leads to impaired STAT1 and STAT4 activity due to reduced STAT protein levels, while SLIM-deficiency results in increased STAT expression and thus enhanced IFNgamma production by Th1 cells. These studies suggest that SLIM is a novel ubiquitin E3 ligase whose targets include STAT proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tanaka
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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18
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Robertson MJ, Chang HC, Pelloso D, Kaplan MH. Impaired interferon-gamma production as a consequence of STAT4 deficiency after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for lymphoma. Blood 2005; 106:963-70. [PMID: 15817683 PMCID: PMC1895167 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-01-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Production of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is critical for optimal antitumor immunotherapy in several preclinical animal models. Interleukin-12 (IL-12)-induced IFN-gamma production is markedly defective after autologous stem cell transplantation. Quantitative deficiency in CD4 T cells, relative increase in CD25+CD4+ T cells, and bias toward T helper 2 (Th2) differentiation are not the primary mechanisms of defective IFN-gamma production. IL-12 receptor beta1 (IL-12Rbeta1) and IL-12Rbeta2 are expressed at equivalent or higher levels on posttransplantation patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as compared with control PBMCs. IL-12-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) was undetectable or barely detectable in posttransplantation patient PBMCs, whereas IL-4-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT6 did not differ in posttransplantation patient and control PBMCs. Levels of STAT4 protein were decreased by 97% in posttransplantation patient PBMCs. Levels of STAT4 mRNA were also significantly decreased in posttransplantation patient PBMCs. Incubation with IL-12 and IL-18 in combination partially reversed the defective IFN-gamma production by posttransplantation patient PBMCs. IFN-gamma production in response to IL-12 plus IL-18 did not require increased expression of STAT4 but was dependent on the activity of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These results indicate that defective IFN-gamma production is due to an intrinsic deficiency in STAT4 expression by posttransplantation patient lymphocytes and suggest strategies for circumventing this deficiency in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Robertson
- Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Indiana University Medical Center, 1044 W Walnut St, Rm R4-202, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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19
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Watford WT, Hissong BD, Bream JH, Kanno Y, Muul L, O'Shea JJ. Signaling by IL-12 and IL-23 and the immunoregulatory roles of STAT4. Immunol Rev 2005; 202:139-56. [PMID: 15546391 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2004.00211.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 395] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Produced in response to a variety of pathogenic organisms, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 are key immunoregulatory cytokines that coordinate innate and adaptive immune responses. These dimeric cytokines share a subunit, designated p40, and bind to a common receptor chain, IL-12R beta 1. The receptor for IL-12 is composed of IL-12R beta 1 and IL-12R beta 2, whereas IL-23 binds to a receptor composed of IL-12R beta 1 and IL-23R. Both cytokines activate the Janus kinases Tyk2 and Jak2, the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), as well as other STATs. A major action of IL-12 is to promote the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into T-helper (Th) 1 cells, which produce interferon (IFN)-gamma, and deficiency of IL-12, IL-12R subunits or STAT4 is similar in many respects. In contrast, IL-23 promotes end-stage inflammation. Targeting IL-12, IL-23, and their downstream signaling elements would therefore be logical strategies for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy T Watford
- Molecular Immunology & Inflammation Branch, NIAMS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1820, USA
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20
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Sanchez-Guajardo V, Borghans JAM, Marquez ME, Garcia S, Freitas AA. Different Competitive Capacities of Stat4- and Stat6-Deficient CD4+ T Cells during Lymphophenia-Driven Proliferation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:1178-87. [PMID: 15661871 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.3.1178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The outcome of an immune response relies on the competitive capacities acquired through differentiation of CD4(+) T cells into Th1 or Th2 effector cells. Because Stat4 and Stat6 proteins are implicated in the Th1 vs Th2 generation and maintenance, respectively, we compare in this study the kinetics of Stat4(-/-) and Stat6(-/-) CD4(+) T cells during competitive bone marrow reconstitution and lymphopenia-driven proliferation. After bone marrow transplantation, both populations reconstitute the peripheral T cell pools equally well. After transfer into lymphopenic hosts, wild-type and Stat6(-/-) CD4(+) T cells show a proliferation advantage, which is early associated with the expression of an active phospho-Stat4 and the down-regulation of Stat6. Despite these differences, Stat4- and Stat6-deficient T cells reach similar steady state numbers. However, when both Stat4(-/-) and Stat6(-/-) CD4(+) T cells are coinjected into the same hosts, the Stat6(-/-) cells become dominant and out-compete Stat4(-/-) cells. These findings suggest that cell activation, through the Stat4 pathway and the down-regulation of Stat6, confers to pro-Th1 T cells a slight proliferation advantage that in a competitive situation has major late repercussions, because it modifies the final homeostatic equilibrium of the populations and favors the establishment of Th1 CD4(+) T cell dominance.
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21
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Ansari AA, Mayne AE, Onlamoon N, Pattanapanyasat K, Mori K, Villinger F. Use of recombinant cytokines for optimized induction of antiviral immunity against SIV in the nonhuman primate model of human AIDS. Immunol Res 2004; 29:1-18. [PMID: 15181266 PMCID: PMC7090896 DOI: 10.1385/ir:29:1-3:001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Outbreaks of infectious diseases such as HIV and the much televised and attention-getting outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola, Hantaviruses, and the most recent outbreak of SARS have induced a significant new interest in the formulations and more importantly the science of vaccinology, which has previously to a large extent been conducted empirically. Our laboratory has focused on the use of recombinant nonhuman primate cytokines as adjunctive therapies for inducing antigen-specific immune responses in monkeys because most recombinant human cytokines appear to be immunogenic. This article provides a summary of our work with such cytokines, which includes attempts to define optimum dosing schedules that lead to optimal primary and lasting memory antigen-specific immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aftab A Ansari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 1639 Pierce Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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22
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Athie-Morales V, Smits HH, Cantrell DA, Hilkens CMU. Sustained IL-12 signaling is required for Th1 development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 172:61-9. [PMID: 14688310 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.172.1.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
STAT4 is an essential transcription factor for Th1 cell development. IL-12 and IFN-alpha both activate STAT4, but with different kinetics. In this study we compared their capacities to drive differentiation of human naive Th cells toward the Th1 phenotype. The Th1-polarizing activity of IFN-alpha was much weaker than that of IL-12, correlating with a marked difference in the kinetics of STAT4 activation; the response to IL-12 was sustained (>48 h), whereas the response to IFN-alpha was transient (4 h). The continuous presence of IL-12 was required for sustained STAT4 activation. Similarly, optimal Th1 polarization was only achieved upon prolonged exposure to IL-12 and could not be induced by a transient IL-12 pulse. Furthermore, the cytokine IL-2 potentiated sustained IL-12/STAT4 responses through up-regulation of IL-12R expression and synergized with IL-12 in driving Th1 cell development. Transient IFN-alpha responses, on the other hand, were not prolonged by IL-2. IFN-alpha treatment induced down-regulation of IFN-alphabeta receptor subunit 1, rendering cells refractory to IFN-alpha, but did not trans-inhibit the IL-12/STAT4 response. These data indicate that sustained IL-12 signaling is essential for optimal Th1 cell development and that transient activation of STAT4 in response to IFN-alpha may explain the poor Th1-polarizing capacity of this cytokine. Collectively these data show that the duration of cytokine signaling is important for determining the biological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Athie-Morales
- Lymphocyte Activation Laboratory and Biochemical Regulatory Mechanisms Laboratory, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, Lincoln's Inn Fields Laboratories, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Rook AH, Kuzel TM, Olsen EA. Cytokine therapy of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: interferons, interleukin-12, and interleukin-2. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2003; 17:1435-48, ix. [PMID: 14710894 DOI: 10.1016/s0889-8588(03)00109-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It is well accepted that cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), including mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, represent lymphomas that are highly responsive to immune modifying agents. Furthermore, the recent emphasis on the use of cytokine-related therapeutics is based upon the exceedingly important role of the host immune response in effecting progression of disease. In this article we discuss the data that support the importance of the host immune response in the control of progression of CTCL and the role that cytokine therapy has in supporting the host immune response and the effects of this approach to induce regression of skin and systemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain H Rook
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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24
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Jones ML, Young JM, Huang QR, Puls RL, Webber CA, Benson EM. Interleukin 12-augmented T cell proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-seropositive individuals is associated with interleukin 12 receptor beta 2 upregulation. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2003; 19:283-92. [PMID: 12804004 DOI: 10.1089/088922203764969483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) production is believed to be impaired in individuals with HIV infection and this impairment manifests early in disease, when the CD4(+) cell counts are within normal values. The reduced antigen-specific and mitogen-stimulated T cell-proliferative responses that occur in HIV infection can be corrected by the addition of recombinant human interleukin 12 (rhIL-12). As the IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) is central to the IL-12 signaling pathway, we examined whether the augmentation of antigen-specific proliferation of HIV(+) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) related to altered IL-12R expression. rhIL-12 augmented antigen-specific proliferation of HIV(+) PBMCs but not of HIV(-) PBMCs. Examination of resting PBMCs from HIV(+) and HIV(-) donors showed that neither of these populations expressed IL-12R beta 1 or IL-12R beta 2 chains on their cell surface as detected by flow cytometry. However, examination of mRNA showed that both IL-12R beta 1 and IL-12R beta 2 mRNAs were markedly reduced in HIV(+) PBMCs when compared with HIV(-) PBMCs. After mitogen activation there was an increase in IL-12R beta 1 expression on the cell surface of HIV(+) and HIV(-) PBMCs and this level was not altered by coculture with rhIL-12 or interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). However, coculture of phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-activated HIV(+) or HIV(-) PBMCs with rhIL-12 (but not IFN-gamma) increased IL-12R beta 2 expression on the cell surface of both populations. Examination at the message level showed a correction of IL-12R beta 1 to normal levels with activation that was further enhanced by rhIL-12 coculture for both the HIV(+) and HIV(-) PBMCs. However, although the level of IL-12R beta 2 for the HIV(+) PBMCs was normalized by PHA, rhIL-12 caused a further augmentation. This information provides a strong link between IL-12R upregulation, and the significant improvement in antigen-specific HIV-proliferative responses seen with the addition of rhIL-12. It also reveals that the dysfunction in IL-12R expression seen in cells from HIV(+) patients occurs at the transcriptional level. In addition, we provide further evidence that IL-12R beta 1 and IL-12R beta 2 regulation in human PBMCs is independent of IFN-gamma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Jones
- Department of Immunopathology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, NSW 2145, Australia
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25
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Wu J. On the role of proteasomes in cell biology and proteasome inhibition as a novel frontier in the development of immunosuppressants. Am J Transplant 2002; 2:904-12. [PMID: 12482142 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-6143.2002.21006.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The proteasome, a large protease complex in cells, is the major machinery for protein degradation. It was previously considered a humble garbage collector, performing housekeeping duties to remove misfolded or spent proteins. Until recently, the interests of immunologists in proteasomes were focused largely on its role in antigen processing. Its real importance in cell biology has only been revealed contemporarily due to the availability of relatively specific inhibitors. It has now become increasingly clear that many aspects of immune responses highly depend on proper proteasome activity. Recently, a proteasome inhibitor has been successfully used to prevent acute as well as ongoing heart allograft rejection in mice. Such inhibitors are also efficacious in treating several autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis, psoriasis, and probably type I diabetes, in animal models. Phase II and III clinical trials of proteasome inhibitors in treating various tumors have shown promising results, and the side-effects of these drugs are tolerable. Therefore, proteasome inhibition represents a new and promising frontier in immunosuppressant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangping Wu
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunology, Nephrology Service of the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
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26
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Wurster AL, Rodgers VL, Satoskar AR, Whitters MJ, Young DA, Collins M, Grusby MJ. Interleukin 21 is a T helper (Th) cell 2 cytokine that specifically inhibits the differentiation of naive Th cells into interferon gamma-producing Th1 cells. J Exp Med 2002; 196:969-77. [PMID: 12370258 PMCID: PMC2194031 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20020620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytokine potential of developing T helper (Th) cells is directly shaped both positively and negatively by the cytokines expressed by the effector Th cell subsets. Here we find that the recently identified cytokine, interleukin (IL)-21, is preferentially expressed by Th2 cells when compared with Th1 cells generated in vitro and in vivo. Exposure of naive Th precursors to IL-21 inhibits interferon (IFN)-gamma production from developing Th1 cells. The repression of IFN-gamma production is specific in that the expression of other Th1 and Th2 cytokines is unaffected. IL-21 decreases the IL-12 responsiveness of developing Th cells by specifically reducing both signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 protein and mRNA expression. These results suggest that Th2 cell-derived IL-21 regulates the development of IFN-gamma-producing Th1 cells which could serve to amplify a Th2 response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Wurster
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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27
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Zaki MH, Wysocka M, Everetts SE, Wang KS, French LE, Ritz J, Rook AH. Synergistic enhancement of cell-mediated immunity by interleukin-12 plus interleukin-2: basis for therapy of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. J Invest Dermatol 2002; 118:366-71. [PMID: 11841558 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2002.01646.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma is a clonally derived, skin-invasive malignancy of CD4+ T lymphocytes with the phenotype of mature helper T cells. Previous work has demonstrated that the Sézary form, or typically leukemic form of cutaneous T cell lymphoma, is characterized by prominent immunologic defects, including depressed cell-mediated immunity associated with marked defects in the production of interleukin-12 and other type 1 helper T cell cytokines. Recent clinical trials with recombinant human interleukin-12 for cutaneous T cell lymphoma have demonstrated that it is a potent therapeutic agent, which induces cytotoxic T cell responses. Nevertheless, a high rate of refractoriness to recombinant human interleukin-12 occurred in these studies that may be related to the downmodulation of interleukin-12 receptor expression by chronic interleukin-12 use. In an effort to enhance the overall response rate and to overcome the refractoriness to recombinant human interleukin-12 therapy, we studied the immunologic effects in vitro of adding interleukin-2 to interleukin-12 as a model to achieve these goals. We examined the stimulation of interferon-gamma production, natural killer cell activity and interleukin-12 receptor expression by T cells of cutaneous T cell lymphoma patients. The addition of interleukin-12 to cutaneous T cell lymphoma patient peripheral blood cells resulted in the production of interferon-gamma (mean = 7914 pg per ml +/- 2161, n = 15) as did interleukin-2 alone (mean = 7222 pg per ml +/- 2228, n = 15). Importantly, the addition of interleukin-2 to the interleukin-12 synergistically enhanced the levels of interferon-gamma produced (mean = 16 792 pg per ml +/- 2492 n = 15) (p <0.01). Similarly, addition of interleukin-2 to interleukin-12 synergistically enhanced both the natural killer cell activity of 15 cutaneous T cell lymphoma patients as well as T cell surface interleukin-12 receptor expression in comparison with the effects of interleukin-12 or interleukin-2 alone. Thus, interleukin-2 plus interleukin-12 unequivocally produces the synergistic enhancement of multiple parameters of cell-mediated immunity as well as upmodulating interleukin-12 receptor expression; this indicates that protocols combining these two potent immune enhancing cytokines may have added therapeutic benefit for cutaneous T cell lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed H Zaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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28
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Ansari AA, Mayne AE, Sundstrom JB, Bostik P, Grimm B, Altman JD, Villinger F. Administration of recombinant rhesus interleukin-12 during acute simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection leads to decreased viral loads associated with prolonged survival in SIVmac251-infected rhesus macaques. J Virol 2002; 76:1731-43. [PMID: 11799168 PMCID: PMC135900 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.76.4.1731-1743.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of recombinant rhesus interleukin-12 (rMamu-IL-12) administration during acute simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac251 infection to influence the quality of the antiviral immune responses was assessed in rhesus macaques. Group I (n = 4) was the virus-only control group. Group II and III received a conditioning regimen of rMamu-IL-12 (10 and 20 microg/kg, respectively, subcutaneously [s.c.]) on days -2 and 0. Thereafter, group II received 2 microg of IL-12 per kg and group III received 10 microg/kg s.c. twice a week for 8 weeks. On day 0 all animals were infected with SIVmac251 intravenously. While all four group I animals and three of four group II animals died by 8 and 10 months post infection (p.i.), all four group III animals remained alive for >20 months p.i. The higher IL-12 dose led to lower plasma viral loads and markedly lower peripheral blood mononuclear cell and lymph node proviral DNA loads. During the acute viremia phase, the high-IL-12-dose monkeys showed an increase in CD3(-) CD8 alpha/alpha(+) and CD3(+) CD8 alpha/alpha(+) cells and, unlike the control and low-IL-12-dose animals, did not demonstrate an increase in CD4(+) CD45RA(+) CD62L(+) naive cells. The high-IL-12-dose animals also demonstrated that both CD8 alpha/alpha(+) and CD8 alpha/beta(+) cells produced antiviral factors early p.i., whereas only CD8 alpha/beta(+) cells retained this function late p.i. Long-term survival correlated with sustained high levels of SIV gag/pol and SIV env cytotoxic T lymphocytes and retention of high memory responses against nominal antigens. This is the first study to demonstrate the capacity of IL-12 to significantly protect macaques from SIV-induced disease, and it provides a useful model to more precisely identify correlates of virus-specific disease-protective responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Ansari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
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