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Xie J, Gu A, He H, Zhao Q, Yu Y, Chen J, Cheng Z, Zhou P, Zhou Q, Jin M. Autoimmune thyroid disease disrupts immune homeostasis in the endometrium of unexplained infertility women-a single-cell RNA transcriptome study during the implantation window. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1185147. [PMID: 37501789 PMCID: PMC10368980 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1185147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is known to be associated with unexplained infertility in women. Although the presence of antithyroid antibodies have been speculated to be a marker of an immune imbalance that might lead to implantation failure, its underlying mechanism influencing the endometrial receptivity remains to be elucidated. In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to dissect immune microenvironment in endometrium of AITD patients during window of implantation (WOI). Methods We collected CD45+ immune cell populations of endometrium samples of unexplained infertile women with AITD (n=3), as well as samples of AITD- controls (n=3). The cells were then processed with 10X Genomics Chromium for further analysis. Results We characterized 28 distinct immune cell subtypes totally, and uncovered differences in the composition and gene expression patterns between AITD patients and controls. The proportions of T CD4+, cNK, ILC3, T CD8+ GZMK+, T CD8+ Cytotoxic and ILC3 CD3E - cells were increased, and CD366+ uNK1 was decreased in AITD+ patients. And the abnormal expression of GNLY and chemokines was observed in AITD patients. In addition, uNK and T CD8+ Cytotoxic cells showed lower cytotoxicity but activation of immune response. Genes enriched in cell adhesion of ILC3 and Tregs were downregulated, while the number of ILC3 and Tregs were increased. Conclusion Immune imbalance exists in endometrium during WOI, which may impact embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilai Xie
- Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aiyuan Gu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huangyi He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaohang Zhao
- Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya Yu
- Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhangliang Cheng
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neuroscience and Developmental Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Min Jin
- Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Milovanović J, Todorović-Raković N, Vujasinović T, Greenman J, Mandušić V, Radulovic M. Can granulysin provide prognostic value in primary breast cancer? Pathol Res Pract 2022; 237:154039. [PMID: 35905663 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Granulysin (GNLY) is a cytolytic and proinflammatory molecule which also acts as an immune alarmin. The multifunctional nature of this molecule has made it challenging to define its full potential as a biomarker in breast cancer. AIM To evaluate the prognostic value of intratumoral GNLY in primary breast cancer patients and its association with established clinicopathological parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 69 node-negative breast cancer patients with known clinicopathological parameters, all of whom had not received any prior hormonal or chemotherapeutic systemic therapy that would interfere with the course of disease. The median follow-up period was 144 months. Steroid hormone receptor status was determined by ligand-binding assay and HER2 status by chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH). Intratumoral GNLY mRNA levels were determined by RT-qPCR. Prognostic performance was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Classification of patients into GNLYlow and GNLYhigh subgroups was performed by the use of the outcome-oriented cut-off point categorisation approach. RESULTS There was a significant difference between GNLY values of patients without any recurrences and those with local or distant recurrences (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.05 and p = 0.02, respectively). None of the tested parameters showed prognostic significance for local and distant recurrences when combined. When distant metastases and local recurrences were separated as events, the best prognostic performance was observed for GNLY as compared with any clinicopathological parameter (AUC=0.24 and p = 0.04 for local events; AUC=0.71 and p = 0.03 for distant events). Local recurrence incidence was 0% for the GNLYhigh subgroup and 19% for the GNLYlow subgroup; however distant recurrence incidence was 24% for the GNLYhigh subgroup but only 3% for the GNLYlow subgroup (Kaplan-Meier analysis). A significant positive correlation was found between intratumoral ER and GNLY levels, and a significant negative correlation between tumour grade and GNLY levels. CONCLUSION High levels of granulysin prognosticate low risk of local recurrence but a high risk of distant metastasis in primary, untreated, breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Milovanović
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Nataša Todorović-Raković
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana Vujasinović
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - John Greenman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Vesna Mandušić
- Department for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinča - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Radulovic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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Ichikawa T, Negishi Y, Kasano S, Yokote R, Yonezawa M, Ouchi N, Kuwabara Y, Suzuki S, Takeshita T. Upregulated serum granulysin levels in women with antiphospholipid antibody‐associated recurrent miscarriage are downregulated by heparin treatment. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12460. [PMID: 35444491 PMCID: PMC9013493 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Granulysin is a cytotoxic protein that simultaneously activates innate and cellular immunity. The authors aimed to evaluate whether granulysin is associated with the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and whether heparin changes the granulysin levels. Methods A cohort study was performed with women with antiphospholipid antibody‐positive recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The authors examined granulysin levels under RPL and evaluated the changes in serum granulysin levels before and 1 week after the commencement of heparin treatment. Results Serum granulysin levels before heparin treatment were significantly higher in women who tested positive for one or more types of antiphospholipid antibodies (2.75 ± 1.03 vs. 2.44 ± 0.69, p = 0.0341 by Welch's t test), particularly anti‐phosphatidylethanolamine antibodies (IgG: 2.98 ± 1.09 vs. 2.51 ± 0.86, p = 0.0013; IgM: 2.85 ± 1.09 vs. 2.47 ± 0.77, p = 0.0024 by Welch's t test). After heparin treatment for 1 week, serum granulysin levels were significantly reduced (p = 0.0017 by the paired t test). The miscarriage rate was significantly higher in women whose serum granulysin levels were not reduced by heparin treatment (p = 0.0086 by Fisher's exact probability test). Conclusion The results suggest that heparin may reduce the incidence of miscarriage by suppressing serum granulysin levels. We examined granulysin levels under recurrent pregnancy loss and evaluated the changes in serum granulysin with heparin treatment. The miscarriage rate was significantly higher in women whose serum granulysin levels were not reduced by heparin treatment. The results suggest that heparin may reduce the incidence of miscarriage by suppressing serum granulysin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Ichikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nippon Medical School Tokyo Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Negishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nippon Medical School Tokyo Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Nippon Medical School Tokyo Japan
| | - Sayuri Kasano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nippon Medical School Tokyo Japan
| | - Ryoko Yokote
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nippon Medical School Tokyo Japan
| | - Mirei Yonezawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nippon Medical School Tokyo Japan
| | - Nozomi Ouchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nippon Medical School Tokyo Japan
| | | | - Shunji Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nippon Medical School Tokyo Japan
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Krabbendam L, Heesters BA, Kradolfer CMA, Haverkate NJE, Becker MAJ, Buskens CJ, Bemelman WA, Bernink JH, Spits H. CD127+ CD94+ innate lymphoid cells expressing granulysin and perforin are expanded in patients with Crohn's disease. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5841. [PMID: 34615883 PMCID: PMC8494908 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26187-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic definition of helper ILC1 and NK cells is problematic due to overlapping markers. Recently we showed the identification of cytotoxic ILC3s characterized by expression of CD94. Here we analyse CD127+ ILCs and NK cells in intestinal lamina propria from healthy donors and Crohn's disease patients and identify two populations of CD127+CD94+ ILCs, designated population A and B, that can be distinguished on the expression of CD117, CD18 and cytotoxic molecules. Population B expresses granulysin, a cytotoxic molecule linked to bacterial lysis and/or chemotaxis of monocytes. Granulysin protein is secreted by population B cells upon stimulation with IL-15. Activation of population B in the presence of TGF-β strongly reduces the expression of cytotoxic effector molecules of population B. Strikingly, samples from individuals that suffer from active Crohn's disease display enhanced frequencies of granulysin-expressing effector CD127+CD94+ ILCs in comparison to controls. Thus this study identifies group 1 ILC populations which accumulate in inflamed intestinal tissue of Crohn's disease patients and may play a role in the pathology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Krabbendam
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute (AI&II), Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - B A Heesters
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute (AI&II), Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - C M A Kradolfer
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute (AI&II), Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N J E Haverkate
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute (AI&II), Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M A J Becker
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research and Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C J Buskens
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute (AI&II), Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism (AG&M), Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W A Bemelman
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute (AI&II), Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism (AG&M), Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J H Bernink
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute (AI&II), Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, 3584, CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - H Spits
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute (AI&II), Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Sparrow EL, Fowler DW, Fenn J, Caron J, Copier J, Dalgleish AG, Bodman-Smith MD. The cytotoxic molecule granulysin is capable of inducing either chemotaxis or fugetaxis in dendritic cells depending on maturation: a role for Vδ2 + γδ T cells in the modulation of immune response to tumour? Immunology 2020; 161:245-258. [PMID: 32794189 PMCID: PMC7576882 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Release of granulysin by γδ T cells contributes to tumour cell killing. A cytolytic 9000 MW isoform of granulysin kills tumour cells directly, whereas a 15 000 MW precursor has been hypothesized to cause both the maturation and migration of dendritic cell (DC) populations. Recruiting DC to a tumour is beneficial as these cells initiate adaptive immune responses, which contribute to the eradication of malignancies. In this study, Vδ2+ γδ T cells were activated by stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with zoledronic acid or Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), or were isolated and cultured with tumour targets. Although a large proportion of resting Vδ2+ γδ T cells expressed 15 000 MW granulysin, 9000 MW granulysin expression was induced only after stimulation with BCG. Increased levels of activation and granulysin secretion were also observed when Vδ2+ γδ T cells were cultured with the human B-cell lymphoma line Daudi. High concentrations of recombinant 15 000 MW granulysin caused migration and maturation of immature DC, and also initiated fugetaxis in mature DC. Conversely, low concentrations of recombinant 15 000 MW granulysin resulted in migration of mature DC, but not immature DC. Our data therefore support the hypothesis that Vδ2+ γδ T cells can release granulysin, which may modulate recruitment of DC, initiating adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Sparrow
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London SW17 0RE, London, UK.,Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre of Cancer Immunotherapy, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Daniel W Fowler
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London SW17 0RE, London, UK
| | - Joe Fenn
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London SW17 0RE, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Caron
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London SW17 0RE, London, UK
| | - John Copier
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London SW17 0RE, London, UK
| | - Angus G Dalgleish
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London SW17 0RE, London, UK
| | - Mark D Bodman-Smith
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London SW17 0RE, London, UK
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6
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Sparrow E, Bodman-Smith M. Granulysin: The attractive side of a natural born killer. Immunol Lett 2020; 217:126-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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7
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Okada M, Kita Y, Nakajima T, Hashimoto S, Nakatani H, Nishimatsu S, Nishida Y, Kanamaru N, Kaneda Y, Takamori Y, McMurray D, Tan EV, Cang ML, Saunderson P, Dela Cruz EC. The study of novel DNA vaccines against tuberculosis: induction of pathogen-specific CTL in the mouse and monkey models of tuberculosis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2012; 9:515-25. [PMID: 23249543 DOI: 10.4161/hv.23229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RESULTS HSP65 + IL-12 DNA vaccine showed higher protective efficacy compared with BCG in both mouse and monkey models of TB. It induced the TB-specific CTL in the mouse model of TB, while little level of activity was observed after the injection of BCG. It also showed strong therapeutic efficacy against MDR-TB. In the monkey model, the vaccine augmented the production of IFN-γ and IL-2 from PBL and the therapeutic effect was correlated with the level of IL-2. We next evaluated the potential of DNA vaccine encoding a granulysin, which is an important defensive molecule expressed by human T cells. We found that granulysin-encoding vaccine induced the differentiation of the CTL in vitro and in vivo. It also showed therapeutic efficacy against TB in the monkey as well as the mouse model. The DNA vaccine encoding a Ksp37 also induced the TB-specific CTL in vitro and in vivo in the mouse model. It augmented the production of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-6 from T cells and spleen cells. A synergistic effect on the activation of the TB-specific CTL was observed by the combination of Ksp37 DNA vaccine with granulysin DNA vaccine. PURPOSE AND METHODS Emergence of the multi-drug resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is a big problem in the world. We have developed novel TB vaccines [DNA vaccines encoding HSP65 + IL-12, granulysin or killer-specific secretory protein of 37kDa (Ksp37)] using Hemagglutinating virus of Japan -envelope (HVJ-E). It is suggested that the activity of the TB-specific CTL is one of the most important factor for the resistance to TB and immunity for TB in chronic human TB disease. Therefore, we examined the level of activation of the TB-specific CTL after the administration of these vaccines. CONCLUSION These data indicate that our novel vaccines (HSP65 + IL-12 DNA, granulysin and Ksp37) have a capability to activate the TB-specific CTL and will be very strong protective and therapeutic vaccines against TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaji Okada
- Clinical Research Center; National Hospital Organization Kinki-chuo Chest Medical Center; Kitaku, Sakai Japan
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Stroncek DF, Marincola FM. Dendritic cells: an immunotherapy coming of age. Immunotherapy 2012; 4:973-4. [PMID: 23148746 PMCID: PMC3501988 DOI: 10.2217/imt.12.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David F Stroncek
- Cell Processing Section, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Clayberger C, Finn MW, Wang T, Saini R, Wilson C, Barr VA, Sabatino M, Castiello L, Stroncek D, Krensky AM. 15 kDa granulysin causes differentiation of monocytes to dendritic cells but lacks cytotoxic activity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:6119-26. [PMID: 22586033 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1200570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Granulysin is expressed as two isoforms by human cytotoxic cells: a single mRNA gives rise to 15 kDa granulysin, a portion of which is cleaved to a 9 kDa protein. Studies with recombinant 9 kDa granulysin have demonstrated its cytolytic and proinflammatory properties, but much less is known about the biologic function of the 15 kDa isoform. In this study, we show that the subcellular localization and functions of 9 and 15 kDa granulysin are largely distinct. Nine kilodalton granulysin is confined to cytolytic granules that are directionally released following target cell recognition. In contrast, 15 kDa granulysin is located in distinct granules that lack perforin and granzyme B and that are released by activated cytolytic cells. Although recombinant 9 kDa granulysin is cytolytic against a variety of tumors and microbes, recombinant 15 kDa granulysin is not. The 15 kDa isoform is a potent inducer of monocytic differentiation to dendritic cells, but the 9 kDa isoform is not. In vivo, mice expressing granulysin show markedly improved antitumor responses, with increased numbers of activated dendritic cells and cytokine-producing T cells. Thus, the distinct functions of granulysin isoforms have major implications for diagnosis and potential new therapies for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Clayberger
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Cell death mechanisms at the maternal-fetal interface: insights into the role of granulysin. Clin Dev Immunol 2011; 2012:180272. [PMID: 21912564 PMCID: PMC3170798 DOI: 10.1155/2012/180272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
During mammal pregnancy, a sensitive balance between hormones, cytokines, humoral factors, and local cellular interactions must be established. Cytotoxic cells infiltrating the decidua are heavily equipped with cytolytic molecules, in particular perforin and granulysin. Granulysin is especially abundant in NK cells which are able to spontaneously secrete high quantities of granulysin. Besides being a potent bactericidal and tumoricidal molecule, granulysin is also found to be a chemoattractant and a proinflammatory molecule. The precise role(s) of granulysin at the maternal-fetal interface has not been elucidated yet. It is possible that it behaves as a double-edged sword simultaneously acting as an immunomodulatory and a host defense molecule protecting both the mother and the fetus from a wide spectrum of pathogens, and on the other hand, in case of an NK cell activation, acting as an effector molecule causing the apoptosis of semiallograft trophoblast cells and consequently leading to various pregnancy disorders or pregnancy loss.
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