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Kurtz SL, Rydén P, Elkins KL. Transcriptional signatures measured in whole blood correlate with protection against tuberculosis in inbred and outbred mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289358. [PMID: 37535648 PMCID: PMC10399789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although BCG has been used for almost 100 years to immunize against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB remains a global public health threat. Numerous clinical trials are underway studying novel vaccine candidates and strategies to improve or replace BCG, but vaccine development still lacks a well-defined set of immune correlates to predict vaccine-induced protection against tuberculosis. This study aimed to address this gap by examining transcriptional responses to BCG vaccination in C57BL/6 inbred mice, coupled with protection studies using Diversity Outbred mice. We evaluated relative gene expression in blood obtained from vaccinated mice, because blood is easily accessible, and data can be translated to human studies. We first determined that the average peak time after vaccination is 14 days for gene expression of a small subset of immune-related genes in inbred mice. We then performed global transcriptomic analyses using whole blood samples obtained two weeks after mice were vaccinated with BCG. Using comparative bioinformatic analyses and qRT-PCR validation, we developed a working correlate panel of 18 genes that were highly correlated with administration of BCG but not heat-killed BCG. We then tested this gene panel using BCG-vaccinated Diversity Outbred mice and revealed associations between the expression of a subset of genes and disease outcomes after aerosol challenge with M. tuberculosis. These data therefore demonstrate that blood-based transcriptional immune correlates measured within a few weeks after vaccination can be derived to predict protection against M. tuberculosis, even in outbred populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry L Kurtz
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Patrik Rydén
- Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Karen L Elkins
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
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2
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Ke L, Mao W, Shao F, Zhou J, Xu M, Chen T, Liu Y, Tong Z, Windsor J, Ma P, Li W. Association between pretreatment lymphocyte count and efficacy of immune-enhancing therapy in acute necrotising pancreatitis: a post-hoc analysis of the multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled TRACE trial. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 58:101915. [PMID: 37007743 PMCID: PMC10050769 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune-enhancing thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) therapy may reduce infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in acute necrotising pancreatitis (ANP). However, the efficacy might be impacted by lymphocyte count due to the pharmacological action of Tα1. In this post-hoc analysis, we tested the hypothesis that pre-treatment absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) determines whether patients with ANP benefit from Tα1 therapy. Methods A post-hoc analysis of data from a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial testing the efficacy of Tα1 therapy in patients with predicted severe ANP was performed. Patients from 16 hospitals of China were randomised to receive a subcutaneous injection of Tα1 1.6 mg every 12 h for the frst 7 days and 1.6 mg once a day for the following 7 days or a matching placebo during the same period. Patients who discontinued the Tα1 regimen prematurely were excluded. Three subgroup analyses were conducted using the baseline ALC (at randomisation), and the group allocation was maintained as intention-to-treat. The primary outcome was the incidence of IPN 90 days after randomisation. The fitted logistic regression model was applied to identify the range of baseline ALC where Tα1 therapy could exert a maximum effect. The original trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02473406. Findings Between March 18, 2017, and December 10, 2020, a total of 508 patients were randomised in the original trial, and 502 were involved in this analysis, with 248 in the Tα1 group and 254 in the placebo group. Across the three subgroups, there was a uniform trend toward more significant treatment effects in patients with higher baseline ALC. Within the subgroup of patients with baseline ALC≥0.8 × 10ˆ9/L (n = 290), the Tα1 therapy significantly reduced the risk of IPN (covariate adjusted risk difference, -0.12; 95% CI, -0.21,-0.02; p = 0.015). Patients with baseline ALC between 0.79 and 2.00 × 10ˆ9/L benefited most from the Tα1 therapy in reducing IPN (n = 263). Interpretation This post-hoc analysis found that the efficacy of immune-enhancing Tα1 therapy on the incidence of IPN may be associated with pretreatment lymphocyte count in patients with acute necrotising pancreatitis. Funding National Natural Science Foundation of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ke
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210010, Jiangsu, China
- National Institute of Healthcare Data Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210010, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjian Mao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210010, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang Shao
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210010, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minyi Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Yuxiu Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210010, Jiangsu, China
- National Institute of Healthcare Data Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210010, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhihui Tong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210010, Jiangsu, China
- National Institute of Healthcare Data Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210010, Jiangsu, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, No. 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210002, China.
| | - John Windsor
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Penglin Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Guiqian International General Hospital, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Critical Care Medicine, Guiqian International General Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550004, China.
| | - Weiqin Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210010, Jiangsu, China
- National Institute of Healthcare Data Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210010, Jiangsu, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, No. 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210002, China.
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Bulnes-Ramos Á, Pozo-Balado MM, Olivas-Martínez I, Garrido-Rodríguez V, Bernal-Blanco G, Suárez-Benjumea A, Álvarez-Ríos AI, Lozano C, González-Corvillo C, Suñer-Poblet M, González-Roncero FM, Sánchez B, Maldonado-Calzado I, Lara-Ruiz JM, Gonzalez-Escribano MF, Pacheco YM. Factors associated with the humoral response after three doses of COVID-19 vaccination in kidney transplant recipients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1099079. [PMID: 36875099 PMCID: PMC9977967 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1099079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Kidney transplant recipients showed a weak humoral response to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine despite receiving three cumulative doses of the vaccine. New approaches are still needed to raise protective immunity conferred by the vaccine administration within this group of high-risk patients. Methods To analyze the humoral response and identify any predictive factors within these patients, we designed a prospective monocentric longitudinal study of Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) who received three doses of mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. Specific antibody levels were measured by chemiluminescence. Parameters related to clinical status such as kidney function, immunosuppressive therapy, inflammatory status and thymic function were analyzed as potential predictors of the humoral response. Results Seventy-four KTR and sixteen healthy controls were included. One month after the administration of the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, 64.8% of KTR showed a positive humoral response. As predictive factors of seroconversion and specific antibody titer, we found that immunosuppressive therapy, worse kidney function, higher inflammatory status and age were related to a lower response in KTR while immune cell counts, thymosin-a1 plasma concentration and thymic output were related to a higher humoral response. Furthermore, baseline thymosin-a1 concentration was independently associated with the seroconversion after three vaccine doses. Discussion In addition to the immunosuppression therapy, condition of kidney function and age before vaccination, specific immune factors could also be relevant in light of optimization of the COVID-19 vaccination protocol in KTR. Therefore, thymosin-a1, an immunomodulatory hormone, deserves further research as a potential adjuvant for the next vaccine boosters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Bulnes-Ramos
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María Mar Pozo-Balado
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Israel Olivas-Martínez
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Vanesa Garrido-Rodríguez
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Carmen Lozano
- Microbiology Service, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Marta Suñer-Poblet
- Nephrology Service, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Berta Sánchez
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Isabel Maldonado-Calzado
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - José Manuel Lara-Ruiz
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María Francisca Gonzalez-Escribano
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Yolanda María Pacheco
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Dominari A, III DH, Pandav K, Matos W, Biswas S, Reddy G, Thevuthasan S, Khan MA, Mathew A, Makkar SS, Zaidi M, Fahem MMM, Beas R, Castaneda V, Paul T, Halpern J, Baralt D. Thymosin alpha 1: A comprehensive review of the literature. World J Virol 2020; 9:67-78. [PMID: 33362999 PMCID: PMC7747025 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v9.i5.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 is a peptide naturally occurring in the thymus that has long been recognized for modifying, enhancing, and restoring immune function. Thymosin alpha 1 has been utilized in the treatment of immunocompromised states and malignancies, as an enhancer of vaccine response, and as a means of curbing morbidity and mortality in sepsis and numerous infections. Studies have postulated that thymosin alpha 1 could help improve the outcome in severely ill corona virus disease 2019 patients by repairing damage caused by overactivation of lymphocytic immunity and how thymosin alpha 1 could prevent the excessive activation of T cells. In this review, we discuss key literature on the background knowledge and current clinical uses of thymosin alpha 1. Considering the known biochemical properties including antibacterial and antiviral properties, time-honored applications, and the new promising findings regarding the use of thymosin, we believe that thymosin alpha 1 deserves further investigation into its antiviral properties and possible repurposing as a treatment against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asimina Dominari
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Donald Hathaway III
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Krunal Pandav
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Wanessa Matos
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sharmi Biswas
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Gowry Reddy
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sindhu Thevuthasan
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Muhammad Adnan Khan
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Anoopa Mathew
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sarabjot Singh Makkar
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Madiha Zaidi
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | | | - Renato Beas
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Valeria Castaneda
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Trissa Paul
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - John Halpern
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Diana Baralt
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
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5
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Matteucci C, Argaw-Denboba A, Balestrieri E, Giovinazzo A, Miele M, D'Agostini C, Pica F, Grelli S, Paci M, Mastino A, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Garaci E, Tomino C. Deciphering cellular biological processes to clinical application: a new perspective for Tα1 treatment targeting multiple diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:23-31. [PMID: 30063863 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1474198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is a well-recognized immune response modulator in a wide range of disorders, particularly infections and cancer. The bioinformatic analysis of public databases allows drug repositioning, predicting a new potential area of clinical intervention. We aimed to decipher the cellular network induced by Tα1 treatment to confirm present use and identify new potential clinical applications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used the transcriptional profile of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated in vitro with Tα1 to perform the enrichment network analysis by the Metascape online tools and the disease enrichment analysis by the DAVID online tool. RESULTS Networked cellular responses reflected Tα1 regulated biological processes including immune and metabolic responses, response to compounds and oxidative stress, ion homeostasis, peroxisome biogenesis and drug metabolic process. Beyond cancer and infections, the analysis evidenced the association with disorders such as kidney chronic failure, diabetes, cardiovascular, chronic respiratory, neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the known ability to promote immune response pathways, the network enrichment analysis demonstrated that Tα1 regulates cellular metabolic processes and oxidative stress response. Notable, the analysis highlighted the association with several diseases, suggesting new translational implication of Tα1 treatment in pathological conditions unexpected until now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Alessandro Giovinazzo
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Martino Miele
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Cartesio D'Agostini
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Francesca Pica
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Maurizio Paci
- b Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Antonio Mastino
- c Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences , University of Messina , Messina , Italy.,d National Research Council , Institute of Translational Pharmacology , Rome , Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy.,d National Research Council , Institute of Translational Pharmacology , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Carlo Tomino
- e Università San Raffaele Pisana , Roma , Italy.,f IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana , Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care , Roma , Italy
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Sun S, Ji H, Feng Y, Kang Y, Yu J, Liu A. A novel mechanism of tumor-induced thymic atrophy in mice bearing H22 hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:417-424. [PMID: 29551914 PMCID: PMC5842769 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s157512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thymic atrophy was discovered in tumor-bearing mice in recent years. Methods Flow cytometry was carried out including Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, PI staining, Terminal dUTP nick-end labeling, CD3-FITC/CD19-PE and CD8-FITC/CD4-PE double staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction were also investigated. Results According to our experiments, we demonstrated that no signs of apoptosis in thymocytes were found in H22-bearing mice, while the proportions of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in thymuses were remarkably increased, the opposite tendency was found in peripheral bloods, and only CD3+CD8+ T cells were discovered in H22 solid tumors. We further discovered that the level of thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) and the expression of Wnt4 in thymus of H22-bearing mice were significantly improved than control, which indicated the active proliferation and differentiation of thymocytes. Our study revealed that CD8+ T cells could not effectively eliminate H22 cells independently when CD4+ T cells were suppressed by tumors, while the body would only enhance the differentiation and maturation of T cells in thymuses and release them to solid tumor to reinforce antitumor immunocompetence, leading to a vicious cycle which finally led to thymic atrophy. Conclusion Our data propose a novel mechanism of tumor-induced thymic atrophy regulated by abnormal immunoreaction and may provide new ideas for the immunotherapy of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Haiyu Ji
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingying Feng
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Kang
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Juan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Anjun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
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7
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Matteucci C, Grelli S, Balestrieri E, Minutolo A, Argaw-Denboba A, Macchi B, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Perno CF, Mastino A, Garaci E. Thymosin alpha 1 and HIV-1: recent advances and future perspectives. Future Microbiol 2017; 12:141-155. [PMID: 28106477 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of the consistent benefits for HIV-1 infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, a complete immune reconstitution is usually not achieved. Actually, antiretroviral therapy may be frequently accompanied by immunological unresponsiveness, persistent inflammatory conditions and inefficient cytotoxic T-cell response. Thymosin alpha 1 is a thymic peptide that demonstrates a peculiar ability to restore immune system homeostasis in different physiological and pathological conditions (i.e., infections, cancer, immunodeficiency, vaccination and aging) acting as multitasking protein depending on the host state of inflammation or immune dysfunction. This review reports the present knowledge on the in vitro and in vivo studies concerning the use of thymosin alpha 1 in HIV-1 infection. Recent findings and future perspectives of therapeutic intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Beatrice Macchi
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Antonio Mastino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, Rome 00133, Italy.,Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical & Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization & Health Care, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, Roma 00166, Italy
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8
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Obukhova LA, Vais VB, Bakeeva LE, Sergeeva SV, Kolosova NG. Structural and functional basis of accelerated involution of the thymus in OXYS rats. ADVANCES IN GERONTOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079057014010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Shao C, Tian G, Huang Y, Liang W, Zheng H, Wei J, Wei C, Yang C, Wang H, Zeng W. Thymosin alpha-1-transformed Bifidobacterium promotes T cell proliferation and maturation in mice by oral administration. Int Immunopharmacol 2013; 15:646-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2012.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 12/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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10
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Psychoneuroendocrine interventions aimed at attenuating immunosenescence: a review. Biogerontology 2013; 14:9-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-012-9412-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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11
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Benaki D, Zikos C, Karachaliou CE, Tsitsilonis O, Leondiadis L, Kalbacher H, Voelter W, Papadopoulos M, Pirmettis I, Pelecanou M, Livaniou E. Complexes of an Alpha Thymosin Derivative with185/187Re and99mTc: Structural Analysis and Initial Biological Evaluation. Chem Biol Drug Des 2012; 80:545-53. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2012.01425.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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12
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Ioannou K, Samara P, Livaniou E, Derhovanessian E, Tsitsilonis OE. Prothymosin alpha: a ubiquitous polypeptide with potential use in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:599-614. [PMID: 22366887 PMCID: PMC11029552 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a central lymphoid organ with crucial role in generating T cells and maintaining homeostasis of the immune system. More than 30 peptides, initially referred to as "thymic hormones," are produced by this gland. Although the majority of them have not been proven to be thymus-specific, thymic peptides comprise an effective group of regulators, mediating important immune functions. Thymosin fraction five (TFV) was the first thymic extract shown to stimulate lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation. Subsequent fractionation of TFV led to the isolation and characterization of a series of immunoactive peptides/polypeptides, members of the thymosin family. Extensive research on prothymosin α (proTα) and thymosin α1 (Tα1) showed that they are of clinical significance and potential medical use. They may serve as molecular markers for cancer prognosis and/or as therapeutic agents for treating immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases and malignancies. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying their effect are yet not fully elucidated, proTα and Tα1 could be considered as candidates for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we will focus in principle on the eventual clinical utility of proTα, both as a tumor biomarker and in triggering anticancer immune responses. Considering the experience acquired via the use of Tα1 to treat cancer patients, we will also discuss potential approaches for the future introduction of proTα into the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Ioannou
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Samara
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Livaniou
- Immunopeptide Chemistry Lab, Institute of Radioisotopes and Radiodiagnostic Products, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Patriarchou Gregoriou and Neapoleos, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Evelyna Derhovanessian
- Tübingen Ageing and Tumour Immunology Group, Center for Medical Research, University of Tübingen Medical School, Waldhörnlestr. 22, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ourania E. Tsitsilonis
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens, Greece
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Li J, Liu CH, Wang FS. Thymosin alpha 1: biological activities, applications and genetic engineering production. Peptides 2010; 31:2151-8. [PMID: 20699109 PMCID: PMC7115394 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Revised: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1), a 28-amino acid peptide, was first described and characterized from calf thymuses in 1977. This peptide can enhance T-cell, dendritic cell (DC) and antibody responses, modulate cytokines and chemokines production and block steroid-induced apoptosis of thymocytes. Due to its pleiotropic biological activities, Tα1 has gained increasing interest in recent years and has been used for the treatment of various diseases in clinic. Accordingly, there is an increasing need for the production of this peptide. So far, Tα1 used in clinic is synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis. Here, we summarize the genetic engineering methods to produce Tα1 using prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression systems. The effectiveness of these biological products in increasing the secretion of cytokines and in promoting lymphocyte proliferation were investigated in vitro studies. This opens the possibility for biotechnological production of Tα1 for the research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Chun Hui Liu
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Feng Shan Wang
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Corresponding author at: Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China. Tel.: +86 531 88382589; fax: +86 531 88382548.
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Matteucci C, Minutolo A, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Palamara AT, Rasi G, Mastino A, Garaci E. Transcription profile of human lymphocytes following in vitro treatment with thymosin alpha-1. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1194:6-19. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05484.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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15
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Naylor PH, Hadden JW. Preclinical studies with IRX-2 and thymosin α1 in combination therapy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1194:162-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05475.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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Obukhova LA, Skulachev VP, Kolosova NG. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 inhibits age-dependent involution of the thymus in normal and senescence-prone rats. Aging (Albany NY) 2009; 1:389-401. [PMID: 20195490 PMCID: PMC2830050 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
One
of the most striking changes during mammal aging is a progressive
involution of the thymus, associated with an increase in susceptibility to
infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer. In order to delay age-related
processes, we have developed mitochondria-targeted antioxidant
plastoquinonyl decyltriphenyl phosphonium (SkQ1). Here we report that, at
low doses, SkQ1 (250 nmol/kg per day) inhibited age-dependent
involution of the thymus in normal (Wistar) and senescence-prone (OXYS)
rats. SkQ1 preserved total weight and volume of the organ, the volume of
thymic cortex and medulla, the thymic cellularity, and the number of CD3+,
CD4+, and CD8+ cells in the thymus. Moreover, SkQ1 was especially effective
in senescence-prone rats. Thus SkQ1 slows down age-linked
decline of the immune system, explaining prevention by this compound of
infection-caused death in rodents, previously described in our group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia A Obukhova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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