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Lakshmikanth T, Consiglio C, Sardh F, Forlin R, Wang J, Tan Z, Barcenilla H, Rodriguez L, Sugrue J, Noori P, Ivanchenko M, Piñero Páez L, Gonzalez L, Habimana Mugabo C, Johnsson A, Ryberg H, Hallgren Å, Pou C, Chen Y, Mikeš J, James A, Dahlqvist P, Wahlberg J, Hagelin A, Holmberg M, Degerblad M, Isaksson M, Duffy D, Kämpe O, Landegren N, Brodin P. Immune system adaptation during gender-affirming testosterone treatment. Nature 2024; 633:155-164. [PMID: 39232147 PMCID: PMC11374716 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07789-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Infectious, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions present differently in males and females. SARS-CoV-2 infection in naive males is associated with increased risk of death, whereas females are at increased risk of long COVID1, similar to observations in other infections2. Females respond more strongly to vaccines, and adverse reactions are more frequent3, like most autoimmune diseases4. Immunological sex differences stem from genetic, hormonal and behavioural factors5 but their relative importance is only partially understood6-8. In individuals assigned female sex at birth and undergoing gender-affirming testosterone therapy (trans men), hormone concentrations change markedly but the immunological consequences are poorly understood. Here we performed longitudinal systems-level analyses in 23 trans men and found that testosterone modulates a cross-regulated axis between type-I interferon and tumour necrosis factor. This is mediated by functional attenuation of type-I interferon responses in both plasmacytoid dendritic cells and monocytes. Conversely, testosterone potentiates monocyte responses leading to increased tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-6 and interleukin-15 production and downstream activation of nuclear factor kappa B-regulated genes and potentiation of interferon-γ responses, primarily in natural killer cells. These findings in trans men are corroborated by sex-divergent responses in public datasets and illustrate the dynamic regulation of human immunity by sex hormones, with implications for the health of individuals undergoing hormone therapy and our understanding of sex-divergent immune responses in cisgender individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila Consiglio
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fabian Sardh
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rikard Forlin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ziyang Tan
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Hugo Barcenilla
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Lucie Rodriguez
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jamie Sugrue
- Translational Immunology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Peri Noori
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Margarita Ivanchenko
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Laura Piñero Páez
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Laura Gonzalez
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Anette Johnsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ryberg
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Åsa Hallgren
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Christian Pou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jaromír Mikeš
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anna James
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Per Dahlqvist
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Anders Hagelin
- ANOVA, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Holmberg
- ANOVA, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Degerblad
- ANOVA, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Magnus Isaksson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Darragh Duffy
- Translational Immunology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Olle Kämpe
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nils Landegren
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Petter Brodin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, UK.
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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2
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Li D, Yao H, Cao X, Han X, Song T, Zeng X. Testosterone regulates thymic remodeling by activating glucocorticoid receptor signaling pathway to accelerate thymocyte apoptosis in male rats. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104288. [PMID: 38924811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Thymic atrophy affects T cell generation and migration to the periphery, thereby affecting T cell pool diversity. However, the mechanisms underlying thymic atrophy have not been fully elucidated. Here, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunization and surgical castration did not affect thymocyte proliferation, but significantly reduced the apoptosis and increased the survival rate of CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD8-, and CD4-CD8+ thymocytes. Following testosterone supplementation in rats subjected to GnRH immunization and surgical castration, thymocyte proliferation remained unchange, but the apoptosis of CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD8-, and CD4-CD8+ thymocytes significantly increased. Transcriptome analyses of the thymus after GnRH immunization and surgical castration showed a significant reduction in the thymus's response to corticosterone. Cholesterol metabolism and the synthesis and secretion of corticosterone were significantly reduced. Analysis of the enzyme levels involved in the corticosterone synthesis pathway revealed that corticosterone synthesis in thymocytes was significantly reduced after GnRH immunization and surgical castration, whereas exogenous testosterone supplementation relieved this process. Testosterone promoted thymocyte apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, and induced corticosterone secretion in vitro. Blocking the intracellular androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway did not significantly affect thymocyte apoptosis, but blocking the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling pathway significantly reduced it. Our findings indicate that testosterone regulates thymus remodeling by affecting corticosterone synthesis in thymocytes, which activates GR signal transduction and promotes thymocyte apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Huan Yao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Xingfa Han
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Tianzeng Song
- Institute of animal science, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, Xizang 850009, PR China.
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China.
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3
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Dolfi B, Gallerand A, Caillot Z, Castiglione A, Zair FN, Leporati L, Giacchero M, Goës E, Strazzulla A, Dombrowicz D, Guinamard RR, Bertola A, Ivanov S. Sex-specific impact of psychosocial stress on hematopoiesis and blood leukocytes. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2350851. [PMID: 38803021 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Stress exposure has been shown to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Indeed, stress favors myelopoiesis and monocyte generation and contributes to cardiovascular disease development. As sex hormones regulate innate and adaptive immune responses, we decided to investigate whether stress exposure leads to a different immune response in female and male mice. Our data demonstrated that psychosocial stressinduced neutrophilia in male, but not female mice. Importantly, we identified that B-cell numbers were reduced in female, but not male mice upon exposure to stress. Thus, our study revealed that the stress-induced immune alterations are sex-dependent, and this is an important feature to consider for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eloïse Goës
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, LP2M, Nice, France
| | | | - David Dombrowicz
- Univ. Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
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4
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De Velasco MA, Kura Y, Fujita K, Uemura H. Moving toward improved immune checkpoint immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer. Int J Urol 2024; 31:307-324. [PMID: 38167824 DOI: 10.1111/iju.15378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Human prostate cancer is a heterogenous malignancy that responds poorly to immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that is typical of human prostate cancer has been the main obstacle to these treatments. The effectiveness of these therapies is also hindered by acquired resistance, leading to slow progress in prostate cancer immunotherapy. Results from the highly anticipated late-stage clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade in patients with advanced prostate cancer have highlighted some of the obstacles to immunotherapy. Despite the setbacks, there is much that has been learned about the mechanisms that drive resistance, and new strategies are being developed and tested. Here, we review the status of immune checkpoint blockade and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and discuss factors contributing to innate and adaptive resistance to immune checkpoint blockade within the context of prostate cancer. We then examine current strategies aiming to overcome these challenges as well as prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A De Velasco
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Yurie Kura
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Fujita
- Department of Urology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Uemura
- Department of Urology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
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5
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Dinges SS, Amini K, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Primary and secondary defects of the thymus. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:178-211. [PMID: 38228406 PMCID: PMC10950553 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Dinges
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kayla Amini
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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6
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Dunn SE, Perry WA, Klein SL. Mechanisms and consequences of sex differences in immune responses. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:37-55. [PMID: 37993681 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00787-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Biological sex differences refer to differences between males and females caused by the sex chromosome complement (that is, XY or XX), reproductive tissues (that is, the presence of testes or ovaries), and concentrations of sex steroids (that is, testosterone or oestrogens and progesterone). Although these sex differences are binary for most human individuals and mice, transgender individuals receiving hormone therapy, individuals with genetic syndromes (for example, Klinefelter and Turner syndromes) and people with disorders of sexual development reflect the diversity in sex-based biology. The broad distribution of sex steroid hormone receptors across diverse cell types and the differential expression of X-linked and autosomal genes means that sex is a biological variable that can affect the function of all physiological systems, including the immune system. Sex differences in immune cell function and immune responses to foreign and self antigens affect the development and outcome of diverse diseases and immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Dunn
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Whitney A Perry
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabra L Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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7
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Fujimori S, Ohigashi I. The role of thymic epithelium in thymus development and age-related thymic involution. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2024; 71:29-39. [PMID: 38735722 DOI: 10.2152/jmi.71.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The establishment of an adaptive immune system is critical for protecting our bodies from neoplastic cancers and invading pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. As a primary lymphoid organ, the thymus generates lymphoid T cells that play a major role in the adaptive immune system. T cell generation in the thymus is controlled by interactions between thymocytes and other thymic cells, primarily thymic epithelial cells. Thus, the normal development and function of thymic epithelial cells are important for the generation of immunocompetent and self-tolerant T cells. On the other hand, the degeneration of the thymic epithelium due to thymic aging causes thymic involution, which is associated with the decline of adaptive immune function. Herein we summarize basic and current knowledge of the development and function of thymic epithelial cells and the mechanism of thymic involution. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 29-39, February, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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8
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Nuermaimaiti A, Chang L, Yan Y, Sun H, Xiao Y, Song S, Feng K, Lu Z, Ji H, Wang L. The role of sex hormones and receptors in HBV infection and development of HBV-related HCC. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29298. [PMID: 38087447 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Gender disparity in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related diseases has been extensively documented. Epidemiological studies consistently reported that males have a higher prevalence of HBV infection and incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further investigations have revealed that sex hormone-related signal transductions play a significant role in gender disparity. Sex hormone axes showed significantly different responses to virus entry and replication. The sex hormones axes change the HBV-specific immune responses and antitumor immunity. Additionally, Sex hormone axes showed different effects on the development of HBV-related disease. But the role of sex hormones remains controversial, and researchers have not reached a consensus on the role of sex hormones and the use of hormone therapies in HCC treatment. In this review, we aim to summarize the experimental findings on sex hormones and provide a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the development of HCC and their implications for hormone-related HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abudulimutailipu Nuermaimaiti
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Le Chang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huizhen Sun
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yingzi Xiao
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Song
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kaihao Feng
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoqun Lu
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Ji
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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9
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Li YR, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Thymus aging and immune reconstitution, progresses and challenges. Semin Immunol 2023; 70:101837. [PMID: 37659170 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Thymus is a primary lymphoid organ essential for the development of T lymphocytes. Age-related thymic involution is a prominent feature of immune senescence. The thymus undergoes rapid growth during fetal and neonatal development, peaks in size before puberty and then begins to undergo a decrease in cellularity with age. Dramatic changes occur with age-associated thymic involution. The most prominent features of thymic involution include: (i) epithelial structure disruption, (ii) adipogenesis, and (iii) thymocyte development arrest. There is a sex disparity in thymus aging. It is a multifactorial process controlled and regulated by a series of molecules, including the transcription factor FOXN1, fibroblast and keratinocyte growth factors (FGF and KGF, respectively), sex steroids, Notch signaling, WNT signaling, and microRNAs. Nevertheless, there is still no satisfactory evolutionary or physiological explanation for age-associated thymic involution, and understanding the precise mechanism(s) for thymus aging remains challenging. Sustained thymic regeneration has yet to be achieved by sex steroid ablation. Recent preclinical studies indicate that long-term thymic reconstitution can be achieved via adoptive transfer of in vitro-generated progenitor T (proT) cells, and improvements in the methods for the generation of human proT cells make this an attractive approach. Future clinical applications may rely on new applications integrating proT cells, cytokine support and sex-steroid inhibition treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ru Li
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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10
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Lagou MK, Karagiannis GS. Obesity-induced thymic involution and cancer risk. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 93:3-19. [PMID: 37088128 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Declining thymic functions associated either with old age (i.e., age-related thymic involution), or with acute involution as a result of stress, infectious disease, or cytoreductive therapies (e.g., chemotherapy/radiotherapy), have been associated with cancer development. A key mechanism underlying such increased cancer risk is the thymus-dependent debilitation of adaptive immunity, which is responsible for orchestrating immunoediting mechanisms and tumor immune surveillance. In the past few years, a blooming set of evidence has intriguingly linked obesity with cancer development and progression. The majority of such studies has focused on obesity-driven chronic inflammation, steroid/sex hormone and adipokine production, and hyperinsulinemia, as principal factors affecting the tumor microenvironment and driving the development of primary malignancy. However, experimental observations about the negative impact of obesity on T cell development and maturation have existed for more than half a century. Here, we critically discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms of obesity-driven thymic involution as a previously underrepresented intermediary pathology leading to cancer development and progression. This knowledge could be especially relevant in the context of childhood obesity, because impaired thymic function in young individuals leads to immune system abnormalities, and predisposes to various pediatric cancers. A thorough understanding behind the molecular and cellular circuitries governing obesity-induced thymic involution could therefore help towards the rationalized development of targeted thymic regeneration strategies for obese individuals at high risk of cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Lagou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis Program, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - George S Karagiannis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis Program, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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11
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Nguyen T, Sridaran D, Chouhan S, Weimholt C, Wilson A, Luo J, Li T, Koomen J, Fang B, Putluri N, Sreekumar A, Feng FY, Mahajan K, Mahajan NP. Histone H2A Lys130 acetylation epigenetically regulates androgen production in prostate cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3357. [PMID: 37296155 PMCID: PMC10256812 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38887-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The testicular androgen biosynthesis is well understood, however, how cancer cells gauge dwindling androgen to dexterously initiate its de novo synthesis remained elusive. We uncover dual-phosphorylated form of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBF1), pY673/951-SREBF1 that acts as an androgen sensor, and dissociates from androgen receptor (AR) in androgen deficient environment, followed by nuclear translocation. SREBF1 recruits KAT2A/GCN5 to deposit epigenetic marks, histone H2A Lys130-acetylation (H2A-K130ac) in SREBF1, reigniting de novo lipogenesis & steroidogenesis. Androgen prevents SREBF1 nuclear translocation, promoting T cell exhaustion. Nuclear SREBF1 and H2A-K130ac levels are significantly increased and directly correlated with late-stage prostate cancer, reversal of which sensitizes castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) to androgen synthesis inhibitor, Abiraterone. Further, we identify a distinct CRPC lipid signature resembling lipid profile of prostate cancer in African American (AA) men. Overall, pY-SREBF1/H2A-K130ac signaling explains cancer sex bias and reveal synchronous inhibition of KAT2A and Tyr-kinases as an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Urology, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dhivya Sridaran
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Urology, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Surbhi Chouhan
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Urology, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Cody Weimholt
- Siteman Cancer Center, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Audrey Wilson
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Urology, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jingqin Luo
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Tiandao Li
- Bioinformatics Research Core, Center of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University at St. Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - John Koomen
- Molecular Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Bin Fang
- Molecular Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Nagireddy Putluri
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Arun Sreekumar
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Felix Y Feng
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Kiran Mahajan
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Urology, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Nupam P Mahajan
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Urology, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Siteman Cancer Center, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, 660 Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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12
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Moulana M. Androgen-Induced Cardiovascular Risk in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Role of T Lymphocytes. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13041010. [PMID: 37109539 PMCID: PMC10145997 DOI: 10.3390/life13041010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An estimated 15-20% of reproductive-age women are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is associated with substantial metabolic and cardiovascular long-term consequences. In young women with PCOS, several cardiovascular risk factors may be found, including chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, and elevated leukocytes. These women are at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), not only during the reproductive years, but also with aging and menopause; therefore, the early prevention and treatment of future cardiovascular adverse effects are necessary. The fundamental characteristic of PCOS is hyperandrogenemia, which is associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and T lymphocytes. Whether these factors play a role in the pathophysiology of hypertension, a risk factor of CVD, due to PCOS is not well established. This review will briefly discuss how a modest increase in androgens in females is linked to the development of hypertension through pro-inflammatory cytokines and T lymphocyte subsets and the promotion of renal injury. Moreover, it reveals a few existing research gaps in this area, including the lack of specific therapy directed at androgen-induced inflammation and immune activation, thus emphasizing the necessity to explore the systemic inflammation in women with PCOS to halt the inevitable inflammatory process targeting the underlying abnormalities of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohadetheh Moulana
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Women's Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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13
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Radi ZA, Khan N. Pathophysiology and human cancer risk assessment of pharmaceutical-induced thymoma in carcinogenicity studies. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 466:116471. [PMID: 36934859 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Thymoma, a tumor of thymic lymphocytes or thymic epithelial cells (TECs), is a common spontaneous tumor in Wistar Han rats, especially in females with up to 18% incidence in controls. In addition to sex, there are rat strain differences in background incidence of thymomas such as Sprague Dawley versus Wistar Han rats. Human thymomas are very rare and without clear differences in incidence between males and females. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drug classes, including Janus kinase inhibitors, increase the incidence of benign thymoma in two-year rat carcinogenicity studies. Potential non-genotoxic mechanisms that might contribute to the pathogenesis of thymoma development in one sex (female) Wistar Han rats include: (1) hormonal differences, (2) high proliferation rate of TECs, (3) delayed physiologic thymic involution, and/or (4) significant level of immunosuppression at high doses of a pharmaceutical drug. Factors to consider in the human cancer risk assessment of pharmaceutical-induced thymoma are: the genotoxicity of the test article, sex and strain of rats, exposure safety margins, and pathophysiologic differences and similarities of thymoma between rats and humans. Totality of weight of evidence approach and available data suggest thymomas observed in carcinogenicity studies of pharmaceutical drugs are not relevant for human risk at clinically relevant therapeutic doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaher A Radi
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Drug Safety R&D, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA.
| | - Nasir Khan
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Drug Safety R&D, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
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14
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Polesso F, Caruso B, Hammond SA, Moran AE. Restored Thymic Output after Androgen Blockade Participates in Antitumor Immunity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 210:496-503. [PMID: 36548468 PMCID: PMC9898132 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is a hormone-sensitive organ, which involutes with age in response to production of sex steroids. Thymic involution leads to a decrease in the generation of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs), resulting in a reduced response to immune challenges such as cancer. Interestingly, the standard of care for prostate cancer patients is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which leads to thymic regeneration and an increase in thymic output. It remains unknown whether these newly produced T cells can contribute to the antitumor immune response. This study defines the kinetics of thymic regeneration in response to ADT in mice, determining that thymic epithelial cell proliferation is critical for the increase in RTE output. Using a mouse model to track RTE in vivo, we demonstrate that these newly generated RTEs can traffic to tumors, where they become activated and produce effector cytokines at levels similar to more mature T cells. Collectively, these data suggest that RTEs produced from ADT-induced thymic regeneration could be harnessed for the antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Polesso
- Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Breanna Caruso
- Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Scott A Hammond
- Discovery Biosciences, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD; and
| | - Amy E Moran
- Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
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15
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Li T, Ren X, Li T, Yu L, Teng M, Zheng Y, Lei A. Low-Dose Sodium Salicylate Promotes Ovulation by Regulating Steroids via CYP17A1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032579. [PMID: 36768902 PMCID: PMC9916436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
To meet the current demand of assisted reproduction and animal breeding via superovulation and reduce the impact of hormone drugs, it is necessary to develop new superovulation drugs. This study examined the role of inflammation and steroids in ovulation. Sodium salicylate can regulate inflammation and steroids. However, the effect of sodium salicylate on ovulation has not been studied. In this study, mice were intraperitoneally injected with different concentrations of sodium salicylate for four consecutive days. The effects of sodium salicylate on oocyte quality and on the number of ovulations were examined, and these effects were compared with those of pregnant horse serum gonadotropin (PMSG)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment. We found that low-dose sodium salicylate increased the levels of ovulation hormones and inflammation by promoting the expression of CYP17A1. Sodium salicylate had the same effect as the commonly used superovulation drug PMSG/FSH and reduced the histone methylation level. Sodium salicylate can promote ovulation in mice and Awang sheep. It can greatly decrease the use of hormone drugs, reduce breeding costs and physical impacts, and can thus be used for livestock breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Xuehua Ren
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Tianjiao Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Lian Yu
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Mingming Teng
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Anmin Lei
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
- Correspondence:
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16
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Murgia F, Giagnoni F, Lorefice L, Caria P, Dettori T, D’Alterio MN, Angioni S, Hendren AJ, Caboni P, Pibiri M, Monni G, Cocco E, Atzori L. Sex Hormones as Key Modulators of the Immune Response in Multiple Sclerosis: A Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123107. [PMID: 36551863 PMCID: PMC9775368 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A variety of autoimmune diseases, including MS, amplify sex-based physiological differences in immunological responsiveness. Female MS patients experience pathophysiological changes during reproductive phases (pregnancy and menopause). Sex hormones can act on immune cells, potentially enabling them to modify MS risk, activity, and progression, and to play a role in treatment. METHODS Scientific papers (published between 1998 and 2021) were selected through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science literature repositories. The search was limited to publications analyzing the hormonal profile of male and female MS patients during different life phases, in particular focusing on sex hormone treatment. RESULTS Both men and women with MS have lower testosterone levels compared to healthy controls. The levels of estrogens and progesterone increase during pregnancy and then rapidly decrease after delivery, possibly mediating an immune-stabilizing process. The literature examined herein evidences the neuroprotective effect of testosterone and estrogens in MS, supporting further examinations of their potential therapeutic uses. CONCLUSIONS A correlation has been identified between sex hormones and MS clinical activity. The combination of disease-modifying therapies with estrogen or estrogen plus a progestin receptor modulator promoting myelin repair might represent an important strategy for MS treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Murgia
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Florianna Giagnoni
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Regional Center, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardinia, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Biology, and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tinuccia Dettori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Biology, and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maurizio N. D’Alterio
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Angioni
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aran J. Hendren
- Sussex Neuroscience, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Pierluigi Caboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Pibiri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Monni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, Fetal Therapy, Microcitemico Pediatric Hospital “A. Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Regional Center, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardinia, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Atzori
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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17
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Taves MD, Ashwell JD. Effects of sex steroids on thymic epithelium and thymocyte development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:975858. [PMID: 36119041 PMCID: PMC9478935 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.975858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones have major effects on the thymus. Age-related increases in androgens and estrogens and pregnancy-induced increases in progestins all cause dramatic thymic atrophy. Atrophy can also be induced by treatment with exogenous sex steroids and reversed by ablation of endogenous sex steroids. Although these observations are frequently touted as evidence of steroid lymphotoxicity, they are often driven by steroid signaling in thymic epithelial cells (TEC), which are highly steroid responsive. Here, we outline the effects of sex steroids on the thymus and T cell development. We focus on studies that have examined steroid signaling in vivo, aiming to emphasize the actions of endogenous steroids which, via TEC, have remarkable programming effects on the TCR repertoire. Due to the dramatic effects of steroids on TEC, especially thymic involution, the direct effects of sex steroid signaling in thymocytes are less well understood. We outline studies that could be important in addressing these possibilities, and highlight suggestive findings of sex steroid generation within the thymus itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Taves
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan D. Ashwell
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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18
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Ikuta K, Ejima A, Abe S, Shimba A. Control of Immunity and Allergy by Steroid Hormones. Allergol Int 2022; 71:432-436. [PMID: 35973911 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones, especially glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens, have profound influence on immunity. Recent studies using cell-type specific steroid hormone receptor-deficient mice have revealed the precise roles of some of these hormones in the immune system. Glucocorticoids are known to have strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects and pleiotropic effects on innate and adaptive immune responses. They suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages and DCs and the production of IFN-γ by NK cells, thus inhibiting innate immunity. By contrast, glucocorticoids enhance the immune response by inducing the expression of IL-7R and CXCR4 in T cells and the accumulation of T cells in lymphoid organs in accordance with the diurnal change of the glucocorticoid concentration. Thus, glucocorticoids suppress innate immunity but enhance adaptive immunity. Androgens suppress the homeostasis and activation of ILC2s and the differentiation of Th2 and Th17 cells and enhance the suppressive function of Tregs, thereby alleviating allergic airway inflammation. Thus, these steroid hormones have pleiotropic functions in the immune system. Further investigations are awaited on the regulation of immunity and allergy by estrogens using cell-specific steroid hormone receptor-deficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Ikuta
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Aki Ejima
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinya Abe
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akihiro Shimba
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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19
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Dias FCR, Matta SLP, Soares MB, Oliveira EL, Melo FCSA, Parizotto NA, Gomes AO, Gomes MLM. Alterations in the testicular parenchyma of Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- adult mice. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20211123. [PMID: 35703697 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220211123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nude mice carry an autosomal recessive mutation in the Foxn1 gene and therefore are homozygous recessive animals (Foxn1 -/-). The fertility rate of homozygous male (Foxn1-/- ) is low, which seems to be related to the delay in the production of gametes at the beginning of sexual maturity. The present study evaluated the structural and organizational aspects of the testicles of homozygous and heterozygous offspring related to the Foxn1 gene in mice, describing its implications on spermatogenesis. Adult males Balb/c, Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- mice were used. Testes and epididymis were harvested for histological, biochemical, and sperm transit analyses. Gonadal weight was significantly lower in Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- animals, the same behavior was noticed for the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, tubular parameters such as epithelial proportion, length, and area, as well as germ and Leydig cell's populations were significantly reduced in the aforementioned groups, leading to lower sperm production. In conclusion, our results indicate the importance of the Foxn1 in Leydig cell's function, reflecting in the preservation of spermatogenesis, thus in germ cell's population and sperm cell production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C R Dias
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural/ICBN, Praça Manoel Terra, 330, 38022-180 Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Departamento de Veterinária, Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Sérgio L P Matta
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Michelle B Soares
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Campus São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luiz, Km 235, Caixa Postal 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth L Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Fabiana C S A Melo
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Nivaldo A Parizotto
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Campus São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luiz, Km 235, Caixa Postal 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Angelica O Gomes
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural/ICBN, Praça Manoel Terra, 330, 38022-180 Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos L M Gomes
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural/ICBN, Praça Manoel Terra, 330, 38022-180 Uberaba, MG, Brazil
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20
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Gulla S, Reddy MC, Reddy VC, Chitta S, Bhanoori M, Lomada D. Role of thymus in health and disease. Int Rev Immunol 2022; 42:347-363. [PMID: 35593192 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2022.2064461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ, essential for the development of T-cells that will protect from invading pathogens, immune disorders, and cancer. The thymus decreases in size and cellularity with age referred to as thymus involution or atrophy. This involution causes decreased T-cell development and decreased naive T-cell emigration to the periphery, increased proportion of memory T cells, and a restricted, altered T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. The changes in composition and function of the circulating T cell pool as a result of thymic involution led to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases including the recent COVID and a higher risk for autoimmune disorders and cancers. Thymic involution consisting of both structural and functional loss of the thymus has a deleterious effect on T cell development, T cell selection, and tolerance. The mechanisms which act on the structural (cortex and medulla) matrix of the thymus, the gradual accumulation of genetic mutations, and altered gene expressions may lead to immunosenescence as a result of thymus involution. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind thymic involution is critical for identifying diagnostic biomarkers and targets for treatment help to develop strategies to mitigate thymic involution-associated complications. This review is focused on the consequences of thymic involution in infections, immune disorders, and diseases, identifying potential checkpoints and potential approaches to sustain or restore the function of the thymus particularly in elderly and immune-compromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Gulla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Madhava C Reddy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Vajra C Reddy
- Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Chinnakondrupadu, Guntur, India
| | | | - Manjula Bhanoori
- Department of Biochemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Dakshayani Lomada
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
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21
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Lin SF, Lin HC, Lee MY, Keller JJ, Wang LH. Association between GnRH analogue use and atopic diseases in patients with prostate cancer: A population-based retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266771. [PMID: 35404960 PMCID: PMC9000094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues reduce testosterone levels to castration levels in patients with prostate cancer. However, the role of testosterone in atopic diseases has remained undefined. We aimed to investigate this role.
Materials and methods
This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients with prostate cancer were categorized into two groups according to whether they received GnRH analogue treatment (study group I) or not (study group II), and men without prostate cancer and with no GnRH analogue use were defined to comprise the comparison group after their ages and index years were matched with group II. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the hazard ratio (HR) of atopic diseases.
Results
Group I, group II, and the comparison group comprised 663, 2,172, and 8,688 individuals, respectively. Group I had a significantly lower risk of atopic diseases (adjusted HR: 0.66, 95% CI, 0.49–0.89, p < 0.01) than did group II. A reduced risk of atopic diseases was found when GnRH analogues were prescribed for 2 months (adjusted HR 0.53, 95% CI, 0.29–0.97, p = 0.04) and 2–14 months (adjusted HR 0.66, 95% CI, 0.49–0.89, p = 0.007). No significant difference in the risk of atopic diseases between group II and the comparison group was observed.
Conclusions
A decreased risk of atopic diseases was observed in patients with prostate cancer treated with GnRH analogues. Further studies are warranted to verify the association between testosterone levels and atopic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Feng Lin
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chen Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Yu Lee
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Joseph Jordan Keller
- College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Li-Hsuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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22
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Vela-Patiño S, Salazar MI, Remba-Shapiro I, Peña-Martínez E, Silva-Roman G, Andoneui-Elguera S, Ordoñez-Garcia JDJ, Taniguchi-Ponciano K, Bonifaz L, Aguilar-Flores C, Marrero-Rodríguez D, Mercado M. Neuroendocrine-immune Interface: Interactions of Two Complex Systems in Health and Disease. Arch Med Res 2022; 53:240-251. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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23
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Singh A, Singh R, Tripathi MK. Evaluation of the sex steroids mediated modulation of leucocyte immune responses in an ophidian Natrix piscator. Curr Res Physiol 2022; 5:355-360. [PMID: 36185818 PMCID: PMC9519393 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune-suppressive role of sex steroids in mammals is well documented, but information on other vertebrates is limited. The present study was planned to analyze the effect of testosterone and progesterone in the modulation of immune functions of leucocytes in a reptile, Natrix piscator. Reptiles are unique organisms and this study is novel in that it provides an insight into immune-reproductive cross-talk in a reptile. Leucocytes were isolated from peripheral blood, cultured with different concentrations of testosterone and progesterone and different immune parameters like phagocytosis, superoxide production, and nitrite release were assessed. Lymphocytes were isolated and cell-mediated immunity was assessed through proliferation responses utilizing tetrazolium salt. Concentration-dependent suppressive effects of both the steroids on immune responses were observed. A differential suppressive effect of testosterone was also observed when a lymphocyte proliferation assay was studied. Using receptor antagonists such as cyproterone acetate and mifepristone restored the immune responses of cultured cells. It was summarized that gonadal steroids mediate a direct suppressive effect on innate and cell-mediated immune responses of blood immune cells. It was concluded that when gonadal steroids are high in reproductive seasons, the immune functions are suppressed to gain optimum reproductive success. Reptilian immune responses are differentially affected by sex steroids. Testosterone interacts with nuclear receptors and suppress proliferative responses of lymphocytes. Superoxide anion production by blood immune cells are inhibited by gonadal steroids. Use of receptor antagonists resulted in amelioration of immune responses indicating the direct action of steroids.
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Cardinale A, De Luca CD, Locatelli F, Velardi E. Thymic Function and T-Cell Receptor Repertoire Diversity: Implications for Patient Response to Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:752042. [PMID: 34899700 PMCID: PMC8652142 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.752042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity of T cells to recognize and mount an immune response against tumor antigens depends on the large diversity of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire generated in the thymus during the process of T-cell development. However, this process is dramatically impaired by immunological insults, such as that caused by cytoreductive cancer therapies and infections, and by the physiological decline of thymic function with age. Defective thymic function and a skewed TCR repertoire can have significant clinical consequences. The presence of an adequate pool of T cells capable of recognizing specific tumor antigens is a prerequisite for the success of cancer immunotherapy using checkpoint blockade therapy. However, while this approach has improved the chances of survival of patients with different types of cancer, a large proportion of them do not respond. The limited response rate to checkpoint blockade therapy may be linked to a suboptimal TCR repertoire in cancer patients prior to therapy. Here, we focus on the role of the thymus in shaping the T-cell pool in health and disease, discuss how the TCR repertoire influences patients’ response to checkpoint blockade therapy and highlight approaches able to manipulate thymic function to enhance anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Cardinale
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy.,Department of Maternal and Child Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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25
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Lutz CT, Livas L, Presnell SR, Sexton M, Wang P. Gender Differences in Urothelial Bladder Cancer: Effects of Natural Killer Lymphocyte Immunity. J Clin Med 2021; 10:5163. [PMID: 34768683 PMCID: PMC8584838 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Men are more likely to develop cancer than women. In fact, male predominance is one of the most consistent cancer epidemiology findings. Additionally, men have a poorer prognosis and an increased risk of secondary malignancies compared to women. These differences have been investigated in order to better understand cancer and to better treat both men and women. In this review, we discuss factors that may cause this gender difference, focusing on urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) pathogenesis. We consider physiological factors that may cause higher male cancer rates, including differences in X chromosome gene expression. We discuss how androgens may promote bladder cancer development directly by stimulating bladder urothelium and indirectly by suppressing immunity. We are particularly interested in the role of natural killer (NK) cells in anti-cancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles T. Lutz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Lydia Livas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Steven R. Presnell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Morgan Sexton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Peng Wang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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26
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Duah M, Li L, Shen J, Lan Q, Pan B, Xu K. Thymus Degeneration and Regeneration. Front Immunol 2021; 12:706244. [PMID: 34539637 PMCID: PMC8442952 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.706244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system’s ability to resist the invasion of foreign pathogens and the tolerance to self-antigens are primarily centered on the efficient functions of the various subsets of T lymphocytes. As the primary organ of thymopoiesis, the thymus performs a crucial role in generating a self-tolerant but diverse repertoire of T cell receptors and peripheral T cell pool, with the capacity to recognize a wide variety of antigens and for the surveillance of malignancies. However, cells in the thymus are fragile and sensitive to changes in the external environment and acute insults such as infections, chemo- and radiation-therapy, resulting in thymic injury and degeneration. Though the thymus has the capacity to self-regenerate, it is often insufficient to reconstitute an intact thymic function. Thymic dysfunction leads to an increased risk of opportunistic infections, tumor relapse, autoimmunity, and adverse clinical outcome. Thus, exploiting the mechanism of thymic regeneration would provide new therapeutic options for these settings. This review summarizes the thymus’s development, factors causing thymic injury, and the strategies for improving thymus regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Duah
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lingling Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiu Lan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bin Pan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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27
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Munoz-Muriedas J. Large scale meta-analysis of preclinical toxicity data for target characterisation and hypotheses generation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252533. [PMID: 34101743 PMCID: PMC8186779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent technological advances in the field of big data have increased our capabilities to query large databases and combine information from different domains and disciplines. In the area of preclinical studies, initiatives like SEND (Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data) will also contribute to collect and present nonclinical data in a consistent manner and increase analytical possibilities. With facilitated access to preclinical data and improvements in analytical algorithms there will surely be an expectation for organisations to ensure all the historical data available to them is leveraged to build new hypotheses. These kinds of analyses may soon become as important as the animal studies themselves, in addition to being critical components to achieve objectives aligned with 3Rs. This article proposes the application of meta-analyses at large scale in corporate databases as a tool to exploit data from both preclinical studies and in vitro pharmacological activity assays to identify associations between targets and tissues that can be used as seeds for the development of causal hypotheses to characterise of targets. A total of 833 in-house preclinical toxicity studies relating to 416 compounds reported to be active (pXC50 ≥ 5.5) against a panel of 96 selected targets of interest for potential off-target non desired effects were meta-analysed, aggregating the data in tissue-target pairs. The primary outcome was the odds ratio (OR) of the number of animals with observed events (any morphology, any severity) in treated and control groups in the tissue analysed. This led to a total of 2139 meta-analyses producing a total of 364 statistically significant associations (random effects model), 121 after adjusting by multiple comparison bias. The results show the utility of the proposed approach to leverage historical corporate data and may offer a vehicle for researchers to share, aggregate and analyse their preclinical toxicological data in precompetitive environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Munoz-Muriedas
- Computational Toxicology, Data and Computational Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, London, United Kingdom
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28
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Paiola M, Moreira C, Hétru J, Duflot A, Pinto PIS, Scapigliati G, Knigge T, Monsinjon T. Prepubertal gonad investment modulates thymus function: evidence in a teleost fish. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:238091. [PMID: 33789987 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.238576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Thymus plasticity following gonadectomy or sex hormone replacement has long since exemplified sex hormone effects on the immune system in mammals and, to a lesser extent, in 'lower vertebrates', including amphibians and fish. Nevertheless, the underlying physiological significances as well as the ontogenetic establishment of this crosstalk remain largely unknown. Here, we used a teleost fish, the European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, to investigate: (1) whether the regulation of thymus plasticity relies on resource trade-off with somatic growth and reproductive investment and (2) if the gonad-thymus interaction takes place during gonadal differentiation and development. Because gonadal development and, supposedly, thymus function in sea bass depend on environmental changes associated with the winter season, we evaluated thymus changes (foxn1 expression, and thymocyte and T cell content) in juvenile D. labrax raised for 1 year under either constant or fluctuating photoperiod and temperature. Importantly, in both conditions, intensive gonadal development following sex differentiation coincided with a halt of thymus growth, while somatic growth continued. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing that gonadal development during prepuberty regulates thymus plasticity. This finding may provide an explanation for the initiation of the thymus involution related to ageing in mammals. Comparing fixed and variable environmental conditions, our work also demonstrates that the extent of the effects on the thymus, which are related to reproduction, depend on ecophysiological conditions, rather than being directly related to sexual maturity and sex hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Paiola
- Normandy University, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 INERIS-URCA-ULH Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), University of Le Havre Normandy, 76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Catarina Moreira
- Normandy University, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 INERIS-URCA-ULH Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), University of Le Havre Normandy, 76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Julie Hétru
- Normandy University, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 INERIS-URCA-ULH Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), University of Le Havre Normandy, 76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Aurélie Duflot
- Normandy University, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 INERIS-URCA-ULH Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), University of Le Havre Normandy, 76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Patricia I S Pinto
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Giuseppe Scapigliati
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems, Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Thomas Knigge
- Normandy University, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 INERIS-URCA-ULH Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), University of Le Havre Normandy, 76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Tiphaine Monsinjon
- Normandy University, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, UMR-I 02 INERIS-URCA-ULH Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), University of Le Havre Normandy, 76600 Le Havre, France
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Kellogg C, Equils O. The role of the thymus in COVID-19 disease severity: implications for antibody treatment and immunization. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:638-643. [PMID: 33064620 PMCID: PMC7993178 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1818519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a largely neglected organ but plays a significant role in the regulation of adaptive immune responses. The effect of aging on the thymus and immune senescence is well established, and the resulting inflammaging is found to be implicated in the development of many chronic diseases including atherosclerosis, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Both aging and diseases of inflammaging are associated with severe COVID-19 disease, and a dysfunctional thymus may be a predisposing factor. In addition, insults on the thymus during childhood may lead to abnormal thymic function and may explain severe COVID-19 disease among younger individuals; therefore, measurement of thymic function may assist COVID-19 care. Those with poor thymic function may be treated prophylactically with convalescent serum or recombinant antibodies, and they may respond better to high-dose or adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccines. Treatments inducing thymic regeneration may improve patients' overall health and may be incorporated in COVID-19 management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Kellogg
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
- Public Health Education , MiOra Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ozlem Equils
- Public Health Education , MiOra Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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30
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Maitland NJ. Resistance to Antiandrogens in Prostate Cancer: Is It Inevitable, Intrinsic or Induced? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:327. [PMID: 33477370 PMCID: PMC7829888 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasingly sophisticated therapies for chemical castration dominate first-line treatments for locally advanced prostate cancer. However, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) offers little prospect of a cure, as resistant tumors emerge rather rapidly, normally within 30 months. Cells have multiple mechanisms of resistance to even the most sophisticated drug regimes, and both tumor cell heterogeneity in prostate cancer and the multiple salvage pathways result in castration-resistant disease related genetically to the original hormone-naive cancer. The timing and mechanisms of cell death after ADT for prostate cancer are not well understood, and off-target effects after long-term ADT due to functional extra-prostatic expression of the androgen receptor protein are now increasingly being recorded. Our knowledge of how these widely used treatments fail at a biological level in patients is deficient. In this review, I will discuss whether there are pre-existing drug-resistant cells in a tumor mass, or whether resistance is induced/selected by the ADT. Equally, what is the cell of origin of this resistance, and does it differ from the treatment-naïve tumor cells by differentiation or dedifferentiation? Conflicting evidence also emerges from studies in the range of biological systems and species employed to answer this key question. It is only by improving our understanding of this aspect of treatment and not simply devising another new means of androgen inhibition that we can improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman J Maitland
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
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31
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Hu H, Zhou H, Xu D. A review of the effects and molecular mechanisms of dimethylcurcumin (ASC-J9) on androgen receptor-related diseases. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 97:821-835. [PMID: 33277796 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dimethylcurcumin (ASC-J9) is a curcumin analogue capable of inhibiting prostate cancer cell proliferation. The mechanism is associated with the unique role of ASC-J9 in enhancing androgen receptor (AR) degradation. So far, ASC-J9 has been investigated in typical AR-associated diseases such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy, bladder cancer, renal diseases, liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cutaneous wound, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, ovarian cancer and melanoma, exhibiting great potentials in disease control. In this review, the effects and molecular mechanisms of ASC-J9 on various AR-associated diseases are summarized. Importantly, the effects of ASC-J9 and AR antagonists enzalutamide/bicalutamide on prostate cancer are compared in detail and crucial differences are highlighted. At last, the pharmacological effects of ASC-J9 are summarized and the future applications of ASC-J9 in AR-associated disease control are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Hu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-efficiency Refining and High-quality Utilization of Biomass, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, China
| | - Huan Zhou
- Center for Health Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Defeng Xu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-efficiency Refining and High-quality Utilization of Biomass, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, China
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32
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[ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ANDROGEN DEPRIVATION THERAPY ON PATIENTS WITH PROSTATE CANCER AND ITS EFFECT ON OVERALL SURVIVAL]. Nihon Hinyokika Gakkai Zasshi 2021; 112:81-88. [PMID: 35444086 DOI: 10.5980/jpnjurol.112.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
(Background) Patients with prostate cancer, which progresses slowly compared with other cancers, are generally older, and not a few are solely treated with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). The physical effects of ADT on bone health, body composition, and hematological parameters must be carefully considered. (Methods) We collected the clinical records of 185 men with pathologically diagnosed prostate cancer who were treated with ADT at our hospital. The primary aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and severity of adverse effects caused by ADT. The second aim was to analyze the effect of fluctuation in the rate of these adverse effects on overall survival (OS). (Results) The median age of patients was 75 years. After ADT for 1 or 2 years, evaluation of bone mineral density revealed median losses of 3% and 6%, respectively. After ADT for 1 year, body mass index was significantly increased by a median 2.1%, and total cholesterol and hemoglobin levels were significantly increased and decreased, respectively. The local and systemic symptoms of subcutaneous granuloma and hot flashes were experienced by 39% and 21.6% patients, respectively. Mono- and multivariate analysis revealed that significant fluctuation in the rate of adverse events after 1-year ADT did not affect OS. (Conclusion) Prevalence and severity of adverse effects caused by ADT were acceptable and almost all patients could be treated in the outpatient clinic, and significant fluctuation in the rate of adverse effects had no effect on OS.
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Rezzani R, Franco C, Hardeland R, Rodella LF. Thymus-Pineal Gland Axis: Revisiting Its Role in Human Life and Ageing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8806. [PMID: 33233845 PMCID: PMC7699871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
For years the thymus gland (TG) and the pineal gland (PG) have been subject of increasingly in-depth studies, but only recently a link that can associate the activities of the two organs has been identified. Considering, on the one hand, the well-known immune activity of thymus and, on the other, the increasingly emerging immunological roles of circadian oscillators and the rhythmically secreted main pineal product, melatonin, many studies aimed to analyse the possible existence of an interaction between these two systems. Moreover, data confirmed that the immune system is functionally associated with the nervous and endocrine systems determining an integrated dynamic network. In addition, recent researches showed a similar, characteristic involution process both in TG and PG. Since the second half of the 20th century, evidence led to the definition of an effectively interacting thymus-pineal axis (TG-PG axis), but much has to be done. In this sense, the aim of this review is to summarize what is actually known about this topic, focusing on the impact of the TG-PG axis on human life and ageing. We would like to give more emphasis to the implications of this dynamical interaction in a possible therapeutic strategy for human health. Moreover, we focused on all the products of TG and PG in order to collect what is known about the role of peptides other than melatonin. The results available today are often unclear and not linear. These peptides have not been well studied and defined over the years. In this review we hope to awake the interest of the scientific community in them and in their future pharmacological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rezzani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Caterina Franco
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
| | - Rüdiger Hardeland
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Lower Saxony, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Luigi Fabrizio Rodella
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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34
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Lasrado N, Jia T, Massilamany C, Franco R, Illes Z, Reddy J. Mechanisms of sex hormones in autoimmunity: focus on EAE. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:50. [PMID: 32894183 PMCID: PMC7475723 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00325-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-related differences in the occurrence of autoimmune diseases is well documented, with females showing a greater propensity to develop these diseases than their male counterparts. Sex hormones, namely dihydrotestosterone and estrogens, have been shown to ameliorate the severity of inflammatory diseases. Immunologically, the beneficial effects of sex hormones have been ascribed to the suppression of effector lymphocyte responses accompanied by immune deviation from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokine production. In this review, we present our view of the mechanisms of sex hormones that contribute to their ability to suppress autoimmune responses with an emphasis on the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninaad Lasrado
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Ting Jia
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | | | - Rodrigo Franco
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Zsolt Illes
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jay Reddy
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
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35
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Yuan L, Cao J, Wang Z, Zhang L, Wang X, Wu Y, Dong J, Xie H, Lin X. Fetal thymus in the middle and late trimesters: Morphometry and development using post-mortem 3.0T MRI. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:43. [PMID: 32952634 PMCID: PMC7480123 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the anatomical microstructure, features and signals of the fetal thymus by 3.0T FS-T2 weighted turbo spin echo sequences, which could provide imaging evidence for the evaluation of early-stage development of fetal thymus. In addition, the T2-weighted three-dimensional (3D) sequences and the 3D processing may contribute to the establishment of reference ranges for the fetal thymus. A total of 64 specimens obtained from the fetuses of 16-39 weeks of gestational age (GA) were scanned by 3.0T MRI. Morphological changes and quantitative measurements of the fetal thymus were assessed, including the anteroposterior diameter, width, height, surface area and volume. The shape of fetal thymus varied and the majority were X-shaped, with a narrow top and wide bottom. Morphology measurements demonstrated gradual growth with increasing GA. There were high linear correlations between width, height, surface area and volume and GA. No significant differences were observed between the sexes. Post-mortem 3.0T MRI clearly demonstrated changes in external contours and internal structure with GA. The images and data obtained reflect normal development of the fetal thymus and enrich the imaging data of fetal morphometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Yuan
- Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China.,Department of Radiology, Taian Central Hospital, Taian, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Jinfeng Cao
- Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, Shandong 255020, P.R. China
| | - Zhaohua Wang
- Department of Radiology, Taian Central Hospital, Taian, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Litao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Taian Central Hospital, Taian, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Radiology, Taian Central Hospital, Taian, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Jinye Dong
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Huihui Xie
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Xiangtao Lin
- Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
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36
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Kim TJ, Koo KC. Current Status and Future Perspectives of Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5484. [PMID: 32751945 PMCID: PMC7432105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical spectrum of prostate cancer (PCa) varies from castration-naive to metastatic castration-resistant disease. Despite the administration of androgen synthesis inhibitors and chemotherapy regimens for castration-resistant prostate cancer, the treatment options for this entity are limited. The utilization of the immune system against cancer cells shows potential as a therapeutic modality for various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. With technological advances over the last decade, immunotherapy has become an integral treatment modality for advanced solid tumors. The feasibility of immunotherapy has shown promise for patients with PCa, and with advances in molecular diagnostic platforms and our understanding of immune mechanisms, immunotherapy is reemerging as a potential treatment modality for PCa. Various combinations of individualized immunotherapy and immune checkpoint blockers with androgen receptor-targeted therapies and conventional cytotoxic agents show promise. This article will review the current status of immunotherapy, including new discoveries and precision approaches to PCa, and discuss future directions in the continuously evolving landscape of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Jin Kim
- Department of Urology, C.H.A. Bundang Medical Center, University College of Medicine, Seongnam 13496, Korea;
| | - Kyo Chul Koo
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Korea
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37
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Lepletier A, Hun ML, Hammett MV, Wong K, Naeem H, Hedger M, Loveland K, Chidgey AP. Interplay between Follistatin, Activin A, and BMP4 Signaling Regulates Postnatal Thymic Epithelial Progenitor Cell Differentiation during Aging. Cell Rep 2020; 27:3887-3901.e4. [PMID: 31242421 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A key feature of immune functional impairment with age is the progressive involution of thymic tissue responsible for naive T cell production. In this study, we identify two major phases of thymic epithelial cell (TEC) loss during aging: a block in mature TEC differentiation from the pool of immature precursors, occurring at the onset of puberty, followed by impaired bipotent TEC progenitor differentiation and depletion of Sca-1lo cTEC and mTEC lineage-specific precursors. We reveal that an increase in follistatin production by aging TECs contributes to their own demise. TEC loss occurs primarily through the antagonism of activin A signaling, which we show is required for TEC maturation and acts in dissonance to BMP4, which promotes the maintenance of TEC progenitors. These results support a model in which an imbalance of activin A and BMP4 signaling underpins the degeneration of postnatal TEC maintenance during aging, and its reversal enables the transient replenishment of mature TECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Lepletier
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Michael L Hun
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Maree V Hammett
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Kahlia Wong
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Haroon Naeem
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Mark Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Kate Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ann P Chidgey
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia.
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38
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Henze L, Schwinge D, Schramm C. The Effects of Androgens on T Cells: Clues to Female Predominance in Autoimmune Liver Diseases? Front Immunol 2020; 11:1567. [PMID: 32849531 PMCID: PMC7403493 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system responds differently in women and in men. Generally speaking, adult females show stronger innate and adaptive immune responses than males. This results in lower risk of developing most of the infectious diseases and a better ability to clear viral infection in women (1–5). On the other hand, women are at increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases (AID) such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and the autoimmune liver diseases autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) (6). Factors contributing to the female sex bias in autoimmune diseases include environmental exposure, e.g., microbiome, behavior, and genetics including X chromosomal inactivation of genes. Several lines of evidence and clinical observations clearly indicate that sex hormones contribute significantly to disease pathogenesis, and the role of estrogen in autoimmune diseases has been extensively studied. In many of these diseases, including the autoimmune liver diseases, T cells are thought to play an important pathogenetic role. We will use this mini-review to focus on the effects of androgens on T cells and how the two major androgens, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune liver diseases (AILD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Henze
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Schwinge
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schramm
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Ben-Batalla I, Vargas-Delgado ME, von Amsberg G, Janning M, Loges S. Influence of Androgens on Immunity to Self and Foreign: Effects on Immunity and Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1184. [PMID: 32714315 PMCID: PMC7346249 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well-known that sex hormones can directly and indirectly influence immune cell function. Different studies support a suppressive role of androgens on different components of the immune system by decreasing antibody production, T cell proliferation, NK cytotoxicity, and stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Androgen receptors have also been detected in many different cells of hematopoietic origin leading to direct effects of their ligands on the development and function of the immune system. The immunosuppressive properties of androgens could contribute to gender dimorphisms in autoimmune and infectious disease and thereby also hamper immune surveillance of tumors. Consistently, females generally are more prone to autoimmunity, while relatively less susceptible to infections, and have lower incidence and mortality of the majority of cancers compared to males. Some studies show that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can induce expansion of naïve T cells and increase T-cell responses. Emerging clinical data also reveal that ADT might enhance the efficacy of various immunotherapies including immune checkpoint blockade. In this review, we will discuss the potential role of androgens and their receptors in the immune responses in the context of different diseases. A particular focus will be on cancer, highlighting the effect of androgens on immune surveillance, tumor biology and on the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies including emerging immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ben-Batalla
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - María Elena Vargas-Delgado
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunhild von Amsberg
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Janning
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Division of Personalized Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sonja Loges
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Division of Personalized Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
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Wilhelmson AS, Lantero Rodriguez M, Johansson I, Svedlund Eriksson E, Stubelius A, Lindgren S, Fagman JB, Fink PJ, Carlsten H, Ekwall O, Tivesten Å. Androgen Receptors in Epithelial Cells Regulate Thymopoiesis and Recent Thymic Emigrants in Male Mice. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1342. [PMID: 32714327 PMCID: PMC7344216 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgens have profound effects on T cell homeostasis, including regulation of thymic T lymphopoiesis (thymopoiesis) and production of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs), i. e., immature T cells that derive from the thymus and continue their maturation to mature naïve T cells in secondary lymphoid organs. Here we investigated the androgen target cell for effects on thymopoiesis and RTEs in spleen and lymph nodes. Male mice with a general androgen receptor knockout (G-ARKO), T cell-specific (T-ARKO), or epithelial cell-specific (E-ARKO) knockout were examined. G-ARKO mice showed increased thymus weight and increased numbers of thymic T cell progenitors. These effects were not T cell-intrinsic, since T-ARKO mice displayed unaltered thymus weight and thymopoiesis. In line with a role for thymic epithelial cells (TECs), E-ARKO mice showed increased thymus weight and numbers of thymic T cell progenitors. Further, E-ARKO mice had more CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in spleen and an increased frequency of RTEs among T cells in spleen and lymph nodes. Depletion of the androgen receptor in epithelial cells was also associated with a small shift in the relative number of cortical (reduced) and medullary (increased) TECs and increased CCL25 staining in the thymic medulla, similar to previous observations in castrated mice. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the thymic epithelium is a target compartment for androgen-mediated regulation of thymopoiesis and consequently the generation of RTEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S. Wilhelmson
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marta Lantero Rodriguez
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Inger Johansson
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elin Svedlund Eriksson
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Stubelius
- Center for Bone and Arthritis Research (CBAR), Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Susanne Lindgren
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Bourghardt Fagman
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pamela J. Fink
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hans Carlsten
- Center for Bone and Arthritis Research (CBAR), Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olov Ekwall
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Åsa Tivesten
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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41
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Laursen RP, Larnkjær A, Ritz C, Frøkiær H, Rytter MJH, Mølgaard C, Michaelsen KF. Thymus size is associated with breastfeeding and having pets in a sex-specific manner. Acta Paediatr 2020; 109:968-975. [PMID: 31606896 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim was to examine associations between thymus size and anthropometric measurements, sex, age, breastfeeding status, presence of siblings, household pets, and infections and allergies since birth in 8- to 13-month-old healthy Danish infants. METHODS Data collected from 256 healthy infants enrolled in the ProbiComp study were used. Thymus size was assessed using sonographic measures, and thymic index (TI) and thymus weight index (TWI) was used as an absolute and a relative volume estimate, respectively. RESULTS In terms of TI and TWI, boys had approximately 15% and 5% larger thymus than girls (P < .001 and P < .02, respectively). TWI was larger in girls who were still breastfed than girls who were no longer breastfed (β: 0.16 cm3 /kg; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.29; P = .01), but no difference was observed for boys. Having household pets was associated with a larger TI (P = .02), which seemed to be driven by associations for boys (β: 1.38 cm3 ; 95% CI: 0.02, 2.74). No other factors associated with thymus size were identified. CONCLUSION Thymus size was associated with current breastfeeding in girls and with having household pets in boys. Sex-specific associations should be further explored in future studies on factors associated with thymus size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke P. Laursen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports Faculty of Science University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Anni Larnkjær
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports Faculty of Science University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Christian Ritz
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports Faculty of Science University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Hanne Frøkiær
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Maren J. H. Rytter
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports Faculty of Science University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of PediatricsSlagelse Hospital Slagelse Denmark
| | - Christian Mølgaard
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports Faculty of Science University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Kim F. Michaelsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports Faculty of Science University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
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42
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Almuslehi MSM, Sen MK, Shortland PJ, Mahns DA, Coorssen JR. CD8 T-cell Recruitment Into the Central Nervous System of Cuprizone-Fed Mice: Relevance to Modeling the Etiology of Multiple Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:43. [PMID: 32210765 PMCID: PMC7076139 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuprizone (CPZ)-feeding in mice induces atrophy of peripheral immune organs (thymus and spleen) and suppresses T-cell levels, thereby limiting its use as a model for studying the effects of the immune system in demyelinating diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). To investigate whether castration (Cx) can protect the peripheral immune organs from CPZ-induced atrophy and enable T-cell recruitment into the central nervous system (CNS) following a breach of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), three related studies were carried out. In Study 1, Cx prevented the dose-dependent reductions (0.1% < 0.2% CPZ) in thymic and splenic weight, size of the thymic medulla and splenic white pulp, and CD4 and CD8 (CD4/8) levels remained comparable to gonadally intact (Gi) control males. Importantly, 0.1% and 0.2% CPZ were equipotent at inducing central demyelination and glial activation. In Study 2, combining Cx with 0.1% CPZ-feeding and BBB disruption with pertussis toxin (PT) enhanced CD8+ T-cell recruitment into the CNS. The increased CD8+ T-cell level observed in the parenchyma of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord were confirmed by flow cytometry and western blot analyses of CNS tissue. In Study 3, PT+0.1% CPZ-feeding to Gi female mice resulted in similar effects on the peripheral immune organs, CNS demyelination, and gliosis comparable to Gi males, indicating that testosterone levels alone were not responsible for the immune response seen in Study 2. The combination of Cx+0.1% CPZ-feeding+PT indicates that CPZ-induced demyelination can trigger an “inside-out” immune response when the peripheral immune system is spared and may provide a better model to study the initiating events in demyelinating conditions such as MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S M Almuslehi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq
| | - Monokesh K Sen
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter J Shortland
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Mahns
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Jens R Coorssen
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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43
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Thomas R, Wang W, Su DM. Contributions of Age-Related Thymic Involution to Immunosenescence and Inflammaging. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2020; 17:2. [PMID: 31988649 PMCID: PMC6971920 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-020-0173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Immune system aging is characterized by the paradox of immunosenescence (insufficiency) and inflammaging (over-reaction), which incorporate two sides of the same coin, resulting in immune disorder. Immunosenescence refers to disruption in the structural architecture of immune organs and dysfunction in immune responses, resulting from both aged innate and adaptive immunity. Inflammaging, described as a chronic, sterile, systemic inflammatory condition associated with advanced age, is mainly attributed to somatic cellular senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and age-related autoimmune predisposition. However, the inability to reduce senescent somatic cells (SSCs), because of immunosenescence, exacerbates inflammaging. Age-related adaptive immune system deviations, particularly altered T cell function, are derived from age-related thymic atrophy or involution, a hallmark of thymic aging. Recently, there have been major developments in understanding how age-related thymic involution contributes to inflammaging and immunosenescence at the cellular and molecular levels, including genetic and epigenetic regulation, as well as developments of many potential rejuvenation strategies. Herein, we discuss the research progress uncovering how age-related thymic involution contributes to immunosenescence and inflammaging, as well as their intersection. We also describe how T cell adaptive immunity mediates inflammaging and plays a crucial role in the progression of age-related neurological and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer. We then briefly outline the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of age-related thymic involution, and finally summarize potential rejuvenation strategies to restore aged thymic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Thomas
- Cell Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Weikan Wang
- Cell Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Dong-Ming Su
- 2Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
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44
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Merrheim J, Villegas J, Van Wassenhove J, Khansa R, Berrih-Aknin S, le Panse R, Dragin N. Estrogen, estrogen-like molecules and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 19:102468. [PMID: 31927086 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In western countries, the slope of autoimmune disease (AD) incidence is increasing and affects 5-8% of the population. Mainly prevalent in women, these pathologies are due to thymic tolerance processes breakdown. The female sex hormone, estrogen, is involved in this AD female susceptibility. However, predisposition factors have to act in concert with unknown triggering environmental factors (virus, microbiota, pollution) to initiate AD. Individuals are exposed to various environmental compounds that display endocrine disruption abilities. The cellular effects of some of these molecules may be mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Here, we review the effects of these molecules on the homeostasis of the thymic cells, the immune tolerance intrinsic factors (transcription factors, epigenetic marks) and on the immune tolerance extrinsic factors (microbiota, virus sensibility). This review highlights the contribution of estrogen and endocrine disruptors on the dysregulation of mechanisms sustaining AD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Merrheim
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - José Villegas
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Van Wassenhove
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Rémi Khansa
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Rozen le Panse
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nadine Dragin
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; Inovarion, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.
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45
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Brown MA, Su MA. An Inconvenient Variable: Sex Hormones and Their Impact on T Cell Responses. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 202:1927-1933. [PMID: 30885988 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic data demonstrate sex differences in autoimmune diseases, immune responses against infection, and antitumor immunity, and accumulating evidence suggests a major role for sex hormones in mediating these differences. In this study, we review recent advances in understanding how sex hormones regulate T cell responses to alter susceptibility to autoimmunity. Although sex hormones can directly alter gene transcriptional programs of T cells, we focus in this study on how sex hormones alter T cell development and function through their effects on thymic stromal cells and innate cell types. In addition to contributing to our understanding of sex differences, these findings also have implications for the therapeutic use of sex hormones and sex hormone modulators, which are now being prescribed to increasing numbers of patients for a wide variety of indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Brown
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Maureen A Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, College of Life Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; and .,Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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46
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Stakišaitis D, Juknevičienė M, Damanskienė E, Valančiūtė A, Balnytė I, Alonso MM. The Importance of Gender-Related Anticancer Research on Mitochondrial Regulator Sodium Dichloroacetate in Preclinical Studies In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081210. [PMID: 31434295 PMCID: PMC6721567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) is an investigational medicinal product which has a potential anticancer preparation as a metabolic regulator in cancer cells’ mitochondria. Inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases by DCA keeps the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in the active form, resulting in decreased lactic acid in the tumor microenvironment. This literature review displays the preclinical research data on DCA’s effects on the cell pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, pyruvate mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species generation, and the Na+–K+–2Cl− cotransporter expression regulation in relation to gender. It presents DCA pharmacokinetics and the hepatocarcinogenic effect, and the safety data covers the DCA monotherapy efficacy for various human cancer xenografts in vivo in male and female animals. Preclinical cancer researchers report the synergistic effects of DCA combined with different drugs on cancer by reversing resistance to chemotherapy and promoting cell apoptosis. Researchers note that female and male animals differ in the mechanisms of cancerogenesis but often ignore studying DCA’s effects in relation to gender. Preclinical gender-related differences in DCA pharmacology, pharmacological mechanisms, and the elucidation of treatment efficacy in gonad hormone dependency could be relevant for individualized therapy approaches so that gender-related differences in treatment response and safety can be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatas Stakišaitis
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, 08660 Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Milda Juknevičienė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Eligija Damanskienė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Angelija Valančiūtė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ingrida Balnytė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Marta Maria Alonso
- Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, 55 Pamplona, Spain.
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Juknevičienė M, Balnytė I, Valančiūtė A, Lesauskaitė V, Stanevičiūtė J, Curkūnavičiūtė R, Stakišaitis D. Valproic Acid Inhibits NA-K-2CL Cotransporter RNA Expression in Male But Not in Female Rat Thymocytes. Dose Response 2019; 17:1559325819852444. [PMID: 31210756 PMCID: PMC6545653 DOI: 10.1177/1559325819852444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The NKCC1 is a recognized tumorigenesis marker as it is important for tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and tumor progression. The study aim was to investigate the effect of sodium valproate (VPA) on thymus NKCC1 RNA expression. Material and Methods Wistar rats, age 4 to 5 weeks, were investigated in the control and VPA-treated male and female gonad-intact and castrated groups. The treatment duration with VPA 300 mg/kg/d was 4 weeks. Rat thymus was weighted; its lobe was taken for the expression of NKCC1 RNA determined by the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Results The RNA expression of the Slc12a2 gene was found to be significantly higher in the gonad-intact male control compared with the gonad-intact female control (P = .04). There was a gender-related VPA treatment effect on NKCC1 RNA expression in thymus: The Slc12a2 gene RNA expression level was found to be decreased in VPA-treated gonad-intact males (P = .015), and no significant VPA effects were found in the castrated males and in the gonad-intact and castrated females compared with the respective controls (P > .05). Conclusions The study showed a gender-related difference in the NKCC1 RNA expression in rat thymus. The VPA decreases the NKCC1 expression in the thymus only in gonad-intact male rats. The NKCC1 RNA expression downregulation by VPA could be important for further VPA pharmacological studies in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milda Juknevičienė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ingrida Balnytė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Angelija Valančiūtė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vaiva Lesauskaitė
- Institute of Cardiology of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jurate Stanevičiūtė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rūta Curkūnavičiūtė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Donatas Stakišaitis
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Gender-Related Effect of Sodium Dichloroacetate on the Number of Hassall's Corpuscles and RNA NKCC1 Expression in Rat Thymus. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:1602895. [PMID: 31179315 PMCID: PMC6507237 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1602895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to investigate the effect of dichloroacetate (DCA) on thymus weight, Hassall's corpuscle number (HCs), and NKCC1 RNA expression in Wistar rats aged 4–5 weeks. They were investigated in the controls and DCA-treated gonad-intact and castrated males and females. The treatment lasted 4 weeks with DCA 200 mg/kg/day. At the end of the experiment, rat thymus was weighted, and its lobe was taken for the expression of NKCC1 RNA determined by the PCR method and of Hassall's corpuscles by immunohistochemistry. DCA caused a thymus weight decrease in DCA-treated gonad-intact rats of both genders as compared with their controls (p < 0.05), and no such impact was found in castrated DCA-treated males and females. DCA caused an increase of the HCs in gonad-intact males (p < 0.05), and no such increase in the DCA-treated gonad-intact females was found. There was gender-related difference in the HCs when comparing DCA-treated gonad-intact males and females: males showed significantly higher HCs (p < 0.05); no gender-related differences were found in the castrated DCA-treated groups. The Slc12a2 gene RNA expression level was found to be significantly decreased only in gonad-intact and in castrated DCA-treated males. The authors discuss the gender-related DCA effects on the thymus.
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Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ essential for the development of T lymphocytes, which orchestrate adaptive immune responses. T-cell development in the thymus is spatially regulated; key checkpoints in T-cell maturation and selection occur in cortical and medullary regions to eliminate self-reactive T cells, establish central tolerance, and export naïve T cells to the periphery with the potential to recognize diverse pathogens. Thymic output is also temporally regulated due to age-related involution of the thymus accompanied by loss of epithelial cells. This review discusses the structural and age-related control of thymus function in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puspa Thapa
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, 650 West 168th Street, BB1501, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Donna L Farber
- Department of Surgery, Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, 650 West 168th Street, BB1501, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Oguro H. The Roles of Cholesterol and Its Metabolites in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:204. [PMID: 31001203 PMCID: PMC6454151 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is sustained throughout life by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). There is accumulating evidence that cholesterol homeostasis is an important factor in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Increased cholesterol levels are known to promote proliferation and mobilization of HSCs, while hypercholesterolemia is associated with expansion of myeloid cells in the peripheral blood and links hematopoiesis with cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol is a precursor to steroid hormones, oxysterols, and bile acids. Among steroid hormones, 17β-estradiol (E2) induces HSC division and E2-estrogen receptor α (ERα) signaling causes sexual dimorphism of HSC division rate. Oxysterols are oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol and key substrates for bile acid synthesis and are considered to be bioactive lipids, and recent studies have begun to reveal their important roles in the hematopoietic and immune systems. 27-Hydroxycholesterol (27HC) acts as an endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator and induces ERα-dependent HSC mobilization and extramedullary hematopoiesis. 7α,25-dihydroxycholesterol (7α,25HC) acts as a ligand for Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 2 (EBI2) and directs migration of B cells in the spleen during the adaptive immune response. Bile acids serve as chemical chaperones and alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress in HSCs. Cholesterol metabolism is dysregulated in hematologic malignancies, and statins, which inhibit de novo cholesterol synthesis, have cytotoxic effects in malignant hematopoietic cells. In this review, recent advances in our understanding of the roles of cholesterol and its metabolites as signaling molecules in the regulation of hematopoiesis and hematologic malignancies are summarized.
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