1
|
Sordo-Bahamonde C, Lorenzo-Herrero S, Granda-Díaz R, Martínez-Pérez A, Aguilar-García C, Rodrigo JP, García-Pedrero JM, Gonzalez S. Beyond the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 era: promising role of the BTLA/HVEM axis as a future target for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:142. [PMID: 37649037 PMCID: PMC10466776 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01845-4] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent introduction of monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints to harness antitumor immunity has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape. The therapeutic success of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based therapies mainly relies on PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockade. However, the limited overall responses and lack of reliable predictive biomarkers of patient´s response are major pitfalls limiting immunotherapy success. Hence, this reflects the compelling need of unveiling novel targets for immunotherapy that allow to expand the spectrum of ICB-based strategies to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy and benefit for cancer patients. This review thoroughly dissects current molecular and functional knowledge of BTLA/HVEM axis and the future perspectives to become a target for cancer immunotherapy. BTLA/HVEM dysregulation is commonly found and linked to poor prognosis in solid and hematological malignancies. Moreover, circulating BTLA has been revealed as a blood-based predictive biomarker of immunotherapy response in various cancers. On this basis, BTLA/HVEM axis emerges as a novel promising target for cancer immunotherapy. This prompted rapid development and clinical testing of the anti-BTLA blocking antibody Tifcemalimab/icatolimab as the first BTLA-targeted therapy in various ongoing phase I clinical trials with encouraging results on preliminary efficacy and safety profile as monotherapy and combined with other anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the intricate signaling network constituted by BTLA/HVEM/CD160/LIGHT involved in immune response regulation, tumor development and tumor microenvironment could limit therapeutic success. Therefore, in-depth functional characterization in different cancer settings is highly recommended for adequate design and implementation of BTLA-targeted therapies to guarantee the best clinical outcomes to benefit cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sordo-Bahamonde
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Seila Lorenzo-Herrero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rocío Granda-Díaz
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Martínez-Pérez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Candelaria Aguilar-García
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan P Rodrigo
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juana M García-Pedrero
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wojciechowicz K, Spodzieja M, Lisowska KA, Wardowska A. The role of the BTLA-HVEM complex in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Cell Immunol 2022; 376:104532. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2022.104532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
3
|
Ning Z, Liu K, Xiong H. Roles of BTLA in Immunity and Immune Disorders. Front Immunol 2021; 12:654960. [PMID: 33859648 PMCID: PMC8043046 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.654960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is one of the most important cosignaling molecules. It belongs to the CD28 superfamily and is similar to programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) in terms of its structure and function. BTLA can be detected in most lymphocytes and induces immunosuppression by inhibiting B and T cell activation and proliferation. The BTLA ligand, herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), does not belong to the classic B7 family. Instead, it is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily. The association of BTLA with HVEM directly bridges the CD28 and TNFR families and mediates broad and powerful immune effects. Recently, a large number of studies have found that BTLA participates in numerous physiopathological processes, such as tumor, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and transplantation rejection. Therefore, the present work aimed to review the existing knowledge about BTLA in immunity and summarize the diverse functions of BTLA in various immune disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaochen Ning
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Keyan Liu
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang H, Wang Z, Zhang J, Gui Z, Han Z, Tao J, Chen H, Sun L, Fei S, Yang H, Tan R, Chandraker A, Gu M. Combined Immunotherapy With Belatacept and BTLA Overexpression Attenuates Acute Rejection Following Kidney Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:618737. [PMID: 33732243 PMCID: PMC7959759 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.618737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Costimulatory blockade provides new therapeutic opportunities for ensuring the long-term survival of kidney grafts. The adoption of the novel immunosuppressant Belatacept has been limited, partly due to concerns regarding higher rates and grades of acute rejection in clinical trials. In this study, we hypothesized that a combined therapy, Belatacept combined with BTLA overexpression, may effectively attenuate acute rejection after kidney transplantation. Materials and Methods The rat kidney transplantation model was used to investigate graft rejection in single and combined therapy. Graft function was analyzed by detecting serum creatinine. Pathological staining was used to observe histological changes in grafts. The expression of T cells was observed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. In vitro, we constructed an antigen-stimulated immune response by mixed lymphocyte culture, treated with or without Belatacept and BTLA-overexpression adenovirus, to observe the proliferation of receptor cells and the expression of cytokines. In addition, western blot and qRT-PCR analyses were performed to evaluate the expression of CTLA-4 and BTLA at various time points during the immune response. Results In rat models, combined therapy reduced the serum creatinine levels and prolonged graft survival compared to single therapy and control groups. Mixed acute rejection was shown in the allogeneic group and inhibited by combination treatment. Belatacept reduced the production of DSA and the deposition of C4d in grafts. Belatacept combined with BTLA overexpression downregulated the secretion of IL-2 and IFN-γ, as well as increasing IL-4 and IL-10 expression. We also found that Belatacept combined with BTLA overexpression inhibited the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes. The duration of the elevated expression levels of CTLA-4 and BTLA differentially affected the immune response. Conclusion Belatacept combined with BTLA overexpression attenuated acute rejection after kidney transplantation and prolonged kidney graft survival, which suggests a new approach for the optimization of early immunosuppression after kidney transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hengcheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zijie Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeping Gui
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhijian Han
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Tao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuang Fei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiwei Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruoyun Tan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Anil Chandraker
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Min Gu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang H, Wang Z, Zhang J, Zhang X, Gui Z, Sun L, Yang H, Tan R, Gu M. The synergism of B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) attenuated acute T-cell mediated rejection and prolonged renal graft survival. Transl Androl Urol 2020; 9:1990-1999. [PMID: 33209663 PMCID: PMC7658142 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) continues to be a major problem in the area of kidney transplantation. The B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) were recently found costimulatory molecules. The research aims to explore the inhibitory synergism of BTLA and CTLA-4 in TCMR. Methods We investigated the suppressive role of overexpressed BTLA and CTLA-4 in vitro. The rat kidney transplantation model was established to explore the effect of combined overexpressed BTLA and CTLA-4 in recipients of kidney transplantation. The grafts and peripheral blood were harvested for renal function, histology, immunohistochemical and flow cytometry analysis. Results Combination therapy decreased the secretion of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and proliferation of T cells compared to the single therapy and the control group. Decrease of interstitium monocyte infiltration and especially intimal arteritis in the graft was observed with the combination therapy, with remarkable reduction of numbers and proliferation response of T cells in peripheral blood and grafts. Combined overexpressed BTLA and CTLA-4 attenuated the acute TCMR after kidney transplantation and improved the graft function and prolonged the graft survival. The inhibiting role against TCMR in the combination therapy group was more effective than single therapy. Conclusions The synergism of BTLA and CTLA-4 attenuated acute TCMR after kidney transplantation by suppressing T cell activation and proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hengcheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zijie Wang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeping Gui
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiwei Yang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruoyun Tan
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Gu
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
GGTA1/iGb3S Double Knockout Mice: Immunological Properties and Immunogenicity Response to Xenogeneic Bone Matrix. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:9680474. [PMID: 32596401 PMCID: PMC7292995 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9680474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Animal tissues and tissue-derived biomaterials are widely used in the field of xenotransplantation and regenerative medicine. A potential immunogenic risk that affects the safety and effectiveness of xenografts is the presence of remnant α-Gal antigen (synthesized by GGTA1 or/and iGb3S). GGTA1 knockout mice have been developed as a suitable model for the analysis of anti-Gal antibody-mediated immunogenicity. However, we are yet to establish whether GGTA1/iGb3S double knockout (G/i DKO) mice are sensitive to Gal antigen-positive xenoimplants. Methods α-Gal antigen expression in the main organs of G/i DKO mice or bovine bone substitutes was detected via a standardized ELISA inhibition assay. Serum anti-α-Gal antibody titers of G/i DKO mice after immunization with rabbit red blood cells (RRBC) and implantation of raw lyophilized bone substitutes (Gal antigen content was 8.14 ± 3.17 × 1012/mg) or Guanhao Biotech bone substitutes (50% decrease in Gal antigen relative to the raw material) were assessed. The evaluation of total serum antibody, inflammatory cytokine, and splenic lymphocyte subtype populations and the histological analysis of implants and thymus were performed to systematically assess the immune response caused by bovine bone substitutes and bone substitute grafts in G/i DKO mice. Results α-Gal epitope expression was reduced by 100% in the main organs of G/i DKO mice, compared with their wild-type counterparts. Following immunization with RRBC, serum anti-Gal antibody titers of G/i DKO mice increased from 80- to 180-fold. After subcutaneous implantation of raw lyophilized bone substitutes and Guanhao Biotech bone substitutes into G/i DKO mice, specific anti-α-Gal IgG, anti-α-Gal IgM, and related inflammatory factors (IFN-γ and IL-6) were significantly increased in the raw lyophilized bone substitute group but showed limited changes in the Guanhao Biotech bone substitute group, compared with the control. Conclusion G/i DKO mice are sensitive to Gal antigen-positive xenogeneic grafts and can be effectively utilized for evaluating the α-Gal-mediated immunogenic risk of xenogeneic grafts.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wakeley ME, Shubin NJ, Monaghan SF, Gray CC, Ayala A, Heffernan DS. Herpes Virus Entry Mediator (HVEM): A Novel Potential Mediator of Trauma-Induced Immunosuppression. J Surg Res 2020; 245:610-618. [PMID: 31522034 PMCID: PMC6900447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) is a coinhibitory molecule which can both stimulate and inhibit host immune responses. Altered expression of HVEM and its ligands is associated with increased nosocomial infections in septic patients. We hypothesize critically ill trauma patients will display increased lymphocyte HVEM expression and that such alteration is predictive of infectious events. MATERIALS AND METHODS Trauma patients prospectively enrolled from the ICU were compared with healthy controls. Leukocytes were isolated from whole blood, stained for CD3 (lymphocytes) and HVEM, and evaluated by flow cytometry. Charts were reviewed for injuries sustained, APACHE II score, hospital course, and secondary infections. RESULTS Trauma patients (n = 31) were older (46.7 ± 2.4 versus 36.8 ± 2.1 y; P = 0.03) than healthy controls (n = 10), but matched for male sex (74% versus 60%; P = 0.4). Trauma patients had higher presenting WBC (13.9 ± 1.3 versus 5.6 ± 0.5 × 106/mL; P = 0.002), lower percentage of CD3+ lymphocytes (7.5% ± 0.8 versus 22.5% ± 0.9; P < 0.001), but significantly greater expression of HVEM+/CD3+ lymphocytes (89.6% ± 1.46 versus 67.3% ± 1.7; P < 0.001). Among trauma patients, secondary infection during the hospitalization was associated with higher APACHE II scores (20.6 ± 1.6 versus 13.6 ± 1.4; P = 0.03) and markedly lower CD3+ lymphocyte HVEM expression (75% ± 2.6 versus 93% ± 0.7; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS HVEM expression on CD3+ cells increases after trauma. Patients developing secondary infections have less circulating HVEM+CD3+. This implies HVEM signaling in lymphocytes plays a role in maintaining host defense to infection in after trauma. HVEM expression may represent a marker of infectious risk as well as a potential therapeutic target, modulating immune responses to trauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E Wakeley
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Nicholas J Shubin
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Sean F Monaghan
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Chyna C Gray
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Alfred Ayala
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Daithi S Heffernan
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Salcedo-Herrera S, Pinto Ramirez JL, García-Lopez A, Amaya-Nieto J, Girón-Luque F. Acute Rejection in Kidney Transplantation and Early Beginning of Tacrolimus. Transplant Proc 2019; 51:1758-1762. [PMID: 31399163 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2019.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although tacrolimus is an effective immunosuppressive drug used for preventing biopsy proven acute rejection (BPAR) in kidney transplanted patients, its nephrotoxicity may compromise renal function and lead to delayed initiation because of its side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of early initiation of tacrolimus in the occurrence of BPAR during the first 90 days post transplant. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 315 patients who underwent kidney transplantation from 2015 to 2017. Comparisons were performed between 2 groups according to whether the start time of tacrolimus therapy was delayed or not delayed. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between variables and the occurrence of BPAR. RESULTS The incidence of BPAR was 14.9% (n = 47) and it was significantly higher in the delayed group (19.4% vs 6.4%; P = .002). Delayed initiation tacrolimus group was significantly associated with the risk of BPAR (hazard ratio: 2.95; P < .036). The overall mortality rate was 2.5% (n = 8) and there was no association between delayed initiation therapy and death (P = .56). CONCLUSION Our study confirmed that delayed initiation of tacrolimus in patients with delayed graft function is associated with a high risk of BPAR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea García-Lopez
- Department of Transplantation Research, Colombiana de Trasplantes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Javier Amaya-Nieto
- Department of Transplantation Research, Colombiana de Trasplantes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Fernando Girón-Luque
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Colombiana de Trasplantes, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang J, Zhang H, Wang Z, Yang H, Chen H, Cheng H, Zhou J, Zheng M, Tan R, Gu M. BTLA suppress acute rejection via regulating TCR downstream signals and cytokines production in kidney transplantation and prolonged allografts survival. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12154. [PMID: 31434927 PMCID: PMC6704067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48520-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute rejection is a major risk for renal transplant failure. During this adverse process, activated T cells are considered the main effectors. Recently, B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), a member of the CD28 family receptor, was reported to be a novel inhibitory regulator of T cell activation in heart and pancreatic allograft rejection. Due to the similarity of acute rejection pathways among different organs, we hypothesized that BTLA might play a role in acute rejection of kidney transplant. In renal transplant patients, we observed that BTLA expression was significantly decreased in peripheral CD3+ T lymphocytes of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) recipients compared with control patients with stable transplanted kidney functions. Remarkably, overexpression of BTLA in the rat model was found to significantly inhibit the process of acute rejection, regulate the postoperative immune status, and prolong allograft survival. BTLA overexpression significantly suppressed IL-2 and IFN-γ production and increased IL-4 and IL-10 production both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, vital factors in T-cell signaling pathways, including mitogen-associated protein kinases (MAPK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), were also significantly repressed by BTLA overexpression. Therefore, BTLA can suppress acute rejection and regulate allogeneic responses of kidney transplant by regulating TCR downstream signals and inflammatory cytokines production to improve allografts outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Hengcheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Zijie Wang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Haiwei Yang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jiajun Zhou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ming Zheng
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ruoyun Tan
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Min Gu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lai L, Zhou X, Chen H, Luo Y, Sui W, Zhang J, Tang D, Yan Q, Dai Y. Composition and diversity analysis of the B-cell receptor immunoglobulin heavy chain complementarity-determining region 3 repertoire in patients with acute rejection after kidney transplantation using high-throughput sequencing. Exp Ther Med 2019; 17:2206-2220. [PMID: 30867706 PMCID: PMC6395953 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity of the B-cell receptor (BCR) in kidney transplant recipients with acute rejection. A total of three patients with acute rejection after kidney transplantation were examined by performing a composition and diversity analysis of the BCR immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) complementarity-determining region 3 (H-CDR3) repertoire. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients were collected at 1 day prior to (Pre1), as well as 1 day (Post1) and 7 days (Post7) after the transplantation, and DNA was extracted. High-throughput sequencing technology was applied to determine the BCR repertoire. Raw sequences in FASTQ format were analyzed with the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool. The diversity of the BCR repertoire was assessed by calculating Shannon entropy, Simpson's diversity index, the Gini coefficient and highly expanded clone distributions. The diversity of the BCR repertoire at Pre1 was greater than that at Post1 or Post7. The diversity of the BCR repertoire was the lowest at Post1 and increased at Post7 but failed to reach the pre-transplantation levels. Patients exhibited the loss of seven IGH variable (IGHV)3 family genes, while five new genes were expressed at a low frequency. Furthermore, five IGHV-IGH joining (IGHJ) gene pairings, including IGHJ6-IGHV3-11, were detected in the patients. Up- and downregulated genes were assessed by calculating the expression frequencies of the IGH diversity and IGHV gene families at Post1 and Post7. The results of the H-CDR3 length distribution and H-CDR3 amino acid (AA) usage analyses indicated that in Case 1 and 2, the AA length was similar at mostly 14–18 AA, while that in Case 3 was relatively stable at 12–16 AA. In conclusion, the present results illustrate the diversity of H-CDR3 in patients with acute rejection after kidney transplantation may provide novel ideas, methods and means of monitoring and analyzing the immune status of patients under physiological and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liusheng Lai
- Department of Nephrology, Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Xianqing Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Huaizhou Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Yadan Luo
- Department of Nephrology, Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Weiguo Sui
- Department of Nephrology, Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Donge Tang
- Clinical Medical Research Center of The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Yan
- Department of Nephrology, Guilin No. 924 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Yong Dai
- Clinical Medical Research Center of The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|