1
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Terzoli S, Marzano P, Cazzetta V, Piazza R, Sandrock I, Ravens S, Tan L, Prinz I, Balin S, Calvi M, Carletti A, Cancellara A, Coianiz N, Franzese S, Frigo A, Voza A, Calcaterra F, Di Vito C, Della Bella S, Mikulak J, Mavilio D. Expansion of memory Vδ2 T cells following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination revealed by temporal single-cell transcriptomics. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:63. [PMID: 38509155 PMCID: PMC10954735 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00853-9] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells provide rapid cellular immunity against pathogens. Here, we conducted matched single-cell RNA-sequencing and γδ-TCR-sequencing to delineate the molecular changes in γδ T cells during a longitudinal study following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. While the first dose of vaccine primes Vδ2 T cells, it is the second administration that significantly boosts their immune response. Specifically, the second vaccination uncovers memory features of Vδ2 T cells, shaped by the induction of AP-1 family transcription factors and characterized by a convergent central memory signature, clonal expansion, and an enhanced effector potential. This temporally distinct effector response of Vδ2 T cells was also confirmed in vitro upon stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 spike-peptides. Indeed, the second challenge triggers a significantly higher production of IFNγ by Vδ2 T cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination might benefit from the establishment of long-lasting central memory Vδ2 T cells to confer protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Terzoli
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Paolo Marzano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Cazzetta
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Inga Sandrock
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Sarina Ravens
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Likai Tan
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simone Balin
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Calvi
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Carletti
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Assunta Cancellara
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Coianiz
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Sara Franzese
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Frigo
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Voza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Francesca Calcaterra
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Clara Di Vito
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Silvia Della Bella
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Joanna Mikulak
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy.
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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2
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Human Vδ2 T Cells and Their Versatility for Immunotherapeutic Approaches. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223572. [PMID: 36429001 PMCID: PMC9688761 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma/delta (γδ) T cells are innate-like immune effectors that are a critical component linking innate and adaptive immune responses. They are recognized for their contribution to tumor surveillance and fight against infectious diseases. γδ T cells are excellent candidates for cellular immunotherapy due to their unique properties to recognize and destroy tumors or infected cells. They do not depend on the recognition of a single antigen but rather a broad-spectrum of diverse ligands through expression of various cytotoxic receptors. In this manuscript, we review major characteristics of the most abundant circulating γδ subpopulation, Vδ2 T cells, their immunotherapeutic potential, recent advances in expansion protocols, their preclinical and clinical applications for several infectious diseases and malignancies, and how additional modulation could enhance their therapeutic potential.
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3
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Sanz M, Mann BT, Chitrakar A, Soriano-Sarabia N. Defying convention in the time of COVID-19: Insights into the role of γδ T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:819574. [PMID: 36032159 PMCID: PMC9403327 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.819574] [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: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is a complex disease which immune response can be more or less potent. In severe cases, patients might experience a cytokine storm that compromises their vital functions and impedes clearance of the infection. Gamma delta (γδ) T lymphocytes have a critical role initiating innate immunity and shaping adaptive immune responses, and they are recognized for their contribution to tumor surveillance, fighting infectious diseases, and autoimmunity. γδ T cells exist as both circulating T lymphocytes and as resident cells in different mucosal tissues, including the lungs and their critical role in other respiratory viral infections has been demonstrated. In the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection, γδ T cell responses are understudied. This review summarizes the findings on the antiviral role of γδ T cells in COVID-19, providing insight into how they may contribute to the control of infection in the mild/moderate clinical outcome.
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4
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Cimini E, Agrati C. γδ T Cells in Emerging Viral Infection: An Overview. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061166. [PMID: 35746638 PMCID: PMC9230790 DOI: 10.3390/v14061166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
New emerging viruses belonging to the Coronaviridae, Flaviviridae, and Filoviridae families are serious threats to public health and represent a global concern. The surveillance to monitor the emergence of new viruses and their transmission is an important target for public health authorities. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an excellent example of a pathogen able to cause a pandemic. In a few months, SARS-CoV-2 has spread globally from China, and it has become a world health problem. Gammadelta (γδ) T cell are sentinels of innate immunity and are able to protect the host from viral infections. They enrich many tissues, such as the skin, intestines, and lungs where they can sense and fight the microbes, thus contributing to the protective immune response. γδ T cells perform their direct antiviral activity by cytolytic and non-cytolytic mechanisms against a wide range of viruses, and they are able to orchestrate the cellular interplay between innate and acquired immunity. For their pleiotropic features, γδ T cells have been proposed as a target for immunotherapies in both cancer and viral infections. In this review, we analyzed the role of γδ T cells in emerging viral infections to define the profile of the response and to better depict their role in the host protection.
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5
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Caron J, Ridgley LA, Bodman-Smith M. How to Train Your Dragon: Harnessing Gamma Delta T Cells Antiviral Functions and Trained Immunity in a Pandemic Era. Front Immunol 2021; 12:666983. [PMID: 33854516 PMCID: PMC8039298 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.666983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of viruses with pandemic potential such as the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causing COVID-19 poses a global health challenge. There is remarkable progress in vaccine technology in response to this threat, but their design often overlooks the innate arm of immunity. Gamma Delta (γδ) T cells are a subset of T cells with unique features that gives them a key role in the innate immune response to a variety of homeostatic alterations, from cancer to microbial infections. In the context of viral infection, a growing body of evidence shows that γδ T cells are particularly equipped for early virus detection, which triggers their subsequent activation, expansion and the fast deployment of antiviral functions such as direct cytotoxic pathways, secretion of cytokines, recruitment and activation of other immune cells and mobilization of a trained immunity memory program. As such, γδ T cells represent an attractive target to stimulate for a rapid and effective resolution of viral infections. Here, we review the known aspects of γδ T cells that make them crucial component of the immune response to viruses, and the ways that their antiviral potential can be harnessed to prevent or treat viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Caron
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Alice Ridgley
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Bodman-Smith
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Juno JA, Eriksson EM. γδ T-cell responses during HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy. Clin Transl Immunology 2019; 8:e01069. [PMID: 31321033 PMCID: PMC6636517 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV infection is associated with a rapid and sustained inversion of the Vδ1:Vδ2 T‐cell ratio in peripheral blood. Studies of antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐treated cohorts suggest that ART is insufficient to reconstitute either the frequency or function of the γδ T‐cell subset. Recent advances are now beginning to shed light on the relationship between microbial translocation, chronic inflammation, immune ageing and γδ T‐cell immunology. Here, we review the impact of acute, chronic untreated and treated HIV infection on circulating and mucosal γδ T‐cell subsets and highlight novel approaches to harness γδ T cells as components of anti‐HIV immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Juno
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Emily M Eriksson
- Division of Population Health and Immunity Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Science Melbourne VIC Australia.,Department of Medical Biology The University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC Australia
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7
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Shen Y, Pan Z, Zhang L, Xue W, Peng M, Hu P, Xu H, Chen M. Increased effector γδ T cells with enhanced cytokine production are associated with inflammatory abnormalities in severe hand, foot, and mouth disease. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 73:172-180. [PMID: 31100712 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.12.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although γδ T cells have been reported to be closely related to the immunopathogenesis of some viral infectious diseases, the changes or roles of γδ T cells in the development of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) remain unclear. METHODS Peripheral γδ T cells and their subsets were determined by surface (γδ TCR, Vδ1 TCR, Vδ2 TCR, CD45RA, and CD27) or intracellular (IFN-γ, TNF-α, CD107a, and Granzyme B) markers in healthy controls (HCs) and HFMD patients with FACS. The plasma levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 were measured by ELISA. Differences in γδ T cells or their subsets and correlations between γδ T cells and inflammation indicators were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Compared to HCs, HFMD patients showed increased effector γδ T and TNF-α+γδ T cells and plasma TNF-α levels, especially in severe cases. In addition, significantly increased Vδ1 T and IFN-γ+γδ T cells and other plasma inflammatory cytokines were further found in severe patients. Furthermore, EV71+ severe patients showed significantly increased effector and cytokine-producing γδ T cells, while the EV71- severe patients displayed significantly greater plasma cytokine levels. The percentage of IFN-γ+γδ T or TNF-α+γδ T cells was positively correlated with that of effector γδ T cells. There was a positive correlation between the proportion of Vδ1 T cells and white blood cell (WBC) count or the proportion of IFN-γ+γδ T or TNF-α+γδ T cells and neutrophil (N) count, while there was a negative correlation between Vδ2 T cells and WBC or N count. Moreover, the percentages of Vδ1 T and effector γδ T cells in the acute phase of disease declined significantly to normal levels during the recovery phase. CONCLUSIONS Increased effector γδ T cells with enhanced cytokine production were remarkably observed in severe HFMD patients, which was also associated with clinical inflammation parameters. These data indicated that γδ T cells might be involved in inflammatory abnormalities in severe HFMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxi Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhaojun Pan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingli Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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8
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Shiromizu CM, Jancic CC. γδ T Lymphocytes: An Effector Cell in Autoimmunity and Infection. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2389. [PMID: 30386339 PMCID: PMC6198062 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are non-conventional lymphocytes which show several properties of innate immune cells. They present a limited TCR repertoire and circulate as cells with a pre-activated phenotype thus being able to generate rapid immune responses. γδ T cells do not recognize classical peptide antigens, their TCRs are non-MHC restricted and they can respond to pathogen-associated molecular patterns and to cytokines in absence of TCR ligands. They also recognize self-molecules induced by stress, which indicate infection and cellular transformation. All these features let γδ T cells act as a first line of defense in sterile and non-sterile inflammation. γδ T cells represent 1–10% of circulating lymphocytes in the adult human peripheral blood, they are widely localized in non-lymphoid tissues and constitute the majority of immune cells in some epithelial surfaces, where they participate in the maintenance of the epithelial barriers. γδ T cells produce a wide range of cytokines that orchestrate the course of immune responses and also exert high cytotoxic activity against infected and transformed cells. In contrast to their beneficial role during infection, γδ T cells are also implicated in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, several functions of γδ T cells are susceptible to modulation by interaction with other cells. In this review, we give an overview of the γδ T cell participation in infection and autoimmunity. We also revise the underlying mechanisms that modulate γδ T cell function that might provide tools to control pathological immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Maiumi Shiromizu
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX) - CONICET, Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Cristina Jancic
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX) - CONICET, Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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9
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Ravens S, Hengst J, Schlapphoff V, Deterding K, Dhingra A, Schultze-Florey C, Koenecke C, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H, Prinz I. Human γδ T Cell Receptor Repertoires in Peripheral Blood Remain Stable Despite Clearance of Persistent Hepatitis C Virus Infection by Direct-Acting Antiviral Drug Therapy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:510. [PMID: 29616028 PMCID: PMC5864898 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human γδ T cells can contribute to clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection but also mediate liver inflammation. This study aimed to understand the clonal distribution of γδ T cells in peripheral blood of chronic HCV patients and following HCV clearance by interferon-free direct-acting antiviral drug therapies. To this end, γδ T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires were monitored by mRNA-based next-generation sequencing. While the percentage of Vγ9+ T cells was higher in patients with elevated liver enzymes and a few expanded Vδ3 clones could be identified in peripheral blood of 23 HCV-infected non-cirrhotic patients, overall clonality and complexity of γδ TCR repertoires were largely comparable to those of matched healthy donors. Monitoring eight chronic HCV patients before, during and up to 1 year after therapy revealed that direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drug therapies induced only minor alterations of TRG and TRD repertoires of Vγ9+ and Vγ9- cells. Together, we show that peripheral γδ TCR repertoires display a high stability (1) by chronic HCV infection in the absence of liver cirrhosis and (2) by HCV clearance in the course of DAA drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Ravens
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Hengst
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Verena Schlapphoff
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katja Deterding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Akshay Dhingra
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Schultze-Florey
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Koenecke
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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10
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Wilson E, Kottilil S, Poonia B. Can directly acting antiviral regimens against hepatitis C induce host immune responses? Future Virol 2018. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2017-0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Wilson
- Division of Clinical Care & Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care & Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Bhawna Poonia
- Division of Clinical Care & Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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11
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Abstract
γδ T cells are one of the three immune cell types that express antigen receptors. They contribute to lymphoid antitumor surveillance and bridge the gap between innate and adaptive immunity. γδ T cells have the capacity of secreting abundant cytokines and exerting potent cytotoxicity against a wide range of cancer cells. γδ T cells exhibit important roles in immune-surveillance and immune defense against tumors and have become attractive effector cells for cancer immunotherapy. γδ T cells mediate anti-tumor therapy mainly by secreting pro-apoptotic molecules and inflammatory cytokines, or through a TCR-dependent pathway. Recently, γδ T cells are making their way into clinical trials. Some clinical trials demonstrated that γδ T cell-based immunotherapy is well tolerated and efficient. Despite the advantages that could be exploited, there are obstacles have to be addressed for the development of γδ T cell immunotherapies. Future direction for immunotherapy using γδ T cells should focus on overcoming the side effects of γδ T cells and exploring better antigens that help stimulating γδ T cell expansion in vitro.
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12
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Intrahepatic Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells from HCV-infected patients show an exhausted phenotype but can inhibit HCV replication. Virus Res 2017; 243:31-35. [PMID: 29029951 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) persistence results from inefficiencies of both innate and adaptive immune responses to eradicate the infection. A functional impairment of circulating Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells was described but few data are available on Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells in the liver that, however, represents the battlefield in the HCV/host interaction. Aim of this work was to compare circulating and intrahepatic Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells in chronic HCV-infected patients (HCVpos) and in HCV-negative (HCVneg) subjects. Phenotypic and functional analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Anti-HCV activity was analyzed by using an in vitro autologous liver culture system. Independently from HCV infection, the liver was enriched of Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells expressing an effector/activated phenotype. In contrast, an enrichment of PD-1 expressing Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells was observed both in the peripheral blood and in the liver of HCVpos patients, probably due to a persistent antigenic stimulation. Moreover, a lower frequency of IFN-γ producing Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells was observed in the liver of HCVpos patients, suggesting a functional impairment in the cytokine production in HCVpos liver. Despite this hypo-responsiveness, intrahepatic Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells are able to exert an anti-HCV activity after specific stimulation. Altogether, our data show that HCV infection induced a dysregulation of intrahepatic Vγ9Vδ2 T cells that maintain their anti-HCV activity after specific stimulation. A study aimed to evaluate the mechanisms of the antiviral activity may be useful to identify new pathways able to improve Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells intrahepatic function during HCV infection.
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13
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Yin W, Tong S, Zhang Q, Shao J, Liu Q, Peng H, Hu H, Peng M, Hu P, Ren H, Tian Z, Zhang D. Functional dichotomy of Vδ2 γδ T cells in chronic hepatitis C virus infections: role in cytotoxicity but not for IFN-γ production. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26296. [PMID: 27192960 PMCID: PMC4872040 DOI: 10.1038/srep26296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vδ2 γδ (Vδ2) T cells, a major human γδ T cell subset, exhibit broad anti-tumor and anti-infective activity; however, their precise role in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the phenotype and function of Vδ2 T cells in 43 HCV-infected patients compared to 39 healthy controls (HCs). Vδ2 T cells from HCV-infected patients were activated and differentiated into effector cells. Vδ2 T cells in patients expressed significantly higher levels of natural killer (NK) cell markers CD56 and CD16 than in HCs, acquiring cytotoxic NK-like phenotype. The Vδ2 T cell phenotype was associated with increased cytolytic effector molecules expression in HCV-infected patients with elevated serum ALT levels. Surprisingly, Vδ2 T cells in patients had a markedly impaired capacity to produce IFN-γ. Further in vitro and in vivo analysis showed that interferon-α, which was induced during HCV infection, caused Vδ2 T cell function bias toward cytotoxicity. These results suggest a functional dichotomy for Vδ2 T cells in chronic HCV infections: a role in cytotoxicity but not for IFN-γ production, which may contribute to both the liver inflammation and HCV persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwei Yin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Shiwen Tong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Qiongfang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Jianying Shao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Qian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Hong Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Huaidong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Mingli Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Peng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Hong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dazhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
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14
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Daguzan C, Moulin M, Kulyk-Barbier H, Davrinche C, Peyrottes S, Champagne E. Aminobisphosphonates Synergize with Human Cytomegalovirus To Activate the Antiviral Activity of Vγ9Vδ2 Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:2219-29. [PMID: 26819204 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are activated through their TCR by neighboring cells producing phosphoantigens. Zoledronate (ZOL) treatment induces intracellular accumulation of the phosphoantigens isopentenyl pyrophosphate and ApppI. Few attempts have been made to use immunomanipulation of Vγ9Vδ2 lymphocytes in chronic viral infections. Although Vγ9Vδ2 T cells seem to ignore human CMV (HCMV)-infected cells, we examined whether they can sense HCMV when a TCR stimulus is provided with ZOL. Fibroblasts treated with ZOL activate Vγ9Vδ2 T cells to produce IFN-γ but not TNF. Following the same treatment, HCMV-infected fibroblasts stimulate TNF secretion and an increased production of IFN-γ, indicating that Vγ9Vδ2 cells can sense HCMV infection. Increased lymphokine production was observed with most clinical isolates and laboratory HCMV strains, HCMV-permissive astrocytoma, or dendritic cells, as well as "naive" and activated Vγ9Vδ2 cells. Quantification of intracellular isopentenyl pyrophosphate/ApppI following ZOL treatment showed that HCMV infection boosts their accumulation. This was explained by an increased capture of ZOL and by upregulation of HMG-CoA synthase and reductase transcription. Using an experimental setting where infected fibroblasts were cocultured with γδ cells in submicromolar concentrations of ZOL, we show that Vγ9Vδ2 cells suppressed substantially the release of infectious particles while preserving uninfected cells. Vγ9Vδ2 cytotoxicity was decreased by HCMV infection of targets whereas anti-IFN-γ and anti-TNF Abs significantly blocked the antiviral effect. Our experiments indicate that cytokines produced by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells have an antiviral potential in HCMV infection. This should lead to in vivo studies to explore the possible antiviral effect of immunostimulation with ZOL in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charline Daguzan
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, 31024 Toulouse, France; INSERM, U1043, 31024 Toulouse, France; CNRS, UMR5282, 31024 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Morgane Moulin
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, 31024 Toulouse, France; INSERM, U1043, 31024 Toulouse, France; CNRS, UMR5282, 31024 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Hanna Kulyk-Barbier
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Biologiques et des Procédés, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées, Plateforme MetaToul, UMR Institut National des Sciences Appliquées/CNRS 5504-UMR INSA/Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique 792, 31400 Toulouse, France; and
| | - Christian Davrinche
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, 31024 Toulouse, France; INSERM, U1043, 31024 Toulouse, France; CNRS, UMR5282, 31024 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Suzanne Peyrottes
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier 2-Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Eric Champagne
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, 31024 Toulouse, France; INSERM, U1043, 31024 Toulouse, France; CNRS, UMR5282, 31024 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France;
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15
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Chen M, Hu P, Ling N, Peng H, Lei Y, Hu H, Zhang D, Ren H. Enhanced functions of peripheral γδ T cells in chronic hepatitis B infection during interferon α treatment in vivo and in vitro. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120086. [PMID: 25774808 PMCID: PMC4361562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND γδ T cells play an important role in infectious, autoimmune, or neoplastic diseases. Here, a study was conducted to investigate the dynamic changes in phenotype and function of peripheral γδ T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during pegylated-interferon (pegIFN)-α treatment, and to explore their roles in IFN-α therapy. METHODS Total 15 CHB patients with pegIFN-α therapy and 6 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. Flow cytometry was used for the study of frequency of peripheral γδ T cells, subtypes, effector or memory γδ T cells, and also the IFN-γ+, TNF-α+, CD107a+ or Granzyme B+ γδ T cells in 10 patients at week 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48 of treatment. Another 5 CHB patients and 6 HC were recruited for the γδ T cell isolation, and gene expression in γδ T cells was evaluated before or after IFN-α treatment in vitro. RESULTS Although γδT cells decreased in CHB patients during pegIFN-α therapy, their capacities to produce TNF-α and to express CD107a were enhanced. More effector γδT cells (CD27-CD45RA+) were found in the response group than in non-response group. Furthermore, IFN-α boosted the expression of Mx2 and cytokine genes in γδT cells from CHB patients in vitro. CONCLUSION IFN-α could enhance the cytokine production or cytotoxicity potential of γδT cells in vivo and in vitro. The enhanced function of γδT cells might contribute to the effect of IFN-α treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail: (MC); (HR)
| | - Peng Hu
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ning Ling
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of laboratory medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Lei
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huaidong Hu
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dazhi Zhang
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail: (MC); (HR)
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16
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Tsai CY, Liong KH, Gunalan MG, Li N, Lim DSL, Fisher DA, MacAry PA, Leo YS, Wong SC, Puan KJ, Wong SBJ. Type I IFNs and IL-18 regulate the antiviral response of primary human γδ T cells against dendritic cells infected with Dengue virus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:3890-900. [PMID: 25732728 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1303343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the cellular mechanisms of innate immunity against dengue virus (DV) infection. Specifically, the γδ T cell response to DV has not been characterized in detail. In this article, we demonstrate that markers of activation, proliferation, and degranulation are upregulated on γδ T cells in PBMC isolated from individuals with acute dengue fever. Primary γδ T cells responded rapidly in vitro to autologous DV-infected dendritic cells by secreting IFN-γ and upregulating CD107a. The anti-DV IFN-γ response is regulated by type I IFN and IL-18 in a TCR-independent manner, and IFN-γ secreting γδ T cells predominantly expressed IL-18Rα. Antagonizing the ATP-dependent P2X7 receptor pathway of inflammasome activation significantly inhibited the anti-DV IFN-γ response of γδ T cells. Overnight priming with IL-18 produced effector γδ T cells with significantly increased ability to lyse autologous DV-infected dendritic cells. Monocytes were identified as accessory cells that augmented the anti-DV IFN-γ response of γδ T cells. Lack of monocytes in culture is associated with lower IL-18 levels in culture supernatant and diminished production of IFN-γ by γδ T cells, whereas addition of exogenous IL-18 restored the IFN-γ response of γδ T cells in monocyte-depleted cocultures with DV-infected DC. Our results indicate that primary γδ T cells contribute to the immune response during DV infection by providing an early source of IFN-γ, as well as by killing DV-infected cells, and suggest that monocytes participate as accessory cells that sense DV infection and amplify the cellular immune response against this virus in an IL-18-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yu Tsai
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ka Hang Liong
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Republic of Singapore
| | - Matilda Gertrude Gunalan
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Republic of Singapore
| | - Na Li
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore 138602, Republic of Singapore
| | - Daniel Say Liang Lim
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Republic of Singapore
| | - Dale A Fisher
- Division of Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Republic of Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Republic of Singapore
| | - Paul A MacAry
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Republic of Singapore; Immunology Programme, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yee Sin Leo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433, Republic of Singapore
| | - Siew-Cheng Wong
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Republic of Singapore; and
| | - Kia Joo Puan
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Republic of Singapore; and
| | - Soon Boon Justin Wong
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Republic of Singapore; Immunology Programme, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Republic of Singapore; Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Republic of Singapore
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17
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Bordi L, Caglioti C, Garbuglia AR, Lapa D, Castilletti C, Taibi C, Capobianchi MR, Lalle E. IFNL4 and IFNL3 associated polymorphisms strongly influence the spontaneous IFN-alpha receptor-1 expression in HCV-infected patients. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117397. [PMID: 25675103 PMCID: PMC4326132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-nucleotide polymorphism in IFNL3 gene (rs12979860) predicts spontaneous and therapy-induced HCV clearance. In a previous study from our group PBMC from patients with favourable rs12979860 genotype showed higher levels of IFNAR-1 mRNA. Recently, a dinucleotide polymorphism, ss469415590 (TT or ΔG), has been discovered in the region upstream IFNL3 gene, which is in high linkage disequilibrium with rs12979860. ss469415590[ΔG] is a frameshift variant that creates a novel gene, designed IFNL4, encoding the interferon-lambda 4 protein (IFNL4). The aim of the present study was to extend the analysis of IFNAR-1 mRNA levels to the ss469415590 variants. Our results highlight that the difference of IFNAR-1 mRNA levels between favourable and unfavourable genotype combinations, at both rs12979860 and ss469415590 loci, is stronger than that observed for single polymorphisms at each locus. These findings suggest may represent the biological basis for the observed association between IFNL3 CC and IFNL4 TT/TT genotypes and favourable outcome of either natural HCV infection (clearance vs chronic evolution) or IFN-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Licia Bordi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani,” Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Caglioti
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani,” Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani,” Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani,” Rome, Italy
| | - Concetta Castilletti
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani,” Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Taibi
- Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani,” Rome, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Lalle
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani,” Rome, Italy
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18
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Cimini E, Bonnafous C, Sicard H, Vlassi C, D'Offizi G, Capobianchi MR, Martini F, Agrati C. In vivo interferon-alpha/ribavirin treatment modulates Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell function during chronic HCV infection. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2013; 33:136-41. [PMID: 23308376 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2012.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, treatment failure and defective host immune response highly demand improved therapy strategies. Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells represent a good target for HCV immunotherapy, since phosphoantigen (PhAg)-activated Vγ9Vδ2 T-lymphocytes are able to inhibit subgenomic HCV replication by interferon (IFN)-γ release. A profound impairment of IFN-γ production by Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells during chronic HCV infection was previously shown. Interestingly, in vitro IFN-α partially restored Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells responsiveness to PhAg, by stabilizing IFN-γ-mRNA. To verify how in vivo IFN-α/ribavirin (RBV) treatment could affect Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells phenotype and responsiveness to PhAg in HCV-infected patients, 10 subjects underwent a longitudinal study before and after treatment. IFN-α/RBV therapy did not significantly modify Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell numbers and differentiation profile. Interestingly, Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell responsiveness remained unmodified until 3 weeks of therapy, but dropped after 1 month, suggesting that repeated in vivo IFN-α administration in the absence of T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signals results in Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell anergy. The present work defines the window of possible application of combined strategies targeting Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells during chronic HCV infection; specifically, the first 3 weeks from the beginning of treatment may represent the optimal time to target Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells in vivo, since their function in terms of IFN-γ production is preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Cimini
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, INMI L. Spallanzani, Rome, Italy
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