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CD137 Signaling Promotes Endothelial Apoptosis by Inhibiting Nrf2 Pathway, and Upregulating NF- κB Pathway. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:4321912. [PMID: 32587470 PMCID: PMC7294359 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4321912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis resulting from oxidative stress can lead to the development of atherosclerosis. Our group has previously showed that CD137 signaling contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis and the vulnerability of plaques. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of CD137 signaling in atherosclerosis on endothelial cells (ECs) apoptosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods Serum samples were collected from 11 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 4 controls. Peritoneal injection of agonist-CD137 recombinant protein in ApoE−/− mice was used to determine whether CD137 signaling can promote apoptosis in vivo, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with agonist-CD137 recombinant protein, M5580 (a Nrf2 pathway agonist) and CAPE (a NF-κB pathway inhibitor) were used to explore the effect of Nrf2 and NF-κB pathway in CD137 signaling-induced ECs apoptosis in vitro. Results ELISA showed that Bcl-2 in the serum of AMI patients was lower than that of the control group, while TNF-α and sCD137 were higher than that of the control group. Confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis showed that the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in the agonist-CD137 group was significantly inhibited, and the expression of its downstream antioxidant enzymes was also decreased when compared with control. Immunofluorescence and Western blot results showed that the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in the agonist-CD137 group was enhanced, and ELISA results showed that the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in the agonist-CD137 group was increased. Immunofluorescence results revealed that ROS production in the agonist-CD137 group was higher than that in control, M5580 (a Nrf2 pathway agonist) and CAPE (a NF-κB pathway inhibitor) groups. In vitro studies using HUVECs and in vivo studies using high-fat-fed ApoE−/− mice showed that the number of apoptotic endothelial cells was the highest in the agonist-CD137 group. By contrast, both M5580 and CAPE treatments were able to reduce CD137 induced ECs apoptosis. Conclusions Our results showed that CD137 signaling promotes ECs apoptosis through prooxidative and proinflammatory mechanisms, mediated by Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways, respectively.
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Kalinina A, Zamkova M, Antoshina E, Trukhanova L, Gorkova T, Kazansky D, Khromykh L. Analyses of the toxic properties of recombinant human Cyclophilin A in mice. J Immunotoxicol 2020; 16:182-190. [PMID: 31646917 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2019.1665597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclophilin A (CypA), an 18 kDa multi-functional protein with cis-trans isomerase activity, is both a ligand for cyclosporine A and a proinflammatory factor. CypA is also a chemoattractant for hemopoietic stem cells and progenitors of different lineages, and can mediate regenerative processes in an organism. Accumulated experimental data have suggested there are practical applications for this protein in the treatment of several diseases (i.e. neutralization of cyclosporine A side effects, etc.). However, the range of CypA safe doses as well as its toxic effects remain unknown. The study here investigated the acute toxicity of a single intraperitoneal (IP) or subcutaneous (SC) dosing of recombinant human CypA (rhCypA) in both female and male mice and its effect on gene expression of acute phase proteins (APP) in the female mice after IP treatment. The results showed that toxicity of rhCypA was most evident in female and male mice dosed IP with 750 mg/kg, and manifested as kidney injury and increased granulocyte/lymphocyte ratios in the blood. Enhanced expression of Sаа1 and Sаа2 genes was induced with doses of 0.1-2 mg/mouse of rhCypA. Injection of the maximal dose (750 mg/kg) significantly stimulated expression of all the APP genes studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiya Kalinina
- Federal State Budgetary Institution, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology оf the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Moscow , Russia
| | - Mariya Zamkova
- Federal State Budgetary Institution, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology оf the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Moscow , Russia
| | - Elena Antoshina
- Federal State Budgetary Institution, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology оf the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Moscow , Russia
| | - Lubov Trukhanova
- Federal State Budgetary Institution, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology оf the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Moscow , Russia
| | - Tatyana Gorkova
- Federal State Budgetary Institution, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology оf the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Moscow , Russia
| | - Dmitriy Kazansky
- Federal State Budgetary Institution, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology оf the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Moscow , Russia
| | - Ludmila Khromykh
- Federal State Budgetary Institution, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology оf the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , Moscow , Russia
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3
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Kusters PJH, Lutgens E, Seijkens TTP. Exploring immune checkpoints as potential therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 114:368-377. [PMID: 29309533 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decades, the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis has been well-recognized and despite the development of therapeutic strategies targeted at its classical risk factors such as dyslipidemia and hypertension, atherosclerosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Additional strategies targeting the chronic inflammatory pathways underlying the development of atherosclerosis are therefore required. Interactions between different immune cells result in the secretion of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines, and fuel atherogenesis. Immune checkpoint proteins have a critical role in facilitating immune cell interactions and play an essential role in the development of atherosclerosis. Although the therapeutic potential of these molecules is well-recognized in clinical oncology, the use of immune checkpoint modulators in atherosclerosis is still limited to experimental models. Here, we review recent insights on the role of immune checkpoint proteins in atherosclerosis. Additionally, we explore the therapeutic potential and challenges of immune checkpoint modulating strategies in cardiovascular medicine and we discuss novel therapeutic approaches to target these proteins in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal J H Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilian's University (LMU), Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Tom T P Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilian's University (LMU), Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
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4
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Xu MM, Ménoret A, Nicholas SAE, Günther S, Sundberg EJ, Zhou B, Rodriguez A, Murphy PA, Vella AT. Direct CD137 costimulation of CD8 T cells promotes retention and innate-like function within nascent atherogenic foci. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 316:H1480-H1494. [PMID: 30978132 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00088.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Effector CD8 T cells infiltrate atherosclerotic lesions and are correlated with cardiovascular events, but the mechanisms regulating their recruitment and retention are not well understood. CD137 (4-1BB) is a costimulatory receptor induced on immune cells and expressed at sites of human atherosclerotic plaque. Genetic variants associated with decreased CD137 expression correlate with carotid-intimal thickness and its deficiency in animal models attenuates atherosclerosis. These effects have been attributed in part to endothelial responses to low and disturbed flow (LDF), but CD137 also generates robust effector CD8 T cells as a costimulatory signal. Thus, we asked whether CD8 T cell-specific CD137 stimulation contributes to their infiltration, retention, and IFNγ production in early atherogenesis. We tested this through adoptive transfer of CD8 T cells into recipient C57BL/6J mice that were then antigen primed and CD137 costimulated. We analyzed atherogenic LDF vessels in normolipidemic and PCSK9-mediated hyperlipidemic models and utilized a digestion protocol that allowed for lesional T-cell characterization via flow cytometry and in vitro stimulation. We found that CD137 activation, specifically of effector CD8 T cells, triggers their intimal infiltration into LDF vessels and promotes a persistent innate-like proinflammatory program. Residence of CD137+ effector CD8 T cells further promoted infiltration of endogenous CD8 T cells with IFNγ-producing potential, whereas CD137-deficient CD8 T cells exhibited impaired vessel infiltration, minimal IFNγ production, and reduced infiltration of endogenous CD8 T cells. Our studies thus provide novel insight into how CD137 costimulation of effector T cells, independent of plaque-antigen recognition, instigates their retention and promotes innate-like responses from immune infiltrates within atherogenic foci. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our studies identify CD137 costimulation as a stimulus for effector CD8 T-cell infiltration and persistence within atherogenic foci, regardless of atherosclerotic-antigen recognition. These costimulated effector cells, which are generated in pathological states such as viral infection and autoimmunity, have innate-like proinflammatory programs in circulation and within the atherosclerotic microenvironment, providing mechanistic context for clinical correlations of cardiovascular morbidity with increased CD8 T-cell infiltration and markers of activation in the absence of established antigen specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Xu
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health School of Medicine , Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Antoine Ménoret
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health School of Medicine , Farmington, Connecticut.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut Health School of Medicine , Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Sarah-Anne E Nicholas
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health School of Medicine , Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Sebastian Günther
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eric J Sundberg
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Beiyan Zhou
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health School of Medicine , Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Annabelle Rodriguez
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health School of Medicine , Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Patrick A Murphy
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health School of Medicine , Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Anthony T Vella
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health School of Medicine , Farmington, Connecticut
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5
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Li XQ, Wang YY, Yang TT, Qian YN, Yin H, Zhong SS, A R, He Y, Xu BL, Liu GZ. Increased Peripheral CD137 Expression in a Mouse Model of Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischemia. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 39:451-460. [PMID: 30778712 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00661-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Various studies demonstrate that CD137 (TNFRSF9, 4-1BB) promotes atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation in experimental models via interactions with the CD137 ligand (CD137L). However, the exact role of CD137 in ischemic stroke remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed dynamic changes of peripheral CD137 expression on T cells in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia-middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), as well as alternation of neurological function, infarct size and cerebral inflammatory status after inhibition of the CD137/CD137L pathway using an anti-CD137L monoclonal antibody. MCAO mice showed elevated surface expression of CD137 on T cells in both peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues during early cerebral ischemia. Remarkably, blockade of the CD137/CD137L pathway reduced the post-ischemic brain damage. Our findings indicate that enhanced CD137 costimulation occurs in early cerebral ischemia and promotes T cell activation, which in turn upregulates inflammatory immune response and possibly exerting deleterious effects on cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yang-Yang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Ting-Ting Yang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yi-Ning Qian
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - He Yin
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Rong A
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yang He
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Bao-Lei Xu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Guang-Zhi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China.
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6
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Li B, Li W, Li X, Zhou H. Inflammation: A Novel Therapeutic Target/Direction in Atherosclerosis. Curr Pharm Des 2018; 23:1216-1227. [PMID: 28034355 PMCID: PMC6302344 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666161230142931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the viewpoint of atherosclerosis has been replaced gradually by a lipid-driven, chronic, low-grade inflammatory disease of the arterial wall. Current treatment of atherosclerosis is focused on limiting its risk factors, such as hyperlipidemia or hypertension. However, treatment targeting the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis is still very limited and deserves further attention to fight atherosclerosis successfully. Here, we review the current development of inflammation and atherosclerosis to discuss novel insights and potential targets in atherosclerosis, and to address drug discovery based on anti-inflammatory strategy in atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038. China
| | - Weihong Li
- Assisted Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016. China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038. China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharamacy, The Third Military Medical University, P.O. Box: 400038, Chongqing. China
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7
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CD137-CD137L interaction modulates neointima formation and the phenotype transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells via NFATc1 signaling. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 439:65-74. [PMID: 28770466 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-3136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype transformation is an important event in the formation of vessel neointima during lesion progression. CD137 can accelerate plaque formation, but the underlying mechanisms of this process remain unknown. Thus, we investigated the effect of CD137 signaling on VSMC phenotype transformation and potential mechanism underlying this transformation. Mouse recombinant CD137L and anti-CD137 antibody were used to activate or block the CD137 signaling way, respectively. Real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression of NFATc1 and phenotype markers such as SM-MHC, α-SMA, and vimentin in vivo or in vitro. Inhibition of NFATc1 expression was established by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and lentivirus in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Plenti-virus vector was constructed to overexpress NFATc1. Transwell assay was used to detect the migration ability of cells. The expression of NFATc1 was significantly upregulated by treating VSMCs with CD137L. The contractile phenotype markers decreased, while the synthesis phenotype marker and cell migration increased after CD137 stimulation. This phenomenon can be blocked by combined use of anti-CD137 antibody or siRNA of NFATc1. Overexpression of NFATc1 caused the VSMC phenotype transformation independently. In conclusion, the CD137-CD137L pathway plays an important role in regulating VSMC phenotype transformation via activation of NFATc1 signaling pathway.
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8
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Jung IH, Oh GT. The Roles of CD137 Signaling in Atherosclerosis. Korean Circ J 2016; 46:753-761. [PMID: 27826331 PMCID: PMC5099328 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2016.46.6.753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), which includes CD40, LIGHT, and OX40, plays important roles in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases, involving atherosclerosis. CD137, a member of TNFRSF, is a well-known activation-induced T cell co-stimulatory molecule and has been reported to be expressed in human atherosclerotic plaque lesions, and plays pivotal roles in mediating disease processes. In this review, we focus on and summarize recent advances in mouse studies on the involvement of CD137 signaling in the pathogenesis and plaque stability of atherosclerosis, thereby highlighting a valuable therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Hyuk Jung
- Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.; Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Goo Taeg Oh
- Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
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9
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Brozovich FV, Nicholson CJ, Degen CV, Gao YZ, Aggarwal M, Morgan KG. Mechanisms of Vascular Smooth Muscle Contraction and the Basis for Pharmacologic Treatment of Smooth Muscle Disorders. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 68:476-532. [PMID: 27037223 PMCID: PMC4819215 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The smooth muscle cell directly drives the contraction of the vascular wall and hence regulates the size of the blood vessel lumen. We review here the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which agonists, therapeutics, and diseases regulate contractility of the vascular smooth muscle cell and we place this within the context of whole body function. We also discuss the implications for personalized medicine and highlight specific potential target molecules that may provide opportunities for the future development of new therapeutics to regulate vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- F V Brozovich
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - C J Nicholson
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - C V Degen
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - Yuan Z Gao
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - M Aggarwal
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - K G Morgan
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
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10
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CD137 Regulates NFATc1 Expression in Mouse VSMCs through TRAF6/NF-κB p65 Signaling Pathway. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:639780. [PMID: 26600673 PMCID: PMC4639649 DOI: 10.1155/2015/639780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study proved that CD137-CD137L interaction can regulate the expression of NFATc1. Here, we investigated whether CD137 signaling regulates the expression of NFATc1 in mice VSMCs through TRAF6/NF-κB p65 pathway. Data shows that the CD137 expression can be stimulated by TNF-α in a time-dependent manner in mouse VSMCs. Knockdown of TRAF6 by siTRAF6 significantly attenuated agonist-CD137mAb induced increase of NF-κB p65 and NFATc1 in VSMCs. Pretreatment with a NF-κB inhibitor PDTC for 30 min inhibited the expression of p-p65 in both cytoplasm and nucleus in VSMCs. Thus, the protein level of NFATc1 can be suppressed through inhibition of p-p65. Finally, we also show that the levels of IL-2 and IL-6 can be increased by agonist-CD137 stimulation and decreased when NFATc1 was suppressed. Our data suggest that activated CD137 signaling regulates the expression of NFATc1 and its downstream factors through TRAF6/NF-κB p65 pathways in VSMCs. These findings provide a novel target for treatment of atherosclerosis.
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11
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Bartkowiak T, Curran MA. 4-1BB Agonists: Multi-Potent Potentiators of Tumor Immunity. Front Oncol 2015; 5:117. [PMID: 26106583 PMCID: PMC4459101 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a rapidly expanding field of oncology aimed at targeting, not the tumor itself, but the immune system combating the cancerous lesion. Of the many approaches currently under study to boost anti-tumor immune responses; modulation of immune co-receptors on lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment has thus far proven to be the most effective. Antibody blockade of the T cell co-inhibitory receptor cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) has become the first FDA approved immune checkpoint blockade; however, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes express a diverse array of additional stimulatory and inhibitory co-receptors, which can be targeted to boost tumor immunity. Among these, the co-stimulatory receptor 4-1BB (CD137/TNFSF9) possesses an unequaled capacity for both activation and pro-inflammatory polarization of anti-tumor lymphocytes. While functional studies of 4-1BB have focused on its prominent role in augmenting cytotoxic CD8 T cells, 4-1BB can also modulate the activity of CD4 T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. 4-1BB’s expression on both T cells and antigen presenting cells, coupled with its capacity to promote survival, expansion, and enhanced effector function of activated T cells, has made it an alluring target for tumor immunotherapy. In contrast to immune checkpoint blocking antibodies, 4-1BB agonists can both potentiate anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity, while at the same time ameliorating autoimmune disease. Despite this, 4-1BB agonists can trigger high grade liver inflammation which has slowed their clinical development. In this review, we discuss how the underlying immunobiology of 4-1BB activation suggests the potential for therapeutically synergistic combination strategies in which immune adverse events can be minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Bartkowiak
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , USA ; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Michael A Curran
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , USA ; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston , Houston, TX , USA
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12
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Zarzycka B, Nicolaes GAF, Lutgens E. Targeting the adaptive immune system: new strategies in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2015; 8:297-313. [PMID: 25843158 DOI: 10.1586/17512433.2015.1025052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall. Current treatment of atherosclerosis is focused on limiting its risk factors, such as hyperlipidemia or hypertension. However, treatments that target the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis are still under development. Discovery of novel targets involved in the inflammation of the arterial wall creates opportunities to design new therapeutics that successfully modulate atherosclerosis. Here, we review drug targets that have proven to play pivotal roles in the adaptive immune system in atherosclerosis, and we discuss their potential as novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Zarzycka
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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13
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Jung I, Choi J, Jin J, Jeong S, Jeon S, Lim C, Lee M, Yoo J, Sonn S, Kim YH, Choi BK, Kwon BS, Seoh J, Lee CW, Kim D, Oh GT. CD137‐inducing factors from T cells and macrophages accelerate the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques in hyperlipidemic mice. FASEB J 2014; 28:4779-91. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-253732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- In‐Hyuk Jung
- Department of Life SciencesGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
- GT5 ProgramGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
- Department of Veterinary PathologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Jae‐Hoon Choi
- Department of Life ScienceCollege of Natural SciencesHanyang UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Life SciencesGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
- GT5 ProgramGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Se‐Jin Jeong
- Department of Life SciencesGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
- GT5 ProgramGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Sejin Jeon
- Department of Life SciencesGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
- GT5 ProgramGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Chaeji Lim
- Department of Life SciencesGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
- GT5 ProgramGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Mi‐Ran Lee
- Department of Life SciencesGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
- GT5 ProgramGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Ji‐Young Yoo
- Department of Life SciencesGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
- GT5 ProgramGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Seong‐Keun Sonn
- Department of Life SciencesGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
- GT5 ProgramGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Young Ho Kim
- Immune Cell Production UnitProgram for Immunotherapeutic ResearchNational Cancer CenterGoyangKorea
| | - Beom Kyu Choi
- Cancer Immunology BranchDivision of Cancer BiologyNational Cancer CenterGoyangKorea
| | - Byoung S. Kwon
- Cancer Immunology BranchDivision of Cancer BiologyNational Cancer CenterGoyangKorea
| | - Ju‐Young Seoh
- Department of MicrobiologyGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Cheol Whan Lee
- Department of MedicineAsan Medical CenterUniversity of UlsanSeoulKorea
| | - Dae‐Yong Kim
- Department of Veterinary PathologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Goo Taeg Oh
- Department of Life SciencesGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
- GT5 ProgramGraduate School of MedicineEwha Womans UniversitySeoulKorea
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