1
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Heine S, Alessandrini F, Grosch J, Graß C, Heldner A, Schnautz B, Grosch J, Buters J, Slusarenko BO, Krappmann D, Fallarino F, Ohnmacht C, Schmidt-Weber CB, Blank S. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor improves allergen-specific immunotherapy of murine allergic airway inflammation: a novel adjuvant option? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1397072. [PMID: 38915403 PMCID: PMC11194380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1397072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is able to restore immune tolerance to allergens in allergic patients. However, some patients do not or only poorly respond to current treatment protocols. Therefore, there is a need for deeper mechanistic insights and further improvement of treatment strategies. The relevance of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, has been investigated in several inflammatory diseases, including allergic asthma. However, its potential role in AIT still needs to be addressed. Methods A murine model of AIT in ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation was performed in AhR-deficient (AhR-/-) and wild-type mice. Furthermore, AIT was combined with the application of the high-affinity AhR agonist 10-chloro-7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benzo[de]iso-quinolin-7-one (10-Cl-BBQ) as an adjuvant to investigate the effects of AhR activation on therapeutic outcome. Results Although AhR-/- mice suffer stronger allergic responses than wild-type mice, experimental AIT is comparably effective in both. Nevertheless, combining AIT with the administration of 10-Cl-BBQ improved therapeutic effects by an AhR-dependent mechanism, resulting in decreased cell counts in the bronchoalveolar fluid, decreased pulmonary Th2 and Th17 cell levels, and lower sIgE levels. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the success of AIT is not dependent on the AhR. However, targeting the AhR during AIT can help to dampen inflammation and improve tolerogenic vaccination. Therefore, AhR ligands might represent promising candidates as immunomodulators to enhance the efficacy of AIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Heine
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesca Alessandrini
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Grosch
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Carina Graß
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Group Signaling and Immunity, Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Center, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Heldner
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schnautz
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Grosch
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Jeroen Buters
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin O. Slusarenko
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Krappmann
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Group Signaling and Immunity, Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Center, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Caspar Ohnmacht
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten B. Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Blank
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
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2
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Sandoval S, Malany K, Thongphanh K, Martinez CA, Goodson ML, Souza FDC, Lin LW, Sweeney N, Pennington J, Lein PJ, Kerkvliet NI, Ehrlich AK. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibits neuropilin-1 upregulation on IL-2-responding CD4 + T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1193535. [PMID: 38035105 PMCID: PMC10682649 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1193535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), a transmembrane protein expressed on CD4+ T cells, is mostly studied in the context of regulatory T cell (Treg) function. More recently, there is increasing evidence that Nrp1 is also highly expressed on activated effector T cells and that increases in these Nrp1-expressing CD4+ T cells correspond with immunopathology across several T cell-dependent disease models. Thus, Nrp1 may be implicated in the identification and function of immunopathologic T cells. Nrp1 downregulation in CD4+ T cells is one of the strongest transcriptional changes in response to immunoregulatory compounds that act though the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. To better understand the link between AhR and Nrp1 expression on CD4+ T cells, Nrp1 expression was assessed in vivo and in vitro following AhR ligand treatment. In the current study, we identified that the percentage of Nrp1 expressing CD4+ T cells increases over the course of activation and proliferation in vivo. The actively dividing Nrp1+Foxp3- cells express the classic effector phenotype of CD44hiCD45RBlo, and the increase in Nrp1+Foxp3- cells is prevented by AhR activation. In contrast, Nrp1 expression is not modulated by AhR activation in non-proliferating CD4+ T cells. The downregulation of Nrp1 on CD4+ T cells was recapitulated in vitro in cells isolated from C57BL/6 and NOD (non-obese diabetic) mice. CD4+Foxp3- cells expressing CD25, stimulated with IL-2, or differentiated into Th1 cells, were particularly sensitive to AhR-mediated inhibition of Nrp1 upregulation. IL-2 was necessary for AhR-dependent downregulation of Nrp1 expression both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, the data demonstrate that Nrp1 is a CD4+ T cell activation marker and that regulation of Nrp1 could be a previously undescribed mechanism by which AhR ligands modulate effector CD4+ T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Sandoval
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Keegan Malany
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Krista Thongphanh
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Clarisa A. Martinez
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Michael L. Goodson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Felipe Da Costa Souza
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Lo-Wei Lin
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nicolle Sweeney
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jamie Pennington
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nancy I. Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Allison K. Ehrlich
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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3
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Pacheco JHL, Elizondo G. Interplay between Estrogen, Kynurenine, and AHR Pathways: An immunosuppressive axis with therapeutic potential for breast cancer treatment. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115804. [PMID: 37716620 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide. Estrogen exposure via endogenous and exogenous sources during a lifetime, together with environmental exposure to estrogenic compounds, represent the most significant risk factor for breast cancer development. As breast tumors establish, multiple pathways are deregulated. Among them is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway. AHR, a ligand-activated transcription factor associated with the metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and estrogens, is overexpressed in breast cancer. Furthermore, AHR and estrogen receptor (ER) cross-talk pathways have been observed. Additionally, the Tryptophan (Trp) catabolizing enzymes indolamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) are overexpressed in breast cancer. IDO/TDO catalyzes the formation of Kynurenine (KYN) and other tryptophan-derived metabolites, which are ligands of AHR. Once KYN activates AHR, it stimulates the expression of the IDO enzyme, increases the level of KYN, and activates non-canonical pathways to control inflammation and immunosuppression in breast tumors. The interplay between E2, AHR, and IDO/TDO/KYN pathways and their impact on the immune system represents an immunosuppressive axis on breast cancer. The potential modulation of the immunosuppressive E2-AHR-IDO/TDO/KYN axis has aroused great expectations in oncotherapy. The present article will review the mechanisms implicated in generating the immunosuppressive axis E2-AHR-IDO/TDO/KYN in breast cancer and the current state of knowledge as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guillermo Elizondo
- Departamento de Biología Celular, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, C.P. 07360 Ciudad de México, México.
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4
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Sandoval S, Malany K, Thongphanh K, Martinez CA, Goodson ML, Souza FDC, Lin LW, Pennington J, Lein PJ, Kerkvliet NI, Ehrlich AK. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibits neuropilin-1 upregulation on IL-2 responding CD4 + T cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559429. [PMID: 37808764 PMCID: PMC10557576 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), a transmembrane protein expressed on CD4 + T cells, is mostly studied in the context of regulatory T cell (Treg) function. More recently, there is increasing evidence that Nrp1 is also highly expressed on activated effector T cells and that increases in these Nrp1-expressing CD4 + T cells correspond with immunopathology across several T cell-dependent disease models. Thus, Nrp1 may be implicated in the identification and function of immunopathologic T cells. Nrp1 downregulation in CD4 + T cells is one of the strongest transcriptional changes in response to immunoregulatory compounds that act though the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. To better understand the link between AhR and Nrp1 expression on CD4 + T cells, Nrp1 expression was assessed in vivo and in vitro following AhR ligand treatment. In the current study, we identified that the percentage of Nrp1 expressing CD4 + T cells increases over the course of activation and proliferation in vivo . The actively dividing Nrp1 + Foxp3 - cells express the classic effector phenotype of CD44 hi CD45RB lo , and the increase in Nrp1 + Foxp3 - cells is prevented by AhR activation. In contrast, Nrp1 expression is not modulated by AhR activation in non-proliferating CD4 + T cells. The downregulation of Nrp1 on CD4 + T cells was recapitulated in vitro in cells isolated from C57BL/6 and NOD (non-obese diabetic) mice. CD4 + Foxp3 - cells expressing CD25, stimulated with IL-2, or differentiated into Th1 cells, were particularly sensitive to AhR-mediated inhibition of Nrp1 upregulation. IL-2 was necessary for AhR-dependent downregulation of Nrp1 expression both in vitro and in vivo . Collectively, the data demonstrate that Nrp1 is a CD4 + T cell activation marker and that regulation of Nrp1 could be a previously undescribed mechanism by which AhR ligands modulate effector CD4 + T cell responses.
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5
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Elson DJ, Nguyen BD, Korjeff NA, Wilferd SF, Puig-Sanvicens V, Sang Jang H, Bernales S, Chakravarty S, Belmar S, Ureta G, Finlay D, Plaisier CL, Kolluri SK. Suppression of Ah Receptor (AhR) increases the aggressiveness of TNBC cells and 11-Cl-BBQ-activated AhR inhibits their growth. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115706. [PMID: 37506922 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115706] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents around 15% of the 2.26 million breast cancers diagnosed worldwide annually and has the worst outcome. Despite recent therapeutic advances, there remains a lack of targeted therapies for this breast cancer subtype. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor with biological roles in regulating development, xenobiotic metabolism, cell cycle progression and cell death. AhR activation by select ligands can promote tumor suppression in multiple cancer types. AhR can negatively regulate the activity of different oncogenic signaling pathways and can directly upregulate tumor suppressor genes such as p27Kip1. To determine the role of AhR in TNBC, we generated AhR-deficient cancer cells and investigated the impact of AhR loss on TNBC cell growth phenotypes. We found that AhR-deficient MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells have increased proliferation and formed significantly more colonies compared to AhR expressing cells. These cells without AhR expression grew aggressively in vivo. To determine the molecular targets driving this phenotype, we performed transcriptomic profiling in AhR expressing and AhR knockout MDA-MB-468 cells and identified tyrosine receptor kinases, as well as other genes involved in proliferation, survival and clonogenicity that are repressed by AhR. In order to determine therapeutic targeting of AhR in TNBC, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of the novel AhR ligand 11-chloro-7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benzo[de]iso-quinolin-7-one (11-Cl-BBQ), which belongs to a class of high affinity, rapidly metabolized AhR ligands called benzimidazoisoquinolines (BBQs). 11-Cl-BBQ induced AhR-dependent cancer cell-selective growth inhibition and strongly inhibited colony formation in TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Elson
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Bach D Nguyen
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Nicholas A Korjeff
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Sierra F Wilferd
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Veronica Puig-Sanvicens
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Hyo Sang Jang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Sebastian Bernales
- Praxis Biotech, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States; Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Centro Científico y Tecnológico Ciencia & Vida, Avda. Del valle Norte 725, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Sebastián Belmar
- Praxis Biotech, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States; Merken Biotech, Avda. Del valle Norte 725, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Ureta
- Praxis Biotech, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States; Merken Biotech, Avda. Del valle Norte 725, Santiago, Chile
| | - Darren Finlay
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI Designated Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Christopher L Plaisier
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Siva K Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States; Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States.
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6
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Elson D, Nguyen BD, Bernales S, Chakravarty S, Jang HS, Korjeff NA, Zhang Y, Wilferd SF, Castro DJ, Plaisier CL, Finlay D, Oshima RG, Kolluri SK. Induction of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Cancer Cell-Selective Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells by a High-Affinity Benzimidazoisoquinoline. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1028-1042. [PMID: 37470014 PMCID: PMC10353065 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a disease with a paucity of targeted treatment opportunities. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including the sensing of xenobiotics, immune function, development, and differentiation. Different small-molecule AhR ligands drive strikingly varied cellular and organismal responses. In certain cancers, AhR activation by select small molecules induces cell cycle arrest or apoptosis via activation of tumor-suppressive transcriptional programs. AhR is expressed in triple-negative breast cancers, presenting a tractable therapeutic opportunity. Here, we identify a novel ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor that potently and selectively induces cell death in triple-negative breast cancer cells and TNBC stem cells via the AhR. Importantly, we found that this compound, Analog 523, exhibits minimal cytotoxicity against multiple normal human primary cells. Analog 523 represents a high-affinity AhR ligand with potential for future clinical translation as an anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel
J. Elson
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
| | - Bach D. Nguyen
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
| | - Sebastian Bernales
- Praxis
Biotech, San Francisco, California, 94158, United States
- Centro Ciencia
& Vida, Avda. Del
Valle Norte 725, Santiago, 8580702, Chile
| | | | - Hyo Sang Jang
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
| | - Nicholas A. Korjeff
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
| | - Yi Zhang
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
| | - Sierra F. Wilferd
- School
of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - David J. Castro
- Sanford
Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI Designated Cancer
Center, La Jolla, California, 92037, United States
- Oregon Health
& Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
| | - Christopher L. Plaisier
- School
of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Darren Finlay
- Sanford
Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI Designated Cancer
Center, La Jolla, California, 92037, United States
| | - Robert G. Oshima
- Sanford
Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI Designated Cancer
Center, La Jolla, California, 92037, United States
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
- Linus
Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United
States
- The
Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
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7
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Harris R, Karimi M. Dissecting the regulatory network of transcription factors in T cell phenotype/functioning during GVHD and GVT. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1194984. [PMID: 37441063 PMCID: PMC10333690 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1194984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors play a major role in regulation and orchestration of immune responses. The immunological context of the response can alter the regulatory networks required for proper functioning. While these networks have been well-studied in canonical immune contexts like infection, the transcription factor landscape during alloactivation remains unclear. This review addresses how transcription factors contribute to the functioning of mature alloactivated T cells. This review will also examine how these factors form a regulatory network to control alloresponses, with a focus specifically on those factors expressed by and controlling activity of T cells of the various subsets involved in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-tumor (GVT) responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Harris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Mobin Karimi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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8
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Nguyen BD, Stevens BL, Elson DJ, Finlay D, Gamble J, Kopparapu P, Tanguay RL, Buermeyer AB, Kerkvliet NI, Kolluri SK. 11-Cl-BBQ, a select modulator of AhR-regulated transcription, suppresses lung cancer cell growth via activation of p53 and p27 Kip1. FEBS J 2023; 290:2064-2084. [PMID: 36401795 PMCID: PMC10807707 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor and functions as a tumour suppressor in different cancer models. In the present study, we report detailed characterization of 11-chloro-7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benzo[de]iso-quinolin-7-one (11-Cl-BBQ) as a select modulator of AhR-regulated transcription (SMAhRT) with anti-cancer actions. Treatment of lung cancer cells with 11-Cl-BBQ induced potent and sustained AhR-dependent anti-proliferative effects by promoting G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Investigation of 11-Cl-BBQ-induced transcription in H460 cells with or without the AhR expression by RNA-sequencing revealed activation of p53 signalling. In addition, 11-Cl-BBQ suppressed multiple pathways involved in DNA replication and increased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, including p27Kip1 , in an AhR-dependent manner. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of individual genes revealed the requirement for both p53 and p27Kip1 for the AhR-mediated anti-proliferative effects. Our results identify 11-Cl-BBQ as a potential lung cancer therapeutic, highlight the feasibility of targeting AhR and provide important mechanistic insights into AhR-mediated-anticancer actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bach D. Nguyen
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Brenna L. Stevens
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Daniel J. Elson
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Darren Finlay
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - John Gamble
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Prasad Kopparapu
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Robyn L. Tanguay
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Andrew B. Buermeyer
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Nancy I. Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
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9
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Elson DJ, Kolluri SK. Tumor-Suppressive Functions of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and AhR as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040526. [PMID: 37106727 PMCID: PMC10135996 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in regulating a wide range of biological responses. A diverse array of xenobiotics and endogenous small molecules bind to the receptor and drive unique phenotypic responses. Due in part to its role in mediating toxic responses to environmental pollutants, AhR activation has not been traditionally viewed as a viable therapeutic approach. Nonetheless, the expression and activation of AhR can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and survival of cancer cells, and many clinically approved drugs transcriptionally activate AhR. Identification of novel select modulators of AhR-regulated transcription that promote tumor suppression is an active area of investigation. The development of AhR-targeted anticancer agents requires a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving tumor suppression. Here, we summarized the tumor-suppressive mechanisms regulated by AhR with an emphasis on the endogenous functions of the receptor in opposing carcinogenesis. In multiple different cancer models, the deletion of AhR promotes increased tumorigenesis, but a precise understanding of the molecular cues and the genetic targets of AhR involved in this process is lacking. The intent of this review was to synthesize the evidence supporting AhR-dependent tumor suppression and distill insights for development of AhR-targeted cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Elson
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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10
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Montgomery TL, Eckstrom K, Lile KH, Caldwell S, Heney ER, Lahue KG, D'Alessandro A, Wargo MJ, Krementsov DN. Lactobacillus reuteri tryptophan metabolism promotes host susceptibility to CNS autoimmunity. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:198. [PMID: 36419205 PMCID: PMC9685921 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01408-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of gut microbiota-associated tryptophan metabolism has been observed in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, defining direct mechanistic links between this apparent metabolic rewiring and individual constituents of the gut microbiota remains challenging. We and others have previously shown that colonization with the gut commensal and putative probiotic species, Lactobacillus reuteri, unexpectedly enhances host susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of multiple sclerosis. To identify underlying mechanisms, we characterized the genome of commensal L. reuteri isolates, coupled with in vitro and in vivo metabolomic profiling, modulation of dietary substrates, and gut microbiota manipulation. RESULTS The enzymes necessary to metabolize dietary tryptophan into immunomodulatory indole derivatives were enriched in the L. reuteri genomes, including araT, fldH, and amiE. Moreover, metabolite profiling of L. reuteri monocultures and serum of L. reuteri-colonized mice revealed a depletion of kynurenines and production of a wide array of known and novel tryptophan-derived aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists and antagonists, including indole acetate, indole-3-glyoxylic acid, tryptamine, p-cresol, and diverse imidazole derivatives. Functionally, dietary tryptophan was required for L. reuteri-dependent EAE exacerbation, while depletion of dietary tryptophan suppressed disease activity and inflammatory T cell responses in the CNS. Mechanistically, L. reuteri tryptophan-derived metabolites activated the AhR and enhanced T cell production of IL-17. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests that tryptophan metabolism by gut commensals, such as the putative probiotic species L. reuteri, can unexpectedly enhance autoimmunity, inducing broad shifts in the metabolome and immunological repertoire. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa L Montgomery
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA
| | - Korin Eckstrom
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA
| | - Katarina H Lile
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA
| | - Sydney Caldwell
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA
| | - Eamonn R Heney
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA
| | - Karolyn G Lahue
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Matthew J Wargo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA
| | - Dimitry N Krementsov
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA.
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11
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Germolec DR, Lebrec H, Anderson SE, Burleson GR, Cardenas A, Corsini E, Elmore SE, Kaplan BL, Lawrence BP, Lehmann GM, Maier CC, McHale CM, Myers LP, Pallardy M, Rooney AA, Zeise L, Zhang L, Smith MT. Consensus on the Key Characteristics of Immunotoxic Agents as a Basis for Hazard Identification. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:105001. [PMID: 36201310 PMCID: PMC9536493 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Key characteristics (KCs), properties of agents or exposures that confer potential hazard, have been developed for carcinogens and other toxicant classes. KCs have been used in the systematic assessment of hazards and to identify assay and data gaps that limit screening and risk assessment. Many of the mechanisms through which pharmaceuticals and occupational or environmental agents modulate immune function are well recognized. Thus KCs could be identified for immunoactive substances and applied to improve hazard assessment of immunodulatory agents. OBJECTIVES The goal was to generate a consensus-based synthesis of scientific evidence describing the KCs of agents known to cause immunotoxicity and potential applications, such as assays to measure the KCs. METHODS A committee of 18 experts with diverse specialties identified 10 KCs of immunotoxic agents, namely, 1) covalently binds to proteins to form novel antigens, 2) affects antigen processing and presentation, 3) alters immune cell signaling, 4) alters immune cell proliferation, 5) modifies cellular differentiation, 6) alters immune cell-cell communication, 7) alters effector function of specific cell types, 8) alters immune cell trafficking, 9) alters cell death processes, and 10) breaks down immune tolerance. The group considered how these KCs could influence immune processes and contribute to hypersensitivity, inappropriate enhancement, immunosuppression, or autoimmunity. DISCUSSION KCs can be used to improve efforts to identify agents that cause immunotoxicity via one or more mechanisms, to develop better testing and biomarker approaches to evaluate immunotoxicity, and to enable a more comprehensive and mechanistic understanding of adverse effects of exposures on the immune system. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10800.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dori R. Germolec
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Herve Lebrec
- Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stacey E. Anderson
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Gary R. Burleson
- Burleson Research Technologies, Inc., Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarah E. Elmore
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Barbara L.F. Kaplan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Center for Environmental Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - B. Paige Lawrence
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Geniece M. Lehmann
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Curtis C. Maier
- In Vitro In Vivo Translation, Research and Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cliona M. McHale
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - L. Peyton Myers
- Division of Pharm/Tox, Office of Infectious Diseases, Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Marc Pallardy
- Inserm, Inflammation microbiome immunosurveillance, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Andrew A. Rooney
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren Zeise
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Luoping Zhang
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Martyn T. Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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12
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Elson DJ, Nguyen BD, Wood R, Zhang Y, Puig-Sanvicens V, Kolluri SK. The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 Kip1 interacts with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and negatively regulates its transcriptional activity. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:2056-2071. [PMID: 35735777 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
p27Kip1 functions to coordinate cell cycle progression through the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) complexes. p27Kip1 also exerts distinct activities beyond CDK-inhibition, including functioning as a transcriptional regulator. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor with diverse biological roles. The regulatory inputs that control AhR-mediated transcriptional responses are an active area of investigation. AhR was previously established as a direct regulator of p27Kip1 transcription. Here, we report the physical interaction of AhR and p27Kip1 and show that p27Kip1 expression negatively regulates AhR-mediated transcription. p27Kip1 knockout cells display increased AhR nuclear localisation and significantly higher expression of AhR target genes. This work thus identifies new regulatory cross-talk between p27Kip1 and AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Elson
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Bach D Nguyen
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Rhand Wood
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Veronica Puig-Sanvicens
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Siva K Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.,Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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13
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Phillips JL, Buermeyer AB, Nguyen BD, Loehr C, Kolluri SK. Loss of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor increases tumorigenesis in p53-deficient mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 454:116191. [PMID: 35926564 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116191] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates cell fate via activation of a diverse set of genes. There are conflicting reports describing the role of AhR in cancer. AhR-knockout mice do not develop tumors spontaneously, yet the AhR can act as a tumor suppressor in certain contexts. Loss of tumor suppression by p53 is common in human cancer. To investigate AhR function in the absence of p53, we generated mice lacking both AhR and p53. Mice deficient for AhR and p53 had shortened lifespan, increased tumorigenesis, and an altered tumor spectrum relative to control mice lacking only p53. In addition, knockout of both AhR and p53 resulted in reduced embryonic survival and neonatal fitness. We also examined the consequences of loss of AhR in p53-heterozygous mice and observed a significantly reduced lifespan and enhanced tumor burden. These findings reveal an important role for the AhR as a tumor suppressor in the absence of p53 signaling and support the development of anti-cancer therapeutics that would promote the tumor suppressive actions of the AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Phillips
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America
| | - Andrew B Buermeyer
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 897331, United States of America; The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Bach D Nguyen
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America
| | - Christiane Loehr
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 897331, United States of America; The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Siva K Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America; The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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14
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Cannon AS, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. Targeting AhR as a Novel Therapeutic Modality against Inflammatory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:288. [PMID: 35008717 PMCID: PMC8745713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) was excluded from consideration as a therapeutic approach due to the potential toxic effects of AhR ligands and the induction of the cytochrome P450 enzyme, Cyp1a1, following AhR activation. However, it is now understood that AhR activation not only serves as an environmental sensor that regulates the effects of environmental toxins, but also as a key immunomodulator where ligands induce a variety of cellular and epigenetic mechanisms to attenuate inflammation. Thus, the emergence of further in-depth research into diverse groups of compounds capable of activating this receptor has prompted reconsideration of its use therapeutically. The aim of this review is to summarize the body of research surrounding AhR and its role in regulating inflammation. Specifically, evidence supporting the potential of targeting this receptor to modulate the immune response in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases will be highlighted. Additionally, the opportunities and challenges of developing AhR-based therapies to suppress inflammation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (A.S.C.); (P.S.N.)
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15
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Lim TX, Pierens GK, Bernhardt PV, Ahamed M, Reutens DC. Synthesis, isolation and characterisation of fluorinated-benzimidazoisoquinoline regioisomers. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY : MRC 2021; 59:1154-1159. [PMID: 34250653 DOI: 10.1002/mrc.5193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A pair of novel fluorinated-benzimidazoisoquinoline regioisomers was synthesised and isolated. Initial structural characterisation and identification employed 1D proton, 1D carbon, correlated spectroscopy (COSY), heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC), and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. However, the fluorinated regioisomers could not be differentiated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) alone. Density functional theory calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments were used to completely characterise and identify the compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xiang Lim
- ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gregory K Pierens
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Muneer Ahamed
- ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David C Reutens
- ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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16
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O'Donnell EF, Jang HS, Liefwalker DF, Kerkvliet NI, Kolluri SK. Discovery and Mechanistic Characterization of a Select Modulator of AhR-regulated Transcription (SMAhRT) with Anti-cancer Effects. Apoptosis 2021; 26:307-322. [PMID: 33893898 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-021-01666-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor and a member of the bHLH/PAS (basic Helix-Loop-Helix/Per-Arnt-Sim) family of proteins. The AhR was cloned and characterized for its role in mediating the toxicity of dioxins. Subsequent research has identified the role of AhR in suppression of cancer cell growth. We hypothesized that the AhR is a molecular target for therapeutic intervention in cancer, and that activation of the AhR by unique AhR ligands in cancer cells could have anti-cancer effects including induction of cell death. This study describes the discovery and characterization of a new class of anti-cancer agents targeting the AhR, that we designate as Select Modulators of AhR-regulated Transcription (SMAhRTs). We employed two independent small molecule screening approaches to identify potential SMAhRTs. We report the identification of CGS-15943 that activates AhR signaling and induces apoptosis in an AhR-dependent manner in liver and breast cancer cells. Investigation of the downstream signaling pathway of this newly identified SMAhRT revealed upregulation of Fas-ligand (FasL), which is required for AhR-mediated apoptosis. Our results provide a basis for further development of a new class of anti-cancer therapeutics targeting an underappreciated molecular target, the AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond Francis O'Donnell
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Hyo Sang Jang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Daniel F Liefwalker
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nancy I Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Siva Kumar Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
- Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
- The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
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17
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De Guise S, Levin M, Jasperse L, Herrman J, Wells RS, Rowles T, Schwacke L. Long-Term Immunological Alterations in Bottlenose Dolphin a Decade after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Potential for Multigenerational Effects. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:1308-1321. [PMID: 33598929 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Health assessments were conducted on bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, USA, during 2011 to 2018, to assess potential health effects following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, compared to the unoiled Sarasota Bay, Florida, USA, reference dolphin population. We previously reported significant increases in T-lymphocyte proliferation, as well as lower T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines, higher Th2 cytokine IL-4, and lower T regulatory (Treg) cytokine IL-10 in Barataria Bay in 2011 compared to Sarasota Bay, consistent with Deepwater Horizon oil exposure. Although values between 2013 and 2016 were more similar to those observed in Sarasota Bay, T-cell proliferation was again elevated and cytokine balance tilted toward Th2 in Barataria Bay during 2017-2018. In 2018, Barataria Bay dolphins had significantly more circulating Treg cells than Sarasota Bay dolphins. Mice experimentally exposed to oil also had significantly increased T-lymphocyte proliferation and circulating Treg cell number, including effects in their unexposed progeny. In vitro stimulation resulted in greater Th2 responsiveness in Barataria Bay compared to Sarasota Bay dolphins, and in vitro oil exposure of Sarasota Bay dolphin cells also resulted in enhanced Th2 responsiveness. Evidence points to Treg cells as a potential target for the immunomodulatory effects of oil exposure. The immunological trends observed in Barataria Bay appeared exaggerated in dolphins born after the spill, suggesting the possibility of continued oil exposure or multigenerational health consequences of exposure to oil, as observed in mice. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1308-1321. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Connecticut Sea Grant Program, Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lindsay Jasperse
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jean Herrman
- Companion Animal Dental Services, Bolton, Connecticut, USA
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | - Teresa Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Lori Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
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18
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Meng Y, Zhu W, Song Y, Bu G, Zhang L, Xu F. Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation of Amidines with Alkynes
via
Sequential C−H Bond Activation. European J Org Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.202001634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan‐Yu Meng
- Department of College of Science Henan Agricultural University Zhengzhou 450002 P. R. China
| | - Wen‐Jing Zhu
- Department of Material and Chemical Engineering Zhengzhou University of Light Industry Zhengzhou 450002 P. R. China
| | - Yuan‐Yuan Song
- Department of Material and Chemical Engineering Zhengzhou University of Light Industry Zhengzhou 450002 P. R. China
| | - Gang‐Gang Bu
- Department of Material and Chemical Engineering Zhengzhou University of Light Industry Zhengzhou 450002 P. R. China
| | - Li‐Juan Zhang
- Department of Material and Chemical Engineering Zhengzhou University of Light Industry Zhengzhou 450002 P. R. China
| | - Fen Xu
- Department of Material and Chemical Engineering Zhengzhou University of Light Industry Zhengzhou 450002 P. R. China
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19
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Baker JR, Pollard BL, Lin AJS, Gilbert J, Paula S, Zhu X, Sakoff JA, McCluskey A. Modelling and Phenotypic Screening of NAP-6 and 10-Cl-BBQ, AhR Ligands Displaying Selective Breast Cancer Cytotoxicity in Vitro. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:1499-1512. [PMID: 33300308 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To exploit the interaction of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway in developing breast-cancer-specific cytotoxic compounds, we examined the breast cancer selectivity and the docking pose of the AhR ligands (Z)-2-(2-aminophenyl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione (NAP-6; 5) and 10-chloro-7H-benzo[de]benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-7-one (10-Cl-BBQ; 6). While the breast cancer selectivity of 5 in vitro is known, we discuss the SAR around this lead and, by using phenotypic cell-line screening and the MTT assay, show for the first time that 6 also presents with breast cancer selectivity, notably in the triple-negative (TN) receptor breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468, the ER+ breast cancer cell lines T47D, ZR-75-1 and the HER2+ breast cancer cell line SKBR3 (GI50 values of 0.098, 0.97, 0.13 and 0.21 μM, respectively). Indeed, 6 is 55 times more potent in MDA-MB-468 cells than normal MCF10A breast cells (GI50 of 0.098 vs 5.4 μM) and more than 130 times more potent than in cell lines derived from pancreas, brain and prostate (GI50 of 0.098 vs 10-13 μM). Molecular docking poses of 5 and 6 together with analogue synthesis and phenotypic screening show the importance of the naphthalene moiety, and an ortho-disposed substituent on the N-phenyl moiety for biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Baker
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Brett L Pollard
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Andrew J S Lin
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Jayne Gilbert
- Experimental Therapeutics Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Edith Street, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Stefan Paula
- Present address: Department of Chemistry, California State University at Sacramento, Sacramento, CA 95819
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Research Computing, Information Technology at Purdue (ITaP), Purdue University, 155 South Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jennette A Sakoff
- Experimental Therapeutics Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Edith Street, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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20
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Kahalehili HM, Newman NK, Pennington JM, Kolluri SK, Kerkvliet NI, Shulzhenko N, Morgun A, Ehrlich AK. Dietary Indole-3-Carbinol Activates AhR in the Gut, Alters Th17-Microbe Interactions, and Exacerbates Insulitis in NOD Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 11:606441. [PMID: 33552063 PMCID: PMC7858653 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.606441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The diet represents one environmental risk factor controlling the progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in genetically susceptible individuals. Consequently, understanding which specific nutritional components promote or prevent the development of disease could be used to make dietary recommendations in prediabetic individuals. In the current study, we hypothesized that the immunoregulatory phytochemcial, indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which is found in cruciferous vegetables, will regulate the progression of T1D in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. During digestion, I3C is metabolized into ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor that when systemically activated prevents T1D. In NOD mice, an I3C-supplemented diet led to strong AhR activation in the small intestine but minimal systemic AhR activity. In the absence of this systemic response, the dietary intervention led to exacerbated insulitis. Consistent with the compartmentalization of AhR activation, dietary I3C did not alter T helper cell differentiation in the spleen or pancreatic draining lymph nodes. Instead, dietary I3C increased the percentage of CD4+RORγt+Foxp3- (Th17 cells) in the lamina propria, intraepithelial layer, and Peyer's patches of the small intestine. The immune modulation in the gut was accompanied by alterations to the intestinal microbiome, with changes in bacterial communities observed within one week of I3C supplementation. A transkingdom network was generated to predict host-microbe interactions that were influenced by dietary I3C. Within the phylum Firmicutes, several genera (Intestinimonas, Ruminiclostridium 9, and unclassified Lachnospiraceae) were negatively regulated by I3C. Using AhR knockout mice, we validated that Intestinimonas is negatively regulated by AhR. I3C-mediated microbial dysbiosis was linked to increases in CD25high Th17 cells. Collectively, these data demonstrate that site of AhR activation and subsequent interactions with the host microbiome are important considerations in developing AhR-targeted interventions for T1D.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bacteria/drug effects
- Bacteria/immunology
- Bacteria/metabolism
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/agonists
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/genetics
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/chemically induced
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/immunology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/microbiology
- Dietary Exposure
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Dysbiosis
- Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Indoles/toxicity
- Intestine, Small/drug effects
- Intestine, Small/immunology
- Intestine, Small/metabolism
- Intestine, Small/microbiology
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Knockout
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/agonists
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/genetics
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism
- Th17 Cells/drug effects
- Th17 Cells/immunology
- Th17 Cells/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M. Kahalehili
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nolan K. Newman
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Jamie M. Pennington
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Nancy I. Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Natalia Shulzhenko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Andrey Morgun
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Allison K. Ehrlich
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
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21
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Tryptophan Metabolism, Regulatory T Cells, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Mini Review. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:9706140. [PMID: 32617076 PMCID: PMC7306093 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9706140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract resulting from the homeostasis imbalance of intestinal microenvironment, immune dysfunction, environmental and genetic factors, and so on. This disease is associated with multiple immune cells including regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs are a subset of T cells regulating the function of various immune cells to induce immune tolerance and maintain intestinal immune homeostasis. Tregs are correlated with the initiation and progression of IBD; therefore, strategies that affect the differentiation and function of Tregs may be promising for the prevention of IBD-associated pathology. It is worth noting that tryptophan (Trp) metabolism is effective in inducing the differentiation of Tregs through microbiota-mediated degradation and kynurenine pathway (KP), which is important for maintaining the function of Tregs. Interestingly, patients with IBD show Trp metabolism disorder in the pathological process, including changes in the concentrations of Trp and its metabolites and alteration in the activities of related catalytic enzymes. Thus, manipulation of Treg differentiation through Trp metabolism may provide a potential target for prevention of IBD. The purpose of this review is to highlight the relationship between Trp metabolism and Treg differentiation and the role of this interaction in the pathogenesis of IBD.
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22
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Baker JR, Sakoff JA, McCluskey A. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a breast cancer drug target. Med Res Rev 2019; 40:972-1001. [PMID: 31721255 DOI: 10.1002/med.21645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with more than 1.7 million diagnoses worldwide per annum. Metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, and the presence of triple-negative phenotypes makes targeted treatment impossible. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), most commonly associated with the metabolism of xenobiotic ligands, has emerged as a promising biological target for the treatment of this deadly disease. Ligands for the AhR can be classed as exogenous or endogenous and may have agonistic or antagonistic activity. It has been well reported that agonistic ligands may have potent and selective growth inhibition activity in a number of oncogenic cell lines, and one (aminoflavone) has progressed to phase I clinical trials for breast cancer sufferers. In this study, we examine the current state of the literature in this area and elucidate the promising advances that are being made in hijacking the cytosolic-to-nuclear pathway of the AhR for the possible future treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Baker
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, the University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennette A Sakoff
- Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Waratah, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, the University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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23
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Dolciami D, Ballarotto M, Gargaro M, López-Cara LC, Fallarino F, Macchiarulo A. Targeting Aryl hydrocarbon receptor for next-generation immunotherapies: Selective modulators (SAhRMs) versus rapidly metabolized ligands (RMAhRLs). Eur J Med Chem 2019; 185:111842. [PMID: 31727470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) constitutes a major network hub of genomic and non-genomic signaling pathways, connecting host's immune cells to environmental factors. It shapes innate and adaptive immune processes to environmental stimuli with species-, cell- and tissue-type dependent specificity. Although an ever increasing number of studies has thrust AhR into the limelight as attractive target for the development of next-generation immunotherapies, concerns exist on potential safety issues associated with small molecule modulation of the receptor. Selective AhR modulators (SAhRMs) and rapidly metabolized AhR ligands (RMAhRLs) are two classes of receptor agonists that are emerging as interesting lead compounds to bypass AhR-related toxicity in favor of therapeutic effects. In this article, we discuss SAhRMs and RMAhRLs reported in literature, covering concepts underlying their definitions, specific binding modes, structure-activity relationships and AhR-mediated functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Dolciami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Ballarotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazz.le Gambuli, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luisa Carlota López-Cara
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18010, Granada, Spain
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazz.le Gambuli, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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24
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O'Donnell EF, Jang HS, Pearce M, Kerkvliet NI, Kolluri SK. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is required for induction of p21cip1/waf1 expression and growth inhibition by SU5416 in hepatoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:25211-25225. [PMID: 28424418 PMCID: PMC5421923 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a potential clinical target for cancer and autoimmune dysfunction. Identifying selective AhR modulators that produce desirable clinical outcomes represents an opportunity for developing new anti-cancer agents. Repurposing clinically-used drugs with established safety profiles that activate the AhR represents a good starting place to pursue this goal. In this study, we characterized the AhR-dependent effects of SU5416 (Semaxanib) following its identification in a small-molecule library screen. SU5416 potently activated AhR-dependent reporter genes, induced AhR nuclear localization, facilitated AhR-DNA binding, and increased, expression of its endogenous target genes. SU5416 significantly inhibited proliferation of Hepa1 hepatoma cells in an AhR-dependent manner, but did not induce apoptosis. SU5416 also inhibited the growth of human HepG2 liver cancer cells. The effects of SU5416 correlated with an increased G1 population and increased expression of cell cycle inhibitor p21cip1/waf1 at both the mRNA and protein level. Increased expression of p21cip1/waf1 by SU5416 required expression of both AhR and Arnt. In addition, evidence for long-term activation of the AhR in vivo by a single dose of SU5416 was identified by analyzing published microarray data. Our results provide support for continued investigation of the AhR as therapeutic for cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, our findings raise the possibility that some of the previously observed anti-proliferative effects of SU5416 may be due to activation of the AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond F O'Donnell
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.,Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, and Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Hyo Sang Jang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.,Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, and Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Martin Pearce
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.,Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, and Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Nancy I Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, and Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Siva Kumar Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.,Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, and Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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25
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Ehrlich AK, Pennington JM, Bisson WH, Kolluri SK, Kerkvliet NI. TCDD, FICZ, and Other High Affinity AhR Ligands Dose-Dependently Determine the Fate of CD4+ T Cell Differentiation. Toxicol Sci 2018; 161:310-320. [PMID: 29040756 PMCID: PMC5837604 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
FICZ and TCDD, two high-affinity AhR ligands, are reported to have opposite effects on T cell differentiation with TCDD inducing regulatory T cells and FICZ inducing Th17 cells. This dichotomy has been attributed to ligand-intrinsic differences in AhR activation, although differences in sensitivity to metabolism complicate the issue. TCDD is resistant to AhR-induced metabolism and produces sustained AhR activation following a single dose in the μg/kg range, whereas FICZ is rapidly metabolized and AhR activation is transient. Nonetheless, prior studies comparing FICZ with TCDD have generally used the same 10-50 μg/kg dose range, and thus the two ligands would not equivalently activate AhR. We hypothesized that high-affinity AhR ligands can promote CD4+ T cell differentiation into both Th17 cells and Tregs, with fate depending on the extent and duration of AhR activation. We compared the immunosuppressive effects of TCDD and FICZ, along with two other rapidly metabolized ligands (ITE and 11-Cl-BBQ) in an acute alloresponse mouse model. The dose and timing of administration of each ligand was optimized for TCDD-equivalent Cyp1a1 induction. When optimized, all of the ligands suppressed the alloresponse in conjunction with the induction of Foxp3- Tr1 cells on day 2 and the expansion of natural Foxp3+ Tregs on day 10. In contrast, a low dose of FICZ induced transient expression of Cyp1a1 and did not induce Tregs or suppress the alloresponse but enhanced IL-17 production. Interestingly, low doses of the other ligands, including TCDD, also increased IL-17 production on day 10. These findings support the conclusion that the dose and the duration of AhR activation by high-affinity AhR ligands are the primary factors driving the fate of T cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Ehrlich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
| | - Jamie M Pennington
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
| | - William H Bisson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
| | - Siva K Kolluri
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
| | - Nancy I Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
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26
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Ehrlich AK, Pennington JM, Tilton S, Wang X, Marshall NB, Rohlman D, Funatake C, Punj S, O’Donnell E, Yu Z, Kolluri SK, Kerkvliet NI. AhR activation increases IL-2 production by alloreactive CD4 + T cells initiating the differentiation of mucosal-homing Tim3 + Lag3 + Tr1 cells. Eur J Immunol 2017; 47:1989-2001. [PMID: 28833046 PMCID: PMC5927372 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201747121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by immunosuppressive ligands promotes the development of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Although AhR-induced Foxp3+ Treg cells have been well studied, much less is known about the development and fate of AhR-induced Type 1 Treg (AhR-Tr1) cells. In the current study, we identified the unique transcriptional and functional changes in murine CD4+ T cells that accompany the differentiation of AhR-Tr1 cells during the CD4+ T-cell-dependent phase of an allospecific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (allo-CTL) response. AhR activation increased the expression of genes involved in T-cell activation, immune regulation and chemotaxis, as well as a global downregulation of genes involved in cell cycling. Increased IL-2 production was responsible for the early AhR-Tr1 activation phenotype previously characterized as CD25+ CTLA4+ GITR+ on day 2. The AhR-Tr1 phenotype was further defined by the coexpression of the immunoregulatory receptors Lag3 and Tim3 and non-overlapping expression of CCR4 and CCR9. Consistent with the increased expression of CCR9, real-time imaging showed enhanced migration of AhR-Tr1 cells to the lamina propria of the small intestine and colon. The discovery of mucosal imprinting of AhR-Tr1 cells provides an additional mechanism by which therapeutic AhR ligands can control immunopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K. Ehrlich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
| | - Jamie M. Pennington
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
| | - Susan Tilton
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
| | - Xisheng Wang
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
| | - Nikki B. Marshall
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
| | - Diana Rohlman
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
| | - Castle Funatake
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
| | - Sumit Punj
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
| | - Edmond O’Donnell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
| | - Zhen Yu
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
| | - Nancy I. Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
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27
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Nakashima KI, Ogiwara T, Hirai T, Tanaka T, Murata H, Kaburagi K, Fujii-Kuriyama Y, Hayashi H, Inoue M. Gerontoxanthone B from Maclura cochinchinensis var. gerontogea exhibits anti-inflammatory potential as an aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:4253-4258. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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28
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T-cell expression of AhR inhibits the maintenance of pT reg cells in the gastrointestinal tract in acute GVHD. Blood 2017; 130:348-359. [PMID: 28550042 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-08-734244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that affects the function and development of immune cells. Here, we show that recipient mice receiving AhR-/- T cells have improved survival and decreased acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in 2 different murine allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) models. We also show that CD4+ T cells lacking AhR demonstrate reduced accumulation in secondary lymphoid tissue because of low levels of proliferation 4 days after BMT. Additionally, we found a significant increase in the quantity of peripherally induced regulatory donor T (pTreg) cells in the colon of recipients transplanted with AhR-/- T cells 14 days after transplant. Blockade of AhR using a clinically available AhR antagonist greatly enhanced the in vitro generation of inducible Treg (iTreg) cells from naïve CD4+ human T cells. We have identified AhR as a novel target on donor T cells that is critical to the pathogenesis of aGVHD.
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29
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Role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in carcinogenesis and potential as an anti-cancer drug target. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:2497-2513. [PMID: 28508231 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-1981-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) was initially identified as the receptor that binds and mediates the toxic effects induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and structurally related halogenated aromatics. Other toxic compounds including some polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons act through the AhR; however, during the last 25 years, it has become apparent that the AhR plays an essential role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Moreover, the scope of ligands that bind the AhR includes endogenous compounds such as multiple tryptophan metabolites, other endogenous biochemicals, pharmaceuticals and health-promoting phytochemicals including flavonoids, indole-3-carbinol and its metabolites. It has also been shown that like other receptors, the AhR is a drug target for multiple diseases including cancer, where both AhR agonists and antagonists effectively block many of the critical hallmarks of cancer in multiple tumor types. This review describes the anti-cancer activities of AhR ligands and demonstrates that it is time to separate the AhR from TCDD and exploit the potential of the AhR as a novel target for cancer chemotherapy.
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30
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Ehrlich AK, Kerkvliet NI. Is chronic AhR activation by rapidly metabolized ligands safe for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases? CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2017; 2:72-78. [PMID: 28944315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
There is a long standing perception that AhR ligands are automatically disqualified from pharmaceutical development due to their induction of Cyp1a1 as well as their potential for causing "dioxin-like" toxicities. However, recent discoveries of new AhR ligands with potential therapeutic applications have been reported, inviting reconsideration of this policy. One area of exploration is focused on the activation of AhR to promote the generation of regulatory T cells, which control the intensity and duration of immune responses. Rapidly metabolized AhR ligands (RMAhRLs), which do not bioaccumulate in the same manner as 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) have been discovered that induce Tregs and display impressive therapeutic efficacy in a broad range of preclinical models of immune-mediated diseases. Given the promise of these RMAhRLs, is the bias against AhR activators still valid? Can RMAhRLs be given chronically to maintain therapeutic levels of AhR activation without producing the same toxicity profile as dioxin-like compounds? Based on our review of the data, there is little evidence to support the indiscriminate exclusion of AhR activators/Cyp1a1 inducers from early drug developmental pipelines. We also found no evidence that short-term treatment with RMAhRLs produce "dioxin-like toxicity" and, in fact, were well tolerated. However, safety testing of individual RMAhRLs under therapeutic conditions, as performed with all promising new drugs, will be needed to reveal whether or not chronic activation of AhR leads to unacceptable adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Ehrlich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, United States
| | - Nancy I Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, United States
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31
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Sinomenine induces the generation of intestinal Treg cells and attenuates arthritis via activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor. J Transl Med 2016; 96:1076-86. [PMID: 27617398 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2016.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sinomenine (SIN), an anti-arthritis drug, has previously been proven to exert immunomodulatory activity in rats by inducing intestinal regulatory T-cells (Treg cells). Here, we assessed the effect of SIN on the generation and function of Treg cells in autoimmune arthritis, and the underlying mechanisms in view of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The proportions of Treg cells and IL-17-producing T-cells (Th17 cells) differentiated from naive T-cells were analyzed by flow cytometric analysis. The AhR agonistic effect of SIN was tested by analyzing the activation of downstream signaling pathways and target genes. The dependence of intestinal Treg cell induction and arthritis alleviation by SIN on AhR activation was confirmed in a mouse collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. SIN promoted the differentiation and function of intestinal Treg cells in vitro. It induced the expression and activity of AhR target gene, promoted AhR/Hsp90 dissociation and AhR nuclear translocation, induced XRE reporter activity, and facilitated AhR/XRE binding in vitro, displaying the potential to be an agonist of AhR. In CIA mice, SIN induced the generation of intestinal Treg cells, and facilitated the immunosuppressive function of these Treg cells as shown by an adoptive transfer test. In addition, the induction of intestinal Treg cells and the anti-arthritic effect of SIN in CIA mice could be largely diminished by the AhR antagonist resveratrol. SIN attenuates arthritis by promoting the generation and function of Treg cells in an AhR-dependent manner.
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32
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Abstract
The signaling pathway of the evolutionary old transcription factor AhR is inducible by a number of small molecular weight chemicals, including toxicants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, bacterial toxic pigments, and physiological compounds such as tryptophan derivatives or dietary indoles. AhR activation is of immunological importance, but at the same time mediates toxicity of environmental pollutants, such as immunosuppression by dioxins. Measuring AhR activity and identification of ligands is thus of great interest for a variety of research fields. In this chapter, I briefly introduce the AhR signaling pathway, its role in immunology, and the tools and assays needed to analyze AhR signaling. Both are also needed when therapeutic applications are envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Esser
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF), Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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33
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Gargaro M, Pirro M, Romani R, Zelante T, Fallarino F. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Dependent Pathways in Immune Regulation. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:2270-6. [PMID: 26751261 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The idea of possible involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in transplant tolerance can be traced back >30 years, when very low doses of dioxin-the most potent AhR ligand-were found to markedly reduce the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in response to alloantigen challenge in vivo. AhR is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is activated by dioxins and other environmental pollutants. We now know that AhR can bind a broad variety of activating ligands that are disparate in nature, including endogenous molecules and those formed in the gut from food and bacterial products. Consequently, in addition to its classical role as a toxicological signal mediator, AhR is emerging as a transcription factor involved in the regulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses in various immune cell types, including lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Allograft rejection is mostly a T cell-mediated alloimmune response initiated by the recognition of alloantigens presented by donor and recipient APCs to recipient CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Based on those findings, AhR may function as a critical sensor of outside and inside environments, leading to changes in the immune system that may have relevance in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gargaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - M Pirro
- Department of Medicine, Perugia, Italy
| | - R Romani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - T Zelante
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - F Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Norisoboldine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, acts as an aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand to induce intestinal Treg cells and thereby attenuate arthritis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 75:63-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Szöllősi D, Erdei Á, Gyimesi G, Magyar C, Hegedűs T. Access Path to the Ligand Binding Pocket May Play a Role in Xenobiotics Selection by AhR. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146066. [PMID: 26727491 PMCID: PMC4699818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding of multidrug binding at the atomic level would facilitate drug design and strategies to modulate drug metabolism, including drug transport, oxidation, and conjugation. Therefore we explored the mechanism of promiscuous binding of small molecules by studying the ligand binding domain, the PAS-B domain of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Because of the low sequence identities of PAS domains to be used for homology modeling, structural features of the widely employed HIF-2α and a more recent suitable template, CLOCK were compared. These structures were used to build AhR PAS-B homology models. We performed molecular dynamics simulations to characterize dynamic properties of the PAS-B domain and the generated conformational ensembles were employed in in silico docking. In order to understand structural and ligand binding features we compared the stability and dynamics of the promiscuous AhR PAS-B to other PAS domains exhibiting specific interactions or no ligand binding function. Our exhaustive in silico binding studies, in which we dock a wide spectrum of ligand molecules to the conformational ensembles, suggest that ligand specificity and selection may be determined not only by the PAS-B domain itself, but also by other parts of AhR and its protein interacting partners. We propose that ligand binding pocket and access channels leading to the pocket play equally important roles in discrimination of endogenous molecules and xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dániel Szöllősi
- MTA-SE Molecular Biophysics Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Áron Erdei
- MTA-SE Molecular Biophysics Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Gergely Gyimesi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Magyar
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Tamás Hegedűs
- MTA-SE Molecular Biophysics Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
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Ehrlich AK, Pennington JM, Wang X, Rohlman D, Punj S, Löhr CV, Newman MT, Kolluri SK, Kerkvliet NI. Activation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor by 10-Cl-BBQ Prevents Insulitis and Effector T Cell Development Independently of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells in Nonobese Diabetic Mice. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2016; 196:264-73. [PMID: 26573835 PMCID: PMC4684970 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation by high-affinity ligands mediates immunosuppression in association with increased regulatory T cells (Tregs), making this transcription factor an attractive therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. We recently discovered 10-chloro-7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benzo[de]iso-quinolin-7-one (10-Cl-BBQ), a nanomolar affinity AhR ligand with immunosuppressive activity and favorable pharmacologic properties. In this study, we tested the consequences of AhR activation in the NOD model. Oral 10-Cl-BBQ treatment prevented islet infiltration without clinical toxicity, whereas AhR-deficient NOD mice were not protected. Suppression of insulitis was associated with an increased frequency, but not total number, of Foxp3(+) Tregs in the pancreas and pancreatic lymph nodes. The requirement for Foxp3(+) cells in AhR-induced suppression of insulitis was tested using NOD.Foxp3(DTR) mice, which show extensive islet infiltration upon treatment with diphtheria toxin. AhR activation prevented the development of insulitis caused by the depletion of Foxp3(+) cells, demonstrating that Foxp3(+) cells are not required for AhR-mediated suppression and furthermore that the AhR pathway is able to compensate for the absence of Foxp3(+) Tregs, countering current dogma. Concurrently, the development of disease-associated CD4(+)Nrp1(+)Foxp3(-)RORγt(+) cells was inhibited by AhR activation. Taken together, 10-Cl-BBQ is an effective, nontoxic AhR ligand for the intervention of immune-mediated diseases that functions independently of Foxp3(+) Tregs to suppress pathogenic T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Ehrlich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; and
| | - Jamie M Pennington
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; and
| | - Xisheng Wang
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; and
| | - Diana Rohlman
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; and
| | - Sumit Punj
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; and
| | - Christiane V Löhr
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Matthew T Newman
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; and
| | - Siva K Kolluri
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; and
| | - Nancy I Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; and
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Methods for Testing Immunological Factors. DRUG DISCOVERY AND EVALUATION: PHARMACOLOGICAL ASSAYS 2016. [PMCID: PMC7122208 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-05392-9_45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Hypersensitivity reactions can be elicited by various factors: either immunologically induced, i.e., allergic reactions to natural or synthetic compounds mediated by IgE, or non-immunologically induced, i.e., activation of mediator release from cells through direct contact, without the induction of, or the mediation through immune responses. Mediators responsible for hypersensitivity reactions are released from mast cells. An important preformed mediator of allergic reactions found in these cells is histamine. Specific allergens or the calcium ionophore 48/80 induce release of histamine from mast cells. The histamine concentration can be determined with the o-phthalaldehyde reaction.
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Anti-androgen flutamide suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediated induction of transforming growth factor-β1. Oncogene 2015; 34:6092-104. [PMID: 25867062 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor and a member of the basic helix-loop-helix PER/ARNT/SIM family of chemosensors and developmental regulators. The AhR is widely known as a mediator of dioxin toxicity; however, it also suppresses cancer cell proliferation and recent findings have implicated its role as a tumor suppressor. We conducted a chemical library screen to identify nontoxic AhR ligands with anti-cancer effects and discovered flutamide (Eulexin) as a putative AhR ligand. Flutamide is an androgen receptor (AR) antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of prostate cancer. We found that flutamide inhibited the growth of several cancer cell lines independent of AR status, and that suppression of AhR expression reversed the anti-proliferative effects of flutamide. We investigated the AhR-dependent mechanism of action of flutamide in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and identified that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is induced by flutamide in an AhR-dependent manner. In contrast, the potent AhR agonist 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin had no effect on TGF-β1 expression, indicating the ligand specificity of AhR activation. We also determined that TGF-β1 induction is required for the AhR-dependent growth inhibitory effects of flutamide. Therefore, flutamide may be effective in AhR-positive cancers that are sensitive to TGF-β1 signaling, such as hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Hoeppli RE, Wu D, Cook L, Levings MK. The environment of regulatory T cell biology: cytokines, metabolites, and the microbiome. Front Immunol 2015; 6:61. [PMID: 25741338 PMCID: PMC4332351 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are suppressive T cells that have an essential role in maintaining the balance between immune activation and tolerance. Their development, either in the thymus, periphery, or experimentally in vitro, and stability and function all depend on the right mix of environmental stimuli. This review focuses on the effects of cytokines, metabolites, and the microbiome on both human and mouse Treg biology. The role of cytokines secreted by innate and adaptive immune cells in directing Treg development and shaping their function is well established. New and emerging data suggest that metabolites, such as retinoic acid, and microbial products, such as short-chain fatty acids, also have a critical role in guiding the functional specialization of Tregs. Overall, the complex interaction between distinct environmental stimuli results in unique, and in some cases tissue-specific, tolerogenic environments. Understanding the conditions that favor Treg induction, accumulation, and function is critical to defining the pathophysiology of many immune-mediated diseases and to developing new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy E Hoeppli
- Department of Surgery, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Surgery, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada
| | - Laura Cook
- Department of Surgery, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- Department of Surgery, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada
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Nagayoshi H, Kakimoto K, Takagi S, Konishi Y, Kajimura K, Matsuda T. Benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers show potent activities as human aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:578-87. [PMID: 25383696 DOI: 10.1021/es503926w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) used in consumer products are raising concerns as new pollutants in the aquatic environment. We determined the agonistic activities of eight BUVSs and a chemically distinct UV absorber (4-methylbenzylidinecamphor) toward the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and thyroid hormone receptors alpha and beta. Although none of the BUVSs showed ligand activity against the thyroid hormone receptors, four of them (UV-P, UV-9, UV-326, and UV-090) showed significant AhR ligand activity. Their half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50) were 130 nM for UV-P, 460 nM for UV-9, and 5.1 μM for UV-090 (a value for UV-326 could not be determined). Of the numerous AhR ligands, it is well-known that those considered nontoxic are quickly metabolized by enzymes such as CYP1A1, which destroys their ability to function as ligands. Accordingly, we established a new yeast assay for simultaneous monitoring of both the strength of AhR ligand activity and ligand degradation by CYP1A1. We found the AhR ligand activities of the above four BUVSs to be stable in the presence of CYP1A1; therefore, they have the potential to accumulate and exert potent physiological effects in humans, analogous to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxins, which are known stable and toxic ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Nagayoshi
- Osaka Prefectural Institute of Public Health, 1-3-69 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan
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Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is best known for mediating the toxicity and tumour-promoting properties of the carcinogen 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, commonly referred to as ‘dioxin’. AHR influences the major stages of tumorigenesis — initiation, promotion, progression and metastasis — and physiologically relevant AHR ligands are often formed during disease states or during heightened innate and adaptive immune responses. Interestingly, ligand specificity and affinity vary between rodents and humans. Studies of aggressive tumours and tumour cell lines show increased levels of AHR and constitutive localization of this receptor in the nucleus. This suggests that the AHR is chronically activated in tumours, thus facilitating tumour progression. This Review discusses the role of AHR in tumorigenesis and the potential for therapeutic modulation of its activity in tumours.
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