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Zych M, Kniotek M, Roszczyk A, Dąbrowski F, Jędra R, Zagożdżon R. Surface Immune Checkpoints as Potential Biomarkers in Physiological Pregnancy and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9378. [PMID: 39273326 PMCID: PMC11395075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the genetic diversity between the mother and the fetus, heightened control over the immune system during pregnancy is crucial. Immunological parameters determined by clinicians in women with idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) include the quantity and activity of Natural Killer (NK) and Natural Killer T (NKT) cells, the quantity of regulatory T lymphocytes, and the ratio of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which indicate imbalances in Th1 and Th2 cell response. The processes are controlled by immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) expressed on the surface of immune cells. We aim to investigate differences in the expression of ICPs on T cells, T regulatory lymphocytes, NK cells, and NKT cells in peripheral blood samples collected from RSA women, pregnant women, and healthy multiparous women. We aim to discover new insights into the role of ICPs involved in recurrent pregnancy loss. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated by gradient centrifugation from blood samples obtained from 10 multiparous women, 20 pregnant women (11-14th week of pregnancy), and 20 RSA women, at maximum of 72 h after miscarriage. The PBMCs were stained for flow cytometry analysis. Standard flow cytometry immunophenotyping of PBMCs was performed using antibodies against classical lymphocyte markers, including CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, CD25, and CD127. Additionally, ICPs were investigated using antibodies against Programmed Death Protein-1 (PD-1, CD279), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3, CD366), V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), and Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3). We observed differences in the surface expression of ICPs in the analyzed subpopulations of lymphocytes between early pregnancy and RSA, after miscarriage, and in women. We noted diminished expression of PD-1 on T lymphocytes (p = 0.0046), T helper cells (CD3CD4 positive cells, p = 0.0165), T cytotoxic cells (CD3CD8 positive cells, p = 0.0046), T regulatory lymphocytes (CD3CD4CD25CD127 low positive cells, p = 0.0106), and NKT cells (CD3CD56/CD16 positive cells, p = 0.0438), as well as LAG-3 on lymphocytes T (p = 0.0225) T helper, p = 0.0426), T cytotoxic cells (p = 0.0458) and Treg (p = 0.0293), and cells from RSA women. Impaired expression of TIM-3 (p = 0.0226) and VISTA (p = 0.0039) on CD8 cytotoxic T and NK (TIM3 p = 0.0482; VISTA p = 0.0118) cells was shown, with an accompanying increased expression of TIGIT (p = 0.0211) on NKT cells. The changes in the expression of surface immune checkpoints indicate their involvement in the regulation of pregnancy. The data might be utilized to develop specific therapies for RSA women based on the modulation of ICP expression.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Female
- Pregnancy
- Abortion, Habitual/immunology
- Abortion, Habitual/metabolism
- Abortion, Habitual/blood
- Adult
- Biomarkers/blood
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Immune Checkpoint Proteins/metabolism
- Immune Checkpoint Proteins/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Immunophenotyping
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Natural Killer T-Cells/immunology
- Natural Killer T-Cells/metabolism
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2/metabolism
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Zych
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Kniotek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksander Roszczyk
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Dąbrowski
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, CMKP, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
- Club35, Polish Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists PTGiP, Cybernetyki7F/87, 02-677 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Jędra
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, CMKP, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Radosław Zagożdżon
- Laboratory of Cellular and Genetic Therapies, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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Mendoza M, Ballesteros A, Rendon-Correa E, Tonk R, Warren J, Snow AL, Stowell SR, Blois SM, Dveksler G. Modulation of galectin-9 mediated responses in monocytes and T-cells by pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107638. [PMID: 39121996 PMCID: PMC11403483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107638] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Successful pregnancy relies on a coordinated interplay between endocrine, immune, and metabolic processes to sustain fetal growth and development. The orchestration of these processes involves multiple signaling pathways driving cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and immune regulation necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Among the molecules supporting placental development and maternal tolerance, the families of pregnancy-specific glycoproteins and galectins are of great interest in reproductive biology. We previously found that PSG1 can bind to galectin-1 (GAL-1). Herein, we characterized the interaction between PSG1 and other members of the galectin family expressed during pregnancy, including galectin-3, -7, -9, and -13 (GAL-3, GAL-7, GAL-9, and GAL-13). We observed that PSG1 binds to GAL-1, -3, and -9, with the highest apparent affinity seen for GAL-9, and that the interaction of PSG1 with GAL-9 is carbohydrate-dependent. We further investigated the ability of PSG1 to regulate GAL-9 responses in human monocytes, a murine macrophage cell line, and T-cells, and determined whether PSG1 binds to both carbohydrate recognition domains of GAL-9. Additionally, we compared the apparent affinity of GAL-9 binding to PSG1 with other known GAL-9 ligands in these cells, Tim-3 and CD44. Lastly, we explored functional conservation between murine and human PSGs by determining that Psg23, a highly expressed member of the murine Psg family, can bind some murine galectins despite differences in amino acid composition and domain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian Mendoza
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Angela Ballesteros
- Section on Sensory Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rendon-Correa
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rohan Tonk
- Section on Sensory Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James Warren
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew L Snow
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean R Stowell
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Glyco-HAM, a cooperation of Universität Hamburg, Technology Platform Mass Spectrometry and University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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Yu G, Liu R, Li J, Zhao G, Wang Y. The immunotherapy in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33617. [PMID: 39040340 PMCID: PMC11260923 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Using Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) has significantly reduced the risk of recurrence and prolonged survival. Immunotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in multiple solid tumors, but its effectiveness in GIST remains uncertain. Although early clinical studies indicate good tolerability of immunotherapy in patients, the efficacy is not as desired. Therefore, identifying the subset of GIST patients who benefit from immunotherapy and coordinating the relationship between immunotherapy and TKI treatment are crucial issues to be explored. In this review, we aims to provide a retrospective analysis of relevant literature and find that GIST patients exhibit a rich presence of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, which play critical roles in the immune surveillance and evasion processes of tumors. This review incorporates a selection of 48 articles published between 2002 and 2023, sourced from PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruibin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
- Department of Clinical Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiayao Li
- Liaoning Normal University Haihua College,Liaoning, China
| | - Guohua Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
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Ahmadi H, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Yousefi M, Baradaran B, Bromand S, Aghebati-Maleki L, Szekeres-Bartho J. The evaluation of PD-1 and Tim-3 expression besides their related miRNAs in PBMCs of women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Immunol Lett 2024; 266:106837. [PMID: 38266686 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106837] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a multifactorial disorder, associated with immunologic abnormalities. During pregnancy, the maternal immune system uses different tolerance mechanisms to deal with a semi-allogenic fetus. The expression of immune checkpoints and their related miRNAs in immune cells can ensure pregnancy at the feto-maternal interface by modulating immune responses. This study aims to evaluate the expression of the immune checkpoint molecules PD-1 and Tim-3 on circulating T cells by flow cytometry, that of mir-138 and mir-155 in PBMCs by Real-time PCR, and the concentrations of TGF-β and IP-10 in the sera of women suffering from RPL as well as of gestational age-matched healthy pregnant women by ELISA. The percentage of PD-1 or Tim-3 expressing CD8+ T cells was significantly lower in RPL patients compared to the controls, while there was no significant difference in Tim-3 expression of CD4+ T cells between the two groups. The mRNA of both the PD-1 and Tim-3 genes were downregulated in PBMCs of RPL patients compared to controls, however, the difference was not statistically significant for Tim-3. The concentration of TGF-β was significantly lower and that of IP-10 was significantly higher in the sera of RPL patients than in those of the controls. The relative expression of mir-138 and miR-155 were significantly lower, in PBMCs of RPL patients than in those of healthy pregnant women. These data confirm that by affecting cytokine production, immune checkpoints, and microRNAs play a role in establishing the appropriate local immune environment for successful pregnancy. The wider analysis of immune checkpoints may also yield new biomarkers for the diagnosis and prevention of RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saro Bromand
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Julia Szekeres-Bartho
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary; János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary; Endocrine Studies, Centre of Excellence, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary; MTA - PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, Pecs, Hungary; National Laboratory of Human Reproduction, Pécs, Hungary.
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5
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Shekarchi AA, Hosseini L, Kamrani A, Alipourfard I, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Akbari M, Roshangar L, Aghebati-Maleki L, Chakari-Khiavi F, Chakari-Khiavi A, Motlagh Asghari K, Danaii S, Pourlak T, Ahmadian Heris J, Yousefi M. Evaluation of changes in exhausted T lymphocytes and miRNAs expression in the different trimesters of pregnancy in pregnant women. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:442. [PMID: 38520563 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09370-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Throughout the three trimesters of a typical pregnancy, we looked at changes in the expression of miRNAs and exhausted T lymphocytes for this study. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty healthy subjects were included in this study. The frequency of exhausted T lymphocytes was measured in isolated PBMCs using flow cytometry. PD-1, TIM-3, and related miRNAs gene expression were assessed using qRT-PCR. The analyses revealed a significant decline in PD-1 and Tim-3 expression in PBMCs from RPL women (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.001, respectively). In addition, PD-1 and TIM-3 expression increased significantly in the 2nd trimester compared with the 1st trimester of healthy pregnant women (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0002, respectively). PD-1 and TIM-3 expression was down-regulated in the 3rd trimester compared with the 1st and 2nd trimesters. In the present study, we demonstrated that TIM-3+/CD4+, TIM-3+/CD8+, PD-1+/CD4+, and PD-1+/CD8 + exhausted T lymphocytes increased in the circulation of women in the 2nd trimester compared to the 1st and 3rd trimester. In the 3rd trimester, the expression of miR-16-5p increased significantly (p < 0.0001). miR-125a-3p expression was down and upregulated in 2nd (p < 0.0001) and 3rd (p = 0.0007) trimesters compared to 1st trimester, respectively. This study showed a significant elevation of miR-15a-5p in 3rd trimester compared to 1st trimester of pregnant women (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS Expression pattern of PD-1 and TIM3 in exhausted T lymphocytes is different not only between normal pregnant and RPL women but also in different trimesters of pregnancy. So, our results showed the role of these markers in the modulation lymphocytes activity in different stages of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Akbar Shekarchi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Hosseini
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Kamrani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Iraj Alipourfard
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Soltani-Zangbar
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Roshangar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Aref Chakari-Khiavi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Kimia Motlagh Asghari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahla Danaii
- Gynecology Department, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART center, Eastern Azerbaijan branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tannaz Pourlak
- Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Ahmadian Heris
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Pediatric Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Zych M, Roszczyk A, Dąbrowski F, Kniotek M, Zagożdżon R. Soluble Forms of Immune Checkpoints and Their Ligands as Potential Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss-A Preliminary Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:499. [PMID: 38203670 PMCID: PMC10779235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints (ICPs) serve as regulatory switches on immune-competent cells. Soluble ICPs consist of fragments derived from ICP molecules typically located on cell membranes. Research has demonstrated that they perform similar functions to their membrane-bound counterparts but are directly present in the bloodstream. Effective control of the maternal immune system is vital for a successful pregnancy due to genetic differences between the mother and fetus. Abnormalities in the immune response are widely acknowledged as the primary cause of spontaneous abortions. In our research, we introduce a novel approach to understanding the immune-mediated mechanisms underlying recurrent miscarriages and explore new possibilities for diagnosing and preventing pregnancy loss. The female participants in the study were divided into three groups: RSA (recurrent spontaneous abortion), pregnant, and non-pregnant women. The analysis of soluble forms of immune checkpoints and their ligands in the serum of the study groups was conducted using the Luminex method Statistically significant differences in the concentrations of (ICPs) were observed between physiological pregnancies and the RSA group. Among patients with RSA, we noted reduced concentrations of sGalectin-9, sTIM-3, and sCD155, along with elevated concentrations of LAG-3, sCD80, and sCD86 ICPs, in comparison to physiological pregnancies. Our study indicates that sGalectin-9, TIM-3, sLAG-3, sCD80, sCD86, sVISTA, sNectin-2, and sCD155 could potentially serve as biological markers of a healthy, physiological pregnancy. These findings suggest that changes in the concentrations of soluble immune checkpoints may have the potential to act as markers for early pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Zych
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland; (M.Z.); (A.R.); (R.Z.)
| | - Aleksander Roszczyk
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland; (M.Z.); (A.R.); (R.Z.)
| | - Filip Dąbrowski
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Neonatology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Ceglowska 80, 01-809 Warsaw, Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland;
- Club35, Polish Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists PTGiP, Cybernetyki7F/87, 02-677 Warsaw, Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza 1, 02-015 Warsaw, Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland
| | - Monika Kniotek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland; (M.Z.); (A.R.); (R.Z.)
| | - Radosław Zagożdżon
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland; (M.Z.); (A.R.); (R.Z.)
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology, and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland
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Sauer N, Janicka N, Szlasa W, Skinderowicz B, Kołodzińska K, Dwernicka W, Oślizło M, Kulbacka J, Novickij V, Karłowicz-Bodalska K. TIM-3 as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy in a wide range of tumors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3405-3425. [PMID: 37567938 PMCID: PMC10576709 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03516-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3) expression has been a trending topic in recent years due to its differential expression in a wide range of neoplasms. TIM-3 is one of the key immune checkpoint receptors that interact with GAL-9, PtdSer, HMGB1 and CEACAM1. Initially identified on the surface of T helper 1 (Th1) lymphocytes and later on cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs), monocytes, macrophages, natural killer cells (NKs), and dendritic cells (DCs), TIM-3 plays a key role in immunoregulation. Recently, a growing body of evidence has shown that its differential expression in various tumor types indicates a specific prognosis for cancer patients. Here, we discuss which types of cancer TIM-3 can serve as a prognostic factor and the influence of coexpressed immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as LAG-3, PD-1, and CTLA-4 on patients' outcomes. Currently, experimental medicine involving TIM-3 has significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effect and improved patient survival. In this work, we summarized clinical trials incorporating TIM-3 targeting monoclonal and bispecific antibodies in monotherapy and combination therapy and highlighted the emerging role of cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sauer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Janicka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Wioletta Dwernicka
- Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Julita Kulbacka
- State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Immunology, Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Immunology, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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8
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Phoswa WN, Khaliq OP, Eche S. A Review on Inflammasomes and Immune Checkpoints in Pre-Eclampsia Complicated with Tuberculosis and Human Immune Deficiency Virus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6627. [PMID: 37681767 PMCID: PMC10487055 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The current review evaluates how inflammasomes and immune checkpoints are regulated in pre-eclampsia (PE) associated with tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV). Studies indicate that inflammasomes such as (NRLP3, NEK7, and AIM2) and immune checkpoints such as (CLT4, PD-1, TIM3, and LAG-3) are dysregulated in TB- and HIV-infected individuals, and also in pre-eclamptic pregnancies, which explains why pregnant women who are either infected with TB or HIV have an increased risk of developing PE. Evidence suggests that inhibition of inflammasomes and immune checkpoints may assist in the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs for the prevention and management of PE in patients with or without TB and HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy N. Phoswa
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, Science Campus, University of South Africa (UNISA), Private Bag X 6, Florida, Roodepoort 1710, South Africa
| | - Olive P. Khaliq
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa;
| | - Simeon Eche
- School of Medicine, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CO 06510, USA;
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9
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Zhao F, Tallarek AC, Wang Y, Xie Y, Diemert A, Lu-Culligan A, Vijayakumar P, Kittmann E, Urbschat C, Bayo J, Arck PC, Farhadian SF, Dveksler GS, Garcia MG, Blois SM. A unique maternal and placental galectin signature upon SARS-CoV-2 infection suggests galectin-1 as a key alarmin at the maternal-fetal interface. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1196395. [PMID: 37475853 PMCID: PMC10354452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic imposed a risk of infection and disease in pregnant women and neonates. Successful pregnancy requires a fine-tuned regulation of the maternal immune system to accommodate the growing fetus and to protect the mother from infection. Galectins, a family of β-galactoside-binding proteins, modulate immune and inflammatory processes and have been recognized as critical factors in reproductive orchestration, including maternal immune adaptation in pregnancy. Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1 (PSG1) is a recently identified gal-1 ligand at the maternal-fetal interface, which may facilitate a successful pregnancy. Several studies suggest that galectins are involved in the immune response in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. However, the galectins and PSG1 signature upon SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination during pregnancy remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the maternal circulating levels of galectins (gal-1, gal-3, gal-7, and gal-9) and PSG1 in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 before vaccination or uninfected women who were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and correlated their expression with different pregnancy parameters. SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination during pregnancy provoked an increase in maternal gal-1 circulating levels. On the other hand, levels of PSG1 were only augmented upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. A healthy pregnancy is associated with a positive correlation between gal-1 concentrations and gal-3 or gal-9; however, no correlation was observed between these lectins during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Transcriptome analysis of the placenta showed that gal-1, gal-3, and several PSG and glycoenzymes responsible for the synthesis of gal-1-binding glycotopes (such as linkage-specific N-acetyl-glucosaminyltransferases (MGATs)) are upregulated in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. Collectively, our findings identify a dynamically regulated "galectin-specific signature" that accompanies the SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination in pregnancy, and they highlight a potentially significant role for gal-1 as a key pregnancy protective alarmin during virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangqi Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Tallarek
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yiru Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yiran Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Diemert
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alice Lu-Culligan
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Pavithra Vijayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Enrico Kittmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Urbschat
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Juan Bayo
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Petra C. Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Shelli F. Farhadian
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gabriela S. Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mariana G. Garcia
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra M. Blois
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Bhati T, Ray A, Arora R, Siraj F, Parvez S, Rastogi S. Galectins are critical regulators of cytokine signalling at feto-maternal interface in infection-associated spontaneous preterm birth. Placenta 2023; 138:10-19. [PMID: 37146535 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is a global health issue. Studies suggest infections are chiefly associated with sPTB and galectins (gals) play a role in regulation of innate and adaptive maternal immune response against pathogens during sPTB. The aim of this study was to describe the gene expression of gal -1, -3, -8, -9, -13 in relation to gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the cytokines IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-ϒ in the setting of sPTB and confirmed infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum. METHODS Placental samples were collected from 120 term control and 120 sPTB pregnancies. PCR was used to detect specific pathogens. Gene expression of galectins, cytokines, and COX-2 was performed using real time qPCR. RESULTS Fold-change expression of gal -1, -3, -8, -9, -13 was 5.13, 6.11, 1.14, 5.23 and 7.16 (p<0.001), respectively; while IL-10, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-ϒ and COX-2 was 6.29, 6.55, 6.35, 6.36 and 2.73-fold upregulated (p<0.05), respectively in infected sPTB. Gal-1 was positively correlated with IL-10 (r=0.49, p=0.003) while gal-3 showed significant correlation with IL-8 (r=0.42, p=0.0113), TNF-α (r=0.65, p=< 0.001) and COX-2 (r=0.72, p=0.001). However, gal-8 was not significantly correlated with any cytokine. Gal-9, -13 were negatively correlated with IFN-ϒ (r=-0.45, p=0.006) and IL-8 (r=-0.39, p=0.018). DISCUSSION Gal-1, -9, -13 are anti-inflammatory and might play role in immune-tolerance while gal-3 is pro-inflammatory and possibly responsible for immunogenic response, having potential to anticipate the clinical beginning of preterm labour during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanu Bhati
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Sriramachari Bhawan, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, Post Box No. 4909, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Ankita Ray
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Sriramachari Bhawan, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, Post Box No. 4909, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Renu Arora
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Fouzia Siraj
- Pathology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Sriramachari Bhawan, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, Post Box No. 4909, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Suhel Parvez
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
| | - Sangita Rastogi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Sriramachari Bhawan, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, Post Box No. 4909, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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11
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Chen Z, Huang J, Kwak-Kim J, Wang W. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and reproductive failures. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103799. [PMID: 36724630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103799] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The human conceptus is a semi-allograft, which is antigenically foreign to the mother. Hence, the implantation process needs mechanisms to prevent allograft rejection during successful pregnancy. Immune checkpoints are a group of inhibitory pathways expressed on the surface of various immune cells in the form of ligand receptors. Immune cells possess these pathways to regulate the magnitude of immune responses and induce maternal-fetal tolerance. Briefly, 1) CTLA-4 can weaken T cell receptor (TCR) signals and inhibit T cell response; 2) The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can reduce T cell proliferation, enhance T cell anergy and fatigue, reduce cytokine production, and increase T regulatory cell activity to complete the immunosuppression; 3) TIM3 interacts with T cells by binding Gal-9, weakening Th1 cell-mediated immunity and T cell apoptosis; 4) The LAG-3 binding to MHC II can inhibit T cell activation by interfering with the binding of CD4 to MHC II, and; 5) TIGIT can release inhibitory signals to NK and T cells through the ITIM structure of its cytoplasmic tail. Therefore, dysregulated immune checkpoints or the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors may impair human reproduction. This review intends to deliver a comprehensive overview of immune checkpoints in pregnancy, including CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and their inhibitors, reviewing their roles in normal and pathological human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyang Chen
- School of Medicine, Qingdao University, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266000, PR China; Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jinxia Huang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Department of Gynecology, Weihai Central Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, 3 Mishan East Road, Weihai 264400, PR China
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA; Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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Kapetanakis NI, Busson P. Galectins as pivotal components in oncogenesis and immune exclusion in human malignancies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1145268. [PMID: 36817445 PMCID: PMC9935586 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1145268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectins are galactoside-binding proteins, exerting numerous functions inside and outside the cell, particularly conferring adaptation to stress factors. For most of them, aberrant expression profiles have been reported in the context of cancer. Albeit not being oncogenic drivers, galectins can be harnessed to exacerbate the malignant phenotype. Their impact on disease establishment and progression is not limited to making cancer cells resistant to apoptosis, but is prominent in the context of the tumor microenvironment, where it fosters angiogenesis, immune escape and exclusion. This review focuses mainly on Gal-1, Gal-3 and Gal-9 for which the involvement in cancer biology is best known. It presents the types of galectin dysregulations, attempts to explain the mechanisms behind them and analyzes the different ways in which they favor tumour growth. In an era where tumour resistance to immunotherapy appears as a major challenge, we highlight the crucial immunosuppressive roles of galectins and the potential therapeutic benefits of combinatorial approaches including galectin inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pierre Busson
- Host-Tumor Interactions in Head and Neck Carcinoma: Exploration and Therapeutic Modulations, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche(UMR) 9018 - METabolic and SYstemic aspects of oncogenesis for new therapeutic approaches (METSY), Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
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13
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Yang K, Zhao Y, Sun G, Zhang X, Cao J, Shao M, Liang X, Wang L. Clinical application and prospect of immune checkpoint inhibitors for CAR-NK cell in tumor immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1081546. [PMID: 36741400 PMCID: PMC9892943 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1081546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineering of natural killer (NK) cells is an attractive research field in tumor immunotherapy. While CAR is genetically engineered to express certain molecules, it retains the intrinsic ability to recognize tumor cells through its own receptors. Additionally, NK cells do not depend on T cell receptors for cytotoxic killing. CAR-NK cells exhibit some differences to CAR-T cells in terms of more precise killing, numerous cell sources, and increased effectiveness in solid tumors. However, some problems still exist with CAR-NK cell therapy, such as cytotoxicity, low transfection efficiency, and storage issues. Immune checkpoints inhibit immune cells from performing their normal killing function, and the clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment has become a key therapeutic strategy. The application of CAR-T cells and immune checkpoint inhibitors is being evaluated in numerous ongoing basic research and clinical studies. Immune checkpoints may affect the function of CAR-NK cell therapy. In this review, we describe the combination of existing CAR-NK cell technology with immune checkpoint therapy and discuss the research of CAR-NK cell technology and future clinical treatments. We also summarize the progress of clinical trials of CAR-NK cells and immune checkpoint therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangdi Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuze Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanqun Sun
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjin Cao
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingcong Shao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xijun Liang
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xijun Liang, ; Lina Wang,
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xijun Liang, ; Lina Wang,
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14
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Hou Y, Wang Q, Su L, Zhu Y, Xiao Y, Feng F. Increased tumor-associated mast cells facilitate thyroid cancer progression by inhibiting CD8+ T cell function through galectin-9. Braz J Med Biol Res 2023; 56:e12370. [PMID: 37042867 PMCID: PMC10085758 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2023e12370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As an important component of solid tumors, mast cells show specific phenotypes in various tumor microenvironments. However, the precise mechanism of mast cell accumulation and the phenotypic features of thyroid cancer (TC) remain largely unknown. Here, we found that mast cells were obviously recruited to tumor tissue by TC-derived stem cell factor (SCF). With tumor progression, mast cell levels increased gradually. In addition, intratumoral mast cells expressed higher levels of the immunosuppressive molecule galectin-9, which effectively suppresses CD8+ T-cell antitumor immunity in vitro. Blocking galectin-9 on tumor-infiltrating mast cells reversed the immunosuppression of CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, our data elucidated novel protumorigenic and immunosuppressive roles of mast cells in TC. In addition, our results indicated that blocking mast cells may impede tumor progression and ameliorate the prognosis of TC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Hou
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Orthodontics, Deyang Stomatological Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Su
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Xiao
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Feng
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
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15
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Oravecz O, Romero R, Tóth E, Kapitány J, Posta M, Gallo DM, Rossi SW, Tarca AL, Erez O, Papp Z, Matkó J, Than NG, Balogh A. Placental galectins regulate innate and adaptive immune responses in pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1088024. [PMID: 36643922 PMCID: PMC9832025 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1088024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Galectins are master regulators of maternal immune responses and placentation in pregnancy. Galectin-13 (gal-13) and galectin-14 (gal-14) are expressed solely by the placenta and contribute to maternal-fetal immune tolerance by inducing the apoptosis of activated T lymphocytes and the polarization of neutrophils toward an immune-regulatory phenotype.Furthermore, their decreased placental expression is associated with pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and miscarriage. Yet, our knowledge of the immunoregulatory role of placental galectins is incomplete. Methods This study aimed to investigate the effects of recombinant gal-13 and gal-14 on cell viability, apoptosis, and cytokine production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the signaling pathways involved. Results Herein, we show that gal-13 and gal-14 bind to the surface of non-activated PBMCs (monocytes, natural killer cells, B cells, and T cells) and increase their viability while decreasing the rate of their apoptosis without promoting cell proliferation. We also demonstrate that gal-13 and gal-14 induce the production of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, and interferon-gamma cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner in PBMCs. The parallel activation of Erk1/2, p38, and NF-ĸB signaling evidenced by kinase phosphorylation in PBMCs suggests the involvement of these pathways in the regulation of the galectin-affected immune cell functions. Discussion These findings provide further evidence on how placenta-specific galectins assist in the establishment and maintenance of a proper immune environment during a healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Oravecz
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary,Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States,Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Eszter Tóth
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Kapitány
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Máté Posta
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary,Károly Rácz Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dahiana M. Gallo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad Del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - Adi L. Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States,Genesis Theranostix Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States,Genesis Theranostix Group, Budapest, Hungary,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Zoltán Papp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary,Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Matkó
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nándor Gábor Than
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary,Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States,Genesis Theranostix Group, Budapest, Hungary,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary,Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary,*Correspondence: Nándor Gábor Than,
| | - Andrea Balogh
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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Shete A, Bhat M, Sawant J, Deshpande S. Both N- and C-terminal domains of galectin-9 are capable of inducing HIV reactivation despite mediating differential immunomodulatory functionalities. Front Immunol 2022; 13:994830. [PMID: 36569879 PMCID: PMC9772452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.994830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The shock-and-kill strategy for HIV cure requires the reactivation of latent HIV followed by the killing of the reactivated cellular reservoir. Galectin-9, an immunomodulatory protein, is shown to induce HIV reactivation as well as contribute to non-AIDS- and AIDS-defining events. The protein is prone to cleavage by inflammatory proteases at its linker region separating the N- and C-terminal carbohydrate-binding domains (N- and C-CRDs) which differ in their binding specificities. It is important to study the activity of its cleaved as well as uncleaved forms in mediating HIV reactivation and immunomodulation in order to understand their role in HIV pathogenesis and their further utilization for the shock-and-kill strategy. Methodology The PBMCs of HIV patients on virally suppressive ART (n = 11) were stimulated using 350 nM of the full-length protein and N- and C-CRDs of Gal-9. HIV reactivation was determined by analyzing gag RNA copies using qPCR using isolated CD4 cells and intracellular P24 staining of PBMCs by flow cytometry. Cytokine responses induced by the full-length protein and N- and C-CRDs of Gal-9 were also assessed by flow cytometry, Luminex, and gene expression assays. Changes in T helper cell gene expression pattern after the stimulation were also determined by real-time PCR array. Results Both N- and C-CRDs of galectin-9 induced HIV reactivation in addition to the full-length galectin-9 protein. The two domains elicited higher cytokine responses than the full-length protein, possibly capable of mediating higher perturbations in the immune system if used for HIV reactivation. N-CRD was found to induce the development of Treg cells, whereas C-CRD inhibited the induction of Treg cells. Despite this, both domains elicited IL-10 secretory response although targeting different CD4 cell phenotypes. Conclusion N- and C-CRDs were found to induce HIV reactivation similar to that of the full-length protein, indicating their possible usefulness in the shock-and-kill strategy. The study indicated an anti-inflammatory role of N-CRD versus the proinflammatory properties of C-CRD of galectin-9 in HIV infection.
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Tim-3: An inhibitory immune checkpoint is associated with maternal-fetal tolerance and recurrent spontaneous abortion. Clin Immunol 2022; 245:109185. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Parasar P, Bernard M, Ahn SH, Kshirsagar SK, Nguyen SL, Grzesiak GR, Vettathu M, Martin D, Petroff MG. Isolation and characterization of uterine leukocytes collected using a uterine swab technique. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13614. [PMID: 35997140 PMCID: PMC9787928 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Leukocytes from the maternal-fetal interface are a valuable tool to study local changes in immune function during pregnancy; however, sampling can be challenging due to inadequate tissue availability and the invasive nature of placental bed biopsy. Here, we aim to purify and characterize leukocytes from paired peripheral and uterine blood samples to assess whether a less invasive method of uterine blood collection could yield a population of enriched uterine leukocytes suitable for ex vivo and in vitro analyses. METHOD OF STUDY Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and uterine blood mononuclear cells (UBMC) expressed from surgical gauze post C-section were isolated, and immunophenotypic information was acquired by multi-parameter flow cytometry. PBMC and UBMC were stained for markers used to define T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, regulatory T (TReg ) cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Prime flow was performed to check expression and analysis of CD16- CD56++ and CD16- CD56++ NK transcripts in PBMC and UBMC samples. RESULTS Immunophenotyping revealed that over 95% of both live PBMC and UBMC consisted of CD45+ leukocytes. Higher percentages of CD16- CD56++ , characterized as uterine NK (uNK) cells, were observed in UBMC samples as compared to PBMC samples (18.41% of CD45+ CD3- vs. 2.73%, respectively), suggesting that CD16- CD56++ cells were enriched in these samples. In UBMC, 49.64% of CD3-negative cells were of peripheral NK phenotype (CD16+ CD56++ ), suggesting infiltration of maternal peripheral NK (pNK) cell in the uterine interface. CONCLUSION Intrauterine leukocytes, especially CD16- CD56++ NK cells, can be collected in sufficient numbers with increased purity by sampling the uterine cavity postdelivery with surgical gauze. Our results suggest that this non-invasive protocol is a useful sampling technique for isolating CD16- CD56++ cells, however, due to peripheral blood contamination, the NK cell yield could be lower compared to actual decidual or endometrial samples post-partum which is more invasive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parveen Parasar
- Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic InvestigationChildren's Hospital BostonEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Matthew Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Soo Hyun Ahn
- Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic InvestigationChildren's Hospital BostonEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Sarika K. Kshirsagar
- Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic InvestigationChildren's Hospital BostonEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Sean L. Nguyen
- Cell and Molecular Biology ProgramMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA,Institute for Integrative ToxicologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Geoffrey R. Grzesiak
- Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic InvestigationChildren's Hospital BostonEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Mathew Vettathu
- Department of Obstetrics & GynecologySparrow HospitalEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Denny Martin
- Department of Obstetrics & GynecologySparrow HospitalEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Margaret G. Petroff
- Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic InvestigationChildren's Hospital BostonEast LansingMichiganUSA,Cell and Molecular Biology ProgramMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA,Microbiology & Molecular GeneticsMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
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Galectin-1 and Galectin-9 Concentration in Maternal Serum: Implications in Pregnancies Complicated with Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11216330. [PMID: 36362558 PMCID: PMC9658671 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (pPROM) accounts for nearly half of premature births. Although several risk factors have been identified, no markers allowing for effective prevention have been discovered. In this study, we investigated how the maternal serum levels of galectin-1 and galectin-9 change in patients with pPROM in comparison to uncomplicated pregnancies. A total of 75 patients were enrolled to both study and control group (37 vs. 38, respectively). The serum concentration of galectin-1 and galectin-9 were assayed in duplicate using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. All analyses were performed using PQ Stat v. 1.8.4 software. Galectin-1 levels were significantly higher in the controls (13.32 vs. 14.71 ng/mL, p = 0.02). Galectin-9 levels were similar in both groups (13.31 vs. 14.76 ng/mL, p = 0.30). Lower galectin levels were detected for early pPROM (before 32nd GW) in comparison to late pPROM and the controls (8.85 vs. 14.45 vs. 14.71 ng/mL, p = 0.0004). Similar trend was observed in galectin-9 levels, although no statistical significance was found (11.57 vs. 14.25 vs. 14.76 ng/mL, p = 0.26). Low galectin-1 maternal serum level is associated with the incidence of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Galectin-9 maternal serum levels were not significantly correlated with pPROM. However, in order to investigate gal-1 and gal-9 levels as potential, promising markers of pPROM, further clinical studies on larger groups are required.
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Rio-Aige K, Girbal M, Selma-Royo M, Parra-Llorca A, González S, Martínez-Costa C, Castell M, Collado MC, Pérez-Cano FJ, Rodríguez-Lagunas MJ. Galectins-1, -3 and -9 Are Present in Breast Milk and Have a Role in Early Life Development. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204338. [PMID: 36297023 PMCID: PMC9611974 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins (Gal) are a family of conserved soluble proteins with high affinity for β-galactoside structures. They have been recognized as important proteins for successful pregnancy. However, little is known about their presence in breast milk and their role in early infancy. Gal-1, -3 and -9 concentrations were evaluated by Multiplex immunoassays in mother–infant pairs from the MAMI cohort in maternal plasma (MP) (n = 15) and umbilical cord plasma (UCP) (n = 15) at birth and in breast milk samples (n = 23) at days 7 and 15 postpartum. Data regarding mother and infant characteristics were collected. Gal-9 was present in a lower concentration range than Gal-1 and Gal-3 in plasma, specifically in UCP. A major finding in the current study is that Gal-1, -3 and -9 were detected for the first time in all the transitional breast milk samples and no differences were found when comparing the two breastfeeding time points. Finally, Gal levels were associated with some maternal and infant characteristics, such as gestational age, pregnancy weight gain, maternal diet, the gender, infant growth and infant infections. In conclusion, Gal levels seem to be involved in certain developmental aspects of early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Rio-Aige
- Physiology Section, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute (INSA-UB), 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - Marina Girbal
- Physiology Section, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute (INSA-UB), 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - Marta Selma-Royo
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), National Research Council, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Anna Parra-Llorca
- Neonatal Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia González
- Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
- Diet, Microbiota and Health Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (DIMISA, ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Cecilia Martínez-Costa
- Department of Pediatrics, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez 15-17, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Margarida Castell
- Physiology Section, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute (INSA-UB), 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - María Carmen Collado
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), National Research Council, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Pérez-Cano
- Physiology Section, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute (INSA-UB), 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - María J. Rodríguez-Lagunas
- Physiology Section, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute (INSA-UB), 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
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21
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Smetanenko EA, Khonina NA, Leplina OY, Tikhonova MA, Batorov EV, Pasman NM, Chernykh ER. Expression of inhibitory receptors PD-1, CTLA-4, and Tim-3 by peripheral T cells during pregnancy. BULLETIN OF SIBERIAN MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.20538/1682-0363-2022-3-87-95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background. Inhibitory receptors and their ligands (also called checkpoint molecules) are important feedback regulators of the immune response. However, their role in immunological adaptation during pregnancy remains poorly understood.The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of checkpoint molecule (PD-1, CTLA-4, Tim-3) expression in peripheral T cells in pregnant women compared with fertile non-pregnant women.Materials and methods. The study included 36 women in the second half of pregnancy without pregnancy complications, 12 of whom had extragenital pathology. The control group consisted of 28 age-matched fertile non-pregnant women. The proportion of CD8+PD-1+, CD8+TIM-3+, CD8+PD-1+TIM-3+, CD4+PD-1+, CD4+TIM-3+, and CD4+PD-1+TIM-3+ was evaluated by flow cytometry using the corresponding monoclonal antibodies (BD Biosciences, USA).Results. The proportion of CD4+Tim-3+ and CD8+PD-1+ Т cells and CD4+ and CD8+ Т lymphocytes co-expressing PD-1 and Tim-3 in the peripheral blood of pregnant women was statistically significantly higher than in non-pregnant women. An increase in CD4+Tim-3+ and CD8+PD-1+ T cells was observed both in pregnant women with and without extragenital pathology. However, pregnant women with extragenital pathology were characterized by a higher CD8+PD-1+ count and a smaller number of CD8+Tim-3+ cells, as well as by a lack of an increase in PD-1+Tim-3+ T cells typical of pregnant women. The number of comorbidities was directly correlated with the proportion of CD8+PD-1+ lymphocytes and inversely correlated with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+ and CD4+ PD-1+Tim-3+ cells. In addition, the expression of checkpoint molecules was associated with gestational age (a direct correlation was found with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+, CD4+PD-1+Tim-3+, and CD8+PD-1+Tim-3+ cells) and to a lesser extent – with the age of pregnant women (an inverse relationship was found with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+ cells).Conclusion. Pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy are characterized by increased expression of PD-1 and Tim-3 molecules in peripheral T cells. At the same time, concomitant extragenital pathology affects the expression of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N. A. Khonina
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology; Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk National Research State University
| | - O. Yu. Leplina
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology
| | | | - E. V. Batorov
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology
| | - N. M. Pasman
- Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk National Research State University
| | - E. R. Chernykh
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology
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22
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Meggyes M, Nagy DU, Feik T, Boros A, Polgar B, Szereday L. Examination of the TIGIT-CD226-CD112-CD155 Immune Checkpoint Network during a Healthy Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10776. [PMID: 36142692 PMCID: PMC9502426 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The importance of immune checkpoint molecules is well known in tumor and transplantation immunology; however, much less information is available regarding human pregnancy. Despite the significant amount of information about the TIGIT and CD226 immune checkpoint receptors in immune therapies, very little research has been conducted to study the possible role of these surface molecules and their ligands (CD112 and CD155) during the three trimesters of pregnancy. Methods: From peripheral blood, immune cell subpopulations were studied, and the surface expression of immune checkpoint molecules was analyzed by flow cytometry. Soluble immune checkpoint molecule levels were measured by ELISA. Results: Notable changes were observed regarding the percentage of monocyte subpopulation and the expression of CD226 receptor by CD4+ T and NKT cells. Elevated granzyme B content by the intermediate and non-classical monocytes was assessed as pregnancy proceeded. Furthermore, we revealed an important relationship between the CD226 surface expression by NKT cells and the serum CD226 level in the third trimester of pregnancy. Conclusions: Our results confirm the importance of immune checkpoint molecules in immunoregulation during pregnancy. CD226 seems to be a significant regulator, especially in the case of CD4+ T and NKT cells, contributing to the maternal immune tolerance in the late phase of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matyas Meggyes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - David U. Nagy
- Institute of Geobotany/Plant Ecology, Martin-Luther-University, Große Steinstraße 79/80, D-06108 Halle, Germany
| | - Timoteus Feik
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Akos Boros
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Beata Polgar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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23
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Chen M, Shi JL, Zheng ZM, Lin Z, Li MQ, Shao J. Galectins: Important Regulators in Normal and Pathologic Pregnancies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710110. [PMID: 36077508 PMCID: PMC9456357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins (Gal) are characterized by their affinity for galactoside structures on glycoconjugates. This relationship is mediated by carbohydrate recognition domains, which are multifunctional regulators of basic cellular biological processes with high structural similarity among family members. They participate in both innate and adaptive immune responses, as well as in reproductive immunology. Recently, the discovery that galectins are highly expressed at the maternal–fetal interface has garnerd the interest of experts in human reproduction. Galectins are involved in a variety of functions such as maternal–fetal immune tolerance, angiogenesis, trophoblast invasion and placental development and are considered to be important mediators of successful embryo implantation and during pregnancy. Dysregulation of these galectins is associated with abnormal and pathological pregnancies (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth). Our work reviews the regulatory mechanisms of galectins in normal and pathological pregnancies and has implications for clinicians in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Jia-Lu Shi
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zi-Meng Zheng
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zhi Lin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
- Correspondence: (M.-Q.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Jun Shao
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Correspondence: (M.-Q.L.); (J.S.)
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24
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Zhao SJ, Muyayalo KP, Luo J, Huang D, Mor G, Liao AH. Next generation of immune checkpoint molecules in maternal-fetal immunity. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:40-54. [PMID: 35234305 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Successful pregnancy is a unique situation requires the maternal immune system to recognize and tolerate a semi-identical fetus and allow normal invasion of trophoblast cells. Although efforts have been made, the deep mechanisms of the maternal-fetal crosstalk have not yet been fully deciphered. Immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) are a group of negative modulators of the immune response that avoid immune damage. They have been extensively studied in the fields of oncology and transplantation, while the latest evidence suggests that they are closely associated with pregnancy outcomes via multiple inhibitory mechanisms. Although studies have mostly demonstrated the regulatory role of the well-known PD-1, CTLA-4 at the maternal-fetal interface, what is unique about the newly discovered multiple ICMs remains a mystery. Here, we review the latest knowledge on ICMs, focusing on the first generation of checkpoints (PD-1, CTLA-4) and the next generation (Tim-3, Tigit, Lag-3, VISTA) highlighting their immunoregulatory roles in maternal-fetal tolerance and decidual vascular remodeling, and their involvement in pathological pregnancies. The content covers three aspects: the characteristics they possess, the dynamic expression profile of their expression at the maternal-fetal interface, and their involvement in pathological pregnancy. In immunotherapy strategies for pregnancy complications, upregulation of immune checkpoints may play a role. Meanwhile, the impact on pregnancy outcomes when using ICMs in clinical cancer treatment during pregnancy is a topic worth exploring. These may serve as a guide for future basic research and clinical applications of maternal-fetal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Jia Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kahindo P Muyayalo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gil Mor
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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25
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Sharma S, Banerjee S, Krueger PM, Blois SM. Immunobiology of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Post-Medawar Era. Front Immunol 2022; 12:758267. [PMID: 35046934 PMCID: PMC8761800 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.758267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the concepts related to fetal immune tolerance proposed by Sir Peter Medawar in the 1950s have not withstood the test of time, they revolutionized our current understanding of the immunity at the maternal-fetal interface. An important extension of the original Medawar paradigm is the investigation into the underlying mechanisms for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Although a common pregnancy complication with systemic symptoms, GDM still lacks understanding of immunological perturbations associated with the pathological processes, particularly at the maternal-fetal interface. GDM has been characterized by low grade systemic inflammation that exacerbates maternal immune responses. In this regard, GDM may also entail mild autoimmune pathology by dysregulating circulating and uterine regulatory T cells (Tregs). The aim of this review article is to focus on maternal-fetal immunological tolerance phenomenon and discuss how local or systemic inflammation has been programmed in GDM. Specifically, this review addresses the following questions: Does the inflammatory or exhausted Treg population affecting the Th17:Treg ratio lead to the propensity of a pro-inflammatory environment? Do glycans and glycan-binding proteins (mainly galectins) contribute to the biology of immune responses in GDM? Our understanding of these important questions is still elementary as there are no well-defined animal models that mimic all the features of GDM or can be used to better understand the mechanistic underpinnings associated with this common pregnancy complication. In this review, we will leverage our preliminary studies and the literature to provide a conceptualized discussion on the immunobiology of GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital-Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Sayani Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital-Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Paula M Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital-Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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26
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Menkhorst E, Than NG, Jeschke U, Barrientos G, Szereday L, Dveksler G, Blois SM. Medawar's PostEra: Galectins Emerged as Key Players During Fetal-Maternal Glycoimmune Adaptation. Front Immunol 2022; 12:784473. [PMID: 34975875 PMCID: PMC8715898 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.784473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lectin-glycan interactions, in particular those mediated by the galectin family, regulate many processes required for a successful pregnancy. Over the past decades, increasing evidence gathered from in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that members of the galectin family specifically bind to both intracellular and membrane bound carbohydrate ligands regulating angiogenesis, immune-cell adaptations required to tolerate the fetal semi-allograft and mammalian embryogenesis. Therefore, galectins play important roles in fetal development and placentation contributing to maternal and fetal health. This review discusses the expression and role of galectins during the course of pregnancy, with an emphasis on maternal immune adaptions and galectin-glycan interactions uncovered in the recent years. In addition, we summarize the galectin fingerprints associated with pathological gestation with particular focus on preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Menkhorst
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Gynaecological Research Centre, The Women's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enyzmology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Hospital Alemán-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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27
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The Role of the Immune Checkpoint Molecules PD-1/PD-L1 and TIM-3/Gal-9 in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia—A Narrative Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58020157. [PMID: 35208481 PMCID: PMC8880413 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disease which is characterized by abnormal placentation, endothelial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Several studies have shown that the maternal immune system, which is crucial for maintaining the pregnancy by ensuring maternal-fetal-tolerance, is disrupted in preeclamptic patients. Besides different immune cells, immune checkpoint molecules such as the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1 system) and the T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3/Galectin-9 (TIM-3/Gal-9 system) are key players in upholding the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals. Therefore, a clear understanding about the role of these immune checkpoint molecules in preeclampsia is essential. This review discusses the role of these two immune checkpoint systems in pregnancy and their alterations in preeclampsia.
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28
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Examination of the TIGIT, CD226, CD112, and CD155 Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Women Diagnosed with Early-Onset Preeclampsia. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111608. [PMID: 34829838 PMCID: PMC8615567 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-onset preeclampsia is a common obstetrical disease with a potential genetic background and is characterized by the predominance of Th1 immune response. However, although many studies investigated the immunological environment in preeclamptic patients, no information is available about the potential role of the TIGIT/CD226/CD112/CD155 immune checkpoint pathway. A total of 37 pregnant women diagnosed with early-onset preeclampsia and 36 control women with appropriately matched gestational age were enrolled in this study. From venous blood, mononuclear cells were isolated and stored in the freezer. Using multicolor flow cytometry T-, NK cell and monocyte subpopulations were determined. After characterization of the immune cell subsets, TIGIT, CD226, CD112, and CD155 surface expression and intracellular granzyme B content were determined by flow cytometer. Significantly decreased CD226 expression and increased CD112 and CD155 surface expression were detected in almost all investigated T-cell, NK cell, and monocyte subpopulations in women diagnosed with preeclampsia compared to the healthy group. Furthermore, reduced TIGIT and granzyme B expression were measured only in preeclamptic CD8+ T cells compared to healthy pregnant women. A decreased level of the activatory receptor CD226 in effector lymphocytes accompanied with an elevated surface presence of the CD112 and CD155 ligands in monocytes could promote the TIGIT/CD112 and/or TIGIT/CD155 ligation, which mediates inhibitory signals. We assume that the inhibition of the immune response via this immune checkpoint pathway might contribute to compensate for the Th1 predominance during early-onset preeclampsia.
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29
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Li WX, Xu XH, Jin LP. Regulation of the innate immune cells during pregnancy: An immune checkpoint perspective. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10362-10375. [PMID: 34708495 PMCID: PMC8581333 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The foetus can be regarded as a half‐allograft implanted into the maternal body. In a successful pregnancy, the mother does not reject the foetus because of the immune tolerance mechanism at the maternal‐foetal interface. The innate immune cells are a large part of the decidual leukocytes contributing significantly to a successful pregnancy. Although the contributions have been recognized, their role in human pregnancy has not been completely elucidated. Additionally, the accumulated evidence demonstrates that the immune checkpoint molecules expressed on the immune cells are co‐inhibitory receptors regulating their activation and biological function. Therefore, it is critical to understand the immune microenvironment and explore the function of the innate immune cells during pregnancy. This review summarizes the classic immune checkpoints such as PD‐1, CTLA‐4 and some novel molecules recently identified, including TIM‐3, CD200, TIGIT and the Siglecs family on the decidual and peripheral innate immune cells during pregnancy. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of the immune checkpoint molecules in pregnancy‐associated complications and reproductive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xuan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Biobank, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ping Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Department of Biobank, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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30
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Blair BB, Funkhouser AT, Goodwin JL, Strigenz AM, Chaballout BH, Martin JC, Arthur CM, Funk CR, Edenfield WJ, Blenda AV. Increased Circulating Levels of Galectin Proteins in Patients with Breast, Colon, and Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194819. [PMID: 34638303 PMCID: PMC8508020 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are proteins with high-affinity β-galactoside-binding sites that function in a variety of signaling pathways through interactions with glycoproteins. The known contributions of galectins-1, -3, -7, -8, and -9 to angiogenesis, metastasis, cell division, and evasion of immune destruction led us to investigate the circulating levels of these galectins in cancer patients. This study compares galectin concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from each stage of breast, lung, and colon cancer. Galectins-1 and -7, which share a prototype structure, were found to have statistically significant increases in breast and lung cancer. Of the tandem-repeat galectins, galectin-8 showed no statistically significant change in these cancer types, but galectin-9 was increased in colon and lung cancer. Galectin-3 is the only chimera-type galectin and was increased in all stages of breast, colon, and lung cancer. In conclusion, there were significant differences in the galectin levels in patients with these cancers compared with healthy controls, and galectin levels did not significantly change from stage to stage. These findings suggest that further research on the roles of galectins early in disease pathogenesis may lead to novel indications for galectin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey B. Blair
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Avery T. Funkhouser
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Jane L. Goodwin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Alexander M. Strigenz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Basil H. Chaballout
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Julie C. Martin
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (J.C.M.); (W.J.E.)
| | - Connie M. Arthur
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Christopher Ronald Funk
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | | | - Anna V. Blenda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (B.B.B.); (A.T.F.); (J.L.G.); (A.M.S.); (B.H.C.)
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; (J.C.M.); (W.J.E.)
- Correspondence:
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Differences in Immune Checkpoints Expression (TIM-3 and PD-1) on T Cells in Women with Recurrent Miscarriages-Preliminary Studies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184182. [PMID: 34575293 PMCID: PMC8468868 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Immune checkpoints are molecules that regulate the function of immune cells and control inflammation processes. An important role in this regard is played by TIM-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PDL-1 interactions. Previous research performed in a mouse model of pregnancy loss confirmed that blocking TIM-3 could induce fetal loss. Similarly, the PD-1 molecule maintains protective interactions between the mother’s immune cells and the fetus. The purpose of this study was to assess the expression of these molecules on a range of T lymphocyte subpopulations from non-pregnant women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) versus healthy fertile women. Methods: PBMCs were isolated by gradient centrifugation of blood obtained from 12 healthy women and 24 women with RSA and immediately stained for flow cytometry analysis. Standard immunophenotyping of PBMC was performed with the antibodies against classical lymphocyte markers: CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD56. Immune checkpoints were investigated using antibodies against PD-1(CD279) and TIM-3(CD366). Results: We found that expression of TIM-3 was significantly decreased on CD8+ T lymphocytes in the RSA group, and expression of PD-1 was upregulated on CD4+ T lymphocytes in the RSA group in comparison to the healthy controls. Conclusions: Considering our findings, therapeutic intervention towards immune checkpoints may be a promising treatment option for recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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Wyatt MA, Baumgarten SC, Weaver AL, Van Oort CC, Fedyshyn B, Ruano R, Shenoy CC, Enninga EAL. Evaluating Markers of Immune Tolerance and Angiogenesis in Maternal Blood for an Association with Risk of Pregnancy Loss. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163579. [PMID: 34441875 PMCID: PMC8397206 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy loss affects approximately 20% of couples. The lack of a clear cause complicates half of all miscarriages. Early evidence indicates the maternal immune system and angiogenesis regulation are both key players in implantation success or failure. Therefore, this prospective study recruited women in the first trimester with known viable intrauterine pregnancy and measured blood levels of immune tolerance proteins galectin-9 (Gal-9) and interleukin (IL)-4, and angiogenesis proteins (vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) A, C, and D) between 5 and 9 weeks gestation. Plasma concentrations were compared between groups defined based on (a) pregnancy outcome and (b) maternal history of miscarriage, respectively. In total, 56 women were recruited with 10 experiencing a miscarriage or pregnancy loss in the 2nd or 3rd trimester and 11 having a maternal history or miscarriage. VEGF-C was significantly lower among women with a miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Gal-9 and VEGF-A concentrations were decreased in women with a prior miscarriage. Identification of early changes in maternal immune and angiogenic factors during pregnancy may be a tool to improve patient counseling on pregnancy loss risk and future interventions to reduce miscarriage in a subset of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A. Wyatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Sarah C. Baumgarten
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Amy L. Weaver
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Chelsie C. Van Oort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Bohdana Fedyshyn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Rodrigo Ruano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Chandra C. Shenoy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Elizabeth Ann L. Enninga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.A.W.); (S.C.B.); (C.C.V.O.); (B.F.); (R.R.); (C.C.S.)
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Correspondence:
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33
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Immune checkpoints and reproductive immunology: Pioneers in the future therapy of infertility related Disorders? Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:107935. [PMID: 34304000 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
As co-stimulatory receptors, immune checkpoint molecules are found on the surface of various immune cells and transduce inhibitory signals following ligand binding. The most studied members in this regard include PD-1, TIM-3, and CTLA-4. The physiological part immune checkpoints possess is the prevention of dangerous immune attacks towards self-antigens throughout an immune response, which takes place through the negative regulation of the effector immune cells, through the induction of T-cell exhaustion, for instance. It has recently been suggested that each checkpoint reduces immunoactivation via distinct intracellular mechanisms of signaling. Regulators of immune checkpoints are supposed to participate actively in immune defense mechanisms against infections, preventing autoimmunity, transplantation, and tumor immune evasion. In pregnancy, as an active immunotolerance mechanism which is also natural, the maternal immune system encounters two simultaneous challenges; in addition to accepting the semi-allogeneic fetus, the maternal immune system should also prevent infections. In this regard, the part immune checkpoint molecules possess is particularly interesting. Herein, the current understanding of such part in reproductive immunology is described.
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34
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Meggyes M, Nagy DU, Balassa T, Godony K, Peterfalvi A, Szereday L, Polgar B. Influence of Galectin-9 Treatment on the Phenotype and Function of NK-92MI Cells in the Presence of Different Serum Supplements. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081066. [PMID: 34439744 PMCID: PMC8391477 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are one of the critical players in the tumor microenvironment-tumor crosstalk and the regulation of local immunity. Galectin-9 has been in the limelight in tumor immunology. Galectin-9 possesses its multiplex biological functions both extracellularly and intracellularly, plays a pivotal role in the modulation of adaptive and innate immunity, and induces immune tolerance. NK-92MI cell lines against different malignancies were extensively studied, and recently published trials used genetically chimeric antigen receptor-transfected NK-92MI cells in tumor immunotherapy. Besides the intensive research in tumor immunotherapy, limited information is available on their immune-checkpoint expression and the impact of checkpoint ligands on their effector functions. To uncover the therapeutic potential of modulating Galectin-9-related immunological pathways in NK-cell-based therapy, we investigated the dose-dependent effect of soluble Galectin-9 on the TIM-3 checkpoint receptor and NKG2D, CD69, FasL, and perforin expression of NK-92MI cells. We also examined how their cytotoxicity and cytokine production was altered after Gal-9 treatment and in the presence of different serum supplements using flow cytometric analysis. Our study provides evidence that the Galectin-9/TIM-3 pathway plays an important role in the regulation of NK cell function, and about the modulatory role of Galectin-9 on the cytotoxicity and cytokine production of NK-92MI cells in the presence of different serum supplements. We hope that our results will aid the development of novel NK-cell-based strategies that target Galectin-9/TIM-3 checkpoint in tumors resistant to T-cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matyas Meggyes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +3672-536001/1907
| | - David U Nagy
- Medical Centre, Cochrane Hungary, University of Pecs, 7623 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Timea Balassa
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
| | - Krisztina Godony
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 17 Edesanyak Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Agnes Peterfalvi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, 13 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Beata Polgar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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35
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Faust K, Freitag N, Barrientos G, Hartel C, Blois SM. Galectin-Levels Are Elevated in Infants Born Preterm Due to Amniotic Infection and Rapidly Decline in the Neonatal Period. Front Immunol 2021; 11:599104. [PMID: 33717050 PMCID: PMC7949913 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.599104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectin (gal)-1, -3, and -9 are members of a family of glycan binding proteins that mediate complex interactions between decidual, inflammatory and trophoblast cells modulating several processes during gestation, control of the maternal immune system, and parturition. Their immunomodulatory role in preterm birth and postnatal expression in preterm infants is unknown. We performed a single center prospective study of 170 preterm infants with a gestational age below 35 weeks. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected during the neonatal period and galectin-1, -3, and -9 were determined by ELISA. We noted a strong decline of circulating gal-1 and -3 levels but not gal-9 from birth to day 7 of life. There was an inverse correlation of gal-1 and -3 levels at birth with gestational age. Gal-1 levels were remarkably increased in infants born to amniotic infection syndrome (AIS), which was also observed for gal-9 levels. Infants who developed early-onset sepsis had higher levels of gal-3 at day 1 as compared to unaffected infants. Our observational data imply that galectin-1, -3, and -9 levels are elevated in preterm infants born in an inflammatory milieu such as AIS or EOS. Future studies need to address whether galectins mediate inflammation-induced preterm birth and could therefore be a target for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Faust
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Luebeck, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nancy Freitag
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Hospital Alemán-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Christoph Hartel
- German Center for Infection Research, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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36
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Moar P, Tandon R. Galectin-9 as a biomarker of disease severity. Cell Immunol 2021; 361:104287. [PMID: 33494007 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a β-galactoside binding lectin known for its immunomodulatory role in various microbial infections. Gal-9 is expressed in all organ systems and localized in the nucleus, cell surface, cytoplasm and the extracellular matrix. It mediates host-pathogen interactions and regulates cell signalling via binding to its receptors. Gal-9 is involved in many physiological functions such as cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, communication and death. However, recent studies have emphasized on the elevated levels of Gal-9 in autoimmune disorders, viral infections, parasitic invasion, cancer, acute liver failure, atopic dermatitis, chronic kidney disease, type-2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and benign infertility-related gynecological disorders. In this paper we have reviewed the potential of Gal-9 as a reliable, sensitive and non-invasive biomarker of disease severity. Tracking changes in Gal-9 levels and its implementation as a biomarker in clinical practice will be an important tool to monitor disease activity and facilitate personalized treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Moar
- Laboratory of AIDS Research and Immunology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
| | - Ravi Tandon
- Laboratory of AIDS Research and Immunology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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37
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Cao Y, Wang X, Jin T, Tian Y, Dai C, Widarma C, Song R, Xu F. Immune checkpoint molecules in natural killer cells as potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:250. [PMID: 33122640 PMCID: PMC7596531 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00348-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of natural killer (NK) cells in immunotherapy to treat multiple types of cancer. NK cells are innate lymphoid cells that play essential roles in tumor surveillance and control that efficiently kill the tumor and do not require the major histocompatibility complex. The discovery of the NK's potential as a promising therapeutic target for cancer is a relief to oncologists as they face the challenge of increased chemo-resistant cancers. NK cells show great potential against solid and hematologic tumors and have progressively shown promise as a therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. The effector role of these cells is reliant on the balance of inhibitory and activating signals. Understanding the role of various immune checkpoint molecules in the exhaustion and impairment of NK cells when their inhibitory receptors are excessively expressed is particularly important in cancer immunotherapy studies and clinical implementation. Emerging immune checkpoint receptors and molecules have been found to mediate NK cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment; this has brought up the need to explore further additional NK cell-related immune checkpoints that may be exploited to enhance the immune response to refractory cancers. Accordingly, this review will focus on the recent findings concerning the roles of immune checkpoint molecules and receptors in the regulation of NK cell function, as well as their potential application in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, 110819, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianqiang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Crystal Widarma
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Rui Song
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China.
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38
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Abu-Raya B, Michalski C, Sadarangani M, Lavoie PM. Maternal Immunological Adaptation During Normal Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575197. [PMID: 33133091 PMCID: PMC7579415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk and severity of specific infections are increased during pregnancy due to a combination of physiological and immunological changes. Characterizing the maternal immune system during pregnancy is important to understand how the maternal immune system maintains tolerance towards the allogeneic fetus. This may also inform strategies to prevent maternal fatalities due to infections and optimize maternal vaccination to best protect the mother-fetus dyad and the infant after birth. In this review, we describe what is known about the immunological changes that occur during a normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahaa Abu-Raya
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Michalski
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Manish Sadarangani
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pascal M Lavoie
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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39
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Morgan MA, Büning H, Sauer M, Schambach A. Use of Cell and Genome Modification Technologies to Generate Improved "Off-the-Shelf" CAR T and CAR NK Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1965. [PMID: 32903482 PMCID: PMC7438733 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The broad success of adoptive immunotherapy to treat human cancer has resulted in a paradigm shift in modern medicine. Modification of autologous and allogenic immune cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) designed to target specific antigens on tumor cells has led to production of CAR T and CAR NK cell therapies, which are ever more commonly introduced into cancer patient treatment protocols. While allogenic T cells may offer advantages such as improved anti-tumor activity, they also carry the risk of adverse reactions like graft-versus-host disease. This risk can be mitigated by use of autologous immune cells, however, the time needed for T and/or NK cell isolation, modification and expansion may be too long for some patients. Thus, there is an urgent need for strategies to robustly produce “off-the-shelf” CAR T and CAR NK cells, which could be used as a bridging therapy between cancer diagnosis or relapse and allogeneic transplantation. Advances in genome modification technologies have accelerated the generation of designer cell therapy products, including development of “off-the-shelf” CAR T cells for cancer immunotherapy. The feasibility and safety of such approaches is currently tested in clinical trials. This review will describe cell sources for CAR-based therapies, provide background of current genome editing techniques and the applicability of these approaches for generation of universal “off-the-shelf” CAR T and NK cell therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Sauer
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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40
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Meggyes M, Nagy DU, Szereday L. Investigation of the PD-1 and PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Molecules Throughout Healthy Human Pregnancy and in Nonpregnant Women. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082536. [PMID: 32781525 PMCID: PMC7464563 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: A growing body of evidence supports the importance of PD-1 and PD-L1, especially in the materno-fetal interface, although limited information is available about the peripheral expression of these molecules during the trimesters of pregnancy. Methods: 13 healthy women were enrolled from the 1st, 10 from the 2nd and 12 from the 3rd trimester of pregnancy at the same time, 10 healthy, age-matched nonpregnant women formed the control group. From peripheral blood, mononuclear cells were separated and stored at –80 °C. From freshly thawed samples, surface and intracellular staining were performed for flow cytometric analyses. CD107a degranulation assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity. Results: significant alternation was detected in PD-1 expression by CD8+T cells and in PD-L1 expression by CD8+T, CD4+T and Treg cells. An interesting relationship was revealed between the PD-1 and PD-L1 expression by the investigated subpopulations in 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Different expression patterns of an activation receptor NKG2D by the PD-1+ CD8+T cells was observed during pregnancy. The notable relationship was further determined in cytotoxicity between PD-1+ and NKG2D+ CD8+T cells throughout pregnancy. Conclusions: the different PD-1 presence and the relationship with NKG2D could contribute to the dynamic changes of the Th1 and Th2 predominance throughout the three trimesters of a healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matyas Meggyes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary;
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - David U. Nagy
- Medical Centre, Cochrane Hungary, University of Pécs, 7623 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary;
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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41
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Wang H, Li S, Zhang G, Wu H, Chang X. Potential therapeutic effects of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside on rheumatoid arthritis by relieving inhibition of CD38+ NK cells on Treg cell differentiation. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:220. [PMID: 31661005 PMCID: PMC6819496 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-2001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CD38+ NK cells are overabundant in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is an inhibitor of CD38. This study investigated the pathogenic role of CD38+ NK cells and the effect of C3G on RA. Methods Rats with bovine type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were injected with C3G. RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) or mononuclear cells (MNCs) were cultured with C3G. MNCs were also cocultured with CD38+ NK cells following C3G pretreatment. Results C3G injection significantly alleviated CIA. C3G also significantly increased the level of interleukin (IL)-10 and the regulatory T (Treg) cell proportion, and it decreased the interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ levels and CD38+ NK cell proportion in rat peripheral blood and synovial fluid. Additionally, C3G significantly increased RASF apoptosis and decreased RASF proliferation and IL-6 production in the culture medium. Furthermore, C3G stimulated MNCs to increase IL-2 and IL-10 production and the Treg cell proportion, and it caused MNCs to decrease IL-6 and IFN-γ production and the CD38+ NK cell proportion. Although CD38+ NK cells significantly decreased the Treg cell proportion and IL-10 level in MNCs, CD38+ NK cells that had been pretreated with C3G increased the proportion of Treg cells and IL-10 levels and decreased the IL-6 and IFN-γ levels in the coculture. In CD38+ NK cells, C3G significantly increased Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) expression and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level, and it decreased natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) expression and the IFN-γ level. However, when CD38+ NK cells were treated with Sirt6 siRNA, C3G did not change the NKG2D expression, the TNF-α level sharply decreased, and the IFN-γ level increased. When MNCs were cocultured with C3G-pretreated CD38+ NK cells in the presence of TNF-α and an anti-IFN-γ antibody, the IL-10+ Treg cell proportion significantly increased. When MNCs were cocultured with C3G-pretreated CD38+ NK cells in the presence of IFN-γ and an anti-TNF-α antibody, the IL-10+ Treg cell proportion sharply decreased. When CIA rats were injected with both C3G and the Sirt6 inhibitor OSS_128167, the rats exhibited joint inflammation and a low Treg cell proportion, but the CD38+ NK proportion was still low. Conclusion C3G has therapeutic effects on CIA and RA. C3G decreased the proportion of CD38+ cells, RASF proliferation, and proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and it increased the Treg cell proportion. C3G also elevated Sirt6 expression to suppress NKG2D expression, increase TNF-α secretion, and decrease IFN-γ secretion in CD38+ NK cells, which stimulates MNCs to differentiate into Treg cells. This study also demonstrates that the inhibition of Treg cell differentiation in MNCs by CD38+ NK cells is a potential cause of the immune imbalance in RA and CIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Wang
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jingshi Road 16766, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shutong Li
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jingshi Road 16766, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Medical Research Center of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Wutaishan Road 1677, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wu
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jingshi Road 16766, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotian Chang
- Medical Research Center of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Wutaishan Road 1677, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, People's Republic of China. .,Qingdao Engineering Technology Center For Major Disease Marker, Wutaishan Road 1677, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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42
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Adjei-Fremah S, Worku M. Cowpea polyphenol extract regulates galectin gene expression in bovine blood. Anim Biotechnol 2019; 32:1-12. [PMID: 31424327 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2019.1640234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Galectins (GAL) are animal lectins that play important roles in the immune response through regulation of homeostasis and immune function. Bioactive polyphenols are able to bind and regulate galectins in inflammatory diseases. Cowpea is a nutritious and polyphenol-rich legume used as feed. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of cowpea polyphenol extract (CPE) on galectin gene transcription and translation in bovine peripheral blood. Blood from lactating cows (n = 10) were treated with CPE (10 μg/mL) or LPS (0.1 μg/mL), and control, to measure mRNA levels of bovine LGALS1, LGALS3, LGALS9, and some innate immune response genes. Secretion of GAL-1, GAL-3 and GAL-9 in plasma were measured using ELISAs. The mRNA expression of LGALS1, LGALS3 and LGALS9 decreased post CPE exposure. CPE decreased plasma GAL-1, but had no effect on GAL-3 and GAL-9. In addition, CPE decreased expression of TNFA, COX2 and upregulated TLR2, IL10 and IL4. LPS stimulation upregulated galectin genes expression and secretion. Overall, cowpea polyphenols modulated galectin expression, particularly GAL 1 in blood. The results provide a springboard for further studies on the use of polyphenol extracts from cowpea enriched feed supplements to target specific galectin genes for improved health and production in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Adjei-Fremah
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Mulumebet Worku
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, USA
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43
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Balogh A, Toth E, Romero R, Parej K, Csala D, Szenasi NL, Hajdu I, Juhasz K, Kovacs AF, Meiri H, Hupuczi P, Tarca AL, Hassan SS, Erez O, Zavodszky P, Matko J, Papp Z, Rossi SW, Hahn S, Pallinger E, Than NG. Placental Galectins Are Key Players in Regulating the Maternal Adaptive Immune Response. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1240. [PMID: 31275299 PMCID: PMC6593412 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are potent immunomodulators that regulate maternal immune responses in pregnancy and prevent the rejection of the semi-allogeneic fetus that also occurs in miscarriages. We previously identified a gene cluster on Chromosome 19 that expresses a subfamily of galectins, including galectin-13 (Gal-13) and galectin-14 (Gal-14), which emerged in anthropoid primates. These galectins are expressed only by the placenta and induce the apoptosis of activated T lymphocytes, possibly contributing to a shifted maternal immune balance in pregnancy. The placental expression of Gal-13 and Gal-14 is decreased in preeclampsia, a life-threatening obstetrical syndrome partly attributed to maternal anti-fetal rejection. This study is aimed at revealing the effects of Gal-13 and Gal-14 on T cell functions and comparing the expression of these galectins in placentas from healthy pregnancies and miscarriages. First-trimester placentas were collected from miscarriages and elective termination of pregnancies, tissue microarrays were constructed, and then the expression of Gal-13 and Gal-14 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunoscoring. Recombinant Gal-13 and Gal-14 were expressed and purified, and their effects were investigated on primary peripheral blood T cells. The binding of Gal-13 and Gal-14 to T cells and the effects of these galectins on apoptosis, activation marker (CD25, CD71, CD95, HLA-DR) expression and cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFNγ) production of T cells were examined by flow cytometry. Gal-13 and Gal-14 are primarily expressed by the syncytiotrophoblast at the maternal-fetal interface in the first trimester, and their placental expression is decreased in miscarriages compared to first-trimester controls. Recombinant Gal-13 and Gal-14 bind to T cells in a population- and activation-dependent manner. Gal-13 and Gal-14 induce apoptosis of Th and Tc cell populations, regardless of their activation status. Out of the investigated activation markers, Gal-14 decreases the cell surface expression of CD71, Gal-13 increases the expression of CD25, and both galectins increase the expression of CD95 on T cells. Non-activated T cells produce larger amounts of IL-8 in the presence of Gal-13 or Gal-14. In conclusion, these results show that Gal-13 and Gal-14 already provide an immunoprivileged environment at the maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy, and their reduced expression is related to miscarriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Balogh
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Immunology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Toth
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Katalin Parej
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Structural Biophysics Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diana Csala
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nikolett L Szenasi
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Istvan Hajdu
- Structural Biophysics Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kata Juhasz
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arpad F Kovacs
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Petronella Hupuczi
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adi L Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Offer Erez
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternity Department "D", Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Peter Zavodszky
- Structural Biophysics Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Janos Matko
- Department of Immunology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Papp
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Simona W Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sinuhe Hahn
- Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eva Pallinger
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Momentum Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary.,First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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44
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Blois SM, Dveksler G, Vasta GR, Freitag N, Blanchard V, Barrientos G. Pregnancy Galectinology: Insights Into a Complex Network of Glycan Binding Proteins. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1166. [PMID: 31231368 PMCID: PMC6558399 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are a phylogenetically conserved family of soluble β-galactoside binding proteins, consisting of 15 different types, each with a specific function. Galectins contribute to placentation by regulating trophoblast development, migration, and invasion during early pregnancy. In addition, galectins are critical players regulating maternal immune tolerance to the embedded embryo. Recently, the role of galectins in angiogenesis during decidualization and in placenta formation has gained attention. Altered expression of galectins is associated with abnormal pregnancies and infertility. This review focuses on the role of galectins in pregnancy-associated processes and discusses the relevance of galectin-glycan interactions as potential therapeutic targets in pregnancy disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Blois
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation Between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Dveksler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Gerardo R Vasta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, UMB, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nancy Freitag
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation Between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Véronique Blanchard
- Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Hospital Alemán, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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45
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Miko E, Meggyes M, Doba K, Barakonyi A, Szereday L. Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Reproductive Immunology. Front Immunol 2019; 10:846. [PMID: 31057559 PMCID: PMC6482223 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules, like CTLA-4, TIM-3, PD-1, are negative regulators of immune responses to avoid immune injury. Checkpoint regulators are thought to actively participate in the immune defense of infections, prevention of autoimmunity, transplantation, and tumor immune evasion. Maternal-fetal immunotolerance represents a real immunological challenge for the immune system of the mother: beside acceptance of the semiallogeneic fetus, the maternal immune system has to be prepared for immune defense mostly against infections. In this particular situation, the role of immune checkpoint molecules could be of special interest. In this review, we describe current knowledge on the role of immune checkpoint molecules in reproductive immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Miko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Matyas Meggyes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Doba
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Aliz Barakonyi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
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46
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Interaction of Breast Cancer and Insulin Resistance on PD1 and TIM3 Expression in Peripheral Blood CD8 T Cells. Pathol Oncol Res 2019; 25:1233-1243. [PMID: 30759303 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-019-00610-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence points to a link between insulin resistance (IR) and breast cancer (BrCA). Insulin plays a role in CD8+ T cells (CD8T) differentiation and function and affects adipocytokines levels. CD8T activity in BrCA is associated with favorable outcome; while PD1 and TIM3 are markers of CD8T exhaustion and play critical roles in the negative regulation of T cell responses. Patients with (BrCA) have high expression levels of PD1 on circulating. Therefore, we hypothesized that BrCA and IR could affect PD1 and/or TIM3 expression on circulating CD8T. We determine PD1 and TIM3 expression on CD8T and analyze the relationship of CD8T phenotype with serum insulin and plasma adipocytokines levels in the different groups. We enrolled four groups of treatment-naive patients: women without neoplasms (Neo-)/without IR (IR-), Neo-/with IR (IR+), BrCa/IR- and BrCa/IR+. We found interactions between BrCA and IR with respect to TIM3 on naïve and central memory (CM) CD8T subsets. Furthermore, BrCA had a greater PD1 + TIM3- CD8T frequency in CD8T subsets than Neo-. IR+ presented a significantly lower PD1 + TIM3- frequency in CD8T subsets compare to Non-IR. In addition, we found a negative correlation between insulin levels, HOMA and frequency of PD1 + TIM3- in CD8T and a positive correlation between adiponectin levels and the frequency PD1 + TIM3- in CD8T. The increased expression of PD1 on different subsets of CD8T from BrCa patients is consistent with immunological tolerance, whereas IR has a contrary effect. IR could have a deleterious role in the activation of CD8T that can be relevant to new BrCa immunotherapy.
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47
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Lajko A, Meggyes M, Polgar B, Szereday L. The immunological effect of Galectin-9/TIM-3 pathway after low dose Mifepristone treatment in mice at 14.5 day of pregnancy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194870. [PMID: 29566059 PMCID: PMC5864070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The abortifacient Mifepristone (RU486) has proven to be a safe, effective, acceptable option for millions of women seeking abortion during the first and second trimester of pregnancy although its precise mechanism of action is not well understood. The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of low dose Mifepristone administration on placental Galectin-9 (Gal-9) expression, as well as its effect on the cell surface expression of Gal-9, TIM-3 and CD107a molecules by different T and NK cell subsets. A model of Mifepristone-induced immunological changes was established in syngeneic pregnant BALB/c mice. RU486-induced alteration in placental Gal-9 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. For immunophenotypic analysis, mid-pregnancy decidual lymphocytes and peripheral mononuclear cells were obtained from Mifepristone treated and control mice at the 14.5 day of gestation. TIM-3 and Gal-9 expression by peripheral and decidual immune cells were examined by flow cytometry. Our results revealed a dramatically decreased intracellular Gal-9 expression in the spongiotrophoblast layer of the haemochorial placenta in Mifepristone treated pregnant mice. Although low dose RU486 treatment did not cause considerable change in the phenotypic distribution of decidual and peripheral immune cells, it altered the Gal-9 and TIM-3 expression by different NK and T cell subsets. In addition, the treatment significantly decreased the CD107a expression by decidual TIM-3+ NK cells, but increased its expression by decidual NKT cell compared to the peripheral counterparts. These findings suggest that low dose Mifepristone administration might induce immune alterations in both progesterone dependent and independent way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn Lajko
- University of Pecs, Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Matyas Meggyes
- University of Pecs, Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Beata Polgar
- University of Pecs, Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- University of Pecs, Medical School, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pecs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, Pecs, Hungary
- * E-mail:
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48
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Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) is a transmembrane protein that in both mice and humans has been shown to possess various functions in a context-dependent manner. Thus, Tim-3 has been associated with both inhibitory and co-stimulatory function, depending in part on the specific cell type and immune response course. Though originally described on T cells, Tim-3 is now known to be expressed by both lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells within the immune system and even by non-immune cells. In addition, though widely thought of as a negative regulator of immunity, Tim-3 has been shown in more recent studies to have a positive function on both myeloid and lymphoid cells, including T cells. Tim-3 is often expressed at a high level on exhausted T cells in tumors and chronic infection and may engage in crosstalk with other so-called "checkpoint" molecules such as PD-1. Thus, Tim-3 has emerged as a possible therapeutic target, which is being actively explored both pre-clinically and clinically. However, recent research suggests a more complex in vivo role for this protein, compared with other targets in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hridesh Banerjee
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Lawrence P Kane
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
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Galectin-9 modulates immunity by promoting Th2/M2 differentiation and impacts survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. Melanoma Res 2018; 26:429-41. [PMID: 27455380 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Galectin-9, a β-galactoside-binding protein, is defined as a negative regulator of T helper 1 (Th1) immune responses, favoring Th2 bias. Systemic immunity in patients with metastatic melanoma is predominantly Th2 biased. We hypothesized that galectin-9 can modulate systemic immunity toward Th2 polarization in patients with advanced melanoma. The presence or concentration of galectin-9 was assessed in tumors and plasma, in patients with metastatic melanoma. The immunomodulatory function of galectin-9 was determined by exposing human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to galectin-9 in vitro. Galectin-9 was expressed in 57% of tumors and was significantly (3.6-fold) increased in the plasma of patients with advanced melanoma compared with healthy controls (P<0.001). High plasma galectin-9 concentration was associated with systemic Th2 polarization and reduced 2-year survival compared with low/no galectin-9 expression. In-vitro, galectin-9 reduced proliferation of healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and promoted Th1 cell apoptosis, Th2-biased cell phenotypes, and cytokine secretion. Galectin-9 also stimulated monocyte differentiation toward an M2 macrophage phenotype, as assessed by chemokine/cytokine secretion and CD206 expression, observed both in vitro as well as in patients with metastatic melanoma. Elevated galectin-9 in patient plasma correlated with Th2 systemic bias and less favorable clinical outcomes for patients with metastatic melanoma. This Th2 bias appears to be not only a feature of the known mechanisms of Th1 apoptosis by T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 binding, but also mediated by myeloid cell differentiation toward an M2 phenotype, that favors tumor progression. These data support galectin-9 as a novel therapeutic target for patients with metastatic melanoma.
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50
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Impaired Gal-9 Dysregulates the PBMC-Induced Th1/Th2 Imbalance in Abortion-Prone Matings. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:9517842. [PMID: 29651447 PMCID: PMC5831994 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9517842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent miscarriage is defined as the loss of 3 or more consecutive pregnancies; however, the underlying immunologic mechanisms that trigger pregnancy loss remain largely unelucidated. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) may modulate a variety of biologic functions and play an important role in Th1/Th2 immune deviation. To analyze the mechanism of Gal-9 in abortion, we used the classical abortion-prone mouse model (DBA/2-mated CBA/J mice) to detect the expression of Gal-9 at the maternal-fetal interface. We also mimicked the immune environment of pregnancy by culturing trophoblast cells with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to explore how Gal-9 might be involved in the pathogenesis of abortion. We found that the expression levels of Gal-9 in abortion-prone matings were lower than that for controls. Using a coculture system, we detected a Th1 preponderance in the coculture from abortion-prone matings. Furthermore, Gal-9 blockade augmented the imbalance of Th1/Th2 immunity in abortion-prone matings by promoting the secretion of Th1-derived cytokines in coculture, while there was a Th2 preponderance when we administered recombinant Gal-9. In conclusion, our results suggest that the Gal-9 signal is important for the regulation of PBMC function toward a Th2 bias at the maternal-fetal interface, which is beneficial for the maintenance of a normal pregnancy.
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