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Heine S, Alessandrini F, Grosch J, Graß C, Heldner A, Schnautz B, Grosch J, Buters J, Slusarenko BO, Krappmann D, Fallarino F, Ohnmacht C, Schmidt-Weber CB, Blank S. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor improves allergen-specific immunotherapy of murine allergic airway inflammation: a novel adjuvant option? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1397072. [PMID: 38915403 PMCID: PMC11194380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1397072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is able to restore immune tolerance to allergens in allergic patients. However, some patients do not or only poorly respond to current treatment protocols. Therefore, there is a need for deeper mechanistic insights and further improvement of treatment strategies. The relevance of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, has been investigated in several inflammatory diseases, including allergic asthma. However, its potential role in AIT still needs to be addressed. Methods A murine model of AIT in ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation was performed in AhR-deficient (AhR-/-) and wild-type mice. Furthermore, AIT was combined with the application of the high-affinity AhR agonist 10-chloro-7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benzo[de]iso-quinolin-7-one (10-Cl-BBQ) as an adjuvant to investigate the effects of AhR activation on therapeutic outcome. Results Although AhR-/- mice suffer stronger allergic responses than wild-type mice, experimental AIT is comparably effective in both. Nevertheless, combining AIT with the administration of 10-Cl-BBQ improved therapeutic effects by an AhR-dependent mechanism, resulting in decreased cell counts in the bronchoalveolar fluid, decreased pulmonary Th2 and Th17 cell levels, and lower sIgE levels. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the success of AIT is not dependent on the AhR. However, targeting the AhR during AIT can help to dampen inflammation and improve tolerogenic vaccination. Therefore, AhR ligands might represent promising candidates as immunomodulators to enhance the efficacy of AIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Heine
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesca Alessandrini
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Grosch
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Carina Graß
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Group Signaling and Immunity, Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Center, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Heldner
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schnautz
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Grosch
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Jeroen Buters
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin O. Slusarenko
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Krappmann
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Group Signaling and Immunity, Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Center, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Caspar Ohnmacht
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten B. Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Blank
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
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Healey AM, Fenner KN, O'Dell CT, Lawrence BP. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation alters immune cell populations in the lung and bone marrow during coronavirus infection. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2024; 326:L313-L329. [PMID: 38290163 PMCID: PMC11281796 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00236.2023] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory viral infections are one of the major causes of illness and death worldwide. Symptoms associated with respiratory infections can range from mild to severe, and there is limited understanding of why there is large variation in severity. Environmental exposures are a potential causative factor. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is an environment-sensing molecule expressed in all immune cells. Although there is considerable evidence that AHR signaling influences immune responses to other immune challenges, including respiratory pathogens, less is known about the impact of AHR signaling on immune responses during coronavirus (CoV) infection. In this study, we report that AHR activation significantly altered immune cells in the lungs and bone marrow of mice infected with a mouse CoV. AHR activation transiently reduced the frequency of multiple cells in the mononuclear phagocyte system, including monocytes, interstitial macrophages, and dendritic cells in the lung. In the bone marrow, AHR activation altered myelopoiesis, as evidenced by a reduction in granulocyte-monocyte progenitor cells and an increased frequency of myeloid-biased progenitor cells. Moreover, AHR activation significantly affected multiple stages of the megakaryocyte lineage. Overall, these findings indicate that AHR activation modulates multiple aspects of the immune response to a CoV infection. Given the significant burden of respiratory viruses on human health, understanding how environmental exposures shape immune responses to infection advances our knowledge of factors that contribute to variability in disease severity and provides insight into novel approaches to prevent or treat disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study reveals a multifaceted role for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling in the immune response to coronavirus (CoV) infection. Sustained AHR activation during in vivo mouse CoV infection altered the frequency of mature immune cells in the lung and modulated emergency hematopoiesis, specifically myelopoiesis and megakaryopoiesis, in bone marrow. This provides new insight into immunoregulation by the AHR and extends our understanding of how environmental exposures can impact host responses to respiratory viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Healey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Kristina N Fenner
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Colleen T O'Dell
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States
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3
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Huang Y, Chen L, Liu F, Xiong X, Ouyang Y, Deng Y. Tryptophan, an important link in regulating the complex network of skin immunology response in atopic dermatitis. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1300378. [PMID: 38318507 PMCID: PMC10839033 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1300378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease, of which the pathogenesis is a complex interplay between genetics and environment. Although the exact mechanisms of the disease pathogenesis remain unclear, the immune dysregulation primarily involving the Th2 inflammatory pathway and accompanied with an imbalance of multiple immune cells is considered as one of the critical etiologies of AD. Tryptophan metabolism has long been firmly established as a key regulator of immune cells and then affect the occurrence and development of many immune and inflammatory diseases. But the relationship between tryptophan metabolism and the pathogenesis of AD has not been profoundly discussed throughout the literatures. Therefore, this review is conducted to discuss the relationship between tryptophan metabolism and the complex network of skin inflammatory response in AD, which is important to elucidate its complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and then lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies and drugs for the treatment of this frequently relapsing disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Huang
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Lingna Chen
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fuming Liu
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Xiong
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongliang Ouyang
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), Chengdu First People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Health Management Center, Luzhou People’s Hospital, Luzhou, China
| | - Yongqiong Deng
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), Chengdu First People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Cheng HH, Hung-Ke L, Sheu ML, Lee CY, Tsai YC, Lai DW. AHR/TET2/NT5E axis downregulation is associated with the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus and its progression. Immunology 2023; 168:654-670. [PMID: 36314527 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unpredictable. This study aimed to examine the regulatory mechanism of the AHR/TET2/NT5E pathway during SLE progression. The AHR, TET2 and NT5E expression levels were examined in T regulatory cells (Tregs) of patients with SLE. The correlation of AHR, TET2 or NT5E expression levels with the immunosuppressive functions of Tregs was analysed. In patients with SLE, the number of CD4+ IL2RA- FOXP3+ T cell subset was positively correlated with the SLE disease activity index value and negatively correlated with the AHR and TET2 expression levels in CD4+ IL2RA+ FOXP3+ Tregs. Transcriptional profiles of 79 patients with SLE obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE61635 dataset) revealed a significant positive correlation between the mRNA expression levels of AHR and TET2. In silico analysis predicted that the TET2 promoter comprises an AHR-binding site. Kynurenine (KYN) promoted the binding of AHR to the TET2 promoter in Tregs of patients with SLE and Jurkat T cell lines. Furthermore, NT5E expression was significantly downregulated in Tregs of patients with SLE, which can be attributed to the dysregulation of NT5E promoter methylation status induced by downregulated TET2 activity. Furthermore, the Treg immunosuppressive activity, which is mediated through the TET2 and A2AR-adenosine pathways, in the KYN-treated group was approximately two-fold higher than that in the control group. The AHR/TET2/NT5E axis mediates the Treg immunosuppressive activity. These findings provide novel insights for the development of therapeutic approaches for SLE and related autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Hsiung Cheng
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Lin Hung-Ke
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Meei-Ling Sheu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yi Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Tsai
- Immunomedicine Group, Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Research, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - De-Wei Lai
- Experimental Animal Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Research, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan
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Riaz F, Pan F, Wei P. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: The master regulator of immune responses in allergic diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057555. [PMID: 36601108 PMCID: PMC9806217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a widely studied ligand-activated cytosolic transcriptional factor that has been associated with the initiation and progression of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancers, metabolic syndromes, and allergies. Generally, AhR responds and binds to environmental toxins/ligands, dietary ligands, and allergens to regulate toxicological, biological, cellular responses. In a canonical signaling manner, activation of AhR is responsible for the increase in cytochrome P450 enzymes which help individuals to degrade and metabolize these environmental toxins and ligands. However, canonical signaling cannot be applied to all the effects mediated by AhR. Recent findings indicate that activation of AhR signaling also interacts with some non-canonical factors like Kruppel-like-factor-6 (KLF6) or estrogen-receptor-alpha (Erα) to affect the expression of downstream genes. Meanwhile, enormous research has been conducted to evaluate the effect of AhR signaling on innate and adaptive immunity. It has been shown that AhR exerts numerous effects on mast cells, B cells, macrophages, antigen-presenting cells (APCs), Th1/Th2 cell balance, Th17, and regulatory T cells, thus, playing a significant role in allergens-induced diseases. This review discussed how AhR mediates immune responses in allergic diseases. Meanwhile, we believe that understanding the role of AhR in immune responses will enhance our knowledge of AhR-mediated immune regulation in allergic diseases. Also, it will help researchers to understand the role of AhR in regulating immune responses in autoimmune diseases, cancers, metabolic syndromes, and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farooq Riaz
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Pan
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Ping Wei, ; Fan Pan,
| | - Ping Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Ping Wei, ; Fan Pan,
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6
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Wang J, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Tu W, Wan R, Shen Y, Zhang Y, Trivedi R, Gao P. Type II alveolar epithelial cell aryl hydrocarbon receptor protects against allergic airway inflammation through controlling cell autophagy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:964575. [PMID: 35935956 PMCID: PMC9355649 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.964575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, has been considered as an important regulator for immune diseases. We have previously shown that AhR protects against allergic airway inflammation. The underlying mechanism, however, remains undetermined. Objectives We sought to determine whether AhR specifically in type II alveolar epithelial cells (AT2) modulates allergic airway inflammation and its underlying mechanisms. Methods The role of AhR in AT2 cells in airway inflammation was investigated in a mouse model of asthma with AhR conditional knockout mice in AT2 cells (Sftpc-Cre;AhRf/f ). The effect of AhR on allergen-induced autophagy was examined by both in vivo and in vitro analyses. The involvement of autophagy in airway inflammation was analyzed by using autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. The AhR-regulated gene profiling in AT2 cells was also investigated by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis. Results Sftpc-Cre;AhRf/f mice showed exacerbation of allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation with elevated Th2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Notably, an increased allergen-induced autophagy was observed in the lung tissues of Sftpc-Cre;AhRf/f mice when compared with wild-type mice. Further analyses suggested a functional axis of AhR-TGF-β1 that is critical in driving allergic airway inflammation through regulating allergen-induced cellular autophagy. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine significantly suppressed cockroach allergen-induced airway inflammation, Th2 cytokines in BALFs, and expression of autophagy-related genes LC3 and Atg5 in the lung tissues. In addition, RNA-seq analysis suggests that autophagy is one of the major pathways and that CALCOCO2/NDP52 and S1009 are major autophagy-associated genes in AT2 cells that may contribute to the AhR-mediated cockroach allergen-induced airway inflammation and, subsequently, allergic asthma. Conclusion These results suggest that AhR in AT2 cells functions as a protective mechanism against allergic airway inflammation through controlling cell autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilin Zhao
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Tu
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Respirology and Allergy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rongjun Wan
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingchun Shen
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruchik Trivedi
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Peisong Gao
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Peisong Gao,
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Cannon AS, Holloman BL, Wilson K, Miranda K, Dopkins N, Nagarkatti P, Nagarkatti M. AhR Activation Leads to Attenuation of Murine Autoimmune Hepatitis: Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Unique Immune Cell Phenotypes and Gene Expression Changes in the Liver. Front Immunol 2022; 13:899609. [PMID: 35720411 PMCID: PMC9204231 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.899609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ubiquitously expressed ligand-activated transcription factor. While initially identified as an environmental sensor, this receptor has been shown more recently to regulate a variety of immune functions. AhR ligands vary in structure and source from environmental chemicals such as 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and indoles found in cruciferous vegetables to endogenous ligands derived from tryptophan metabolism. In the current study, we used TCDD, a high affinity AhR ligand to study the impact of AhR activation in the murine model of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Primarily, we used single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology to study the nature of changes occurring in the immune cells in the liver at the cellular and molecular level. We found that AhR activation attenuated concanavalin A (ConA)-induced AIH by limiting chemotaxis of pro-inflammatory immune cell subsets, promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine production, and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. scRNA-seq analysis showed some unusual events upon ConA injection such as increased presence of mature B cells, natural killer (NK) T cells, CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, Kupffer cells, memory CD8+ T cells, and activated T cells while TCDD treatment led to the reversal of most of these events. Additionally, the immune cells showed significant alterations in the gene expression profiles. Specifically, we observed downregulation of inflammation-associated genes including Ptma, Hspe1, and CD52 in TCDD-treated AIH mice as well as alterations in the expression of migratory markers such as CXCR2. Together, the current study characterizes the nature of inflammatory changes occurring in the liver during AIH, and sheds light on how AhR activation during AIH attenuates liver inflammation by inducing phenotypic and genotypic changes in immune cells found in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
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Hu X, Shen Y, Zhao Y, Wang J, Zhang X, Tu W, Kaufman W, Feng J, Gao P. Epithelial Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Protects From Mucus Production by Inhibiting ROS-Triggered NLRP3 Inflammasome in Asthma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:767508. [PMID: 34868022 PMCID: PMC8634667 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.767508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite long-standing recognition in the significance of mucus overproduction in asthma, its etiology remains poorly understood. Muc5ac is a secretory mucin that has been associated with reduced pulmonary function and asthma exacerbations. Objectives We sought to investigate the immunological pathway that controls Muc5ac expression and allergic airway inflammation in asthma. Methods Cockroach allergen-induced Muc5ac expression and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling activation was examined in the human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) and mouse model of asthma. AhR regulation of Muc5ac expression, mitochondrial ROS (Mito-ROS) generation, and NLRP3 inflammasome was determined by AhR knockdown, the antagonist CH223191, and AhR-/- mice. The role of NLRP3 inflammasome in Muc5ac expression and airway inflammation was also investigated. Results Cockroach allergen induced Muc5ac overexpression in HBECs and airways of asthma mouse model. Increased expression of AhR and its downstream genes CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 was also observed. Mice with AhR deletion showed increased allergic airway inflammation and MUC5AC expression. Moreover, cockroach allergen induced epithelial NLRP3 inflammasome activation (e.g., NLRP3, Caspase-1, and IL-1β), which was enhanced by AhR knockdown or the antagonist CH223191. Furthermore, AhR deletion in HBECs led to enhanced ROS generation, particularly Mito-ROS, and inhibition of ROS or Mito-ROS subsequently suppressed the inflammasome activation. Importantly, inhibition of the inflammasome with MCC950, a NLRP3-specifc inhibitor, attenuated allergic airway inflammation and Muc5ac expression. IL-1β generated by the activated inflammasomes mediated cockroach allergen-induced Muc5ac expression in HBECs. Conclusions These results reveal a previously unidentified functional axis of AhR-ROS-NLRP3 inflammasome in regulating Muc5ac expression and airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Hu
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingchun Shen
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yilin Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ji Wang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Tu
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Respirology & Allergy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - William Kaufman
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Juntao Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peisong Gao
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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9
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The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Asthma: Friend or Foe? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228797. [PMID: 33233810 PMCID: PMC7699852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that has emerged as an important player in asthma control. AhR is responsive to environmental molecules and endogenous or dietary metabolites and regulates innate and adaptive immune responses. Binding of this receptor by different ligands has led to seemingly opposite responses in different asthma models. In this review, we present two sides of the same coin, with the beneficial and deleterious roles of AhR evaluated using known endogenous or exogenous ligands, deficient mice or antagonists. On one hand, AhR has an anti-inflammatory role since its activation in dendritic cells blocks the generation of pro-inflammatory T cells or shifts macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. On the other hand, AhR activation by particle-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the environment is pro-inflammatory, inducing mucus hypersecretion, airway remodelling, dysregulation of antigen presenting cells and exacerbates asthma features. Data concerning the role of AhR in cells from asthmatic patients are also reviewed, since AhR could represent a potential target for therapeutic immunomodulation.
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10
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Abney KK, Galipeau J. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in mesenchymal stromal cells: new frontiers in AhR biology. FEBS J 2020; 288:3962-3972. [PMID: 33064873 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are nonhematopoietic cells that have been clinically explored as investigational cellular therapeutics for tissue injury regeneration and immune-mediated diseases. Their pharmaceutical properties arise from activation of endogenous receptors and transcription factors leading to a paracrine effect which mirror the biology of progenitors from which they arise. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that has been extensively studied as an environmental sensor for xenobiotics, but recent findings suggest it can modulate immunological functions. Both genetic and pharmacological investigations revealed that MSCs express AhR and that it plays roles in inflammation, immunomodulation, and mesodermal plasticity of endogenous MSCs. Further, AhR has been shown to interact with key signaling cascades associated with these conditions. Therefore, AhR has potential to be an attractive target in both endogenous and culture-adapted MSCs for novel therapeutics to treat inflammation and other age-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher K Abney
- Department of Medicine and Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacques Galipeau
- Department of Medicine and Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, USA
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11
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Gut Microbial-Derived Metabolomics of Asthma. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10030097. [PMID: 32155960 PMCID: PMC7142494 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10030097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss gut microbial-derived metabolites involved with the origins and pathophysiology of asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that is influenced by the microbiome. Although both gut and airway microbiomes may be important in asthma development, we focus here on the gut microbiome and metabolomic pathways involved in immune system ontogeny. Metabolite classes with existing evidence that microbial-derived products influence asthma risk include short chain fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and bile acids. While tryptophan metabolites and sphingolipids have known associations with asthma, additional research is needed to clarify the extent to which the microbiome contributes to the effects of these metabolites on asthma. These metabolite classes can influence immune function in one of two ways: (i) promoting growth or maturity of certain immune cell populations or (ii) influencing antigenic load by enhancing the number or species of specific bacteria. A more comprehensive understanding of how gut microbes and metabolites interact to modify asthma risk and morbidity will pave the way for targeted diagnostics and treatments.
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12
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Al-Ghezi ZZ, Singh N, Mehrpouya-Bahrami P, Busbee PB, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti PS. AhR Activation by TCDD (2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) Attenuates Pertussis Toxin-Induced Inflammatory Responses by Differential Regulation of Tregs and Th17 Cells Through Specific Targeting by microRNA. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2349. [PMID: 31681214 PMCID: PMC6813193 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that, when activated by ligand-binding, has been shown to regulate the immune response. Pertussis Toxin (PTX) is a virulence factor found in Bordetella pertussis, a human respiratory pathogen that causes whooping cough. PTX promotes colonization and disease promotion by triggering a heightened inflammatory response. The role of AhR in the regulation of PTX-mediated inflammation has not previously been studied. In the current study, we investigate if AhR activation by 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a well characterized ligand, can attenuate PTX-mediated systemic inflammation. To that end, C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with PTX twice and treated with TCDD or vehicle (VEH). The PTX+VEH group showed elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A, IL-6, and IFNγ) in serum and increased proportions of CD4+ Th1 and Th17 cells in their spleens. In contrast, the PTX+TCDD group showed significantly lower levels of these inflammatory cytokines and decreased proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells, but increased proportions of Th2 and FoxP3+Tregs when compared to the PTX+VEH group. PTX+TCDD treated mice also showed elevated levels of IL-10, and TFG-b, potent anti-inflammatory cytokines. MicroRNAs (miRs) analysis of CD4+ T cells from the spleens of the PTX+TCDD treated mice revealed significant alterations in their expression and several of these miRs targeted cytokines and signaling molecules involved in inflammation. Specifically, the PTX+TCDD group had a significantly enhanced expression of miR-3082-5p that targeted IL-17, and a decreased expression of miR-1224-5p, which targeted FoxP3. Transfection studies with these miR mimics and inhibitors confirmed the specificity of the target genes. The current study suggests that AhR activation by TCDD suppresses PTX-induced inflammation through miR regulation that triggers reciprocal polarization of Tregs and Th17 cells and also suggests that AhR activation may serve as a treatment modality to suppress heightened inflammation induced during B. pertussis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinah Zamil Al-Ghezi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Narendra Singh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Pegah Mehrpouya-Bahrami
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Philip Brandon Busbee
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Prakash S Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
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Peng J, Li XM, Zhang GR, Cheng Y, Chen X, Gu W, Guo XJ. TNF-TNFR2 Signaling Inhibits Th2 and Th17 Polarization and Alleviates Allergic Airway Inflammation. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2019; 178:281-290. [PMID: 30763933 DOI: 10.1159/000493583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TNF-TNFR2 signaling has been indicated to be involved in CD4+ T lymphocyte differentiation. However, its role in allergic airway inflammation is not well understood. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TNF-TNFR2 signaling in allergic airway inflammation. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we used an allergen-induced asthma model to show that TNF-TNFR2 signaling alleviated allergic airway inflammation by reducing the airway infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils. Activated TNF-TNFR2 signaling decreased the expression of Th2 and Th17 cytokines in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Furthermore, TNF-TNFR2 signaling inhibited Th2 and Th17 polarization but promoted Th1 and CD4+CD25+ T cell differentiation in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that TNF-TNFR2 signaling alleviates allergic airway inflammation through inhibition of Th2 and Th17 cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Peng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,
| | - Xiao-Ming Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Rui Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Gu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Jun Guo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Jin M, Lou J, Yu H, Miao M, Wang G, Ai H, Huang Y, Han S, Han D, Yu G. Exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin promotes inflammation in mouse testes: The critical role of Klotho in Sertoli cells. Toxicol Lett 2018; 295:134-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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Nakajima R, Miyagaki T, Morimura S, Fukasawa T, Oka T, Yoshizaki A, Sugaya M, Sato S. Exacerbated Immune Complex-Mediated Vascular Injury in Mice with Heterozygous Deficiency of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor through Upregulation of Fcγ Receptor III Expression on Macrophages. J Invest Dermatol 2018; 138:2195-2204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.03.1520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Boule LA, Burke CG, Jin GB, Lawrence BP. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling modulates antiviral immune responses: ligand metabolism rather than chemical source is the stronger predictor of outcome. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1826. [PMID: 29379138 PMCID: PMC5789012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20197-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) offers a compelling target to modulate the immune system. AHR agonists alter adaptive immune responses, but the consequences differ across studies. We report here the comparison of four agents representing different sources of AHR ligands in mice infected with influenza A virus (IAV): TCDD, prototype exogenous AHR agonist; PCB126, pollutant with documented human exposure; ITE, novel pharmaceutical; and FICZ, degradation product of tryptophan. All four compounds diminished virus-specific IgM levels and increased the proportion of regulatory T cells. TCDD, PCB126 and ITE, but not FICZ, reduced virus-specific IgG levels and CD8+ T cell responses. Similarly, ITE, PCB126, and TCDD reduced Th1 and Tfh cells, whereas FICZ increased their frequency. In Cyp1a1-deficient mice, all compounds, including FICZ, reduced the response to IAV. Conditional Ahr knockout mice revealed that all four compounds require AHR within hematopoietic cells. Thus, differences in the immune response to IAV likely reflect variances in quality, magnitude, and duration of AHR signaling. This indicates that binding affinity and metabolism may be stronger predictors of immune effects than a compound’s source of origin, and that harnessing AHR will require finding a balance between dampening immune-mediated pathologies and maintaining sufficient host defenses against infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth A Boule
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.,CBR International, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Catherine G Burke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Guang-Bi Jin
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Preventative Medicine, School of Medicine, Yaniban University, Yanji City, Jilin Provence, China
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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17
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Li S, Bostick JW, Zhou L. Regulation of Innate Lymphoid Cells by Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1909. [PMID: 29354125 PMCID: PMC5760495 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With striking similarity to their adaptive T helper cell counterparts, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) represent an emerging family of cell types that express signature transcription factors, including T-bet+ Eomes+ natural killer cells, T-bet+ Eomes- group 1 ILCs, GATA3+ group 2 ILCs, RORγt+ group 3 ILCs, and newly identified Id3+ regulatory ILC. ILCs are abundantly present in barrier tissues of the host (e.g., the lung, gut, and skin) at the interface of host-environment interactions. Active research has been conducted to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying the development and function of ILCs. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor, best known to mediate the effects of xenobiotic environmental toxins and endogenous microbial and dietary metabolites. Here, we review recent progresses regarding Ahr function in ILCs. We focus on the Ahr-mediated cross talk between ILCs and other immune/non-immune cells in host tissues especially in the gut. We discuss the molecular mechanisms of the action of Ahr expression and activity in regulation of ILCs in immunity and inflammation, and the interaction between Ahr and other pathways/transcription factors in ILC development and function with their implication in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - John W. Bostick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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18
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Lee F, Lawrence DA. From Infections to Anthropogenic Inflicted Pathologies: Involvement of Immune Balance. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2017; 21:24-46. [PMID: 29252129 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2017.1412212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A temporal trend can be seen in recent human history where the dominant causes of death have shifted from infectious to chronic diseases in industrialized societies. Human influences in the current "Anthropocene" epoch are exponentially impacting the environment and consequentially health. Changing ecological niches are suggested to have created health transitions expressed as modifications of immune balance from infections inflicting pathologies in the Holocene epoch (12,000 years ago) to human behaviors inflicting pathologies beginning in the Anthropocene epoch (300 years ago). A review of human immune health and adaptations responding to environmental (biological, chemical, physical, and psychological) stresses, which are influenced by social conditions, emphasize the involvement of fluctuations in immune cell subsets affecting influential gene-environment interactions. The literature from a variety of fields (anthropological, immunological, and environmental) is incorporated to present an expanded perspective on shifts in diseases within the context of immune balance and function and environmental immunology. The influences between historical and contemporary human ecology are examined in relation to human immunity. Several examples of shifts in human physiology and immunity support the premise that increased incidences of chronic diseases are a consequence of human modification of environment and lifestyle. Although the development of better health care and a broader understanding of human health have helped with better life quality and expectancy, the transition of morbidity and mortality rates from infections to chronic diseases is a cause for concern. Combinations of environmental stressors/pollutants and human behaviors and conditions are modulating the immune-neuroendocrine network, which compromises health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Lee
- a Department of Anthropology , University at Albany , Albany , NY , USA
| | - David A Lawrence
- b Wadsworth Center/New York State Department of Health , Albany , NY , USA
- c Biomedical Sciences and Environmental Health Sciences , University at Albany, School of Public Health , Albany , NY , USA
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19
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MBD2 Regulates Th17 Cell Differentiation and Experimental Severe Asthma by Affecting IRF4 Expression. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:6249685. [PMID: 28808358 PMCID: PMC5541825 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6249685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Th17 cells and IL-17 participate in airway neutrophil infiltration characteristics in the pathogenesis of severe asthma. Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) expression increased in CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood samples of asthma patients. However, little is known about that epigenetic regulation of MBD2 in both immunological pathogenesis of experimental severe asthma and CD4+ T cell differentiation. Here, we established a neutrophil-predominant severe asthma model, which was characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), BALF neutrophil granulocyte (NEU) increase, higher NEU and IL-17 protein levels, and more Th17 cell differentiation. In the model, MBD2 and IRF4 protein expression increased in the lung and spleen cells. Under overexpression or silencing of the MBD2 and IRF4 gene, the differentiation of Th17 cells and IL-17 secretion showed positive changes. IRF4 protein expression showed a positive change with overexpression or silencing of the MBD2 gene, whereas there was no significant difference in the expression of MBD2 under overexpression or silencing of the IRF4 gene. These data provide novel insights into epigenetic regulation of severe asthma.
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20
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Li XM, Chen X, Gu W, Guo YJ, Cheng Y, Peng J, Guo XJ. Impaired TNF/TNFR2 signaling enhances Th2 and Th17 polarization and aggravates allergic airway inflammation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 313:L592-L601. [PMID: 28619762 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00409.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T-cell differentiation plays an important role in allergic airway diseases. Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) has been shown to regulate CD4+ T-lymphocyte differentiation, but its role in allergic airway inflammation is not clear. Here, we investigated the role of TNFR2 in allergic airway inflammation. The mouse model was generated by immunization with ovalbumin and intranasal administration of TNFR2 antibody. Airway inflammation and CD4+ T-cell differentiation were measured in vivo and in vitro. Inhibited TNFR2 signaling aggravated airway inflammation and increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-17, and TNF-α) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Impaired TNFR2 signaling promoted Th2 and Th17 polarization but inhibited Th1 and CD4+CD25+ T-cell differentiation in vivo. Furthermore, TNFR2 signaling inhibition promoted Th2 and Th17 polarization in vitro, which may occur through the activation of TNF receptor-associated factor 2 and NF-κB signaling. Therefore, our findings indicate that impaired TNF/TNFR2 signaling enhances Th2 and Th17 polarization and aggravates allergic airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ming Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and
| | - Wen Gu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and
| | - Yi-Jia Guo
- Shanghai XiangMing High School, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and
| | - Juan Peng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and
| | - Xue-Jun Guo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and
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21
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Jagannathan L, Jose CC, Tanwar VS, Bhattacharya S, Cuddapah S. Identification of a unique gene expression signature in mercury and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin co-exposed cells. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2017; 6:312-323. [PMID: 29057067 DOI: 10.1039/c6tx00432f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) are major environmental contaminants that commonly co-occur in the environment. Both Hg and TCDD are associated with a number of human diseases including cancers. While the individual toxicological effects of Hg and TCDD have been extensively investigated, studies on co-exposure are limited to a few genes and pathways. Therefore, a significant knowledge gap exists in the understanding of the deleterious effects of co-exposure to Hg and TCDD. Due to the prevalence of Hg and TCDD co-contamination in the environment and the major human health hazards they pose, it is important to obtain a fuller understanding of genome-wide effects of Hg and TCDD co-exposure. In this study, by performing a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) exposed to Hg and TCDD individually and in combination, we have uncovered a subset of genes with altered expression only in the co-exposed cells. We also identified the additive as well as antagonistic effects of Hg and TCDD on gene expression. Moreover, we found that co-exposure impacted several biological and disease processes not affected by Hg or TCDD individually. Our studies show that the consequences of Hg and TCDD co-exposure on the transcriptional program and biological processes could be substantially different from single exposures, thus providing new insights into the co-exposure-specific pathogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmanan Jagannathan
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, NY, 10987, USA
| | - Cynthia C Jose
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, NY, 10987, USA
| | - Vinay Singh Tanwar
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, NY, 10987, USA
| | - Sudin Bhattacharya
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Suresh Cuddapah
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, NY, 10987, USA
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Ehrlich AK, Kerkvliet NI. Is chronic AhR activation by rapidly metabolized ligands safe for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases? CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2017; 2:72-78. [PMID: 28944315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
There is a long standing perception that AhR ligands are automatically disqualified from pharmaceutical development due to their induction of Cyp1a1 as well as their potential for causing "dioxin-like" toxicities. However, recent discoveries of new AhR ligands with potential therapeutic applications have been reported, inviting reconsideration of this policy. One area of exploration is focused on the activation of AhR to promote the generation of regulatory T cells, which control the intensity and duration of immune responses. Rapidly metabolized AhR ligands (RMAhRLs), which do not bioaccumulate in the same manner as 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) have been discovered that induce Tregs and display impressive therapeutic efficacy in a broad range of preclinical models of immune-mediated diseases. Given the promise of these RMAhRLs, is the bias against AhR activators still valid? Can RMAhRLs be given chronically to maintain therapeutic levels of AhR activation without producing the same toxicity profile as dioxin-like compounds? Based on our review of the data, there is little evidence to support the indiscriminate exclusion of AhR activators/Cyp1a1 inducers from early drug developmental pipelines. We also found no evidence that short-term treatment with RMAhRLs produce "dioxin-like toxicity" and, in fact, were well tolerated. However, safety testing of individual RMAhRLs under therapeutic conditions, as performed with all promising new drugs, will be needed to reveal whether or not chronic activation of AhR leads to unacceptable adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Ehrlich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, United States
| | - Nancy I Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, United States
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23
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Norisoboldine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, acts as an aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand to induce intestinal Treg cells and thereby attenuate arthritis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 75:63-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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