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Gootjes C, Zwaginga JJ, Roep BO, Nikolic T. Defining Human Regulatory T Cells beyond FOXP3: The Need to Combine Phenotype with Function. Cells 2024; 13:941. [PMID: 38891073 PMCID: PMC11172350 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110941] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to maintain immune homeostasis by promoting self-tolerance. Reduced Treg numbers or functionality can lead to a loss of tolerance, increasing the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. An overwhelming variety of human Tregs has been described, based on either specific phenotype, tissue compartment, or pathological condition, yet the bulk of the literature only addresses CD25-positive and CD127-negative cells, coined by naturally occurring Tregs (nTregs), most of which express the transcription factor Forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3). While the discovery of FOXP3 was seminal to understanding the origin and biology of nTregs, there is evidence in humans that not all T cells expressing FOXP3 are regulatory, and that not all Tregs express FOXP3. Namely, the activation of human T cells induces the transient expression of FOXP3, irrespective of whether they are regulatory or inflammatory effectors, while some induced T cells that may be broadly defined as Tregs (e.g., Tr1 cells) typically lack demethylation and do not express FOXP3. Furthermore, it is unknown whether and how many nTregs exist without FOXP3 expression. Several other candidate regulatory molecules, such as GITR, Lag-3, GARP, GPA33, Helios, and Neuropilin, have been identified but subsequently discarded as Treg-specific markers. Multiparametric analyses have uncovered a plethora of Treg phenotypes, and neither single markers nor combinations thereof can define all and only Tregs. To date, only the functional capacity to inhibit immune responses defines a Treg and distinguishes Tregs from inflammatory T cells (Teffs) in humans. This review revisits current knowledge of the Treg universe with respect to their heterogeneity in phenotype and function. We propose that it is unavoidable to characterize human Tregs by their phenotype in combination with their function, since phenotype alone does not unambiguously define Tregs. There is an unmet need to align the expression of specific markers or combinations thereof with a particular suppressive function to coin functional Treg entities and categorize Treg diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Gootjes
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and Regenerative Cell Therapy, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (J.J.Z.); (T.N.)
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Li QH, Zhao QY, Yang WJ, Jiang AF, Ren CE, Meng YH. Beyond Immune Balance: The Pivotal Role of Decidual Regulatory T Cells in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2697-2710. [PMID: 38707955 PMCID: PMC11070170 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s459263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy failures, which brings tremendous stress to women of childbearing age and seriously affects family well-being. However, the reason in about 50% of cases remains unknown and is defined as unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). The immunological perspective in URSA has attracted widespread attention in recent years. The embryo is regarded as a semi-allogeneic graft to the mother. A successful pregnancy requires transition to an immune environment conducive to embryo survival at the maternal-fetal interface. As an important member of regulatory immunity, regulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in regulating immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. This review will focus on the phenotypic plasticity and lineage stability of Treg cells to illustrate its relationship with URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hui Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yan Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jing Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ai-Fang Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-E Ren
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Han Meng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
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Meyiah A, Elkord E. What is the relevance of FoxP3 in the tumor microenvironment and cancer outcomes? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38512803 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2334258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) transcription factor plays critical roles in controlling immune responses and cancer progression in different cancers. FoxP3 expression within the tumor microenvironment (TME) may influence clinical outcomes negatively or positively, and it could play dual roles in cancer, either by promoting or inhibiting tumor development and progression. Some studies reported that high levels of FoxP3 could be associated with tumor progression and worse prognosis, while others reported contradictory results. AREAS COVERED In this special report, we present a brief account on the role and function of FoxP3 in the TME, and its contribution to the clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Importantly, we give insights on the potential factors that could contribute to different clinical outcomes in cancer patients. EXPERT OPINION Different studies showed that FoxP3 expression can be associated with bad prognoses in cancer patients. However, FoxP3 could have opposing roles by enhancing cancer progression or regression. Location and expression of FoxP3 in T cells or tumor cells can have different impacts on cancer prognoses. Different factors should be considered to establish FoxP3 as a more robust prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for enhancing anti-tumor immunity and improving clinical outcomes of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdo Meyiah
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, UK
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Wojciech L, Png CW, Koh EY, Kioh DYQ, Deng L, Wang Z, Wu L, Hamidinia M, Tung DWH, Zhang W, Pettersson S, Chan ECY, Zhang Y, Tan KSW, Gascoigne NRJ. A tryptophan metabolite made by a gut microbiome eukaryote induces pro-inflammatory T cells. EMBO J 2023; 42:e112963. [PMID: 37743772 PMCID: PMC10620759 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The large intestine harbors microorganisms playing unique roles in host physiology. The beneficial or detrimental outcome of host-microbiome coexistence depends largely on the balance between regulators and responder intestinal CD4+ T cells. We found that ulcerative colitis-like changes in the large intestine after infection with the protist Blastocystis ST7 in a mouse model are associated with reduction of anti-inflammatory Treg cells and simultaneous expansion of pro-inflammatory Th17 responders. These alterations in CD4+ T cells depended on the tryptophan metabolite indole-3-acetaldehyde (I3AA) produced by this single-cell eukaryote. I3AA reduced the Treg subset in vivo and iTreg development in vitro by modifying their sensing of TGFβ, concomitantly affecting recognition of self-flora antigens by conventional CD4+ T cells. Parasite-derived I3AA also induces over-exuberant TCR signaling, manifested by increased CD69 expression and downregulation of co-inhibitor PD-1. We have thus identified a new mechanism dictating CD4+ fate decisions. The findings thus shine a new light on the ability of the protist microbiome and tryptophan metabolites, derived from them or other sources, to modulate the adaptive immune compartment, particularly in the context of gut inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Wojciech
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Chin Wen Png
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Eileen Y Koh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Dorinda Yan Qin Kioh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Lei Deng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Ziteng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Liang‐zhe Wu
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Maryam Hamidinia
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Desmond WH Tung
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Wei Zhang
- ASEAN Microbiome Nutrition CentreNational Neuroscience InstituteSingaporeSingapore
| | - Sven Pettersson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- ASEAN Microbiome Nutrition CentreNational Neuroscience InstituteSingaporeSingapore
- Faculty of Medical SciencesSunway UniversitySubang JayaMalaysia
- Department of OdontologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Eric Chun Yong Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Yongliang Zhang
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Kevin SW Tan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Nicholas RJ Gascoigne
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- ASEAN Microbiome Nutrition CentreNational Neuroscience InstituteSingaporeSingapore
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Tauber PA, Kratzer B, Schatzlmaier P, Smole U, Köhler C, Rausch L, Kranich J, Trapin D, Neunkirchner A, Zabel M, Jutz S, Steinberger P, Gadermaier G, Brocker T, Stockinger H, Derdak S, Pickl WF. The small molecule inhibitor BX-795 uncouples IL-2 production from inhibition of Th2 inflammation and induces CD4 + T cells resembling iTreg. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1094694. [PMID: 37090735 PMCID: PMC10117943 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1094694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Treg cells have been shown to be an important part of immune-homeostasis and IL-2 which is produced upon T cell receptor (TCR)-dependent activation of T lymphocytes has been demonstrated to critically participate in Treg development. Objective To evaluate small molecule inhibitors (SMI) for the identification of novel IL-2/Treg enhancing compounds. Materials and methods We used TCR-dependent and allergen-specific cytokine secretion of human and mouse T cells, next generation messenger ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) and two different models of allergic airway inflammation to examine lead SMI-compounds. Results We show here that the reported 3-phosphoinositide dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) SMI BX-795 increased IL-2 in culture supernatants of Jurkat E6-1 T cells, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) and allergen-specific mouse T cells upon TCR-dependent and allergen-specific stimulation while concomitantly inhibiting Th2 cytokine secretion. RNA-Seq revealed that the presence of BX-795 during allergen-specific activation of T cells induces a bona fide Treg cell type highly similar to iTreg but lacking Foxp3 expression. When applied in mugwort pollen and house dust mite extract-based models of airway inflammation, BX-795 significantly inhibited Th2 inflammation including expression of Th2 signature transcription factors and cytokines and influx into the lungs of type 2-associated inflammatory cells such as eosinophils. Conclusions BX-795 potently uncouples IL-2 production from Th2 inflammation and induces Th-IL-2 cells, which highly resemble induced (i)Tregs. Thus, BX-795 may be a useful new compound for the treatment of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Tauber
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Kratzer
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schatzlmaier
- Institute of Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Smole
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cordula Köhler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Rausch
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Kranich
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Doris Trapin
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alina Neunkirchner
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maja Zabel
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Jutz
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Thomas Brocker
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute of Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophia Derdak
- Core Facilities, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F. Pickl
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner University of Healthcare, Krems, Austria
- *Correspondence: Winfried F. Pickl,
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Schwarz A, Philippsen R, Piticchio SG, Hartmann JN, Häsler R, Rose-John S, Schwarz T. Crosstalk between microbiome, regulatory T cells and HCA2 orchestrates the inflammatory response in a murine psoriasis model. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1038689. [PMID: 36891315 PMCID: PMC9986334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1038689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The organ-specific microbiome plays a crucial role in tissue homeostasis, among other things by inducing regulatory T cells (Treg). This applies also to the skin and in this setting short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are relevant. It was demonstrated that topical application of SCFA controls the inflammatory response in the psoriasis-like imiquimod (IMQ)-induced murine skin inflammation model. Since SCFA signal via HCA2, a G-protein coupled receptor, and HCA2 expression is reduced in human lesional psoriatic skin, we studied the effect of HCA2 in this model. HCA2 knock-out (HCA2-KO) mice reacted to IMQ with stronger inflammation, presumably due to an impaired function of Treg. Surprisingly, injection of Treg from HCA2-KO mice even enhanced the IMQ reaction, suggesting that in the absence of HCA2 Treg switch from a suppressive into a proinflammatory type. HCA2-KO mice differed in the composition of the skin microbiome from wild type mice. Co-housing reversed the exaggerated response to IMQ and prevented the alteration of Treg, implying that the microbiome dictates the outcome of the inflammatory reaction. The switch of Treg into a proinflammatory type in HCA2-KO mice could be a downstream phenomenon. This opens the opportunity to reduce the inflammatory tendency in psoriasis by altering the skin microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatha Schwarz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Rebecca Philippsen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Serena G Piticchio
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB), University Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jan N Hartmann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Robert Häsler
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Schwarz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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Lahimchi MR, Eslami M, Yousefi B. New insight into GARP striking role in cancer progression: application for cancer therapy. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 40:33. [PMID: 36460874 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01881-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
T regulatory cells play a crucial role in antitumor immunity suppression. Glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant (GARP), transmembrane cell surface marker, is mostly expressed on Tregs and mediates intracellular organization of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). The physiological role of GARP is immune system homeostasis, while it may cause tumor development by upregulating TGF-β secretion. Despite the vast application of anti- programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) antibodies in immunotherapy, anti-GARP antibodies have the advantage of better response in patients who has resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1. Furthermore, simultaneous administration of anti-GARP antibody and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody is much more effective than anti-PD-1/PD-L1 alone. It is worth mentioning that the GARP-mTGF-β complex is more potent than secretory TGF-β to induce T helper 17 cells differentiation in HIV + patients. On the other hand, TGF-β is an effective cytokine in cancer development, and some microRNAs could control its secretion by regulating GARP. In the present review, some information is provided about the undeniable role of GARP in cancer progression and its probable importance as a novel prognostic biomarker. Anti-GARP antibodies are also suggested for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Majid Eslami
- Food Safety Research Center (Salt), Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Immunology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran. .,Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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Interleukin-27 Ameliorates Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice through Regulatory T Cell Augmentation and Dendritic Cell Tolerance. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:2054879. [PMID: 36405994 PMCID: PMC9674420 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2054879] [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: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, which is characterized by chronic inflammation in the arterial wall, is driven by immune cells and cytokines. Recent evidence indicated that interleukin (IL)-27 showed pleiotropic properties in immune diseases. However, precise mechanisms of IL-27, especially in atherosclerosis remains unknown. In our research, we examined the influence of the administration of IL-27 and an anti-IL-27p28 antibody (anti-IL-27p28-Ab) on both the initiation and the progression of atherosclerosis. In the groups (both the initiation and the progression) receiving recombinant IL-27 administration, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques was suspended, and the percentage of regulatory T cells (LAP+ or Foxp3+) in the spleen and peripheral blood was increased. Meanwhile, the number of T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells was decreased. In the peripheral blood plasma, TGF-β and IL-10 expression were increased, while the levels of IFN-γ and IL-17 were reduced. As for lesions, the mRNA expression of Foxp3, TGF-β, and IL-10 was increased, while that of IFN-γ and IL-17 was reduced. In the anti-IL-27p28 antibody groups, we obtained opposite results. We also observed that DCs treated with IL-27 display a tolerogenic phenotype and that IL-27–treated tolerogenic DCs (tDCs) are likely to play a protective role during atherosclerosis. Our study indicates that IL-27 or adoptive transfer of IL-27 loaded tDCs may be a new therapeutic approach in atherosclerosis.
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Abstract
Inflammation is a biological process that dynamically alters the surrounding microenvironment, including participating immune cells. As a well-protected organ surrounded by specialized barriers and with immune privilege properties, the central nervous system (CNS) tightly regulates immune responses. Yet in neuroinflammatory conditions, pathogenic immunity can disrupt CNS structure and function. T cells in particular play a key role in promoting and restricting neuroinflammatory responses, while the inflamed CNS microenvironment can influence and reshape T cell function and identity. Still, the contraction of aberrant T cell responses within the CNS is not well understood. Using autoimmunity as a model, here we address the contribution of CD4 T helper (Th) cell subsets in promoting neuropathology and disease. To address the mechanisms antagonizing neuroinflammation, we focus on the control of the immune response by regulatory T cells (Tregs) and describe the counteracting processes that preserve their identity under inflammatory challenges. Finally, given the influence of the local microenvironment on immune regulation, we address how CNS-intrinsic signals reshape T cell function to mitigate abnormal immune T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nail Benallegue
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Hania Kebir
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jorge I. Alvarez
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Dittrich-Salamon M, Meyer A, Yan S, Steinbach-Knödgen E, Kotschenreuther K, Stahl D, tho Pesch C, Schiller J, Byrtus F, Jochimsen D, Golumba-Nagy V, Kofler DM. Regulatory T Cells from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Are Characterized by Reduced Expression of Ikaros Zinc Finger Transcription Factors. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142171. [PMID: 35883614 PMCID: PMC9316388 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in immune tolerance and contribute to the prevention of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The differentiation, function and stability of Treg cells is controlled by members of the Ikaros zinc finger transcription factor family. In this study, we aimed to reveal how the expression of Ikaros transcription factors is affected by disease activity in RA. Therefore, we analyzed the ex vivo expression of Ikaros, Helios, Aiolos and Eos in Treg cells, Th17 cells and Th1 cells from RA patients by flow cytometry. We found significantly reduced expression of Helios, Aiolos and Eos in Treg cells from RA patients as compared to healthy controls. Moreover, Helios and Aiolos levels correlated with disease activity, as assessed by DAS28-CRP. In addition, Ikaros, Helios and Aiolos were significantly downregulated in Th1 cells from RA patients, while no difference between healthy individuals and RA was observed in Th17 cells. In summary, Helios and Aiolos expression in Treg cells correlates with disease activity and the expression levels of Ikaros transcription factors are diminished in Treg cells from RA patients. This observation could explain the reduced stability of Treg cells in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Dittrich-Salamon
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (M.D.-S.); (A.M.); (S.Y.); (E.S.-K.); (K.K.); (V.G.-N.)
| | - Anja Meyer
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (M.D.-S.); (A.M.); (S.Y.); (E.S.-K.); (K.K.); (V.G.-N.)
| | - Shuaifeng Yan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (M.D.-S.); (A.M.); (S.Y.); (E.S.-K.); (K.K.); (V.G.-N.)
| | - Eva Steinbach-Knödgen
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (M.D.-S.); (A.M.); (S.Y.); (E.S.-K.); (K.K.); (V.G.-N.)
| | - Konstantin Kotschenreuther
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (M.D.-S.); (A.M.); (S.Y.); (E.S.-K.); (K.K.); (V.G.-N.)
| | - David Stahl
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (D.S.); (C.t.P.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (D.J.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Carola tho Pesch
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (D.S.); (C.t.P.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (D.J.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Joanna Schiller
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (D.S.); (C.t.P.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (D.J.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Franziska Byrtus
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (D.S.); (C.t.P.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (D.J.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Dorothee Jochimsen
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (D.S.); (C.t.P.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (D.J.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Viktoria Golumba-Nagy
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (M.D.-S.); (A.M.); (S.Y.); (E.S.-K.); (K.K.); (V.G.-N.)
| | - David M. Kofler
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (M.D.-S.); (A.M.); (S.Y.); (E.S.-K.); (K.K.); (V.G.-N.)
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (D.S.); (C.t.P.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (D.J.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-221-47842882; Fax: +49-221-4781422322
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11
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Zimmer N, Trzeciak ER, Graefen B, Satoh K, Tuettenberg A. GARP as a Therapeutic Target for the Modulation of Regulatory T Cells in Cancer and Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:928450. [PMID: 35898500 PMCID: PMC9309211 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.928450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) play a critical role in immune homeostasis by suppressing several aspects of the immune response. Herein, Glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP), the docking receptor for latent transforming growth factor (LTGF-β), which promotes its activation, plays a crucial role in maintaining Treg mediated immune tolerance. After activation, Treg uniquely express GARP on their surfaces. Due to its location and function, GARP may represent an important target for immunotherapeutic approaches, including the inhibition of Treg suppression in cancer or the enhancement of suppression in autoimmunity. In the present review, we will clarify the cellular and molecular regulation of GARP expression not only in human Treg but also in other cells present in the tumor microenvironment. We will also examine the overall roles of GARP in the regulation of the immune system. Furthermore, we will explore potential applications of GARP as a predictive and therapeutic biomarker as well as the targeting of GARP itself in immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Emily R. Trzeciak
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Barbara Graefen
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kazuki Satoh
- Early Clinical Development Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Andrea Tuettenberg
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- *Correspondence: Andrea Tuettenberg,
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12
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Al-Mterin MA, Murshed K, Alsalman A, Abu-Dayeh A, Elkord E. Associations of different immune checkpoints-expressing CD4+ Treg/ T cell subsets with disease-free survival in colorectal cancer patients. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:601. [PMID: 35655158 PMCID: PMC9161559 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09710-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There are different subsets of T regulatory cells (Tregs), orchestrating critical roles in the regulation of anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we report that a high frequency of circulating CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs was associated with poorer disease-free survival (DFS), while their higher frequencies in tumor-infiltrating CD4+ Tregs was associated with better DFS. We further investigated such associations with four Tregs/T cells expressing or lacking FoxP3 and Helios (FoxP3±Helios±). For the first time, we report that a high frequency of circulating CD4+FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs was associated with poorer DFS, while a high frequency of tumor-infiltrating CD4+FoxP3−Helios− T cells was associated with poorer DFS. In the four FoxP3±Helios± T cell subsets expressing any of the immune checkpoints (ICs) investigated, we found that a high frequency of CD4+FoxP3+Helios−PD-1+ Tregs in circulation was associated with worse DFS. We also found that high frequencies of FoxP3+Helios+CTLA-4+ Tregs, FoxP3+Helios−CTLA-4+ Tregs, and FoxP3−Helios+CTLA-4+ CD4+ T cells in circulation were associated with worse DFS. In contrast, high frequencies of CD4+TIM-3+ T cells, FoxP3+Helios+TIM-3+ Tregs, and FoxP3−Helios+TIM-3+ CD4+ T cells in circulation were associated with longer DFS. Our data show that certain CD4+ Treg/T cell subsets could serve as independent predictive biomarkers in CRC patients. Identification of the exact subpopulations contributing to clinical outcomes is critical for prognoses and therapeutic targeting.
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13
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Krzyzanowska AK, Haynes Ii RAH, Kovalovsky D, Lin HC, Osorio L, Edelblum KL, Corcoran LM, Rabson AB, Denzin LK, Sant'Angelo DB. Zbtb20 identifies and controls a thymus-derived population of regulatory T cells that play a role in intestinal homeostasis. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eabf3717. [PMID: 35522722 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abf3717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The expression of BTB-ZF transcription factors such as ThPOK in CD4+ T cells, Bcl6 in T follicular helper cells, and PLZF in natural killer T cells defines the fundamental nature and characteristics of these cells. Screening for lineage-defining BTB-ZF genes led to the discovery of a subset of T cells that expressed Zbtb20. About half of Zbtb20+ T cells expressed FoxP3, the lineage-defining transcription factor for regulatory T cells (Tregs). Zbtb20+ Tregs were phenotypically and genetically distinct from the larger conventional Treg population. Zbtb20+ Tregs constitutively expressed mRNA for interleukin-10 and produced high levels of the cytokine upon primary activation. Zbtb20+ Tregs were enriched in the intestine and specifically expanded when inflammation was induced by the use of dextran sodium sulfate. Conditional deletion of Zbtb20 in T cells resulted in a loss of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. Consequently, knockout (KO) mice were acutely sensitive to colitis and often died because of the disease. Adoptive transfer of Zbtb20+ Tregs protected the Zbtb20 conditional KO mice from severe colitis and death, whereas non-Zbtb20 Tregs did not. Zbtb20 was detected in CD24hi double-positive and CD62Llo CD4 single-positive thymocytes, suggesting that expression of the transcription factor and the phenotype of these cells were induced during thymic development. However, Zbtb20 expression was not induced in "conventional" Tregs by activation in vitro or in vivo. Thus, Zbtb20 expression identified and controlled the function of a distinct subset of Tregs that are involved in intestinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata K Krzyzanowska
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.,Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Rashade A H Haynes Ii
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Damian Kovalovsky
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hsin-Ching Lin
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Louis Osorio
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Karen L Edelblum
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Lynn M Corcoran
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Immunology Division, Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Arnold B Rabson
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.,Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Lisa K Denzin
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.,Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Derek B Sant'Angelo
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.,Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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14
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Stachtea X, Loughrey MB, Salvucci M, Lindner AU, Cho S, McDonough E, Sood A, Graf J, Santamaria-Pang A, Corwin A, Laurent-Puig P, Dasgupta S, Shia J, Owens JR, Abate S, Van Schaeybroeck S, Lawler M, Prehn JHM, Ginty F, Longley DB. Stratification of chemotherapy-treated stage III colorectal cancer patients using multiplexed imaging and single-cell analysis of T-cell populations. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:564-576. [PMID: 34732839 PMCID: PMC8964416 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00953-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has one of the highest cancer incidences and mortality rates. In stage III, postoperative chemotherapy benefits <20% of patients, while more than 50% will develop distant metastases. Biomarkers for identification of patients at increased risk of disease recurrence following adjuvant chemotherapy are currently lacking. In this study, we assessed immune signatures in the tumor and tumor microenvironment (TME) using an in situ multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging and single-cell analysis technology (Cell DIVETM) and evaluated their correlations with patient outcomes. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) with up to three 1 mm diameter cores per patient were prepared from 117 stage III CRC patients treated with adjuvant fluoropyrimidine/oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) chemotherapy. Single sections underwent multiplexed immunofluorescence staining for immune cell markers (CD45, CD3, CD4, CD8, FOXP3, PD1) and tumor/cell segmentation markers (DAPI, pan-cytokeratin, AE1, NaKATPase, and S6). We used annotations and a probabilistic classification algorithm to build statistical models of immune cell types. Images were also qualitatively assessed independently by a Pathologist as 'high', 'moderate' or 'low', for stromal and total immune cell content. Excellent agreement was found between manual assessment and total automated scores (p < 0.0001). Moreover, compared to single markers, a multi-marker classification of regulatory T cells (Tregs: CD3+/CD4+FOXP3+/PD1-) was significantly associated with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.049 and 0.032) of FOLFOX-treated patients. Our results also showed that PD1- Tregs rather than PD1+ Tregs were associated with improved survival. These findings were supported by results from an independent FOLFOX-treated cohort of 191 stage III CRC patients, where higher PD1- Tregs were associated with an increase overall survival (p = 0.015) for CD3+/CD4+/FOXP3+/PD1-. Overall, compared to single markers, multi-marker classification provided more accurate quantitation of immune cell types with stronger correlations with outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xanthi Stachtea
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Maurice B Loughrey
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Manuela Salvucci
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics and Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
- GE Research Center, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | - Andreas U Lindner
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics and Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
- GE Research Center, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | - Sanghee Cho
- GE Research Center, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | | | - Anup Sood
- GE Research Center, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | - John Graf
- GE Research Center, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | | | - Alex Corwin
- GE Research Center, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | | | | | - Jinru Shia
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan R Owens
- GE Research Center, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | - Samantha Abate
- GE Research Center, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | - Sandra Van Schaeybroeck
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mark Lawler
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics and Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
- GE Research Center, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | - Fiona Ginty
- GE Research Center, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | - Daniel B Longley
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
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15
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Correlations between Circulating and Tumor-Infiltrating CD4+ T Cell Subsets with Immune Checkpoints in Colorectal Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040538. [PMID: 35455287 PMCID: PMC9031691 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T regulatory cells (Tregs) play different roles in the regulation of anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer (CRC), depending on the presence of different Treg subsets. We investigated correlations between different CD4+ Treg/T cell subsets in CRC patients with immune checkpoint-expressing CD4+ T cells. Positive correlations were observed between levels of different immune checkpoint-expressing CD4+ T cells, including PD-1, TIM-3, LAG-3, and CTLA-4 with FoxP3+ Tregs, Helios+ T cells, FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs, and FoxP3+Helios− Tregs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, negative correlations were observed between levels of these immune checkpoint-expressing CD4+ T with FoxP3−Helios− T cells in the TME. These correlations in the TME highlight the role of cancer cells in the upregulation of IC-expressing Tregs. Additionally, positive correlations were observed between levels of FoxP3+ Tregs, Helios+ T cells, FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs, and FoxP3+Helios− Tregs and levels of CD4+CTLA-4+ T cells and CD4+PD-1+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and normal tissue-infiltrating lymphocytes (NILs). These observations suggest that CTLA-4 and PD-1 expressions on CD4+ T cell subsets are not induced only by the TME. This is the first study to investigate the correlations of different FoxP3+/−Helios+/− T cell subsets with immune checkpoint-expressing CD4+ T cells in CRC patients. Our data demonstrated strong correlations between FoxP3+/Helios+/− Tregs but not FoxP3−Helios+/− non-Tregs and multiple immune checkpoints, especially in the TME, providing a rationale for targeting these cells with highly immunosuppressive characteristics. Understanding the correlations between different immune checkpoints and Treg/T cell subsets in cancer patients could improve our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of Treg-mediated immunosuppression in cancer.
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16
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Seitz C, Joly AL, Fang F, Frith K, Gray P, Andersson J. The FOXP3 full-length isoform controls the lineage-stability of CD4 +FOXP3 + regulatory T cells. Clin Immunol 2022; 237:108957. [PMID: 35247545 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.108957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXP3 is essential for CD4 + FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cell development and function. Human FOXP3 exists in distinct isoforms and alterations in isoform expression is associated with inflammatory disease progression, however, the exact functions of FOXP3 isoforms remain poorly understood. Herein we used flow cytometry and RNA-sequencing to analyze subsets of Treg cells from two IPEX patients, and a healthy carrier, of a recently described FOXP3 mutation (c.305delT). This mutation is located in exon 2 and results in the loss of the full-length FOXP3 isoform. Treg cells lacking full-length FOXP3 are found at lower-than-expected frequencies. This loss cannot be explained solely by altered thymic output, changes in proliferation, peripheral induction of Treg cells, or apoptosis. Instead, fulllength FOXP3 control a distinct genetic program, involving the previously identified FOXP3 regulators ID3, BCL6 and eIF4E, that upholds Treg cell lineage stability, while it appears nonessential for Treg cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Seitz
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Anne-Laure Joly
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Katie Frith
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney Children's Hospital, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Australia
| | - Paul Gray
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney Children's Hospital, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Australia
| | - John Andersson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
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17
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Dziarmaga R, Ke D, Sapir-Pichhadze R, Cardinal H, Phan V, Piccirillo CA, Mazer B, Foster BJ. Age- and sex-mediated differences in T lymphocyte populations of kidney transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14150. [PMID: 34569133 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graft failure rates increase through childhood and adolescence, decline in adulthood, and are higher in female than male kidney transplant recipients (KTR) until middle age. We aimed to describe age- and sex-related differences in T-cell subsets among KTR to determine which differences may help to explain the differences in kidney graft failure rates. METHODS Effector T (Teff)-cell and regulatory T (Treg)-cell phenotypes in PBMCs from healthy controls and KTR, who were at least 1 year post-transplant with stable graft function under immunosuppression, were analyzed by flow cytometry. The effects of age, sex, and status (KTR or control) were analyzed using linear regressions. RESULTS We enrolled 20 male and 21 female KTR and 20 male and 20 female controls between 3 and 29 years of age. CD3+ T-cell frequencies were not associated with age or sex but were higher in KTR than controls. There were no differences in CD4+ and CD8+ frequencies. Th1 (IFNγ+ IL-4- IL-17A-) and Th17 (IL-17A+) frequencies within the CD4+ T-cell population were higher at older ages. The frequencies of FOXP3 + Helios + Treg cells in CD4+ CD25+ CD127- T cells were lower in females than males and in KTR than controls. CONCLUSIONS Increasing frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells with increasing age mirrors the increasing graft failure rates from childhood to young adulthood. Importantly, sex differences in frequencies of circulating Treg cells may suggest a role in the sex differences in graft failure rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dziarmaga
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Danbing Ke
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ruth Sapir-Pichhadze
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Division of Nephrology and Multi-Organ Transplant Program, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Héloïse Cardinal
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Véronique Phan
- Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ciriaco A Piccirillo
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruce Mazer
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bethany J Foster
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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18
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Arjomandnejad M, Sylvia K, Blackwood M, Nixon T, Tang Q, Muhuri M, Gruntman AM, Gao G, Flotte TR, Keeler AM. Modulating immune responses to AAV by expanded polyclonal T-regs and capsid specific chimeric antigen receptor T-regulatory cells. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 23:490-506. [PMID: 34853797 PMCID: PMC8605179 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immune responses to adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids limit the therapeutic potential of AAV gene therapy. Herein, we model clinical immune responses by generating AAV capsid-specific chimeric antigen receptor (AAV-CAR) T cells. We then modulate immune responses to AAV capsid with AAV-CAR regulatory T cells (Tregs). AAV-CAR Tregs in vitro display phenotypical Treg surface marker expression, and functional suppression of effector T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. In mouse models, AAV-CAR Tregs mediated continued transgene expression from an immunogenic capsid, despite antibody responses, produced immunosuppressive cytokines, and decreased tissue inflammation. AAV-CAR Tregs are also able to bystander suppress immune responses to immunogenic transgenes similarly mediating continued transgene expression, producing immunosuppressive cytokines, and reducing tissue infiltration. Taken together, AAV-CAR T cells and AAV-CAR Tregs are directed and powerful immunosuppressive tools to model and modulate immune responses to AAV capsids and transgenes in the local environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Arjomandnejad
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Katelyn Sylvia
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Meghan Blackwood
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Thomas Nixon
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Qiushi Tang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Manish Muhuri
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Alisha M Gruntman
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.,NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Terence R Flotte
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Allison M Keeler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.,NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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19
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Fan X, Zhang Y, Ouyang R, Luo B, Li L, He W, Liu M, Jiang N, Yang F, Wang L, Zhou B. Cysticercus cellulosae Regulates T-Cell Responses and Interacts With the Host Immune System by Excreting and Secreting Antigens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:728222. [PMID: 34540719 PMCID: PMC8447960 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.728222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cysticercus cellulosae (C. cellulosae) excretes and secretes antigens during the parasitic process to regulate the host immune response; however, resulting immune response and cytokine production in the host during infection still remains unclear. We used C. cellulosae crude antigens (CAs) as controls to explore the effect of excretory secretory antigens (ESAs) on T-cell immune responses in piglets. C. cellulosae ESAs induced imbalanced CD4+/CD8+ T-cell proportions, increased the CD4+Foxp3+ and CD8+Foxp3+ T-cell frequencies, and induced lymphocytes to produce interleukin-10, which was mainly attributed to CD4+ and CD4−CD8− T cells. The ESAs also induced Th2-type immune responses. The results showed that the ability of C. cellulosae to escape the host immune attacks and establish a persistent infection may be related to host immune response regulation by the ESAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianmin Fan
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Renhui Ouyang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Bo Luo
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Lizhu Li
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Meichen Liu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Fengjiao Yang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Lingjun Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Biying Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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20
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Coexpression of Helios in Foxp3 + Regulatory T Cells and Its Role in Human Disease. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:5574472. [PMID: 34257746 PMCID: PMC8245237 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5574472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the Foxp3 transcription factor are indispensable for the maintenance of immune system homeostasis. Tregs may lose Foxp3 expression or be reprogrammed into cells that produce proinflammatory cytokines, for example, Th1-like Tregs, Th2-like Tregs, Th17-like Tregs, and Tfh-like Tregs. Accordingly, selective therapeutic molecules that manipulate Treg lineage stability and/or functional activity might have the potential to improve aberrant immune responses in human disorders. In particular, the transcription factor Helios has emerged as an important marker and modulator of Tregs. Therefore, the current review focuses on recent findings on the expression, function, and mechanisms of Helios, as well as the patterns of Foxp3+ Tregs coexpressing Helios in various human disorders, in order to explore the potential of Helios for the improvement of many immune-related diseases. The studies were selected from PubMed using the library of the Nanjing Medical University in this review. The findings of the included studies indicate that Helios expression stabilizes the phenotype and function of Foxp3+ Tregs in certain inflammatory environments. Further, Tregs coexpressing Helios and Foxp3 were identified as a specific phenotype of stronger suppressor immune cells in both humans and animal models. Importantly, there is ample evidence that Helios-expressing Foxp3+ Tregs are relevant to various human disorders, including connective tissue diseases, infectious diseases, solid organ transplantation-related immunity, and cancer. Thus, Helios+Foxp3+CD4+ Tregs could be a valuable target in human diseases, and their potential should be explored further in the clinical setting.
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21
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Teer E, Joseph DE, Dominick L, Glashoff RH, Essop MF. Expansion of GARP-Expressing CD4 +CD25 -FoxP3 + T Cells and SATB1 Association with Activation and Coagulation in Immune Compromised HIV-1-Infected Individuals in South Africa. Virol Sin 2021; 36:1133-1143. [PMID: 33974229 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-021-00386-8] [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: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although antiretroviral treatment lowers the burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related disease, it does not always result in immunological recovery. This manifests as persistent chronic inflammation, immune activation or exhaustion that can promote the onset of co-morbidities. As the exact function of regulatory T (Treg) cells in HIV remains unclear, this cross-sectional study investigated three expression markers (Forkhead box protein P3 [FOXP3], glycoprotein A repetitions predominant [GARP], special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1 [SATB1]) and compared their expansion between CD4+CD25- and CD4+CD25++ T cells. Age-matched study subjects were recruited (Western Cape, South Africa) and sub-divided: HIV-negative subjects (n = 12), HIV-positive naïve treated (n = 22), HIV-positive treated based on CD4 count cells/µL (CD4 > 500 and CD4 < 500) (n = 34) and HIV-treated based on viral load (VL) copies/mL (VL < 1000 and VL > 1000) (n = 34). Markers of immune activation (CD38) and coagulation (CD142) on T cells (CD8) were assessed by flow cytometry together with FOXP3, GARP and SATB1 expression on CD4+CD25- and CD4+CD25++ T cells. Plasma levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10; anti-inflammatory marker), IL-6 (inflammatory marker) and D-dimer (coagulation marker) were assessed. This study revealed three major findings in immuno-compromised patients with virological failure (CD4 < 500; VL > 1000): (1) the expansion of the unconventional Treg cell subset (CD4+CD25-FOXP3+) is linked with disease progression markers; (2) increased GARP expression in the CD4+CD25- and CD4+CD25++ subsets; and (3) the identification of a strong link between CD4+CD25-SATB1+ cells and markers of immune activation (CD8+CD38+) and coagulation (CD8+CD142+ and D-dimer).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Teer
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Danzil E Joseph
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Leanne Dominick
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Richard H Glashoff
- Division of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University and NHLS, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - M Faadiel Essop
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
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22
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Liu MF, Jin C, Wu T, Chen EH, Lu M, Qin HL. Helios serves as a suppression marker to reduce regulatory T cell function in pancreatic cancer patients. Immunol Res 2021; 69:275-284. [PMID: 33959834 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09200-9] [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: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Destabilizing and reprogramming regulatory T (Treg) cells have become a potential strategy to treat tumor. Mounting evidence indicates that the transcription factor Helios is required for the stable differentiation of Treg lineage. Hence, we investigated whether Helios suppression could be a potential treatment option for pancreatic cancer patients. We found that Helios+ cells were predominantly in Foxp3+ Treg cells. By contrast, Foxp3+ Treg cells can be Helios+ or Helios-, but the level of Foxp3 expression was significantly higher in Helios+Foxp3+ Treg cells than in Helios-Foxp3+ Treg cells. Resected pancreatic tumors were highly enriched with both Helios+Foxp3+ Treg cells and Helios-Foxp3+ Treg cells. Also, the proportion of Helios+ cells in total Foxp3+ Treg cells was significantly higher in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients than in PBMCs of healthy controls and further increased in patient tumors. Using shRNA, we knocked down Helios expression without significant downregulation of Foxp3. After Helios knockdown, CD4+CD25+CD127- Treg cells presented significantly lower levels of TGF-β secretion, lower levels of IL-10 secretion, and higher levels of IFN-γ secretion. In addition, Helios shRNA-transfected CD4+CD25+CD127- Treg cells presented lower capacity to inhibit CD4+CD25-CD127+ T conventional cell proliferation than control shRNA-transfected CD4+CD25+CD127- Treg cells. Of note, CD4+CD25+CD127- Treg cells from pancreatic cancer patients demonstrated higher TGF-β expression and higher suppression capacity than the cells from healthy controls. Overall, these results suggest that in pancreatic cancer patients, Helios may serve as a candidate to suppress Treg function, which could be used as a target to treat pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Feng Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - En-Hong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minxue Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhebei Mingzhou Hospital, 255 Gongyuan Road, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Huan-Long Qin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Intranasal Immunization with the Influenza A Virus Encoding Truncated NS1 Protein Protects Mice from Heterologous Challenge by Restraining the Inflammatory Response in the Lungs. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040690. [PMID: 33810549 PMCID: PMC8067201 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040690] [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: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses with an impaired NS1 protein are unable to antagonize the innate immune system and, therefore, are highly immunogenic because of the self-adjuvating effect. Hence, NS1-mutated viruses are considered promising candidates for the development of live-attenuated influenza vaccines and viral vectors for intranasal administration. We investigated whether the immunogenic advantage of the virus expressing only the N-terminal half of the NS1 protein (124 a.a.) can be translated into the induction of protective immunity against a heterologous influenza virus in mice. We found that immunization with either the wild-type A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) influenza strain (A/PR8/NSfull) or its NS1-shortened counterpart (A/PR8/NS124) did not prevent the viral replication in the lungs after the challenge with the A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) virus. However, mice immunized with the NS1-shortened virus were better protected from lethality after the challenge with the heterologous virus. Besides showing the enhanced influenza-specific CD8+ T-cellular response in the lungs, immunization with the A/PR8/NS124 virus resulted in reduced concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and the lower extent of leukocyte infiltration in the lungs after the challenge compared to A/PR8/NSfull or the control group. The data show that intranasal immunization with the NS1-truncated virus may better induce not only effector T-cells but also certain immunoregulatory mechanisms, reducing the severity of the innate immune response after the heterologous challenge.
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24
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Blockade of PD-1, PD-L1, and TIM-3 Altered Distinct Immune- and Cancer-Related Signaling Pathways in the Transcriptome of Human Breast Cancer Explants. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11060703. [PMID: 32616706 PMCID: PMC7349021 DOI: 10.3390/genes11060703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are yet to have a major advantage over conventional therapies, as only a fraction of patients benefit from the currently approved ICIs and their response rates remain low. We investigated the effects of different ICIs—anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and anti-T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3)—on human primary breast cancer explant cultures using RNA-Seq. Transcriptomic data revealed that PD-1, PD-L1, and TIM-3 blockade follow unique mechanisms by upregulating or downregulating distinct pathways, but they collectively enhance immune responses and suppress cancer-related pathways to exert anti-tumorigenic effects. We also found that these ICIs upregulated the expression of other IC genes, suggesting that blocking one IC can upregulate alternative ICs, potentially giving rise to compensatory mechanisms by which tumor cells evade anti-tumor immunity. Overall, the transcriptomic data revealed some unique mechanisms of the action of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting PD-1, PD-L1, and TIM-3 in human breast cancer explants. However, further investigations and functional studies are warranted to validate these findings.
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25
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Krop J, Heidt S, Claas FHJ, Eikmans M. Regulatory T Cells in Pregnancy: It Is Not All About FoxP3. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1182. [PMID: 32655556 PMCID: PMC7324675 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In pregnancy, the semi-allogeneic fetus needs to be tolerated by the mother's immune system. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a prominent role in this process. Novel technologies allow for in-depth phenotyping of previously unidentified immune cell subsets, which has resulted in the appreciation of a vast heterogeneity of Treg subsets. Similar to other immunological events, there appears to be great diversity within the Treg population during pregnancy, both at the maternal-fetal interface as in the peripheral blood. Different Treg subsets have distinct phenotypes and various ways of functioning. Furthermore, the frequency of individual Treg subsets varies throughout gestation and is altered in aberrant pregnancies. This suggests that distinct Treg subsets play a role at different time points of gestation and that their role in maintaining healthy pregnancy is crucial, as reflected for instance by their reduced frequency in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Since pregnancy is essential for the existence of mankind, multiple immune regulatory mechanisms and cell types are likely at play to assure successful pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to understand the complete microenvironment of the decidua, preferably in the context of the whole immune cell repertoire of the pregnant woman. So far, most studies have focused on a single mechanism or cell type, which often is the FoxP3 positive regulatory T cell when studying immune regulation. In this review, we instead focus on the contribution of FoxP3 negative Treg subsets to the decidual microenvironment and their possible role in pregnancy complications. Their phenotype, function, and effect in pregnancy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Krop
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Heidt
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frans H J Claas
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Michael Eikmans
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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26
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Bowron J, Ariyaratne A, Luzzi MDC, Szabo E, Finney CAM. Suppressive mechanisms by Heligmosomoides polygyrus-induced Tregs in C57BL/6 mice change over time and differ to that of naïve mice. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1167-1173. [PMID: 32311083 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948392] [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: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Disrupting or harnessing immune suppression is leading to new therapeutic avenues in a number of immune-related diseases. Understanding the suppressive functions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in different environments is therefore key. Parasitic worms are strong inducers of Tregs and previous research has suggested that parasite-induced Tregs are stronger suppressors than naïve Tregs. In strains susceptible to the intestinal worm Heligmosomoides polygyrus, like C57BL/6 mice, it has been hypothesized that increased Treg suppression downregulates both Th1 and Th2 responses, leading to chronic infections and high worm burden. Here, we show that the suppressive capacity of Tregs is no different between cells from infected and/or naive animals. In vitro suppression induced by CD4+ CD25+ Tregs (Peyers' Patches or the mesenteric lymph nodes), isolated early (day 7, tissue dwelling phase) or late (day 21, luminal phase) during infection was similar to that induced by cells from naïve animals. Suppression was CTLA-4 dependent in Tregs from acute but not chronic infection or in Tregs from naïve animals. This highlights the versatility of Tregs and the importance of extensive Treg characterization prior to potential in vivo manipulation of this cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Bowron
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anupama Ariyaratne
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mayara de Cassia Luzzi
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Edina Szabo
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Constance A M Finney
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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27
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Downregulation of miR-4772-3p promotes enhanced regulatory T cell capacity in malignant pleural effusion by elevating Helios levels. Chin Med J (Engl) 2020; 132:2705-2715. [PMID: 31725455 PMCID: PMC6940098 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000000517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a complicated condition of patients with advanced tumors. Further dissecting the microenvironment of infiltrated immune cells and malignant cells are warranted to understand the immune-evasion mechanisms of tumor development and progression. Methods: The possible involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in malignant pleural fluid was investigated using small RNA sequencing. Regulatory T cell (Treg) markers (CD4, CD25, forkhead box P3), and Helios (also known as IKAROS Family Zinc Finger 2 [IKZF2]) were detected using flow cytometry. The expression levels of IKZF2 and miR-4772-3p were measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The interaction between miR-4772-3p and Helios was determined using dual-luciferase reporter assays. The effects of miR-4772-3p on Helios expression were evaluated using an in vitro system. Correlation assays between miR-4772-3p and functional molecules of Tregs were performed. Results: Compared with non-malignant controls, patients with non-small cell lung cancer had an increased Tregs frequency with Helios expression in the MPE and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The verified downregulation of miR-4772-3p was inversely related to the Helios+ Tregs frequency and Helios expression in the MPE. Overexpression of miR-4772-3p could inhibit Helios expression in in vitro experiments. However, ectopic expression of Helios in induced Tregs reversed the effects induced by miR-4772-3p overexpression. Additionally, miR-4772-3p could regulate Helios expression by directly targeting IKZF2 mRNA. Conclusion: Downregulation of miR-4772-3p, by targeting Helios, contributes to enhanced Tregs activities in the MPE microenvironment.
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28
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Sasidharan Nair V, M Toor S, Z Taha R, Ahmed AA, Kurer MA, Murshed K, Soofi ME, Ouararhni K, M. Alajez N, Abu Nada M, Elkord E. Transcriptomic Profiling of Tumor-Infiltrating CD4 +TIM-3 + T Cells Reveals Their Suppressive, Exhausted, and Metastatic Characteristics in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010071. [PMID: 32041340 PMCID: PMC7157206 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM-3) is an immune checkpoint identified as one of the key players in regulating T-cell responses. Studies have shown that TIM-3 is upregulated in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the precise role of TIM-3 in colorectal cancer (CRC) TME is yet to be elucidated. We performed phenotypic and molecular characterization of TIM-3+ T cells in the TME and circulation of CRC patients by analyzing tumor tissues (TT, TILs), normal tissues (NT, NILs), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). TIM-3 was upregulated on both CD4+ and CD3+CD4− (CD8+) TILs. CD4+TIM-3+ TILs expressed higher levels of T regulatory cell (Tregs)-signature genes, including FoxP3 and Helios, compared with their TIM-3− counterparts. Transcriptomic and ingenuity pathway analyses showed that TIM-3 potentially activates inflammatory and tumor metastatic pathways. Moreover, NF-κB-mediated transcription factors were upregulated in CD4+TIM-3+ TILs, which could favor proliferation/invasion and induce inflammatory and T-cell exhaustion pathways. In addition, we found that CD4+TIM-3+ TILs potentially support tumor invasion and metastasis, compared with conventional CD4+CD25+ Tregs in the CRC TME. However, functional studies are warranted to support these findings. In conclusion, this study discloses some of the functional pathways of TIM-3+ TILs, which could improve their targeting in more specific therapeutic approaches in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Sasidharan Nair
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; (V.S.N.); (S.M.T.); (R.Z.T.); (K.O.); (N.M.A.)
| | - Salman M Toor
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; (V.S.N.); (S.M.T.); (R.Z.T.); (K.O.); (N.M.A.)
| | - Rowaida Z Taha
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; (V.S.N.); (S.M.T.); (R.Z.T.); (K.O.); (N.M.A.)
| | - Ayman A Ahmed
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; (A.A.A.); (M.A.K.); (M.A.N.)
| | - Mohamed A Kurer
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; (A.A.A.); (M.A.K.); (M.A.N.)
| | - Khaled Murshed
- Department of Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; (K.M.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Madiha E Soofi
- Department of Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; (K.M.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Khalid Ouararhni
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; (V.S.N.); (S.M.T.); (R.Z.T.); (K.O.); (N.M.A.)
| | - Nehad M. Alajez
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; (V.S.N.); (S.M.T.); (R.Z.T.); (K.O.); (N.M.A.)
| | - Mohamed Abu Nada
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; (A.A.A.); (M.A.K.); (M.A.N.)
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; (V.S.N.); (S.M.T.); (R.Z.T.); (K.O.); (N.M.A.)
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +974-4454-2367; Fax: +974-4454-1770
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29
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Cai B, Ma P, Ding P, Sun DW, Bu Q, Zhang J. Composition and plasticity of triple-negative breast carcinoma-infiltrating regulatory T cells. APMIS 2020; 128:260-269. [PMID: 31811667 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Low Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell (Treg) presence in the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is considered favorable in breast cancer, and numerous CD25-targeting agents have been applied in the attempt to remove Foxp3+ Treg cells, which typically present CD4+ CD25+/hi surface phenotype. However, CD25 is not Treg-exclusive and can be upregulated by effector T cells. Hence, CD25 depletion may cause the elimination of activated T cells that are responding to tumor-specific antigens. In this study, the composition and function of CD4+ CD25+ cells inside the microenvironment of triple-negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) were investigated. Directly ex vivo, the Foxp3+ Treg cells represented a minor subset in total CD4+ CD25+ TILs. Significant differences were observed in the expression of Treg-associated molecules between CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ TILs and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3- TILs. While both the CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ and the CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3- TILs could express CTLA-4 and LAG-3, the expression levels were significantly higher in CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ TILs than in CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3- TILs. Upon TCR stimulation, the expression of TGF-beta was significantly higher in CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ TILs, while the expression of IL-10 was significantly higher in CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3- TILs. These differences were conserved in the blood counterparts of these cells. Interestingly, the level of CD25+ Foxp3+ cells in circulating CD4+ T cells was positively correlated with the level of CD25+ Foxp3+ cells in CD4+ TILs, but the level of CD25+ Foxp3- cells in circulating CD4+ T cells was not associated with the level of CD25+ Foxp3- cells in CD4+ TILs. Th17-polarizing medium could readily remodel CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3- , but not CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ , T cells into RORgammat and IL-17-expressing T cells, demonstrating stronger plasticity of the former subset. Together, these data demonstrated that the CD4+ CD25+ TILs were composed of distinctive Foxp3- and Foxp3+ cells, with the former representing the major subset. The antigen specificity and effector molecule expression of the CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3- thus require further analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cai
- Breast-Thyroid Surgery Department, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Breast-Thyroid Surgery Department, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, China
| | - Pengpeng Ding
- Breast-Thyroid Surgery Department, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, China
| | - Di-Wen Sun
- Breast-Thyroid Surgery Department, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, China
| | - Qingao Bu
- Breast-Thyroid Surgery Department, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Breast-Thyroid Surgery Department, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, China
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Galon J, Bruni D. The Role of the Immune Infiltrate in Distinct Cancer Types and Its Clinical Implications : Lymphocytic Infiltration in Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Treat Res 2020; 180:197-211. [PMID: 32215871 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-38862-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a major public health challenges, with one of the highest incidences worldwide. The two affected anatomical sites in CRC, i.e. the colon and the rectum, share important underlying features, but often differ in terms of therapeutic management. Current guidelines for CRC define its clinical stratification according to classical, tumor cell-based and pathological parameters. Novel ground-breaking findings in the recent years revealed the prominent role of the immune system in shaping CRC development. This chapter provides a detailed overview of the main genomic and immune features driving (or hampering) CRC progression, with a focus on the main immune cells and factors shaping its evolution. Furthermore, we discuss how tumor-infiltrating immunity could be leveraged both for therapeutic and stratification purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Galon
- INSERM Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006, Paris, France.
| | - Daniela Bruni
- INSERM Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006, Paris, France
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31
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Toor SM, Murshed K, Al-Dhaheri M, Khawar M, Abu Nada M, Elkord E. Immune Checkpoints in Circulating and Tumor-Infiltrating CD4 + T Cell Subsets in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2936. [PMID: 31921188 PMCID: PMC6928042 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Blockade of inhibitory immune checkpoints (ICs) is a promising therapeutic approach; however, it has shown limited success in some cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). The tumor microenvironment (TME) is largely responsible for response to therapy, and its constituents may provide robust biomarkers for successful immunotherapeutic approaches. In this study, we performed phenotypical characterization and critical analyses of key inhibitory ICs and T regulatory cell (Treg)-related markers on CD4+ T cell subsets in CRC patients, and compared with normal colon tissues and peripheral blood from the same patients. We also investigated correlations between the levels of different CD4+ T cell subsets and the clinicopathologic features including disease stage and tumor budding. We found a significant increase in the levels of CD4+FoxP3+Helios+ T cells, which represent potentially highly immunosuppressive Tregs, in the CRC TME. Additionally, tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells upregulated programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3) and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3). We also characterized the expression of PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, and LAG-3 on different CD4+FoxP3−/+Helios−/+ T cell subsets. Interestingly, we found that CTLA-4, TIM-3, and LAG-3 were mainly co-expressed on FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs in the TME. Additionally, FoxP3high Tregs expressed higher levels of Helios, CTLA-4 and TIM-3 than FoxP3low T cells. These results highlight the significance of Tregs in the CRC TME and suggest that Tregs may hamper response to IC blockade in CRC patients, but effects of different IC inhibition regimes on Treg levels or activity warrants further investigations. We also found that CD4+CTLA-4+ T cells in circulation are increased in patients with advanced disease stage. This study simultaneously provides important insights into the differential levels of CD4+ T cell subpopulations and IC expression in CRC TME, compared to periphery and associations with clinicopathologic features, which could be used as potential biomarkers for CRC progression and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman M Toor
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Khaled Murshed
- Department of Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Mahwish Khawar
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Eyad Elkord
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
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32
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Ticconi C, Pietropolli A, Di Simone N, Piccione E, Fazleabas A. Endometrial Immune Dysfunction in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5332. [PMID: 31717776 PMCID: PMC6862690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) represents an unresolved problem for contemporary gynecology and obstetrics. In fact, it is not only a relevant complication of pregnancy, but is also a significant reproductive disorder affecting around 5% of couples desiring a child. The current knowledge on RPL is largely incomplete, since nearly 50% of RPL cases are still classified as unexplained. Emerging evidence indicates that the endometrium is a key tissue involved in the correct immunologic dialogue between the mother and the conceptus, which is a condition essential for the proper establishment and maintenance of a successful pregnancy. The immunologic events occurring at the maternal-fetal interface within the endometrium in early pregnancy are extremely complex and involve a large array of immune cells and molecules with immunoregulatory properties. A growing body of experimental studies suggests that endometrial immune dysregulation could be responsible for several, if not many, cases of RPL of unknown origin. The present article reviews the major immunologic pathways, cells, and molecular determinants involved in the endometrial dysfunction observed with specific application to RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (E.P.)
| | - Adalgisa Pietropolli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (E.P.)
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- U.O.C. di Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Laego A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome Italy;
- Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Piccione
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (E.P.)
| | - Asgerally Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
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Abou Hassan F, Bou Hamdan M, Melhem NM. The Role of Natural Killer Cells and Regulatory T Cells While Aging with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2019; 35:1123-1135. [PMID: 31510754 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2019.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has increased the quality of life of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Consequently, the number of PLHIV >50 years is increasing worldwide. Patients on cART are known to remain in a proinflammatory state. The latter is linked to the development of non-AIDS-related chronic conditions. Although the number of aging PLHIV is increasing, the effect of HIV infection on the process of aging is not fully understood. Understanding the complexity of aging with HIV by investigating the effect of the latter on different components of the innate and adaptive immune systems is important to reduce the impact of these comorbid conditions and improve the quality of life of PLHIV. The role of killer immunoglobulin receptors (KIRs), expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells, and their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) ligands in the clearance, susceptibility to or disease progression following HIV infection is well established. However, data on the effect of KIR-HLA interaction in aging HIV-infected population and the development of non-AIDS-related comorbid conditions are lacking. Moreover, conflicting data exist on the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) during HIV infection. The purpose of this review is to advance the current knowledge on the role of NK cells and Tregs while aging with HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farouk Abou Hassan
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Division of Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirna Bou Hamdan
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Division of Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nada M. Melhem
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Division of Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Breast Cancer Cells and PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade Upregulate the Expression of PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3 and LAG-3 Immune Checkpoints in CD4 + T Cells. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7040149. [PMID: 31614877 PMCID: PMC6963740 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype, and it exhibits resistance to common breast cancer therapies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand, PD-L1, have been approved to treat various cancers. However, the therapeutic efficacy of targeting PD-1/PD-L1 axis in breast cancer is under clinical investigation. In addition, the mechanisms of action of drugs targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of human TNBC cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468, and the non-TNBC cell line, MCF-7, on the expression of immune checkpoints (ICs) on CD4+ T cell subsets, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), using a co-culture system. We also examined the effect of blocking PD-1 or PD-L1 separately and in combination on IC expression by CD4+ T cell subsets. We found that breast cancer cells upregulate the expression of ICs including PD-1, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3) and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) in CD4+ T cell subsets. We also found that the co-blockade of PD-1 and PD-L1 further upregulates the co-expression of TIM-3 and LAG-3 on CD4+CD25+ T cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs in the presence of TNBC cells, but not in non-TNBC cells. Our results indicate the emergence of compensatory inhibitory mechanisms, most likely mediated by Tregs and activated non-Tregs, which could lead to the development of TNBC resistance against PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.
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35
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Bergström M, Müller M, Karlsson M, Scholz H, Vethe NT, Korsgren O. Comparing the Effects of the mTOR Inhibitors Azithromycin and Rapamycin on In Vitro Expanded Regulatory T Cells. Cell Transplant 2019; 28:1603-1613. [PMID: 31512504 PMCID: PMC6923545 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719872488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of autologous polyclonal regulatory T cells (Tregs) is a promising
option for reducing graft rejection in allogeneic transplantation. To gain therapeutic
levels of Tregs there is a need to expand obtained cells ex vivo, usually in the presence
of the mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin due to its ability to suppress proliferation of non-Treg T
cells, thus promoting a purer Treg yield. Azithromycin is a bacteriostatic macrolide with
mTOR inhibitory activity that has been shown to exert immunomodulatory effects on several
types of immune cells. In this study we investigated the effects of Azithromycin, compared
with Rapamycin, on Treg phenotype, growth, and function when expanding bulk, naïve, and
memory Tregs. Furthermore, the intracellular concentration of Rapamycin in CD4+ T cells as
well as in the culture medium was measured for up to 48 h after supplemented. Treg
phenotype was assessed by flow cytometry and Treg function was measured as inhibition of
responder T-cell expansion in a suppression assay. The concentration of Rapamycin was
quantified with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Azithromycin and Rapamycin both promoted a FoxP3-positive Treg phenotype in bulk Tregs,
while Rapamycin also increased FoxP3 and FoxP3+Helios positivity in naïve and memory
Tregs. Furthermore, Rapamycin inhibited the expansion of naïve Tregs, but also increased
their suppressive effect. Rapamycin was quickly degraded in 37°C medium, yet was retained
intracellularly. While both compounds may benefit expansion of FoxP3+ Tregs in vitro,
further studies elucidating the effects of Azithromycin treatment on Tregs are needed to
determine its potential use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Bergström
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Section of Clinical Immunology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Malin Müller
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Section of Clinical Immunology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marie Karlsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Section of Clinical Immunology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hanne Scholz
- Department of Transplant Medicine and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Hybrid Technology Hub, Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Tore Vethe
- Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olle Korsgren
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Section of Clinical Immunology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Kochin V, Nishikawa H. <Editors' Choice> Meddling with meddlers: curbing regulatory T cells and augmenting antitumor immunity. NAGOYA JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2019; 81:1-18. [PMID: 30962651 PMCID: PMC6433633 DOI: 10.18999/nagjms.81.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the transcription factor forkhead
box P3 (FoxP3) play an important role in self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Tregs have
evolved to protect the host from aberrant immune responses against self-components and
collateral damages occurring in the process of defense against invading pathogens by
softening immune responses. However, they turned to be a scourge in malignant tumors by
not only allowing and promoting tumor growth but also suppressing effective antitumor
actions, both inherent (host’s immune surveillance) and extrinsic (anticancer therapy). An
increase in the number of Tregs infiltrating into tumor sites and a concomitant decrease
in the number of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes are associated with a poor
prognosis for various types of cancers, marking Tregs as notorious meddlers with an
effective antitumor response. Various cancer immunotherapy approaches are often dampened
by meddling Tregs, making them one of the major targets in the treatment of cancer. The
recent success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that target immune checkpoint
molecules expressed by Tregs or effector T cells implies, that “meddling with meddlers”
represents an effective strategy in cancer immunotherapy. However, clinical responses to
ICIs are effective and durable only in some patients with cancer, whereas more than half
of them do not show significant clinical improvement. This implies that a therapeutic
approach based on the use of a single ICI, or targeting Tregs alone, is insufficient,
highlighting the need for combinatorial approaches. With regard to antitumor immune
stimulation, several approaches, such as vaccination with peptides (or the corresponding
DNA) to stimulate antigen-presenting CD8+ T cells with tumor-specific
neoantigens, cancer/testis antigens, or cancer stem cell antigens, that eventually boost
effective cytotoxic antitumor responses are being tested. This review describes the
immunosuppressive physiology of Tregs and their meddling with the host’s antitumor
immunity; current and prospective approaches to curb Tregs; and approaches to augment
antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly Kochin
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo / Chiba, Japan
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37
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Boonpiyathad T, Sokolowska M, Morita H, Rückert B, Kast JI, Wawrzyniak M, Sangasapaviliya A, Pradubpongsa P, Fuengthong R, Thantiworasit P, Sirivichayakul S, Kwok WW, Ruxrungtham K, Akdis M, Akdis CA. Der p 1-specific regulatory T-cell response during house dust mite allergen immunotherapy. Allergy 2019; 74:976-985. [PMID: 30485456 DOI: 10.1111/all.13684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only available treatment for allergic diseases that can induce specific immune tolerance to allergens. The key mechanisms involved in this process include changes in allergen-specific regulatory T (Treg) cells. METHODS We studied 25 allergic rhinitis patients undergoing subcutaneous house dust mite-specific immunotherapy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were studied before and after 10, 30 weeks, and 3 years of AIT. Der p 1-specific T regulatory cell responses were investigated by characterization of Der p 1-MHC class II tetramer-positive cells and correlated with nasal symptom score. RESULTS Twelve of 25 AIT patients matched with their MHC class II expression to the Der p 1 peptide-MHC class II tetramers. A significant increase in the numbers of Der p 1-specific FOXP3+ Helios+ CD25+ CD127- Treg cells after 30 weeks was observed, which slightly decreased after 3 years of AIT. In contrast, Der p 1-specific immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3)+ CD25+ Treg cells decreased substantially from baseline after 3 years of AIT. ILT3+ Treg cells displayed compromised suppressive function and low FOXP3 expression. In addition, Der p 1-specific IL-10 and IL-22 responses have increased after 30 weeks, but only IL-10+ Der p 1-specific Treg cells remained present at high frequency after 3 years of AIT. Increased number of FOXP3+ Helios+ and IL-10+ and decreased ILT3+ Treg cell responses correlated with improved allergic symptoms. CONCLUSION The results indicate that AIT involves upregulation of the activated allergen-specific Treg cells and downregulation of dysfunctional allergen-specific Treg cell subset. Correction of dysregulated Treg cells responses during AIT is associated with improved clinical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadech Boonpiyathad
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Christine Kühne‐Center for Allergy Research and Education Davos Switzerland
- Department of Medicine Phramongkutklao Hospital Bangkok Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Milena Sokolowska
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Christine Kühne‐Center for Allergy Research and Education Davos Switzerland
| | - Hideaki Morita
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology National Research Institute for Child Health and Development Tokyo Japan
| | - Beate Rückert
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Jeannette I. Kast
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Marcin Wawrzyniak
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - William W. Kwok
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason Seattle Washington
- Department of Immunology University of Washington Seattle Washington
| | | | - Mübeccel Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Cezmi A. Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Christine Kühne‐Center for Allergy Research and Education Davos Switzerland
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Adil AAM, Bommanabonia AK, Vaithy A, Kumar S, Waseem M, Jamal S, Ahmed N. Differential expression of Helios, Neuropilin-1 and FoxP3 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. 3 Biotech 2019; 9:178. [PMID: 30997315 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-1707-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, studies have begun to explore the immune involvement in head and neck tumors. Advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a poor prognosis with low survival rates with high level of immune infiltrates. Tregs (regulatory T cells) play a crucial role in constructing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In the present study, we highlighted specific Treg markers and its factors in HNSCC solid tumors and peripheral blood of cancer patients. By histopathology and immunofluorescence staining, we observed differential expression of CD4, CD25, Foxp3, Helios and Neuropilin-1. Further, we analyzed the expression of Foxp3, Helios, Neuropilin-1 and GARP by qPCR and flow cytometry in whole blood and found to be elevated in HNSCC patients in comparison with healthy donors. Additionally, IFN-γ, TGF-β, IL-6, IL-2, IL-10 and TNF-α expressions were also found to be relatively increased in the head and neck cancer patients when compared with healthy donors. Our findings emphasize that Tregs may be involved in promoting tumor progression. Helios and Neuropilin-1 could be potent markers in identifying subsets of Tregs. Association of soluble factors could sculpture the activity of Tregs. With further research, Treg markers and its associated soluble factors could be employed to block Tregs trafficking to the tumor, thus enlightening a potential strategy for targeting human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Mohamed Adil
- School of Life Sciences, B S Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, GST Road, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600048 India
| | - Anil Kumar Bommanabonia
- School of Life Sciences, B S Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, GST Road, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600048 India
| | - Anandraj Vaithy
- School of Life Sciences, B S Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, GST Road, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600048 India
- Diagnostic Research Laboratory, Gorimedu, Puducherry 605001 India
| | - Sateesh Kumar
- 3Departmentof Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Pillayarkuppam, Puducherry 607402 India
| | - Mohammad Waseem
- 4School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, 35205 USA
| | - Shazia Jamal
- School of Life Sciences, B S Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, GST Road, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600048 India
| | - Neesar Ahmed
- School of Life Sciences, B S Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, GST Road, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600048 India
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Toor SM, Sasidharan Nair V, Pfister G, Elkord E. Effect of pembrolizumab on CD4 + CD25 + , CD4 + LAP + and CD4 + TIM-3 + T cell subsets. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 196:345-352. [PMID: 30693485 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune evasion involves the expansion of avidly proliferating immunosuppressive cells and inhibition of effector T cell proliferation. Immune checkpoints (IC) block the activation pathways of tumor-reactive T cells. IC pathways are often exploited by tumor cells to evade immune destruction, and blocking these pathways through IC inhibitors (ICI) has shown promising results in multiple malignancies. In this study, we investigated the effects of an ICI, pembrolizumab, on various T cell subsets in vitro. We compared the suppressive activity of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells (conventional Treg ) with T cells expressing T cell immunoglobulin-3+ (TIM-3+ ) and latency-associated peptide (LAP)+ T cells. We found that LAP-expressing T cells were more suppressive than conventional Treg , but TIM-3-expressing T cells were not suppressive. Our results show that pembrolizumab does not modulate functions of Treg and mediates its immunostimulatory effects via the release of effector T cells from suppression. These findings may assist in the development of agents designed to intervene in IC pathways to overcome Treg resistance to ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Toor
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - V Sasidharan Nair
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - G Pfister
- Flow Cytometry Core, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - E Elkord
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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40
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Chapoval SP, Hritzo M, Qi X, Tamagnone L, Golding A, Keegan AD. Semaphorin 4A Stabilizes Human Regulatory T Cell Phenotype via Plexin B1. Immunohorizons 2019; 3:71-87. [PMID: 31236543 PMCID: PMC6590919 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.1800026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that neuroimmune semaphorin (Sema) 4A regulates the severity of experimental allergic asthma and increases regulatory T (Treg) cell numbers in vivo; however, the mechanisms of Sema4A action remain unknown. It was also reported that Sema4A controls murine Treg cell function and survival acting through neuropilin 1 (NRP-1) receptor. To clarify Sema4A action on human T cells, we employed T cell lines (HuT78 and HuT102), human PBMCs, and CD4+ T cells in phenotypic and functional assays. We found that HuT78 demonstrated a T effector-like phenotype (CD4+CD25lowFoxp3-), whereas HuT102 expressed a Treg-like phenotype (CD4+CD25hi Foxp3+). Neither cell line expressed NRP-1. HuT102 cells expressed Sema4A counter receptor Plexin B1, whereas HuT78 cells were Sema4A+. All human peripheral blood CD4+ T cells, including Treg cells, expressed PlexinB1 and lacked both NRP-1 and -2. However, NRP-1 and Sema4A were detected on CD3negativeCD4intermediate human monocytes. Culture of HuT cells with soluble Sema4A led to an upregulation of CD25 and Foxp3 markers on HuT102 cells. Addition of Sema4A increased the relative numbers of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells in PBMCs and CD4+ T cells, which were NRP-1negative but PlexinB1+, suggesting the role of this receptor in Treg cell stability. The inclusion of anti-PlexinB1 blocking Ab in cultures before recombinant Sema4A addition significantly decreased Treg cell numbers as compared with cultures with recombinant Sema4A alone. Sema4A was as effective as TGF-β in inducible Treg cell induction from CD4+CD25depleted cells but did not enhance Treg cell suppressive activity in vitro. These results suggest strategies for the development of new Sema4A-based therapeutic measures to combat allergic inflammatory diseases. ImmunoHorizons, 2019, 3: 71-87.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana P Chapoval
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Program in Oncology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Molly Hritzo
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Xiulan Qi
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, Piedmont Foundation for Cancer Research, Institute of Hospitalization and Scientific Care, University of Torino Medical School, Turin, Italy 10060; and
| | - Amit Golding
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Achsah D Keegan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201;
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Program in Oncology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201
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Strasser K, Birnleitner H, Beer A, Pils D, Gerner MC, Schmetterer KG, Bachleitner-Hofmann T, Stift A, Bergmann M, Oehler R. Immunological differences between colorectal cancer and normal mucosa uncover a prognostically relevant immune cell profile. Oncoimmunology 2018; 8:e1537693. [PMID: 30713795 PMCID: PMC6343804 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1537693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells in colorectal cancer (CRC) are associated with improved survival. However, checkpoint immunotherapies antagonizing the suppression of these cells are ineffective in the great majority of patients. To better understand the immune cell regulation in CRC, we compared tumor-associated T lymphocytes and macrophages to the immune cell infiltrate of normal mucosa. Human colorectal tumor specimen and tumor-distant normal mucosa tissues of the same patients were collected. Phenotypes and functionality of tissue-derived T cells and macrophages were characterized using immunohistochemistry, RNA in situ hybridization, and multiparameter flow cytometry. CRC contained significantly higher numbers of potentially immunosuppressive CD39 and Helios-expressing regulatory T cells in comparison to normal mucosa. Surprisingly, we found a concomitant increase of pro-inflammatory IFNγ -producing T cells. PD-L1+ stromal cells were decreased in the tumor tissue. Macrophages in the tumor compared to tumor-distant normal tissue appear to have an altered phenotype, identified by HLA-DR, CD14, CX3CR1, and CD64, and tolerogenic CD206+ macrophages are quantitatively reduced. The prognostic effect of these observed differences between distant mucosa and tumor tissue on the overall survival was examined using gene expression data of 298 CRC patients. The combined gene expression of increased FOXP3, IFNγ, CD14, and decreased CD206 correlated with a poor prognosis in CRC patients. These data reveal that the CRC microenvironment promotes the coexistence of seemingly antagonistic suppressive and pro-inflammatory immune responses and might provide an explanation why a blockade of the PD1/PD-L1 axis is ineffective in CRC. This should be taken into account when designing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Strasser
- Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,CBmed GmbH - Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine, Graz, Austria
| | - Hanna Birnleitner
- Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Beer
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietmar Pils
- Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Section for Clinical Biometrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlene C Gerner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus G Schmetterer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Anton Stift
- Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Bergmann
- Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudolf Oehler
- Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Trend S, Jones AP, Cha L, Byrne SN, Geldenhuys S, Fabis-Pedrini MJ, Carroll WM, Cole JM, Booth DR, Lucas RM, Kermode AG, French MA, Hart PH. Higher Serum Immunoglobulin G3 Levels May Predict the Development of Multiple Sclerosis in Individuals With Clinically Isolated Syndrome. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1590. [PMID: 30057580 PMCID: PMC6053531 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a first episode of neurological symptoms that may precede a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, studying individuals with CIS may lead to breakthroughs in understanding the development and pathogenesis of MS. In this study, serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgA, IgM, and IgG1–4 were measured in 20 people with CIS and compared with those in 10 healthy controls (HC) and 8 people with MS. Serum Ig levels in individuals with CIS were compared with (a) the time to their conversion from CIS to MS, (b) serum levels of antibodies to Epstein–Barr virus, (c) frequencies of T regulatory (Treg), T follicular regulatory (Tfr), and B cell subsets, and (d) Treg/Tfr expression of Helios. Serum IgG, IgM, and IgG2 levels were significantly lower in people with CIS than HC, and IgG, IgM, and IgG1 levels were significantly lower in people with CIS than MS. After adjusting for age, sex, and serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 [25(OH)D] levels, CIS was associated with lower serum levels of IgG and IgG2 compared with HC (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). People with MS had lower IgG2 levels (p < 0.001) and IgG2 proportions (%IgG; p = 0.007) compared with HC. After adjusting for age, sex, and 25(OH)D, these outcomes remained, in addition to lower serum IgA levels (p = 0.01) and increased IgG3 levels (p = 0.053) in people with MS compared with HC. Furthermore, serum from people with MS had increased proportions of IgG1 and IgG3 (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively), decreased proportions of IgG2 (p = 0.007), and greater ratios of “upstream” to “downstream” IgG subclasses (p = 0.001) compared with HC. Serum IgG3 proportions (%IgG) from people with CIS correlated with the frequency of plasmablasts in peripheral blood (p = 0.02). Expression of Helios by Treg and Tfr cell subsets from individuals with CIS correlated with levels of serum IgG2 and IgG4. IgG3 levels and proportions of IgG3 (%IgG) in serum at CIS diagnosis were inversely correlated with the time until conversion to MS (p = 0.018 and p < 0.001, respectively), suggesting they may be useful prognostic markers of individuals with CIS who rapidly convert to MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Trend
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Anderson P Jones
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lilian Cha
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Scott N Byrne
- Sydney Medical School, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Sian Geldenhuys
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Marzena J Fabis-Pedrini
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - William M Carroll
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Judith M Cole
- St John of God Dermatology Clinic, St John of God Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - David R Booth
- Sydney Medical School, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Robyn M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Allan G Kermode
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Institute for Immunology and Infectious Disease, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Martyn A French
- UWA Medical School and School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Prue H Hart
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Immune oncology, immune responsiveness and the theory of everything. J Immunother Cancer 2018; 6:50. [PMID: 29871670 PMCID: PMC5989400 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-018-0355-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-cancer immunotherapy is encountering its own checkpoint. Responses are dramatic and long lasting but occur in a subset of tumors and are largely dependent upon the pre-existing immune contexture of individual cancers. Available data suggest that three landscapes best define the cancer microenvironment: immune-active, immune-deserted and immune-excluded. This trichotomy is observable across most solid tumors (although the frequency of each landscape varies depending on tumor tissue of origin) and is associated with cancer prognosis and response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy (CIT). Various gene signatures (e.g. Immunological Constant of Rejection - ICR and Tumor Inflammation Signature - TIS) that delineate these landscapes have been described by different groups. In an effort to explain the mechanisms of cancer immune responsiveness or resistance to CIT, several models have been proposed that are loosely associated with the three landscapes. Here, we propose a strategy to integrate compelling data from various paradigms into a “Theory of Everything”. Founded upon this unified theory, we also propose the creation of a task force led by the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) aimed at systematically addressing salient questions relevant to cancer immune responsiveness and immune evasion. This multidisciplinary effort will encompass aspects of genetics, tumor cell biology, and immunology that are pertinent to the understanding of this multifaceted problem.
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44
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The Effects of Anti-LAP Monoclonal Antibody Down-regulation of CD4+LAP+ T Cells on Allogeneic Corneal Transplantation in Mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8021. [PMID: 29789580 PMCID: PMC5964070 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26235-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+latency-associated peptide (LAP)+ T cells are a newly discovered T cell subset with suppressive function on immune responses. In this study, we investigate the role of CD4+LAP+ T cells on mice corneal allograft survival by down-regulating their expression using anti-LAP mAb. We show that a blockage of LAP leads to a decrease in the percentage of T cells expressing CD4+Foxp3+, CD4+GARP+, CD4+LAP+ and CD4+IL-10+ in the lymph nodes and spleens of mice undergoing orthotopic penetrating transplantation of corneal allograft, without affecting corneal graft survival. In addition, higher percentages of CD4+IFN-γ+ and CD4+IL-17A+ T cells in the lymph nodes and spleens, as well as TNF, IFN-γ, IL-17A and IL-6 levels in the aqueous humor, significantly increase in mice with rejected corneal grafts. The expression of TGF-β1 decreases in corneal grafts during corneal rejection period. It is therefore possible that anti-LAP mAb can down-regulate the regulatory T cell subsets with its immunosuppressive effects. The rejection of corneal grafts seems to mainly be associated with the up-regulation of Th1 and Th17 cell subsets in peripheral lymph nodes.
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Knochelmann HM, Dwyer CJ, Bailey SR, Amaya SM, Elston DM, Mazza-McCrann JM, Paulos CM. When worlds collide: Th17 and Treg cells in cancer and autoimmunity. Cell Mol Immunol 2018; 15:458-469. [PMID: 29563615 PMCID: PMC6068176 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-018-0004-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The balance between Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) has emerged as a prominent factor in regulating autoimmunity and cancer. Th17 cells are vital for host defense against pathogens but have also been implicated in causing autoimmune disorders and cancer, though their role in carcinogenesis is less well understood. Tregs are required for self-tolerance and defense against autoimmunity and often correlate with cancer progression. This review addresses the importance of a functional homeostasis between these two subsets in health and the consequences of its disruption when these forces collide in disease. Importantly, we discuss the ability of Th17 cells to mediate cancer regression in immunotherapy, including adoptive transfer and checkpoint blockade therapy, and the therapeutic possibilities of purposefully offsetting the Th17/Treg balance to treat patients with cancer as well as those with autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Knochelmann
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Connor J Dwyer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stefanie R Bailey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sierra M Amaya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Dirk M Elston
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Joni M Mazza-McCrann
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Chrystal M Paulos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Calender A, Rollat Farnier PA, Buisson A, Pinson S, Bentaher A, Lebecque S, Corvol H, Abou Taam R, Houdouin V, Bardel C, Roy P, Devouassoux G, Cottin V, Seve P, Bernaudin JF, Lim CX, Weichhart T, Valeyre D, Pacheco Y, Clement A, Nathan N. Whole exome sequencing in three families segregating a pediatric case of sarcoidosis. BMC Med Genomics 2018; 11:23. [PMID: 29510755 PMCID: PMC5839022 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-018-0338-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcoidosis (OMIM 181000) is a multi-systemic granulomatous disorder of unknown origin. Despite multiple genome-wide association (GWAS) studies, no major pathogenic pathways have been identified to date. To find out relevant sarcoidosis predisposing genes, we searched for de novo and recessive mutations in 3 young probands with sarcoidosis and their healthy parents using a whole-exome sequencing (WES) methodology. METHODS From the SARCFAM project based on a national network collecting familial cases of sarcoidosis, we selected three families (trios) in which a child, despite healthy parents, develop the disease before age 15 yr. Each trio was genotyped by WES (Illumina HiSEQ 2500) and we selected the gene variants segregating as 1) new mutations only occurring in affected children and 2) as recessive traits transmitted from each parents. The identified coding variants were compared between the three families. Allelic frequencies and in silico functional results were analyzed using ExAC, SIFT and Polyphenv2 databases. The clinical and genetic studies were registered by the ClinicalTrials.gov - Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) ( https://clinicaltrials.gov ) receipt under the reference NCT02829853 and has been approved by the ethical committee (CPP LYON SUD EST - 2 - REF IRB 00009118 - September 21, 2016). RESULTS We identified 37 genes sharing coding variants occurring either as recessive mutations in at least 2 trios or de novo mutations in one of the three affected children. The genes were classified according to their potential roles in immunity related pathways: 9 to autophagy and intracellular trafficking, 6 to G-proteins regulation, 4 to T-cell activation, 4 to cell cycle and immune synapse, 2 to innate immunity. Ten of the 37 genes were studied in a bibliographic way to evaluate the functional link with sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS Whole exome analysis of case-parent trios is useful for the identification of genes predisposing to complex genetic diseases as sarcoidosis. Our data identified 37 genes that could be putatively linked to a pediatric form of sarcoidosis in three trios. Our in-depth focus on 10 of these 37 genes may suggest that the formation of the characteristic lesion in sarcoidosis, granuloma, results from combined deficits in autophagy and intracellular trafficking (ex: Sec16A, AP5B1 and RREB1), G-proteins regulation (ex: OBSCN, CTTND2 and DNAH11), T-cell activation (ex: IDO2, IGSF3), mitosis and/or immune synapse (ex: SPICE1 and KNL1). The significance of these findings needs to be confirmed by functional tests on selected gene variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Calender
- Genetics Department, Hospices Civils de LYON (HCL), University Hospital, East Pathology Center, LYON, B-A3, 59 Bld Pinel, 69677 BRON Cedex, France
- Inflammation & Immunity of the Respiratory Epithelium - EA7426 (PI3) – South Medical University Hospital – Lyon 1 Claude Bernard University, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69310 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | | | - Adrien Buisson
- Genetics Department, Hospices Civils de LYON (HCL), University Hospital, East Pathology Center, LYON, B-A3, 59 Bld Pinel, 69677 BRON Cedex, France
| | - Stéphane Pinson
- Genetics Department, Hospices Civils de LYON (HCL), University Hospital, East Pathology Center, LYON, B-A3, 59 Bld Pinel, 69677 BRON Cedex, France
| | - Abderrazzaq Bentaher
- Inflammation & Immunity of the Respiratory Epithelium - EA7426 (PI3) – South Medical University Hospital – Lyon 1 Claude Bernard University, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69310 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Serge Lebecque
- Cancer Research Center, INSERM U-1052, CNRS 5286, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Harriet Corvol
- Pediatric pulmonology and Reference Center for rare lung diseases RespiRare, Hôpital Trousseau, AP-HP, INSERM UMR-S938, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Rola Abou Taam
- Pediatric pulmonology and Reference Center for rare lung diseases RespiRare, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Houdouin
- Pediatric pulmonology and Reference Center for rare lung diseases RespiRare, Hôpital Robert Debré, INSERM U-1142, University Paris Diderot VII, Paris, France
| | - Claire Bardel
- Department of biostatistics, University Hospital, Hospices Civils de LYON (HCL), Lyon, France
| | - Pascal Roy
- Department of biostatistics, University Hospital, Hospices Civils de LYON (HCL), Lyon, France
| | - Gilles Devouassoux
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital, Hôpital Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Cottin
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Lyon, France
| | - Pascal Seve
- Department of Internal medicine, University Hospital, Hôpital Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
| | | | - Clarice X. Lim
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Währinger Straße 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Weichhart
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Währinger Straße 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominique Valeyre
- EA2363, University Paris 13, COMUE Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93009 Bobigny, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Pulmonology, Avicenne University Hospital, 93009 Bobigny, France
| | - Yves Pacheco
- Inflammation & Immunity of the Respiratory Epithelium - EA7426 (PI3) – South Medical University Hospital – Lyon 1 Claude Bernard University, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69310 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Annick Clement
- AP-HP Pediatric pulmonology and Reference Center for rare lung diseases RespiRare, Hôpital Trousseau, INSERM UMR-S933, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Nadia Nathan
- AP-HP Pediatric pulmonology and Reference Center for rare lung diseases RespiRare, Hôpital Trousseau, INSERM UMR-S933, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - in the frame of GSF (Groupe Sarcoïdose France)
- Genetics Department, Hospices Civils de LYON (HCL), University Hospital, East Pathology Center, LYON, B-A3, 59 Bld Pinel, 69677 BRON Cedex, France
- Department of biostatistics, University Hospital, Hospices Civils de LYON (HCL), Lyon, France
- Inflammation & Immunity of the Respiratory Epithelium - EA7426 (PI3) – South Medical University Hospital – Lyon 1 Claude Bernard University, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69310 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Cancer Research Center, INSERM U-1052, CNRS 5286, 69008 Lyon, France
- Pediatric pulmonology and Reference Center for rare lung diseases RespiRare, Hôpital Trousseau, AP-HP, INSERM UMR-S938, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Pediatric pulmonology and Reference Center for rare lung diseases RespiRare, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
- Pediatric pulmonology and Reference Center for rare lung diseases RespiRare, Hôpital Robert Debré, INSERM U-1142, University Paris Diderot VII, Paris, France
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital, Hôpital Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Lyon, France
- Department of Internal medicine, University Hospital, Hôpital Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
- Histology and Tumor Biology, ER2 UPMC, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Währinger Straße 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- EA2363, University Paris 13, COMUE Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93009 Bobigny, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Pulmonology, Avicenne University Hospital, 93009 Bobigny, France
- AP-HP Pediatric pulmonology and Reference Center for rare lung diseases RespiRare, Hôpital Trousseau, INSERM UMR-S933, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
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Metelli A, Salem M, Wallace CH, Wu BX, Li A, Li X, Li Z. Immunoregulatory functions and the therapeutic implications of GARP-TGF-β in inflammation and cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2018; 11:24. [PMID: 29458436 PMCID: PMC5819195 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-018-0570-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
GARP (glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant) is a type I transmembrane cell surface docking receptor for latent transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) that is abundantly expressed on regulatory T lymphocytes and platelets. GARP regulates the availability of membrane-bound latent TGF-β and modulates its activation. For this reason, GARP expression on immune and non-immune cells is involved in maintaining peripheral tolerance. It plays an important role in preventing inflammatory diseases such as allergy and graft versus host disease (GvHD). GARP is also frequently hijacked by cancer cells to promote oncogenesis. This review summarizes the most important features of GARP biology described to date including gene regulation, protein expression and mechanism in activating latent TGF-β, and the function of GARP in regulatory T cell biology and peripheral tolerance, as well as GARP’s increasingly recognized roles in platelet-mediated cancer immune evasion. The promise for GARP-targeted strategy as a novel immunotherapy of cancer is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Metelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Mohammad Salem
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Caroline H Wallace
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Bill X Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Anqi Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Xue Li
- Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA. .,The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University School of Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Nowak A, Lock D, Bacher P, Hohnstein T, Vogt K, Gottfreund J, Giehr P, Polansky JK, Sawitzki B, Kaiser A, Walter J, Scheffold A. CD137+CD154- Expression As a Regulatory T Cell (Treg)-Specific Activation Signature for Identification and Sorting of Stable Human Tregs from In Vitro Expansion Cultures. Front Immunol 2018; 9:199. [PMID: 29467769 PMCID: PMC5808295 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an attractive therapeutic tool for several different immune pathologies. Therapeutic Treg application often requires prolonged in vitro culture to generate sufficient Treg numbers or to optimize their functionality, e.g., via genetic engineering of their antigen receptors. However, purity of clinical Treg expansion cultures is highly variable, and currently, it is impossible to identify and separate stable Tregs from contaminating effector T cells, either ex vivo or after prior expansion. This represents a major obstacle for quality assurance of expanded Tregs and raises significant safety concerns. Here, we describe a Treg activation signature that allows identification and sorting of epigenetically imprinted Tregs even after prolonged in vitro culture. We show that short-term reactivation resulted in expression of CD137 but not CD154 on stable FoxP3+ Tregs that displayed a demethylated Treg-specific demethylated region, high suppressive potential, and lack of inflammatory cytokine expression. We also applied this Treg activation signature for rapid testing of chimeric antigen receptor functionality in human Tregs and identified major differences in the signaling requirements regarding CD137 versus CD28 costimulation. Taken together, CD137+CD154- expression emerges as a universal Treg activation signature ex vivo and upon in vitro expansion allowing the identification and isolation of epigenetically stable antigen-activated Tregs and providing a means for their rapid functional testing in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nowak
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Lock
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Petra Bacher
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thordis Hohnstein
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Vogt
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith Gottfreund
- Department of Genetics/Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Pascal Giehr
- Department of Genetics/Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Julia K Polansky
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Sawitzki
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jörn Walter
- Department of Genetics/Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Alexander Scheffold
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Chirumbolo S, Bjørklund G, Sboarina A, Vella A. The role of basophils as innate immune regulatory cells in allergy and immunotherapy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 14:815-831. [PMID: 29257936 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1417711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Basophils are circulating cells that are associated quite exclusively with allergy response and hypersensitivity reactions but their role in the immune network might be much more intriguing and complex than previously expected. The feasibility of testing their biology in vitro for allergy research and diagnosis, due fundamentally to their quite easy availability in the peripheral blood, made them the major source for assessing allergy in the laboratory assay, when yet many further cells such as mast cells and eosinophils are much more involved as effector cells in allergy than circulating basophils. Interestingly, basophil numbers change rarely in peripheral blood during an atopic response, while we might yet observe an increase in eosinophils and modification in the biology of mast cells in the tissue during an hypersensitivity response. Furthermore, the fact that basophils are very scanty in numbers suggests that they should mainly serve as regulatory cells in immunity, rather than effector leukocytes, as still believed by the majority of physicians. In this review we will try to describe and elucidate the possible role of these cells, known as "innate IL4-producing cells" in the immune regulation of allergy and their function in allergen immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Chirumbolo
- a Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences , University of Verona , Verona , Italy
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- b Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM) , Mo i Rana , Norway
| | - Andrea Sboarina
- c Department of Surgery , Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology-University of Verona , Verona , Italy
| | - Antonio Vella
- d Unit of Immunology-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata (AOUI) , Verona , Italy
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GARP: a surface molecule of regulatory T cells that is involved in the regulatory function and TGF-β releasing. Oncotarget 2018; 7:42826-42836. [PMID: 27095576 PMCID: PMC5173174 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many molecules that define regulatory T cells (Tregs) phenotypically and functionally. Glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) is a transmembrane protein containing leucine rich repeats. Recently, GARP is found to express highly on the surface of activated Tregs. The combination of GARP and other surface molecules isolates Tregs with higher purity. Besides, GARP is a cell surface molecule of Tregs that maintains their regulatory function and homeosatsis. GARP has also been proved to promote the activation and secretion of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Moreover, its potential value in cancer immunotherapy is also discussed in this work.
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