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Chen L, Xu T, Lou J, Zhang T, Wu S, Xie R, Xu J. The beneficial roles and mechanisms of estrogens in immune health and infection disease. Steroids 2024; 207:109426. [PMID: 38685461 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Multiple epidemiologic studies have revealed that gender is considered one of the important factors in the frequency and severity of certain infectious diseases, in which estrogens may play a vital role. There is growing evidence that estrogens as female sex hormone can modulate multiple biological functions outside of the reproductive system, such as in brain and cardiovascular system. However, it is largely unknown about the roles and mechanisms of estrogens/estrogen receptors in immune health and infection disease. Thence, by reading a lot of literature, we summarized the regulatory mechanisms of estrogens/estrogen receptors in immune cells and their roles in certain infectious diseases with gender differences. Therefore, estrogens may have therapeutic potentials to prevent and treat these infectious diseases, which needs further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jun Lou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Sheng Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liupanshui People's Hospital, Liupanshui City 553000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Rui Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
| | - Jingyu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
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2
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Babu A, Devi Rajeswari V, Ganesh V, Das S, Dhanasekaran S, Usha Rani G, Ramanathan G. Gut Microbiome and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Interplay of Associated Microbial-Metabolite Pathways and Therapeutic Strategies. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1508-1520. [PMID: 38228976 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01450-2] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted disease with an intricate etiology affecting reproductive-aged women. Despite attempts to unravel the pathophysiology, the molecular mechanism of PCOS remains unknown. There are no effective or suitable therapeutic strategies available to ameliorate PCOS; however, the symptoms can be managed. In recent years, a strong association has been found between the gut microbiome and PCOS, leading to the formulation of novel ideas on the genesis and pathological processes of PCOS. Further, gut microbiome dysbiosis involving microbial metabolites may trigger PCOS symptoms via many mechanistic pathways including those associated with carbohydrates, short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, bile acids, and gut-brain axis. We present the mechanistic pathways of PCOS-related microbial metabolites and therapeutic opportunities available to treat PCOS, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota therapy. In addition, the current review highlights the emerging treatment strategies available to alleviate the symptoms of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achsha Babu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - V Devi Rajeswari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - V Ganesh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Soumik Das
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Sivaraman Dhanasekaran
- Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Knowledge Corridor, Raisan Village, PDPU Road, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382426, India
| | - G Usha Rani
- Department of Obstetrics And Gynecology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Gnanasambandan Ramanathan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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3
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Castrogiovanni P, Sanfilippo C, Imbesi R, Lazzarino G, Li Volti G, Tibullo D, Vicario N, Parenti R, Giuseppe L, Barbagallo I, Alanazi AM, Vecchio M, Cappello F, Musumeci G, Di Rosa M. Skeletal muscle of young females under resistance exercise exhibits a unique innate immune cell infiltration profile compared to males and elderly individuals. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2024:10.1007/s10974-024-09668-6. [PMID: 38578562 DOI: 10.1007/s10974-024-09668-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Muscle damage resulting from physical activities such as exercise triggers an immune response crucial for tissue repair and recovery. This study investigates the immune cell profiles in muscle biopsies of individuals engaged in resistance exercise (RE) and explores the impact of age and sex on the immune response following exercise-induced muscle damage. Microarray datasets from muscle biopsies of young and old subjects were analyzed, focusing on the gene expression patterns associated with immune cell activation. Genes were compared with immune cell signatures to reveal the cellular landscape during exercise. Results show that the most significant modulated gene after RE was Folliculin Interacting Protein 2 (FNIP2) a crucial regulator in cellular homeostasis. Moreover, the transcriptome was stratified based on the expression of FNIP2 and the 203 genes common to the groups obtained based on sex and age. Gene ontology analysis highlighted the FLCN-FNIP1-FNIP2 complex, which exerts as a negative feedback loop to Pi3k-Akt-mTORC1 pathway. Furthermore, we highlighted that the young females exhibit a distinct innate immune cell activation signature compared to males after a RE session. Specifically, young females demonstrate a notable overlap with dendritic cells (DCs), M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages, and neutrophils, while young males overlap with M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages, and motor neurons. Interestingly, in elderly subjects, both sexes display M1 macrophage activation signatures. Comparison of young and elderly signatures reveals an increased M1 macrophage percentage in young subjects. Additionally, common genes were identified in both sexes across different age groups, elucidating biological functions related to cell remodeling and immune activation. This study underscores the intricate interplay between sex, age, and the immune response in muscle tissue following RE, offering potential directions for future research. Nevertheless, there is a need for further studies to delve deeper and confirm the dynamics of immune cells in response to exercise-induced muscle damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Castrogiovanni
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, 95125, Italy
| | - Cristina Sanfilippo
- Neurologic Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, AOU "Policlinico-San Marco", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia n.78, Sicily, GF, Ingrassia, Catania, 95100, Italy
| | - Rosa Imbesi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, 95125, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, Rome, 00131, Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Lazzarino Giuseppe
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Ignazio Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Amer M Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, 90127, Italy
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), Palermo, 90139, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, 95125, Italy
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, 95125, Italy.
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4
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Deng L, Gao R, Chen H, Jiao B, Zhang C, Wei L, Yan C, Ye-Lehmann S, Zhu T, Chen C. Let-7b-TLR7 Signaling Axis Contributes to the Anesthesia/Surgery-Induced Cognitive Impairment. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1818-1832. [PMID: 37782443 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03658-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) are severe and common neurological complications among elderly patients following anesthesia and surgery. As the first line of defense of the innate immune system, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been found to be involved in the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases in recent years. However, the role of TLR7 in the pathology and development of PNDs remains largely unclear. In our current study, we hypothesized that increased microRNA let-7b (let-7b) during anesthesia and surgical operation would activate TLR7 signaling pathways and mediate PNDs. Using a mouse model of PNDs, 18-20 months wild-type (WT) mice were undergoing unilateral nephrectomy, and increased TLR7 and let-7b expression levels were found in the surgery group compared with the Sham group. Of note, increased TLR7 was found to be co-localized with let-7b in the hippocampal area CA1 in the PNDs model. In addition, TLR7 and let-7b inhibition could improve hippocampus-dependent memory and attenuate the production of inflammatory cytokines. Together, our results indicated that TLR7 activation and up-regulation might be triggered by increased let-7b under stressful conditions and initiated the downstream inflammatory signaling, playing a substantial role in the development of PNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changteng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuxing Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Caiyi Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shixin Ye-Lehmann
- Unité INSERM U1195, Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System, University of Paris-Scalay, Bicêtre Hosptial, Bât. Grégory Pincus, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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5
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Britsch S, Langer H, Duerschmied D, Becher T. The Evolving Role of Dendritic Cells in Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2450. [PMID: 38397127 PMCID: PMC10888834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042450] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, is characterized by chronic inflammation of the arterial wall. This inflammatory process is initiated and maintained by both innate and adaptive immunity. Dendritic cells (DCs), which are antigen-presenting cells, play a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis and consist of various subtypes with distinct functional abilities. Following the recognition and binding of antigens, DCs become potent activators of cellular responses, bridging the innate and adaptive immune systems. The modulation of specific DC subpopulations can have either pro-atherogenic or atheroprotective effects, highlighting the dual pro-inflammatory or tolerogenic roles of DCs. In this work, we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving roles of DCs and their subtypes in the promotion or limitation of atherosclerosis development. Additionally, we explore antigen pulsing and pharmacological approaches to modulate the function of DCs in the context of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Britsch
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, Haemostaseology and Medical Intensive Care, Centre for Acute Cardiovascular Medicine Mannheim (ZKAM), University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 69117 Mannheim, Germany; (H.L.); (D.D.); (T.B.)
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, 13092 Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Harald Langer
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, Haemostaseology and Medical Intensive Care, Centre for Acute Cardiovascular Medicine Mannheim (ZKAM), University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 69117 Mannheim, Germany; (H.L.); (D.D.); (T.B.)
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, 13092 Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Daniel Duerschmied
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, Haemostaseology and Medical Intensive Care, Centre for Acute Cardiovascular Medicine Mannheim (ZKAM), University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 69117 Mannheim, Germany; (H.L.); (D.D.); (T.B.)
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, 13092 Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tobias Becher
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, Haemostaseology and Medical Intensive Care, Centre for Acute Cardiovascular Medicine Mannheim (ZKAM), University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 69117 Mannheim, Germany; (H.L.); (D.D.); (T.B.)
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6
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Hammond ME, Zollinger C, Vidic A, Snow GL, Stehlik J, Alharethi RA, Kfoury AG, Drakos S, Hammond MEH. Donor Age, Sex, and Cause of Death and Their Relationship to Heart Transplant Recipient Cardiac Death. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7629. [PMID: 38137698 PMCID: PMC10744178 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies indicate that donor innate immune responses participate in initiating and accelerating innate responses and allorecognition in the recipient. These immune responses negatively affect recipient outcomes and predispose recipients to cardiovascular death (CV death). We hypothesized that a donor cause of death (COD) associated with higher levels of innate immune response would predispose recipients to more adverse outcomes post-transplant, including CV death. METHODS We performed a single-institution retrospective analysis comparing donor characteristics and COD to recipient adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We analyzed the medical records of local adult donors (age 18-64) in a database of donors where adequate data was available. Donor age was available on 706 donors; donor sex was available on 730 donors. We linked donor characteristics (age and sex) and COD to recipient CV death. The data were analyzed using logistic regression, the log-rank test of differences, and Tukey contrast. RESULTS Donor age, female sex, and COD of intracranial hemorrhage were significantly associated with a higher incidence of recipient CV death. CONCLUSIONS In this single institution study, we found that recipients with hearts from donors over 40 years, donors who were female, or donors who died with a COD of intracranial hemorrhage had a higher frequency of CV death. Donor monitoring and potential treatment of innate immune activation may decrease subsequent recipient innate responses and allorecognition stimulated by donor-derived inflammatory signaling, which leads to adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo E. Hammond
- Department of Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Charles Zollinger
- Intermountain Donor Services, 6065 S Fashion Blvd, Murray, UT 84107, USA;
| | - Andrija Vidic
- Department of Cardiology, University of Kansas Hospital, 4000 Cambridge St., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Gregory L. Snow
- Department of Statistics, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Joseph Stehlik
- Department of Cardiology, University of Utah Hospital, 50 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (J.S.); (S.D.)
| | - Rami A. Alharethi
- Cardiac Transplant Program, Intermountain Medical Center, 5252 S Intermountain Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84157, USA; (R.A.A.); (A.G.K.)
| | - Abdallah G. Kfoury
- Cardiac Transplant Program, Intermountain Medical Center, 5252 S Intermountain Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84157, USA; (R.A.A.); (A.G.K.)
| | - Stavros Drakos
- Department of Cardiology, University of Utah Hospital, 50 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (J.S.); (S.D.)
| | - M Elizabeth H. Hammond
- Department of Cardiology, University of Utah Hospital, 50 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (J.S.); (S.D.)
- Cardiac Transplant Program, Intermountain Medical Center, 5252 S Intermountain Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84157, USA; (R.A.A.); (A.G.K.)
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7
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Grünhagel B, Borggrewe M, Hagen SH, Ziegler SM, Henseling F, Glau L, Thiele RJ, Pujantell M, Sivayoganathan V, Padoan B, Claussen JM, Düsedau A, Hennesen J, Bunders MJ, Bonn S, Tolosa E, Krebs CF, Dorn C, Altfeld M. Reduction of IFN-I responses by plasmacytoid dendritic cells in a longitudinal trans men cohort. iScience 2023; 26:108209. [PMID: 37953956 PMCID: PMC10637924 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-I) are important mediators of antiviral immunity and autoimmune diseases. Female plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) exert an elevated capacity to produce IFN-I upon toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) activation compared to male pDCs, and both sex hormones and X-encoded genes have been implicated in these sex-specific differences. Using longitudinal samples from a trans men cohort receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), the impact of testosterone injections on TLR7-mediated IFN-I production by pDCs was assessed. Single-cell RNA analyses of pDCs showed downregulation of IFN-I-related gene expression signatures but also revealed transcriptional inter-donor heterogeneity. Longitudinal quantification showed continuous reduction of IFN-I protein production by pDCs and reduced expression of IFN-I-stimulated genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). These studies in trans men demonstrate that testosterone administration reduces IFN-I production by pDCs over time and provide insights into the immune-modulatory role of testosterone in sex-specific IFN-I-mediated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Grünhagel
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malte Borggrewe
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Hendrik Hagen
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanne M. Ziegler
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Henseling
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laura Glau
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca-Jo Thiele
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Pujantell
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Varshi Sivayoganathan
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benedetta Padoan
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janna M. Claussen
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Arne Düsedau
- Technology Platform Flow Cytometry/FACS, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jana Hennesen
- Technology Platform Flow Cytometry/FACS, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Madeleine J. Bunders
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bonn
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Tolosa
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian F. Krebs
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Marcus Altfeld
- Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
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8
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Xiao Y, Schroeter A, Martin F, Matsunaga T, Nakamori K, Roesel MJ, Habal M, Chong AS, Zhou H, Tullius SG. Sex as a biological variable: Mechanistic insights and clinical relevance in solid organ transplantation. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:1661-1672. [PMID: 37543092 PMCID: PMC10838351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Biological sex affects immunity broadly, with recognized effects on the incidence and severity of autoimmune diseases, infections, and malignancies. Consequences of sex on alloimmunity and outcomes in solid organ transplantation are less well defined. Clinical studies have shown that donor and recipient sex independently impact transplant outcomes, which are further modified by aging. Potential mechanisms have thus far not been detailed and may include hormonal, genetic, and epigenetic components. Here, we summarize relevant findings in immunity in addition to studies in clinical and experimental organ transplantation detailing the effects of biological sex on alloimmunity. Understanding both clinical impact and mechanisms is expected to provide critical insights on the complexity of alloimmune responses, with the potential to fine-tune treatment and allocation while providing a rationale to include both sexes in transplant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xiao
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andreas Schroeter
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Regenerative Medicine and Experimental Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Friederike Martin
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Surgery, CVK/CCM, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tomohisa Matsunaga
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Urology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keita Nakamori
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Urology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Maximilian J Roesel
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marlena Habal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anita S Chong
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hao Zhou
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stefan G Tullius
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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9
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Miquel CH, Faz-Lopez B, Guéry JC. Influence of X chromosome in sex-biased autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2023; 137:102992. [PMID: 36641351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.102992] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Females have better ability to resolve infections, compared to males, but also, a greater susceptibility to develop autoimmunity. Besides the initial interest on the contribution of sex-steroid hormone signaling, the role of genetic factors linked to X chromosome has recently focused much attention. In human and mouse, the number of X chromosomes, rather than sex-steroid hormones, have been found associated with higher risk or susceptibility to develop autoimmunity, particularly rheumatic diseases, such as SLE, Sjögren's syndrome or Scleroderma. For all of these diseases, the Toll-like receptor TLR7 and TLR8, encoded on the same locus in the human Xp, have been demonstrated to be causal in disease development through gene dosage effect or gain of function mutations. During embryonic development in female mammals, one X chromosome is stochastically inactivated to balance X-linked gene expression between males and females, a process known as X chromosome inactivation (XCI). Nevertheless, some genes including immune related genes can escape XCI to variable degree and penetrance, resulting in a bi-allelic expression in some immune cells, such as TLR7. Because tight regulation of TLR expression is necessary for a healthy, self-tolerant immune environment, XCI escape has been proposed as a mechanism contributing to this sexual dimorphism. In this review, we will summarize general mechanisms of XCI, and describe the known escapee's genes in immune cells, the cellular diversity created by such mechanisms and its potential implication in autoimmune diseases, with a particular focus on the X-linked genes and immune cell populations involved in SLE. Whether dysregulated expression of X-linked genes could contribute to the enhanced susceptibility of females to develop such diseases remains to be proven. Shedding lights onto the X-linked genetic mechanisms contributing to modulation of immune cell functions will undoubtedly provide new insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying sex differences in immunity and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles-Henry Miquel
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France; Arthritis R&D, Neuilly-Sur-Seine, France
| | - Berenice Faz-Lopez
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France.
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10
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Park MG, Cho S, Oh MM. Menopausal Changes in the Microbiome-A Review Focused on the Genitourinary Microbiome. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13061193. [PMID: 36980501 PMCID: PMC10047399 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13061193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A balanced interaction between the host and its microbiome is crucial to health. Research regarding the significance of the gut and vaginal microbiomes in female health is substantial. However, less data regarding the urinary microbiome are available. Interactions between the gut, vaginal, and urinary microbiomes are also currently being researched. Hormone-induced dysbiosis after menopause is believed to have effects on physical changes and health consequences. Postmenopausal changes in the gut microbiome are associated with increased short-chain fatty acids and hydrogen sulfide levels. Increased vaginal pH caused by reduced estrogen alters the vaginal microbiome, resulting in reduced levels of Lactobacillus. Such changes influence the vaginal structure and functions, contributing to the onset of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. A dysbiosis of the urinary microbiome is associated with urgency and urinary incontinence and also related to interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and neuropathic bladder. As these diseases commonly affect postmenopausal women, hormone-induced changes in the microbiome may play a role. Menopause increases the alpha diversity of the urinary microbiome and lowers the percentage of Lactobacillus in urine, and such changes precede recurrent cystitis. More research regarding the effects of changes in the urinary microbiome due to menopause on urinary tract diseases is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Gu Park
- Department of Urology, Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital, 9 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04551, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Cho
- Department of Urology, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, 170 Juhwa-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10380, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Mi Oh
- Department of Urology, Korea University Guro Hospital, 148 Gurodong-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
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11
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Olivieri F, Marchegiani F, Matacchione G, Giuliani A, Ramini D, Fazioli F, Sabbatinelli J, Bonafè M. Sex/gender-related differences in inflammaging. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 211:111792. [PMID: 36806605 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Geroscience puts mechanisms of aging as a driver of the most common age-related diseases and dysfunctions. Under this perspective, addressing the basic mechanisms of aging will produce a better understanding than addressing each disease pathophysiology individually. Worldwide, despite greater functional impairment, life expectancy is higher in women than in men. Gender differences in the prevalence of multimorbidity lead mandatory to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying gender-related differences in multimorbidity patterns and disability-free life expectancy. Extensive literature suggested that inflammaging is at the crossroad of aging and age-related diseases. In this review, we highlight the main evidence on sex/gender differences in the mechanisms that foster inflammaging, i.e. the age-dependent triggering of innate immunity, modifications of adaptive immunity, and accrual of senescent cells, underpinning some biomarkers of inflammaging that show sex-related differences. In the framework of the "gender medicine perspective", we will also discuss how sex/gender differences in inflammaging can affect sex differences in COVID-19 severe outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Matacchione
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Angelica Giuliani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Deborah Ramini
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Fazioli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Jacopo Sabbatinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Laboratory Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Bonafè
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Sex differences in drug effects and/or toxicity in oncology. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2023; 4:100152. [PMID: 36714036 PMCID: PMC9881040 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2022.100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence, incidence, and severity of a wide variety of diseases and ailments are significantly influenced by the significant disparities that occur between the sexes. The way that men and women react to pharmacological treatment also varies. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend these reactions in order to conduct risk assessment correctly and to develop safe and efficient therapies. Even from that limited vantage point, the manner and timing of our drug usage might have unintended and unanticipated consequences. There are sex-specific differences in the incidence and mortality of certain malignancies. One of the most important discoveries in cancer epidemiology is the gender inequalities. Cancer incidence differences between the sexes are thought to be regulated at the genetic and molecular levels and by sex hormones like oestrogen. Differences based on sex and gender are among the least investigated factors impacting cancer susceptibility, progression, survival, and therapy response despite their established importance in clinical care. The molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in particular are poorly known, hence the majority of precision medicine approaches employ mutational or other genetic data to assign therapy without taking into account how the patient's sex may affect therapeutic efficacy. In patients receiving chemotherapy, there are definite gender-dependent disparities in response rates and the likelihood of side effects. This review explores the influence of sex as a biological variable in drug effects or toxicity in oncology.
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13
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Chakraborty B, Byemerwa J, Krebs T, Lim F, Chang CY, McDonnell DP. Estrogen Receptor Signaling in the Immune System. Endocr Rev 2023; 44:117-141. [PMID: 35709009 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The immune system functions in a sexually dimorphic manner, with females exhibiting more robust immune responses than males. However, how female sex hormones affect immune function in normal homeostasis and in autoimmunity is poorly understood. In this review, we discuss how estrogens affect innate and adaptive immune cell activity and how dysregulation of estrogen signaling underlies the pathobiology of some autoimmune diseases and cancers. The potential roles of the major circulating estrogens, and each of the 3 estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ, and G-protein coupled receptor) in the regulation of the activity of different immune cells are considered. This provides the framework for a discussion of the impact of ER modulators (aromatase inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and selective estrogen receptor downregulators) on immunity. Synthesis of this information is timely given the considerable interest of late in defining the mechanistic basis of sex-biased responses/outcomes in patients with different cancers treated with immune checkpoint blockade. It will also be instructive with respect to the further development of ER modulators that modulate immunity in a therapeutically useful manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binita Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jovita Byemerwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Taylor Krebs
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Known Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Felicia Lim
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ching-Yi Chang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Donald P McDonnell
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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14
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Makowska K, Nowaczyk J, Blicharz L, Waśkiel-Burnat A, Czuwara J, Olszewska M, Rudnicka L. Immunopathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis: Focus on Interleukins as Disease Drivers and Therapeutic Targets for Novel Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010781. [PMID: 36614224 PMCID: PMC9820829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disorder manifesting by eczematous lesions and intense pruritus. Atopic dermatitis develops primarily as a result of an epidermal barrier defect and immunological imbalance. Advances in understanding these pathogenetic hallmarks, and particularly the complex role of interleukins as atopic dermatitis drivers, resulted in achieving significant therapeutic breakthroughs. Novel medications involve monoclonal antibodies specifically blocking the function of selected interleukins and small molecules such as Janus kinase inhibitors limiting downstream signaling to reduce the expression of a wider array of proinflammatory factors. Nevertheless, a subset of patients remains refractory to those treatments, highlighting the complexity of atopic dermatitis immunopathogenesis in different populations. In this review, we address the immunological heterogeneity of atopic dermatitis endotypes and phenotypes and present novel interleukin-oriented therapies for this disease.
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15
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Creisher PS, Seddu K, Mueller AL, Klein SL. Biological Sex and Pregnancy Affect Influenza Pathogenesis and Vaccination. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 441:111-137. [PMID: 37695427 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35139-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Males and females differ in the outcome of influenza A virus (IAV) infections, which depends significantly on age. During seasonal influenza epidemics, young children (< 5 years of age) and aged adults (65+ years of age) are at greatest risk for severe disease, and among these age groups, males tend to suffer a worse outcome from IAV infection than females. Following infection with pandemic strains of IAVs, females of reproductive ages (i.e., 15-49 years of age) experience a worse outcome than their male counterparts. Although females of reproductive ages experience worse outcomes from IAV infection, females typically have greater immune responses to influenza vaccination as compared with males. Among females of reproductive ages, pregnancy is one factor linked to an increased risk of severe outcome of influenza. Small animal models of influenza virus infection and vaccination illustrate that immune responses and repair of damaged tissue following IAV infection also differ between the sexes and impact the outcome of infection. There is growing evidence that sex steroid hormones, including estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone, directly impact immune responses during IAV infection and vaccination. Greater consideration of the combined effects of sex and age as biological variables in epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies of influenza pathogenesis is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Creisher
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kumba Seddu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alice L Mueller
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sabra L Klein
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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16
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Anesi N, Miquel CH, Laffont S, Guéry JC. The Influence of Sex Hormones and X Chromosome in Immune Responses. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 441:21-59. [PMID: 37695424 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35139-6_2] [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] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Males and females differ in their susceptibility to develop autoimmunity and allergy but also in their capacity to cope with infections and cancers. Cellular targets and molecular pathways underlying sexual dimorphism in immunity have started to emerge and appeared multifactorial. It became increasingly clear that sex-linked biological factors have important impact on the development, tissue maintenance and effector function acquisition of distinct immune cell populations, thereby regulating multiple layers of innate or adaptive immunity through distinct mechanisms. This review discusses the recent development in our understanding of the cell-intrinsic actions of biological factors linked to sex, sex hormones and sex chromosome complement, on immune cells, which may account for the sex differences in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and allergies, and the sex-biased responses in natural immunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Anesi
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Charles-Henry Miquel
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Laffont
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France.
- INSERM UMR1291, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Purpan, Place du Dr. Baylac, 31024, Toulouse Cedex 3, France.
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17
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Lennard Richard ML, Wirth JR, Khatiwada A, Chung D, Gilkeson GS, Cunningham MA. Conditional knockout of oestrogen receptor alpha in CD11c + cells impacts female survival and inflammatory cytokine profile in murine lupus. Immunology 2022; 167:354-367. [PMID: 35778961 PMCID: PMC9562028 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oestrogen and oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) have been implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis. ERα signalling influences dendritic cell (DC) development and function, as well as inflammation and downstream immune responses. We previously reported that ERα modulates multiple Toll-like receptor-stimulated pathways in both conventional and plasmacytoid DCs in lupus-prone mice. For example, CD11chi MHCII+ cell numbers are reduced in mice with global ERα deficiency or when expressing a short variant of ERα. Herein, RNA-seq analysis of CD11chi cells from bone marrow of NZM2410 mice expressing WT ERα versus ERα short versus ERα null revealed differentially expressed complement genes, interferon-related genes and cytokine signalling (e.g., IL-17 and Th17 pathways). To better understand the role of ERα in CD11c+ cells, lupus prone NZM2410 mice with selective deletion of the Esr1 gene in CD11c+ cells were generated. Phenotype and survival of these mice were similar with the exception of Cre positive (CrePos) female mice. CrePos females, but not males, all died unexpectedly prior to 35 weeks. DC subsets were not significantly different between groups. Since ERα is necessary for robust development of DCs, this result suggests that DC fate was determined prior to CD11c expression and subsequent ERα deletion (i.e., proximally in DC ontogeny). Overall, findings point to a clear functional role for ERα in regulating cytokine signalling and inflammation, suggesting that further study into ERα-mediated regulatory mechanisms in DCs and other immune cell types is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara L. Lennard Richard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Jena R. Wirth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Aastha Khatiwada
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Dongjun Chung
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Gary S. Gilkeson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Medical Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
| | - Melissa A. Cunningham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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18
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Wu Y, Peng X, Li X, Li D, Tan Z, Yu R. Sex hormones influence the intestinal microbiota composition in mice. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:964847. [PMID: 36386696 PMCID: PMC9659915 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.964847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormone secretion difference is one of the main reasons for sexually dimorphic traits in animals, which affects the dimorphism of the intestinal microbiota; however, their interaction is still unknown. Intestinal mucosa-associated microbiota (MAM) and intestinal luminal content microbiota (LM) belong to two different habitats according to the difference in interactions between bacteria and host intestinal epithelium/nutrients. To clarify the sexually dimorphic characteristics of MAM and LM and their correlation with sex hormones, 12 specific pathogen-free (SPF) Kunming mice from the same nest were fed separately according to sex. After 8 weeks, samples from the male intestinal mucosa group (MM group), the female intestinal mucosa group (FM group), the male intestinal content group (MC group), and the female intestinal content group (FC group) were collected and then, the next-generation sequencing of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene was performed. Our results showed that the sexual dimorphism of MAM was more obvious than that of LM and the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae, Turicibacter, and Parasutterella was significantly higher in the FM group than in the MM group (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.05). Next, we measured the level of serum sex hormones in mice and calculated the correlation coefficient between major bacteria and sex hormones. The results showed that the correlation between MAM and sex hormones was more prominent, and finally, three bacterial genera (Muribaculaceae, Turicibacter, and Parasutterella) were obtained, which could better represent the relationship between sexual dimorphism and sex hormones. The abundance of Parasutterella is positively and negatively correlated with estradiol and testosterone (T), respectively, which may be related to the differences in the metabolism of bile acid and glucose. A decrease in the abundance of Turicibacter is closely related to autism. Our results show that the abundance of Turicibacter is negatively and positively correlated with T and estradiol, respectively, which can provide a hint for the prevalence of male autism. In conclusion, it is proposed in our study that intestinal microbiota is probably the biological basis of physiological and pathological differences due to sex, and intestinal MAM can better represent the sexual dimorphism of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndromes Translational Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xinxin Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoya Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndromes Translational Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Dandan Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndromes Translational Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Zhoujin Tan
- College of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndromes Translational Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Yu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Prescription and Syndromes Translational Medicine, Changsha, China
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19
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Abstract
There is a growing awareness of the importance of sex and gender in medicine and research. Women typically have stronger immune responses to self and foreign antigens than men, resulting in sex-based differences in autoimmunity and infectious diseases. In both animals and humans, males are generally more susceptible than females to bacterial infections. At the same time, gender differences in health-seeking behavior, quality of health care, and adherence to treatment recommendations have been reported. This review explores our current understanding of differences between males and females in bacterial diseases. We describe how genetic, immunological, hormonal, and anatomical factors interact to influence sex-based differences in pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, disease severity, and prognosis, and how gender roles affect the behavior of patients and providers in the health care system.
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20
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Pujantell M, Altfeld M. Consequences of sex differences in Type I IFN responses for the regulation of antiviral immunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:986840. [PMID: 36189206 PMCID: PMC9522975 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.986840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system protects us from pathogens, such as viruses. Antiviral immune mechanisms aim to limit viral replication, and must maintain immunological homeostasis to avoid excessive inflammation and damage to the host. Sex differences in the manifestation and progression of immune-mediated disease point to sex-specific factors modulating antiviral immunity. The exact mechanisms regulating these immunological differences between females and males are still insufficiently understood. Females are known to display stronger Type I IFN responses and are less susceptible to viral infections compared to males, indicating that Type I IFN responses might contribute to the sexual dimorphisms observed in antiviral responses. Here, we review the impact of sex hormones and X chromosome-encoded genes on differences in Type I IFN responses between females and males; and discuss the consequences of sex differences in Type I IFN responses for the regulation of antiviral immune responses.
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21
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The Potential of Pharmaceutical Hydrogels in the Formulation of Topical Administration Hormone Drugs. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14163307. [PMID: 36015564 PMCID: PMC9413899 DOI: 10.3390/polym14163307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormones have attracted considerable interest in recent years due to their potential use in treatment of many diseases. Their ability to have a multidirectional effect leads to searching for new and increasingly effective drugs and therapies. Limitations in formulating drug forms containing hormones are mainly due to their low enzymatic stability, short half-life and limited bioavailability. One of the solutions may be to develop a hydrogel as a potential hormone carrier, for epidermal and transdermal application. This review discusses the main research directions in developing this drug formulation. The factors determining the action of hormones as drugs are presented. An analysis of hydrogel substrates and permeation enhancers that have the potential to enhance the efficacy of hormones applied to the skin is reviewed.
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22
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Kim JW, Kim HA, Suh CH, Jung JY. Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:906475. [PMID: 36035435 PMCID: PMC9402996 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.906475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects women more frequently than men, similar to the female predilection for other autoimmune diseases. Moreover, male patients with SLE exhibit different clinical features than female patients. Sex-associated differences in SLE required special considerations for disease management such as during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Sex hormones, namely, estrogen and testosterone, are known to affect immune responses and autoimmunity. While estrogen and progesterone promote type I immune response, and testosterone enhances T-helper 1 response. Sex hormones also influence Toll-like receptor pathways, and estrogen receptor signaling is involved in the activation and tolerance of immune cells. Further, the clinical features of SLE vary according to hormonal changes in female patients. Alterations in sex hormones during pregnancy can alter the disease activity of SLE, which is associated with pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, HRT may change SLE status. Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of SLE; thus, understanding the occurrence and exacerbation of disease caused by sex hormones is necessary to improve its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Won Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hyoun-Ah Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Chang-Hee Suh
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Ju-Yang Jung
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
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23
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Wu H, Zeng L, Ou J, Wang T, Chen Y, Nandakumar KS. Estrogen Acts Through Estrogen Receptor-β to Promote Mannan-Induced Psoriasis-Like Skin Inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:818173. [PMID: 35663991 PMCID: PMC9160234 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.818173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-bias is more obvious in several autoimmune disorders, but not in psoriasis. However, estrogen levels fluctuate during puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, which are related to variations in psoriasis symptoms observed in female patients. Estrogen has disease promoting or ameliorating functions based on the type of immune responses and tissues involved. To investigate the effects of estrogen on psoriasis, at first, we developed an innate immunity dependent mannan-induced psoriasis model, which showed a clear female preponderance in disease severity in several mouse strains. Next, we investigated the effects of endogenous and exogenous estrogen using ovariectomy and sham operated mice. 17-β-estradiol (E2) alone promoted the skin inflammation and it also significantly enhanced mannan-induced skin inflammation. We also observed a prominent estrogen receptor-β (ER-β) expression in the skin samples, especially on keratinocytes. Subsequently, we confirmed the effects of E2 on psoriasis using ER-β antagonist (PHTPP) and agonist (DPN). In addition, estrogen was found to affect the expression of certain genes (vgll3 and cebpb), microRNAs (miR146a and miR21), and immune cells (DCs and γδ T cells) as well as chemokines (CCL5 and CXCL10) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-22, IL-23, and IL-17 family), which promoted the skin inflammation. Thus, we demonstrate a pathogenic role for 17-β-estradiol in promoting skin inflammation, which should be considered while designing new treatment strategies for psoriasis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimei Wu
- Southern Medical University - Karolinska Institute United Medical Inflammation Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longhui Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Ou
- Southern Medical University - Karolinska Institute United Medical Inflammation Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Southern Medical University - Karolinska Institute United Medical Inflammation Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kutty Selva Nandakumar
- Southern Medical University - Karolinska Institute United Medical Inflammation Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Congy-Jolivet N, Cenac C, Dellacasagrande J, Puissant-Lubrano B, Apoil PA, Guedj K, Abbas F, Laffont S, Sourdet S, Guyonnet S, Nourhashemi F, Guéry JC, Blancher A. Monocytes are the main source of STING-mediated IFN-α production. EBioMedicine 2022; 80:104047. [PMID: 35561451 PMCID: PMC9108881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type I interferon (IFN-I) production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) occurs during viral infection, in response to Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) stimulation and is more vigorous in females than in males. Whether this sex bias persists in ageing people is currently unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of sex and aging on IFN-α production induced by PRR agonist ligands. METHODS In a large cohort of individuals from 19 to 97 years old, we measured the production of IFN-α and inflammatory cytokines in whole-blood upon stimulation with either R-848, ODN M362 CpG-C, or cGAMP, which activate the TLR7/8, TLR9 or STING pathways, respectively. We further characterized the cellular sources of IFN-α. FINDINGS We observed a female predominance in IFN-α production by pDCs in response to TLR7 or TLR9 ligands. The higher TLR7-driven IFN-α production in females was robustly maintained across ages, including the elderly. The sex-bias in TLR9-driven interferon production was lost after age 60, which correlated with the decline in circulating pDCs. By contrast, STING-driven IFN-α production was similar in both sexes, preserved with aging, and correlated with circulating monocyte numbers. Indeed, monocytes were the primary cellular source of IFN-α in response to cGAMP. INTERPRETATION We show that the sex bias in the TLR7-induced IFN-I production is strongly maintained through ages, and identify monocytes as the main source of IFN-I production via STING pathway. FUNDING This work was supported by grants from Région Occitanie/Pyrénées-Méditerranée (#12052910, Inspire Program #1901175), University Paul Sabatier, and the European Regional Development Fund (MP0022856).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Congy-Jolivet
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHU de Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Claire Cenac
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Bénédicte Puissant-Lubrano
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHU de Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Pol André Apoil
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHU de Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Kevin Guedj
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHU de Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Flora Abbas
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Laffont
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Sandrine Sourdet
- Gérontopôle de Toulouse, Département de Médecine Interne et Gérontologie Clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Guyonnet
- Gérontopôle de Toulouse, Département de Médecine Interne et Gérontologie Clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Fati Nourhashemi
- Gérontopôle de Toulouse, Département de Médecine Interne et Gérontologie Clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Maintain Aging Research team, CERPOP, INSERM, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
| | - Antoine Blancher
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHU de Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France; Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
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25
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Park JO, Nam IC, Kim CS, Park SJ, Lee DH, Kim HB, Han KD, Joo YH. Sex Differences in the Prevalence of Head and Neck Cancers: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study of 10 Million Healthy People. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102521. [PMID: 35626129 PMCID: PMC9139445 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Descriptive epidemiologists have repeatedly reported that males are more susceptible to head and neck cancers. However, most published data are those of cross-sectional studies, and no population-based cohort study has yet been published. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of head and neck cancers in healthy males with females. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database on 9,598,085 individuals who underwent regular health checkups from 1 January to 31 December 2009. We sought head and neck cancers developed during the 10-year follow-up. Results: A total of 10,732 (incidence rate (IR) per 1000 person-years 0.25) individuals were newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer among the 9,598,085 individuals during the 10-year follow-up. The IR was 0.19 in males (8500 affected) and 0.06 in females (2232 affected). Notably, the male−female ratio increased with age below 70 years but decreased thereafter. The male−female difference was most apparent for laryngeal cancer; the male IR was 11-fold higher in the 40 s and 20-fold higher in the 60 s, followed by hypopharyngeal cancer (6.8- and 24.2-fold). Males smoked more and drank more alcohol than females (p < 0.0001 *, p < 0.0001 *). When never-smokers/-drinkers (only) were compared, males remained at a 2.9-fold higher risk of head and neck cancer than females. The hazard ratios for head and neck cancers in males tended to increase in the lower part of the upper aerodigestive tract: larynx (13.9) > hypopharynx (10.9) > oropharynx (4.4) > nasopharynx (2.9) > sinonasal region (1.8) > oral (1.6). Only the salivary gland cancer incidence did not differ between the sexes; the gland is not in the upper aerodigestive tract. Conclusion: Males are much more susceptible to head and neck cancers than females regardless of whether they drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. Sex differences in the incidence of head and neck cancer are most evident in the 60 s in the lower part of the upper aerodigestive tract, such as the larynx and hypopharynx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ook Park
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.-O.P.); (I.-C.N.); (C.-S.K.); (D.-H.L.); (H.-B.K.)
| | - Inn-Chul Nam
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.-O.P.); (I.-C.N.); (C.-S.K.); (D.-H.L.); (H.-B.K.)
| | - Choung-Soo Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.-O.P.); (I.-C.N.); (C.-S.K.); (D.-H.L.); (H.-B.K.)
| | - Sung-Joon Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Gwangmyeong Hospital, Gwangmyeon-si 14353, Korea;
| | - Dong-Hyun Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.-O.P.); (I.-C.N.); (C.-S.K.); (D.-H.L.); (H.-B.K.)
| | - Hyun-Bum Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.-O.P.); (I.-C.N.); (C.-S.K.); (D.-H.L.); (H.-B.K.)
| | - Kyung-Do Han
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Korea;
| | - Young-Hoon Joo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.-O.P.); (I.-C.N.); (C.-S.K.); (D.-H.L.); (H.-B.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-340-7090; Fax: +82-32-340-2674
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26
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Upregulated influenza A viral entry factors and enhanced interferon-alpha response in the nasal epithelium of pregnant rats. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09407. [PMID: 35592667 PMCID: PMC9111991 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09407] [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: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the increased severity of influenza A infection in pregnancy, knowledge about the expression of cell entry factors for influenza A virus (IAV) and the innate immune response in the nasal epithelium, the primary portal of viral entry, is limited. Here, we compared the expression of IAV cell entry factors and the status of the innate immune response in the nasal epithelium of pregnant vs. non-pregnant female rats. IAV cell entry factors — sialic acid [SA] α-2,3- and α-2,6-linked glycans for avian and human IAV, respectively — were detected and quantified with lectin-based immunoblotting and flow cytometry. Baseline frequencies of innate immune cell phenotypes in single cell suspensions of the nasal epithelium were studied with flow cytometry. Subsequently, the magnitude of interferon and cytokine responses was studied with ELISA and cytokine arrays after intranasal resiquimod, a Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist that mimics IAV infection. We noted substantially increased expression of cell entry factors for both avian and human IAV in the nasal epithelium during pregnancy. Assessment of the innate immune state of the nasal epithelium during pregnancy revealed two previously unreported features: (i) increased presence of tissue-resident plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and (ii) markedly enhanced release of interferon-α but not of the other interferons or cytokines 2 h after intranasal resiquimod. Collectively, our findings challenge the conventional notion of pregnancy-induced immunosuppression as a cause for severe influenza A disease and suggest the need for focused studies on viral tropism during pregnancy to better understand the proximate cause for the observed immunopathology.
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27
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Estrogens, Cancer and Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092265. [PMID: 35565393 PMCID: PMC9101338 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones are included in many physiological and pathological pathways. Estrogens belong to steroid hormones active in female sex. Estradiol (E2) is the strongest female sex hormone and, with its receptors, contributes to oncogenesis, cancer progression and response to treatment. In recent years, a role of immunosurveillance and suppression of immune response in malignancy has been well defined, forming the basis for cancer immunotherapy. The interplay of sex hormones with cancer immunity, as well as the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, is of interest. In this review, we investigate the impact of sex hormones on natural immune response with respect to main active elements in anticancer immune surveillance: dendritic cells, macrophages, lymphocytes and checkpoint molecules. We describe the main sex-dependent tumors and the contribution of estrogen in their progression, response to treatment and especially modulation of anticancer immune response.
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28
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Malvik LB, De Pater GH, Dahle GO, Guttormsen AB. Gender-specific decline in perioperative allergic reactions in Norway after withdrawal of pholcodine. Allergy 2022; 77:1317-1319. [PMID: 34963030 DOI: 10.1111/all.15201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Berg Malvik
- Haukeland University Hospital Bergen Norway
- Drammen Hospital Drammen Norway
| | | | | | - Anne Berit Guttormsen
- Haukeland University Hospital Bergen Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine University of Bergen Bergen Norway
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29
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Zeng J, Wang D, Luo J, Li L, Lin L, Li J, Zheng W, Zuo D, Yang B. Mannan-binding lectin exacerbates the severity of psoriasis by promoting plasmacytoid dendritic cell differentiation via the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3-interferon regulatory factor 8 axis. J Dermatol 2022; 49:496-507. [PMID: 35347767 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.16323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease mediated by host immune responses. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and interferon (IFN)-α secreted by pDC are involved in the initiation of psoriasis. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), a vital component of the complement pathway, plays a critical role in innate immune defense and the inflammatory response. Our previous study found that MBL could exacerbate skin inflammation in psoriatic mice, but the effect of MBL on pDC remains unstudied. Herein, we revealed that the circulating level of MBL was elevated in patients with psoriasis compared with the healthy controls. Moreover, the MBL level was positively correlated with disease severity, relative inflammatory cytokine levels, and peripheral blood (PB) pDC frequency in psoriasis. An in vitro study determined that the MBL protein could promote the differentiation of human pDC and upregulate the production of relative inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Additionally, MBL-deficient (MBL-/- ) mice exhibited decreased accumulation of pDC in lymph nodes, spleens, and skin lesions with reduced secretion of pDC-related cytokines compared with wild-type (WT) mice in the preliminary stage of psoriasis induced by imiquimod. Notably, the differentiation of pDC from bone marrow (BM) cells derived from MBL-/- mice was weakened compared with that from WT mice upon Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) incubation. Mechanistic research indicated that the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) axis was responsible for MBL-modulated pDC differentiation. In summary, these results suggest that MBL exacerbates the severity of psoriasis by enhancing pDC differentiation and pDC-related cytokine secretion via the STAT3-IRF8 axis, thus providing a new target for psoriasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialiang Luo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luyang Lin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daming Zuo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Microbiome Medicine Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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30
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Abstract
Background: Sex dimorphism strongly impacts tumor biology, with most cancers having a male predominance. Uniquely, thyroid cancer (TC) is the only nonreproductive cancer with striking female predominance with three- to four-fold higher incidence among females, although males generally have more aggressive disease. The molecular basis for this observation is not known, and current approaches in treatment and surveillance are not sex specific. Summary: Although TC has overall good prognosis, 6-20% of patients develop regional or distant metastasis, one third of whom are not responsive to conventional treatment approaches and suffer a 10-year survival rate of only 10%. More efficacious treatment strategies are needed for these aggressive TCs, as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy have major toxicities without demonstrable overall survival benefit. Emerging evidence indicates a role of sex hormones, genetics, and the immune system in modulation of both risk for TC and its progression in a sex-specific manner. Conclusion: Greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in TC pathogenesis could provide insights into the development of sex-specific, targeted, and effective strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and management. This review summarizes emerging evidence for the importance of sex in the pathogenesis, progression, and response to treatment in differentiated TC with emphasis on the role of sex hormones, genetics, and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Shobab
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kenneth D Burman
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Leonard Wartofsky
- Medstar Health Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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31
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Sylvester MA, Pollow DP, Moffett C, Nunez W, Uhrlaub JL, Nikolich-Zugich J, Brooks HL. Splenocyte transfer from hypertensive donors eliminates premenopausal female protection from ANG II-induced hypertension. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2022; 322:F245-F257. [PMID: 35001661 PMCID: PMC8858666 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00369.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Premenopausal females are protected from angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced hypertension following the adoptive transfer of T cells from normotensive donors. For the present study, we hypothesized that the transfer of hypertensive T cells (HT) or splenocytes (HS) from hypertensive donors would eliminate premenopausal protection from hypertension. Premenopausal recombination-activating gene-1 (Rag-1)-/- females received either normotensive (NT) or hypertensive cells 3 wk before ANG II infusion (14 days, 490 ng/kg/min). Contrary to our hypothesis, no increase in ANG II-induced blood pressure was observed in the NT/ANG or HT/ANG groups. Flow cytometry demonstrated that renal FoxP3+ T regulatory cells were significantly decreased, and immunohistochemistry showed an increase in renal F4/80+ macrophages in the HT/ANG group, suggesting a shift in the renal inflammatory environment despite no change in blood pressure. Renal mRNA expression of macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) was significantly decreased in the HT/ANG group. The adoptive transfer of hypertensive splenocytes before ANG II infusion (HS/ANG) eliminated premenopausal protection from hypertension and significantly decreased splenic FoxP3+ T regulatory cells compared with females that received normotensive splenocytes (NS/ANG). Expression of macrophage inflammatory protein 1α/chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (MCP-1/CCL3), a potent macrophage chemokine, was elevated in the HS/ANG group; however, no increase in renal macrophage infiltration occurred. Together, these data show that in premenopausal females, T cells from hypertensive donors are not sufficient to induce robust ANG II-mediated hypertension; in contrast, transfer of hypertensive splenocytes (consisting of T/B lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages) is sufficient. Further work is needed to understand how innate and adaptive immune cells and estrogen signaling coordinate to cause differential hypertensive outcomes in premenopausal females.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study is the first to explore the role of hypertensive T cells versus hypertensive splenocytes in premenopausal protection from ANG II-induced hypertension. We show that the hypertensive status of T cell donors does not impact blood pressure in the recipient female. However, splenocytes, when transferred from hypertensive donors, significantly increased premenopausal recipient blood pressure following ANG II infusion, highlighting the importance of further investigation into estrogen signaling and immune cell activation in females.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dennis P Pollow
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Caitlin Moffett
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Wendy Nunez
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jennifer L Uhrlaub
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Janko Nikolich-Zugich
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Heddwen L Brooks
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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32
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Sex, Allergic Diseases and Omalizumab. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020328. [PMID: 35203537 PMCID: PMC8869622 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020328] [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: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender differences are increasingly emerging in every area of medicine including drug therapy; however, specific gender-targeted studies are infrequent. Sex is a fundamental variable, which cannot be neglected. When optimizing therapies, gender pharmacology must always be considered in order to improve the effectiveness and safety of the use of drugs. Knowledge of gender differences promotes appropriate use of therapies and greater health protection for both genders. Further development of gender research would make it possible to report on differences in the assimilation and response of the female organism as compared to the male, in order to identify potential risks and benefits that can be found between genders. Furthermore, a better understanding of sex/gender-related influences, with regard to pharmacological activity, would allow the development of personalized “tailor-made” medicines. Here, we summarize the state of knowledge on the role of sex in several allergic diseases and their treatment with omalizumab, the first biologic drug authorized for use in the field of allergology.
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33
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Zhao Y, Zhu Y, Chen X, Lin H, Qin N, Zhou Z, Liu H, Hao Y, Zhou C, Liu X, Jin L, Sheng J, Huang H. Circulating Innate Lymphoid Cells Exhibit Distinctive Distribution During Normal Pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1124-1135. [PMID: 34988918 PMCID: PMC8907087 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00834-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, the investigation of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) has revealed their significance in successful pregnancy. Sex hormones, such as estradiol and progesterone, show specific changes during pregnancy and modulate both adaptive and innate immune systems. ILC subset distribution in peripheral blood of pregnant women and its potential association with sex hormone levels have not been well revealed. Peripheral blood was obtained from healthy non-pregnant, early-pregnant, and late-pregnant women. Radioimmunoassay was performed to measure plasma estradiol and progesterone levels. The levels of type 1 ILCs (ILC1s), type 2 ILCs (ILC2s), type 3 ILCs (ILC3s), and total ILCs as well as estrogen and progesterone receptors of ILC2s in peripheral blood were analyzed using flow cytometry. The proportion of total ILCs and distribution of ILC subsets in peripheral blood changed dynamically during pregnancy. Compared to non-pregnant women, late-pregnant women displayed significantly higher proportion of circulating ILCs, among which ILC2s accounted for the majority in late-pregnant women while a smaller part in others, and ILC3s displayed the opposite. Plasma estradiol and progesterone levels elevated while pregnancy proceeded and the expression of their receptors in ILC2s increased consisted with the proportion of circulating ILC2s. Our work first observed the existence of progesterone receptors in human circulating ILC2s and revealed the distribution pattern of circulating ILC subsets and their interrelation with plasma sex hormone levels during pregnancy. Our results suggested that the estradiol and progesterone levels might partly influence the distribution of circulating ILC subsets and implied the interplay between circulating ILCs and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Zhao
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yajie Zhu
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xi Chen
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hui Lin
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ningxin Qin
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Zhiyang Zhou
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Han Liu
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yanhui Hao
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Chengliang Zhou
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xinmei Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200010, China
| | - Li Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200010, China
| | - Jianzhong Sheng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China.
- Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200010, China.
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Galati D, Zanotta S, Capitelli L, Bocchino M. A bird's eye view on the role of dendritic cells in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: Perspectives for immune‐based vaccines. Allergy 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/all.15004
expr 869230256 + 930548950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Galati
- Hematology‐Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit Department of Hematology and Developmental Therapeutics Istituto Nazionale Tumori‐ IRCCS‐ Fondazione G. Pascale Napoli Italy
| | - Serena Zanotta
- Hematology‐Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit Department of Hematology and Developmental Therapeutics Istituto Nazionale Tumori‐ IRCCS‐ Fondazione G. Pascale Napoli Italy
| | - Ludovica Capitelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Napoli Italy
| | - Marialuisa Bocchino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Napoli Italy
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White AA, Lin A, Bickendorf X, Cavve BS, Moore JK, Siafarikas A, Strickland DH, Leffler J. Potential immunological effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy in transgender people - an unexplored area of research. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2022; 13:20420188221139612. [PMID: 36533187 PMCID: PMC9747891 DOI: 10.1177/20420188221139612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There are well-described sex-based differences in how the immune system operates. In particular, cisgender (cis) females have a more easily activated immune system; associated with an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases and adverse events following vaccinations. Conversely, cis males have a higher threshold for immune activation, and are more prone to certain infectious diseases, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Oestrogen and testosterone have immune-modulatory properties, and it is likely that these contribute to the sexual dimorphism of the immune system. There are also important immune-related genes located on the X chromosome, such as toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8; and the mosaic bi-allelic expression of such genes may contribute to the state of immune hyperactivation in cis females. The scientific literature strongly suggests that sex-based differences in the functioning of the immune system are related to both X-linked genes and immune modulation by sex hormones. However, it is currently not clear how this impacts transgender (trans) people receiving gender-affirming hormonal therapy. Moreover, it is estimated that in Australia, at least 2.3% of adolescents identify as trans and/or gender diverse, and referrals to specialist gender-affirming care are increasing each year. Despite the improving social awareness of trans people, they remain chronically underrepresented in the scientific literature. In addition, a small number of case studies describe new onset autoimmune disorders in adult trans females following oestrogen use. However, there is currently minimal long-term research with an immunological focus on trans people. Therefore, to ensure the positive health outcomes of trans people, it is crucial that the role of sex hormones in immune modulation is investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice A. White
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Lin
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Xander Bickendorf
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Blake S. Cavve
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Julia K. Moore
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Aris Siafarikas
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Paediatrics, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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Galati D, Zanotta S, Capitelli L, Bocchino M. A bird's eye view on the role of dendritic cells in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Perspectives for immune-based vaccines. Allergy 2022; 77:100-110. [PMID: 34245591 PMCID: PMC8441836 DOI: 10.1111/all.15004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a complex disorder caused by the pandemic diffusion of a novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. Clinical manifestations vary from silent infection to severe pneumonia, disseminated thrombosis, multi-organ failure, and death. COVID-19 pathogenesis is still not fully elucidated, while increasing evidence suggests that disease phenotypes are strongly related to the virus-induced immune system's dysregulation. Indeed, when the virus-host cross talk is out of control, the occurrence of an aberrant systemic inflammatory reaction, named "cytokine storm," leads to a detrimental impairment of the adaptive immune response. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells able to support innate immune and promote adaptive responses. Besides, DCs play a key role in the anti-viral defense. The aim of this review is to focus on DC involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection to better understand pathogenesis and clinical behavior of COVID-19 and explore potential implications for immune-based therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Galati
- Hematology‐Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation UnitDepartment of Hematology and Developmental TherapeuticsIstituto Nazionale Tumori‐ IRCCS‐ Fondazione G. PascaleNapoliItaly
| | - Serena Zanotta
- Hematology‐Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation UnitDepartment of Hematology and Developmental TherapeuticsIstituto Nazionale Tumori‐ IRCCS‐ Fondazione G. PascaleNapoliItaly
| | - Ludovica Capitelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and SurgeryUniversità degli Studi di Napoli Federico IINapoliItaly
| | - Marialuisa Bocchino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and SurgeryUniversità degli Studi di Napoli Federico IINapoliItaly
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Guéry JC. Sex Differences in Primary HIV Infection: Revisiting the Role of TLR7-Driven Type 1 IFN Production by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Women. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729233. [PMID: 34512664 PMCID: PMC8432934 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) produce type I interferon (IFN-I) during HIV-1 infection in response to TLR7 stimulation. However, IFN-I-signaling has been shown to play opposite effects in HIV-1 and SIV infection. TLR7-driven type I interferon production in pDCs is higher in women than in men due to the cell-intrinsic actions of estrogen and X-chromosome complement. Indeed, TLR7 is encoded on the X-chromosome, and the TLR7 gene escapes the X-chromosome inactivation in immune cells of women which express significantly higher levels of TLR7 protein than male cells. Following HIV infection, women have a lower viremia during acute infection and exhibit stronger antiviral responses than men, which has been attributed to the increased capacity of female pDCs to produce IFN-α upon TLR7-stimulation. However, a deleterious functional impact of an excessive TLR7 response on acute viremia in women has been recently revealed by the analysis of the frequent rs179008 c.32A>T SNP of TLR7. This SNP was identified as a sex-specific protein abundance quantitative trait locus (pQTL) causing a difference in the TLR7 protein dosage and effector function in females only. T allele expression was associated with a lower TLR7 protein synthesis, blunted production of IFN-α by pDCs upon TLR7 stimulation, and an unexpectedly lower viral load during primary HIV-1 infection in women. In the present review, the author will revisit the role of TLR7-driven pDC innate function in the context of HIV-1 infection to discuss at what stage of primary HIV-1 infection the TLR7 rs179008 T allele is likely to be protective in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Guéry
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
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Silva-Lagos LA, Pillay J, van Meurs M, Smink A, van der Voort PHJ, de Vos P. DAMPening COVID-19 Severity by Attenuating Danger Signals. Front Immunol 2021; 12:720192. [PMID: 34456928 PMCID: PMC8397524 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.720192] [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: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 might lead to multi-organ failure and, in some cases, to death. The COVID-19 severity is associated with a “cytokine storm.” Danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are proinflammatory molecules that can activate pattern recognition receptors, such as toll-like receptors (TLRs). DAMPs and TLRs have not received much attention in COVID-19 but can explain some of the gender-, weight- and age-dependent effects. In females and males, TLRs are differentially expressed, likely contributing to higher COVID-19 severity in males. DAMPs and cytokines associated with COVID-19 mortality are elevated in obese and elderly individuals, which might explain the higher risk for severer COVID-19 in these groups. Adenosine signaling inhibits the TLR/NF-κB pathway and, through this, decreases inflammation and DAMPs’ effects. As vaccines will not be effective in all susceptible individuals and as new vaccine-resistant SARS-CoV-2 mutants might develop, it remains mandatory to find means to dampen COVID-19 disease severity, especially in high-risk groups. We propose that the regulation of DAMPs via adenosine signaling enhancement might be an effective way to lower the severity of COVID-19 and prevent multiple organ failure in the absence of severe side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Silva-Lagos
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Janesh Pillay
- Department of Intensive Care, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Matijs van Meurs
- Department of Intensive Care, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Smink
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Peter H J van der Voort
- Department of Intensive Care, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Paul de Vos
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, Netherlands
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Luo SD, Chiu TJ, Chen WC, Wang CS. Sex Differences in Otolaryngology: Focus on the Emerging Role of Estrogens in Inflammatory and Pro-Resolving Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168768. [PMID: 34445474 PMCID: PMC8395901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Otolaryngology (also known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT)) diseases can be significantly affected by the level of sex hormones, which indicates that sex differences affect the manifestation, pathophysiology, and outcomes of these diseases. Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that proinflammatory responses in ENT diseases are linked to the level of sex hormones. The sex hormone receptors are present on a wide variety of immune cells; therefore, it is evident that they play crucial roles in regulating the immune system and hence affect the disease progression of ENT diseases. In this review, we focus on how sex hormones, particularly estrogens, regulate ENT diseases, such as chronic rhinosinusitis, vocal fold polyps, thyroid cancer, Sjögren’s syndrome, and head and neck cancers, from the perspectives of inflammatory responses and specialized proresolving mediator-driven resolution. This paper aims to clarify why considering sex differences in the field of basic and medical research on otolaryngology is a key component to successful therapy for both males and females in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Dean Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (S.-D.L.); (W.-C.C.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Tai-Jan Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chih Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (S.-D.L.); (W.-C.C.)
| | - Ching-Shuen Wang
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-227-361-661 (ext. 5166)
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Hellesøy M, Engen C, Grob T, Löwenberg B, Valk PJM, Gjertsen BT. Sex disparity in acute myeloid leukaemia with FLT3 internal tandem duplication mutations: implications for prognosis. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:2285-2299. [PMID: 34101344 PMCID: PMC8410575 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Incidence, molecular presentation and outcome of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are influenced by sex, but little attention has been directed at untangling sex‐related molecular and phenotypic differences between female and male patients. While increased incidence and poor risk are generally associated with a male phenotype, the poor prognostic FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3‐ITD) mutation and co‐mutations with NPM1 and DNMT3A are overrepresented in female AML. Here, we have investigated the relationship between sex and FLT3‐ITD mutation status by comparing clinical data, mutational profiles, gene expression and ex vivo drug sensitivity in four cohorts: Beat AML, LAML‐TCGA and two independent HOVON/SAKK cohorts, comprising 1755 AML patients in total. We found prevalent sex‐associated molecular differences. Co‐occurrence of FLT3‐ITD, NPM1 and DNMT3A mutations was overrepresented in females, while males with FLT3‐ITDs were characterized by additional mutations in RNA splicing and epigenetic modifier genes. We observed diverging expression of multiple leukaemia‐associated genes as well as discrepant ex vivo drug responses, suggestive of discrete functional properties. Importantly, significant prognostication was observed only in female FLT3‐ITD‐mutated AML. Thus, we suggest optimization of FLT3‐ITD mutation status as a clinical tool in a sex‐adjusted manner and hypothesize that prognostication, prediction and development of therapeutic strategies in AML could be improved by including sex‐specific considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Hellesøy
- Haematology Section, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Helse Bergen HF, Norway
| | - Caroline Engen
- Department of Clinical Science, Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Tim Grob
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bob Löwenberg
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J M Valk
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bjørn T Gjertsen
- Haematology Section, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Helse Bergen HF, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Norway
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Han A, Kim JY, Kwak-Kim J, Lee SK. Menopause is an inflection point of age-related immune changes in women. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 146:103346. [PMID: 34147765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103346] [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: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Elevated proinflammatory cytokines in postmenopausal women is considered as one of the causes increasing the incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the details of postmenopausal immune changes have not yet been fully revealed. Thus, we investigated age-related immune changes in women and compared immune responses in postmenopausal and reproductive-age women. A total of 34 postmenopausal women and 91 reproductive-age women were included in the study. After isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells, analysis of immunophenotypes and intracellular cytokine profiles were done. The proportion of natural killer (NK) cells was significantly higher, and the ratio of TNF-α- to IL-10-producing CD3+CD4 + T cells (Th1 to Th2) and the ratio of Th17 cells to CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells (Th17 to Treg) were higher, in postmenopausal women than in reproductive-age women. The Treg cell proportion was negatively correlated with the Th1 and Th2 cell proportions in reproductive-age women but not in postmenopausal women. As age increased, the proportion of Tregs was increased in reproductive-age women (r = 0.302, p = 0.004), whereas the proportion of Th1 cells was increased in postmenopausal women (r = 0.466, p = 0.005). FSH levels showed a positive correlation with Fopx3+ T cell and Treg cell (p = 0.04, 0.053, respectively), whereas Th17/Treg ratio and Th1 cell showed negative correlation with FSH.(p = 0.045, 0.024, respectively). In conclusion, postmenopausal women have higher proinflammatory immune statuses, as demonstrated by increased proportions of NK, Th1, and Th17 cells, altered correlations among NK and T cell subsets, and compromised balances between effector T cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aera Han
- Konyang University Myunggok Research Institute, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Yun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sung Ki Lee
- Konyang University Myunggok Research Institute, Republic of Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Blanquart E, Laffont S, Guéry JC. Sex hormone regulation of innate lymphoid cells. Biomed J 2021; 44:144-156. [PMID: 33888441 PMCID: PMC8178548 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cell (ILC) subsets at barrier surfaces contribute to maintain tissue homeostasis and appropriate responses to infection. ILCs respond to environmental factors produced by non-hematopoietic cells within tissues, but also circulating cytokines or dietary compounds which allow them to adapt to organ milieu. Among these extrinsic signals, evidence is emerging that sex steroid hormones may act in a cell-intrinsic manner to regulate the development, maintenance in tissues and effector functions of specific subsets of ILCs. Understanding the nature and molecular mechanisms of sex steroid hormone actions on ILCs is important to unravel the cause of sexual disparity in human diseases and could lead to new drug development for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases or cancers. This review discusses the recent development in our understanding of the cell-intrinsic actions of sex steroid hormones on ILCs and their consequences on tissue-specific immunity with a particular focus on group 2 innate lymphoid cells and NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Blanquart
- Physiopathology Center of Toulouse-Purpan (CPTP), University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France
| | - Sophie Laffont
- Physiopathology Center of Toulouse-Purpan (CPTP), University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Physiopathology Center of Toulouse-Purpan (CPTP), University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France.
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Vishnyakova P, Poltavets A, Nikitina M, Midiber K, Mikhaleva L, Muminova K, Potapova A, Khodzhaeva Z, Pyregov A, Elchaninov A, Fatkhudinov T, Sukhikh G. Expression of Estrogen Receptor α by Decidual Macrophages in Preeclampsia. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020191. [PMID: 33672970 PMCID: PMC7917975 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020191] [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: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a gestation-associated hypertensive syndrome that threatens the life and health of the mother and the child. The condition is presumably caused by systemic failure with a strong involvement of innate immunity. In particular, it has been associated with flexible phenotypes of macrophages, which depend on the molecules circulating in the blood and tissue fluid, such as cytokines and hormones. This study aimed at a comparative evaluation of pro-inflammatory (TNFα) and anti-inflammatory (CD206, MMP9, HGF) markers, as well as the levels of estrogen receptor α, expressed by decidual macrophages in normal pregnancy and in patients with early- and late-onset preeclampsia. The tissue samples of decidua basalis were examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Isolation of decidual macrophages and their characterization were performed using cultural methods, flow cytometry and real-time PCR. Over 50% of the isolated decidual macrophages were positive for the pan-macrophage marker CD68. In the early-onset preeclampsia group, the levels of estrogen receptor α in decidua were significantly decreased. Furthermore, significantly decreased levels of HGF and CD206 were observed in both preeclampsia groups compared with the control group. The observed downregulation of estrogen receptor α, HGF and CD206 may contribute to the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophages and thereby to pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Vishnyakova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (K.M.); (A.P.); (Z.K.); (A.P.); (A.E.); (G.S.)
- Histology Department, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-9150658577
| | - Anastasiya Poltavets
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (K.M.); (A.P.); (Z.K.); (A.P.); (A.E.); (G.S.)
| | - Maria Nikitina
- Scientific Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.N.); (K.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Konstantin Midiber
- Scientific Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.N.); (K.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Liudmila Mikhaleva
- Scientific Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.N.); (K.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Kamilla Muminova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (K.M.); (A.P.); (Z.K.); (A.P.); (A.E.); (G.S.)
| | - Alena Potapova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (K.M.); (A.P.); (Z.K.); (A.P.); (A.E.); (G.S.)
| | - Zulfiya Khodzhaeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (K.M.); (A.P.); (Z.K.); (A.P.); (A.E.); (G.S.)
| | - Alexey Pyregov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (K.M.); (A.P.); (Z.K.); (A.P.); (A.E.); (G.S.)
| | - Andrey Elchaninov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (K.M.); (A.P.); (Z.K.); (A.P.); (A.E.); (G.S.)
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNRMU), 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Histology Department, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia;
- Scientific Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.N.); (K.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Gennady Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (K.M.); (A.P.); (Z.K.); (A.P.); (A.E.); (G.S.)
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Tomasović A, Stanzer D, Krešimir Svetec I, Svetec Miklenić M. SARS-Cov2 S Protein Features Potential Estrogen Binding Site. Food Technol Biotechnol 2021; 59:24-30. [PMID: 34084077 PMCID: PMC8157085 DOI: 10.17113/ftb.59.01.21.6820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Research background During the current SARS-CoV2 pandemic, as well as earlier SARS and MERS epidemics, it has been observed that COVID19-positive women on average tend to have milder symptoms and lower fatality rates than men. There is a number of differences between the sexes known to contribute to different immune responses and severity of the disease, one being the effect of estrogen via estrogen receptor signalling. We wondered if estrogen might also affect the SARS-CoV2 more directly, perhaps by binding to the surface glycoprotein (S protein), thus possibly reducing its infectivity. Experimental approach To assess whether there is a possibility for estrogen binding on the SARS-CoV2 S protein, we used BLAST and HHpred to compare protein sequences of S protein and human estrogen receptor β, while 3D structures of a potential estrogen binding site and an active site of estrogen receptor β were visualized and compared using PyMOL. Results and conclusions By comparing the sequence of SARS-CoV2 S protein with the human estrogen receptor β, we identified a potential estrogen binding site on S protein and further determined that it also shares notable similarities with the active site of ER β when observed in 3D structure of their respective proteins. As a control, SARS-CoV2 S protein was compared with the human androgen receptor, and no such similarities were found. The potential estrogen binding site is part of coronavirus S2 superfamily domain, which is involved in host-virus membrane fusion during infection and appears to be conserved throughout the Coronaviridae family. Novelty and scientific contribution This preliminary communication shows that SARS-CoV2 S protein features a potential estrogen binding site. Hopefully, this will prompt a more comprehensive study on the possibilities of estrogen binding on the S protein and the effect this might confer on the virus infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ante Tomasović
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Damir Stanzer
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Krešimir Svetec
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Svetec Miklenić
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Thompson K, Freitag L, Styger U, Camenisch K, Zeiter S, Arens D, Richards RG, Moriarty TF, Stadelmann VA. Impact of low bone mass and antiresorptive therapy on antibiotic efficacy in a rat model of orthopedic device-related infection. J Orthop Res 2021; 39:415-425. [PMID: 33325074 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A significant proportion of orthopedic devices are implanted in osteoporotic patients, but it is currently unclear how estrogen deficiency and/or exposure to antiresorptive bisphosphonates (BPs) influence orthopedic device-related infection (ODRI), or response to therapy. The aim of this study is to characterize the bone changes resulting from Staphylococcus epidermidis infection in a rodent ODRI model and to determine if ovariectomy (OVX) or BP treatment influences the infection or the success of antibiotic therapy. A sterile or S. epidermidis-contaminated screw was implanted into the proximal tibia of skeletally mature female Wistar rats (n = 6-9 per group). Bone changes were monitored over 28 days using in vivo micro-computed tomography scanning. OVX was performed 12 weeks before screw implantation. The BP zoledronic acid (ZOL) was administered 4 days before screw insertion. A combination antibiotic regimen (rifampin plus cefazolin) was administered from Days 7-21. In skeletally healthy animals, S. epidermidis induced marked changes in bone, with peak osteolysis occurring at Day 9 and woven bone deposition and periosteal mineralization from Day 14 onwards. Antibiotic therapy cleared the infection in the majority of animals (2/9 infected) but did not affect bone responses. OVX did not affect the pattern of infection-induced changes in bone, nor bacterial load, but reduced antibiotic efficacy (5/9 infected). ZOL treatment did not protect from osteolysis in OVX animals, or further affect antibiotic efficacy (5/9 infected) but did significantly increase the bacterial load. This study suggests that both BPs and OVX can influence host responses to bone infections involving S. epidermidis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vincent A Stadelmann
- AO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Switzerland.,Department of Teaching, Research and Development, Schulthess Clinic, Zürich, Switzerland
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Milleville KA, Awan N, Disanto D, Kumar RG, Wagner AK. Early chronic systemic inflammation and associations with cognitive performance after moderate to severe TBI. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 11:100185. [PMID: 34589725 PMCID: PMC8474517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive dysfunction adversely effects multiple functional outcomes and social roles after TBI. We hypothesize that chronic systemic inflammation exacerbates cognitive deficits post-injury and diminishes functional cognition and quality of life (QOL). Yet few studies have examined relationships between inflammation and cognition after TBI. Associations between early chronic serum inflammatory biomarker levels, cognitive outcomes, and QOL 6-months and 12-months after moderate-to-severe TBI were identified using unweighted (uILS) and weighted (wILS) inflammatory load score (ILS) formation. METHODS Adults with moderate-to-severe TBI (n = 157) completed neuropsychological testing, the Functional Impairment Measure Cognitive Subscale (FIM-Cog) and self-reported Percent Back to Normal scale 6 months (n = 139) and 12 months (n = 136) post-injury. Serial serum samples were collected 1-3 months post-TBI. Cognitive composite scores were created as equally weighted means of T-scores derived from a multidimensional neuropsychological test battery. Median inflammatory marker levels associated with 6-month and 12-month cognitive composite T-scores (p < 0.10) were selected for ILS formation. Markers were quartiled, and quartile ranks were summed to generate an uILS. Marker-specific β-weights were derived using penalized ridge regression, multiplied by standardized marker levels, and summed to generate a wILS. ILS associations with cognitive composite scores were assessed using multivariable linear regression. Structural equation models assessed ILS influences on functional cognition and QOL using 12-month FIM-Cog and Percent Back to Normal scales. RESULTS ILS component markers included: IL-1β, TNF-α, sIL-4R, sIL-6R, RANTES, and MIP-1β. Increased sIL-4R levels were positively associated with overall cognitive composite T-scores in bivariate analyses, while remaining ILS markers were negatively associated with cognition. Multivariable receiver operator curves (ROC) showed uILS added 14.98% and 31.93% relative improvement in variance captured compared to the covariates only base model (age, sex, education, Glasgow Coma Scale score) when predicting cognitive composite scores at 6 and 12 months, respectively; wILS added 33.99% and 36.87% relative improvement in variance captured. Cognitive composite mediated wILS associations with FIM-Cog scores at 12 months, and both cognitive composite and FIM-Cog scores mediated wILS associations with QOL. CONCLUSIONS Early chronic inflammatory burden is associated with cognitive performance post-TBI. wILS explains greater variance in cognitive composite T-scores than uILS. Linking inflammatory burden associated with cognitive deficits to functional outcome post-TBI demonstrates the potential impact of immunotherapy interventions aimed at improving cognitive recovery post-TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A. Milleville
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Nabil Awan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Dominic Disanto
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Raj G. Kumar
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA
| | - Amy K. Wagner
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, USA
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, USA
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Krasilnikova SV, Khramov AA, Khramova RN, Ovsyannikov DY, Daniel-Abu MI, Novozhilov A, Shahov AV, Kubysheva NI, Eliseeva TI. The Relationship Between Indicators of Nasal Respiratory Function and Spirometric Parameters in Children With Bronchial Asthma. Front Pediatr 2021; 8:580043. [PMID: 33520886 PMCID: PMC7841369 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.580043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The relationship between objective indicators of nasal obstruction and airflow limitation in children with bronchial asthma (BA) and allergic rhinitis (AR) has not yet been studied. Objective: To study the relationship between objective parameters of nasal obstruction and airflow limitation, determined using the methods of anterior active rhinomanometry (AARM) and spirometry in children with BA and AR. Materials and Methods: Eighty eight children and adolescents with BA and AR, boys-65.9% (58/88), were examined. The median age was 11.09 [10.42; 11.76] years. To determine airflow limitation, the following spirometric parameters were evaluated: forced vital capacity of the lungs (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), the ratio of FEV1/FVC, and maximum expiratory flow at the point 25% of the flow-volume loop (MEF25). Data were recorded both in absolute values and in relative units (% pred). Nasal respiratory function was determined by AARM based on the total nasal airflow (TNAF) in absolute (Pa/cm3/s) and relative units (RTNAF, % pred). Results: In the general cohort and in boys but not in girls, a statistically significant direct correlation was found between TNAF (Pa/cm3/s) and absolute spirometry parameters of bronchial patency-all had p < 0.01. Also, RTNAF and relative MEF25 values (% pred) in the general cohort were R = 0.22, p = 0.04, and in boys, R = 0.28, p = 0.03. In girls, there was no statistically significant correlation between nasal respiratory function and spirometric parameters, all p > 0.05. Additional analysis of literature was conducted to ascertain that the identified gender differences were not occasional. Conclusion: The significant positive correlation of absolute values of AARM and spirometric parameters in children with BA and AR was established, which apparently reflects the physical development of children. Of all the relative indicators of spirometry, only MEF25 (% pred), which indirectly reflects the patency of small bronchi, had a distinct direct correlation with RTNAF. These patterns are clearly expressed in boys with BA. In girls with this disease, however, the relationship between nasal respiratory function and spirometric indicators seems to be more complex and requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana V. Krasilnikova
- Department of ENT Diseases, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Privolzhsky Research Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Khramov
- Department of Hospital Pediatrics, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Privolzhsky Research Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Regina N. Khramova
- Department of Hospital Pediatrics, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Privolzhsky Research Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | | | | | - Alexey Novozhilov
- ENT-Department, Volga District Medical Center Federal Medical-Biological Agency Russia, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Andrey V. Shahov
- Department of ENT Diseases, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Privolzhsky Research Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | | | - Tatyana I. Eliseeva
- Department of Hospital Pediatrics, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Privolzhsky Research Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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Abstract
Over the last decades, a central role for vitamin D in immune modulation has been well established. The active form of vitamin D, i.e., 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, through the interaction with vitamin D receptor, exerts different activities on the innate and adaptive immune system, among which suppression of inflammation and promotion of tolerogenic responses. Vitamin D insufficiency has been linked to autoimmune disorders that commonly display significant differences between females and males due to genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Notably, a number of studies recently showed a cross-talk between vitamin D and the sex hormone estrogen. Estrogen-mediated effects on immune response may favor a Th1 profile or a Th2 profile, depending on hormone concentration. Thus, estrogen-mediated effects appear to be variable on autoimmunity depending on its concentration but also on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the different autoimmune diseases (i.e., Th1- or Th2-mediated diseases). Notably, estrogen has been demonstrated to enhance vitamin D function favoring its accumulation, and increasing the expression of vitamin D receptor, thus resulting in a more potent anti-inflammatory response in females than males. On the other hand, vitamin D has been shown to downregulate in immune cells the expression of aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen, leading to a decrease in estrogen level. Overall, available data allow us to hypothesize a higher protective effect of vitamin D-based therapeutic approaches in women, at least in fertile age, than in men. Future studies are needed to expand current knowledge on the immunomodulatory role of vitamin D in a sex and gender perspective, paving the way to a more personalized therapeutic approach in autoimmune diseases.
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Huang H, Zhou J, Chen H, Li J, Zhang C, Jiang X, Ni C. The immunomodulatory effects of endocrine therapy in breast cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:19. [PMID: 33413549 PMCID: PMC7792133 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01788-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapies with SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators) or SERDs (selective estrogen receptor downregulators) are standard therapies for patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Multiple small molecule inhibitors targeting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway or CDK4/6 have been developed to be used in combination with anti-estrogen drugs to overcome endocrine resistance. In addition to their direct antitumor effects, accumulating evidence has revealed the tumor immune microenvironment (TIM)-modulating effects of these therapeutic strategies, which have not been properly acknowledged previously. The immune microenvironment of breast tumors plays a crucial role in tumor development, metastasis and treatment response to endocrine therapy and immunotherapy. Therefore, in our current work, we comprehensively review the immunomodulatory effect of endocrine therapy and discuss its potential applications in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310009, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumour Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310009, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310006, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hailong Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310009, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310009, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumour Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310009, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Anatomy School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xia Jiang
- School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China.
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17176, Sweden.
| | - Chao Ni
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310009, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumour Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310009, Hangzhou, China.
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Cephus J, Gandhi VD, Shah R, Brooke Davis J, Fuseini H, Yung JA, Zhang J, Kita H, Polosukhin VV, Zhou W, Newcomb DC. Estrogen receptor-α signaling increases allergen-induced IL-33 release and airway inflammation. Allergy 2021; 76:255-268. [PMID: 32648964 DOI: 10.1111/all.14491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are stimulated by IL-33 to increase IL-5 and IL-13 production and airway inflammation. While sex hormones regulate airway inflammation, it remained unclear whether estrogen signaling through estrogen receptor-α (ER-α, Esr1) or ER-β (Esr2) increased ILC2-mediated airway inflammation. We hypothesize that estrogen signaling increases allergen-induced IL-33 release, ILC2 cytokine production, and airway inflammation. METHODS Female Esr1-/- , Esr2-/- , wild-type (WT), and IL33fl/fl eGFP mice were challenged with Alternaria extract (Alt Ext) or vehicle for 4 days. In select experiments, mice were administered tamoxifen or vehicle pellets for 21 days prior to challenge. Lung ILC2, IL-5 and IL-13 production, and BAL inflammatory cells were measured on day 5 of Alt Ext challenge model. Bone marrow from WT and Esr1-/- female mice was transferred (1:1 ratio) into WT female recipients for 6 weeks followed by Alt Ext challenge. hBE33 cells and normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) were pretreated with 17β-estradiol (E2), propyl-pyrazole-triol (PPT, ER-α agonist), or diarylpropionitrile (DPN, ER-β agonist) before allergen challenge to determine IL-33 gene expression and release, extracellular ATP release, DUOX-1 production, and necrosis. RESULTS Alt Ext challenged Esr1-/- , but not Esr2-/- , mice had decreased IL-5 and IL-13 production, BAL eosinophils, and IL-33 release compared to WT mice. Tamoxifen decreased IL-5 and IL-13 production and BAL eosinophils. IL-33eGFP + epithelial cells were decreased in Alt Ext challenged Esr1-/- mice compared to WT mice. 17β-E2 or PPT, but not DPN, increased IL-33 gene expression, release, and DUOX-1 production in hBE33 or NHBE cells. CONCLUSION Estrogen receptor -α signaling increased IL-33 release and ILC2-mediated airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline‐Yvonne Cephus
- Department of Medicine Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville Tennessee USA
| | - Vivek D. Gandhi
- Department of Medicine Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville Tennessee USA
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Department of Medicine Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville Tennessee USA
| | - Jordan Brooke Davis
- Department of Medicine Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville Tennessee USA
| | - Hubaida Fuseini
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology Vanderbilt University Nashville Tennessee USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Yung
- Department of Medicine Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville Tennessee USA
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Medicine Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville Tennessee USA
| | - Hirohito Kita
- Allergic Diseases Research Laboratory Mayo Clinic Phoenix Arizona USA
| | - Vasiliy V. Polosukhin
- Department of Medicine Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville Tennessee USA
| | - Weisong Zhou
- Department of Medicine Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville Tennessee USA
| | - Dawn C. Newcomb
- Department of Medicine Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville Tennessee USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology Vanderbilt University Nashville Tennessee USA
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