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Seltrecht N, Hardtke-Wolenski M, Iordanidis K, Jonigk D, Galla M, Schambach A, Buitrago-Molina LE, Wedemeyer H, Noyan F, Jaeckel E. Graft-Specific Regulatory T Cells for Long-Lasting, Local Tolerance Induction. Cells 2024; 13:1216. [PMID: 39056797 PMCID: PMC11274814 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141216] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Solid organ transplantation is hindered by immune-mediated chronic graft dysfunction and the side effects of immunosuppressive therapy. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial for modulating immune responses post-transplantation; however, the transfer of polyspecific Tregs alone is insufficient to induce allotolerance in rodent models. METHODS To enhance the efficacy of adoptive Treg therapy, we investigated different immune interventions in the recipients. By utilizing an immunogenic skin transplant model and existing transplantation medicine reagents, we facilitated the clinical translation of our findings. Specifically, antigen-specific Tregs were used. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that combining the available induction therapies with drug-induced T-cell proliferation due to lymphopenia effectively increased the Treg/T effector ratios. This results in significant Treg accumulation within the graft, leading to long-term tolerance after the transfer of antigen-specific Tregs. Importantly, all the animals achieved operational tolerance, which boosted the presence of adoptively transferred Tregs within the graft. CONCLUSIONS This protocol offers a means to establish tolerance by utilizing antigen-specific Tregs. These results have promising implications for future trials involving adoptive Treg therapy in organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Seltrecht
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany (L.E.B.-M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany (L.E.B.-M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Iordanidis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany (L.E.B.-M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Danny Jonigk
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Haematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (M.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Haematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (M.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Laura Elisa Buitrago-Molina
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany (L.E.B.-M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany (L.E.B.-M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Fatih Noyan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany (L.E.B.-M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany (L.E.B.-M.); (H.W.); (E.J.)
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Multi Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, United Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada
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Sasidharan Nair V, Huehn J. Impact of vitamin C on the development, differentiation and functional properties of T cells. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2024; 14:67-74. [PMID: 38446173 PMCID: PMC11097783 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2024.00017] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C plays a multifaceted role in various biological processes and is well-known to facilitate pleiotropic activities in both innate and adaptive immune responses, where the antioxidant capacity of vitamin C is most likely highly relevant since immune responses mainly occur in reducing environments. Beyond its antioxidant properties, vitamin C can enhance the transcription potential of genes by promoting DNA demethylation through ten-eleven-translocation (Tet) methylcytosine dioxygenases, which have been recently demonstrated to be critical for the development and differentiation of T cells. In this minireview, we will provide a broader overview on the impact of vitamin C on signaling and regulatory activities in both innate and adaptive immune cells. Particularly, we will summarize recent findings on the decisive role of finely tuned vitamin C concentrations for T cell development, T helper cell differentiation, and optimal T cell-mediated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Sasidharan Nair
- Department Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124Braunschweig, Germany
- Genetics and Epigenetics of Behavior, Italian Institute of Technology, Via Morego 30, 16163Genova, Italy
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Department Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124Braunschweig, Germany
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3
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Cassano A, Chong AS, Alegre ML. Tregs in transplantation tolerance: role and therapeutic potential. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1217065. [PMID: 38993904 PMCID: PMC11235334 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1217065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are indispensable for preventing autoimmunity, and they play a role in cancer and transplantation settings by restraining immune responses. In this review, we describe evidence for the importance of Tregs in the induction versus maintenance of transplantation tolerance, discussing insights into mechanisms of Treg control of the alloimmune response. Further, we address the therapeutic potential of Tregs as a clinical intervention after transplantation, highlighting engineered CAR-Tregs as well as expansion of donor and host Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Cassano
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Anita S. Chong
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Maria-Luisa Alegre
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Peng L, Chen L, Wan J, Liu W, Lou S, Shen Z. Single-cell transcriptomic landscape of immunometabolism reveals intervention candidates of ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, fatty-acid degradation and PUFA metabolism of T-cell subsets in healthy controls, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1179877. [PMID: 37492568 PMCID: PMC10363747 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1179877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The modulation of immunometabolic pathways is emerging as a promising therapeutic target for immune-mediated diseases. However, the immunometabolic features of psoriatic disease and the potential targets for immunometabolic intervention in the different T-cell subsets involved in its pathogenesis remain unclear. Methods In this study, we analyzed circulating blood single-cell data from healthy controls (HC), psoriasis (PSO), and psoriatic arthritis (PSA) patients, and revealed their metabolic features of T-cell subsets: CD4+ central memory T cells (TCMs), CD8+ effective memory T cells (TEMs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs ), and γδ T cells. Pearson test was performed to determine the linkages between differential metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Based on these results, we also analyzed the potential impacts of biological antibodies on differential metabolic pathways by comparing the immunometabolism differences between PSA patients without and with biological treatment. Results Our results suggest that upregulation of ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, as well as fatty acid degradation, may enhance the immune suppression of Tregs. Enhanced metabolism of alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid may inhibit the pro-inflammatory functions of CD4+ TCMs and CD8+ TEMs in PSO and PSA, and protect the immune suppression of Tregs in PSA. We propose that supporting ascorbic acid and fatty acid metabolic pathways may be an adjunctive reprogramming strategy with adalimumab and etanercept therapy. Discussion These findings not only provide insights into immunometabolism characteristics of psoriatic disease, but also offer preliminary options for the auxiliary treatment of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Peng
- Department of Dermatology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianji Wan
- Department of Dermatology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenqi Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Lou
- Department of Dermatology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhu Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Kremer J, Henschel P, Simon D, Riet T, Falk C, Hardtke-Wolenski M, Wedemeyer H, Noyan F, Jaeckel E. Membrane-bound IL-2 improves the expansion, survival, and phenotype of CAR Tregs and confers resistance to calcineurin inhibitors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1005582. [PMID: 36618378 PMCID: PMC9816406 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1005582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and the establishment of immune tolerance. Since Tregs do not secrete endogenous IL-2, they are especially dependent on external IL-2. IL-2 deficiency leads to lower Treg numbers, instability of the Treg phenotype and loss of immune regulation. After organ transplantation, patients are treated with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), which further limits available IL-2. Application of low-dose IL-2 expands Tregs but also activates NK and CD8+ T cells. It was recently shown that graft-specific Tregs recognizing mismatched MHC I molecules via a chimeric antigen receptor were far more potent than polyclonal Tregs in the regulation of immune responses after solid organ transplantation in a humanized mouse model. Methods Therefore, our aim was to enhance the function and stability of transferred CAR-Tregs via expression of membrane-associated IL-2 (mbIL-2). Results mbIL-2 promoted higher survival, phenotypic stability, and function among CAR-Tregs than observed in clinical trials. The cells were also more stable under inflammatory conditions. In a preclinical humanized mouse model, we demonstrated that mbIL-2 CAR Tregs survive better in the Treg niche than control CAR Tregs and are even resistant to CNI therapy without affecting other Tregs, thus acting mainly in cis. Discussion The functional and phenotypic improvements observed after membrane-attached IL-2 expression in CAR-Tregs will be important step for enhancing CAR-Treg therapies currently being tested in clinical trials for use after kidney and liver transplantation as well as in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Kremer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Pierre Henschel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Simon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Riet
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Tumor Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne and Center for Molecular Medicine, Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christine Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Essen University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fatih Noyan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of liver transplantation, Multi Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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6
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Enhancement of Antiviral T-Cell Responses by Vitamin C Suggests New Strategies to Improve Manufacturing of Virus-Specific T Cells for Adoptive Immunotherapy. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040536. [PMID: 35453735 PMCID: PMC9032103 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic and autologous transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCT) are being routinely used to treat patients with leukemia and lymphoma. Due to the required immunosuppression after stem cell transplantation, infection and reactivation by viruses are life-threatening complications. In recent years, adoptive transfer using virus-specific T cells (VSTs) has emerged as alternative to conventional therapies. Since vitamins are described to influence the immune system and its cellular components, the aim of this study was to examine whether vitamins modulate VST function and thereby enable an improvement of therapy. For that, we investigated the impact of vitamin C and D on the functionality of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific T cells isolated from CMV-seropositive healthy donors. We were able to show that vitamin C increases the expansion and activation state of CMV-specific T cells, and an increased influence of vitamin C was observed on cells isolated from male donors and donors above 40 years of age. A higher frequency of the terminally differentiated effector memory CD8+ T-cell population in these donors indicates a connection between these cells and the enhanced response to vitamin C. Thus, here we provide insights into the impact of vitamin C on cytotoxic T cells as well as possible additional selection criteria and strategies to improve VST functionality.
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7
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Moreau JM, Velegraki M, Bolyard C, Rosenblum MD, Li Z. Transforming growth factor-β1 in regulatory T cell biology. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eabi4613. [PMID: 35302863 PMCID: PMC10552796 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abi4613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is inextricably linked to regulatory T cell (Treg) biology. However, precisely untangling the role for TGF-β1 in Treg differentiation and function is complicated by the pleiotropic and context-dependent activity of this cytokine and the multifaceted biology of Tregs. Among CD4+ T cells, Tregs are the major producers of latent TGF-β1 and are uniquely able to activate this cytokine via expression of cell surface docking receptor glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) and αv integrins. Although a preponderance of evidence indicates no essential roles for Treg-derived TGF-β1 in Treg immunosuppression, TGF-β1 signaling is crucial for Treg development in the thymus and periphery. Furthermore, active TGF-β1 instructs the differentiation of other T cell subsets, including TH17 cells. Here, we will review TGF-β1 signaling in Treg development and function and discuss knowledge gaps, future research, and the TGF-β1/Treg axis in the context of cancer immunotherapy and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M. Moreau
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maria Velegraki
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chelsea Bolyard
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael D. Rosenblum
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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8
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Chen HY, Hsu M, Lio CWJ. Micro but mighty-Micronutrients in the epigenetic regulation of adaptive immune responses. Immunol Rev 2022; 305:152-164. [PMID: 34820863 PMCID: PMC8766944 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Micronutrients are essential small molecules required by organisms in minute quantity for survival. For instance, vitamins and minerals, the two major categories of micronutrients, are central for biological processes such as metabolism, cell replication, differentiation, and immune response. Studies estimated that around two billion humans worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, also known as "hidden hunger," linked to weakened immune responses. While micronutrients affect the immune system at multiple levels, recent studies showed that micronutrients potentially impact the differentiation and function of immune cells as cofactors for epigenetic enzymes, including the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2OGDD) family involved in histone and DNA demethylation. Here, we will first provide an overview of the role of DNA methylation in T cells and B cells, followed by the micronutrients ascorbate (vitamin C) and iron, two critical cofactors for 2OGDD. We will discuss the emerging evidence of these micronutrients could regulate adaptive immune response by influencing epigenetic remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chan-Wang Jerry Lio
- Corresponding author: Chan-Wang Jerry Lio (), Address: 460 W 12 Ave, Columbus, Ohio, USA 43064, Tel: (614)-247-5337
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9
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Piotrowska M, Gliwiński M, Trzonkowski P, Iwaszkiewicz-Grzes D. Regulatory T Cells-Related Genes Are under DNA Methylation Influence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7144. [PMID: 34281195 PMCID: PMC8267835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert a highly suppressive function in the immune system. Disturbances in their function predispose an individual to autoimmune dysregulation, with a predominance of the pro-inflammatory environment. Besides Foxp3, which is a master regulator of these cells, other genes (e.g., Il2ra, Ctla4, Tnfrsf18, Ikzf2, and Ikzf4) are also involved in Tregs development and function. Multidimensional Tregs suppression is determined by factors that are believed to be crucial in the action of Tregs-related genes. Among them, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, tend to be widely studied over the past few years. DNA methylation acts as a repressive mark, leading to diminished gene expression. Given the role of increased CpG methylation upon Tregs imprinting and functional stability, alterations in the methylation pattern can cause an imbalance in the immune response. Due to the fact that epigenetic changes can be reversible, so-called epigenetic modifiers are broadly used in order to improve Tregs performance. In this review, we place emphasis on the role of DNA methylation of the genes that are key regulators of Tregs function. We also discuss disease settings that have an impact on the methylation status of Tregs and systematize the usefulness of epigenetic drugs as factors able to influence Tregs functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dorota Iwaszkiewicz-Grzes
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.P.); (M.G.); (P.T.)
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10
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Miles EA, Calder PC. Effects of Citrus Fruit Juices and Their Bioactive Components on Inflammation and Immunity: A Narrative Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:712608. [PMID: 34249019 PMCID: PMC8264544 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.712608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system provides defence to the host against pathogenic organisms. A weak immune system increases susceptibility to infections and allows infections to become more severe. One component of the immune response is inflammation. Where inflammation is excessive or uncontrolled it can damage host tissues and cause pathology. Limitation of oxidative stress is one means of controlling inflammation. Citrus fruit juices are a particularly good source of vitamin C and folate, which both have roles in sustaining the integrity of immunological barriers and in supporting the function of many types of immune cell including phagocytes, natural killer cells, T-cells and B-cells. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and reduces aspects of the inflammatory response. Important bioactive polyphenols in citrus fruit juices include hesperidin, narirutin and naringin. Hesperidin is a glycoside of hesperetin while narirutin and naringin are glycosides of naringenin. Hesperidin, hesperetin, naringenin, naringin and narirutin have all been found to have anti-inflammatory effects in model systems, and human trials of hesperidin report reductions in inflammatory markers. In humans, orange juice was shown to limit the post-prandial inflammation induced by a high fat-high carbohydrate meal. Consuming orange juice daily for a period of weeks has been reported to reduce markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein, as confirmed through a recent meta-analysis. A newly emerging topic is whether polyphenols from orange juice have direct anti-viral effects. In summary, micronutrients and other bioactives present in citrus fruit juices have established roles in controlling oxidative stress and inflammation and in supporting innate and acquired immune responses. Trials in humans demonstrate that orange juice reduces inflammation; its effects on innate and acquired immunity require further exploration in well-designed trials in appropriate population sub-groups such as older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Miles
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Philip C Calder
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust and University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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11
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Waldmann H. Regulatory T cells and transplantation tolerance: Emerging from the darkness? Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:1580-1591. [PMID: 33961297 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The field of tissue transplantation has revolutionized the treatment of patients with failing organs. Its success, thus far, has depended on combinations of immunosuppressive drugs that damp host immunity, while also imposing numerous unwanted side-effects. There is a longstanding recognition that better treatment outcomes, will come from replacing these drugs, fully or in part, by taking advantage of tractable physiological mechanisms of self-tolerance. The past 50 years have seen many advances in the field of self-tolerance, but perhaps, the most tractable of these has been the more recent discovery of a subset T-cells (Treg) whose role is to regulate or damp immunity. This article is intended to first provide the reader with some historical background to explain why we have been slow to identify these cells, despite numerous clues to their existence, and also to indicate how little we know about how they achieve their regulatory function in averting transplant rejection. However, as is often the case in immunology, the therapeutic needs often dictate that our advances move to translation even before detailed explanations of the science are available. The final part of the article will briefly summarize how Treg are being harnessed as agents to interface with or perhaps, replace current drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Waldmann
- Sir William Dunn School, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX13RE, UK
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12
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Dikiy S, Li J, Bai L, Jiang M, Janke L, Zong X, Hao X, Hoyos B, Wang ZM, Xu B, Fan Y, Rudensky AY, Feng Y. A distal Foxp3 enhancer enables interleukin-2 dependent thymic Treg cell lineage commitment for robust immune tolerance. Immunity 2021; 54:931-946.e11. [PMID: 33838102 PMCID: PMC8317508 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the STAT5 transcription factor downstream of the Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) induces expression of Foxp3, a critical step in the differentiation of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Due to the pleiotropic effects of IL-2R signaling, it is unclear how STAT5 acts directly on the Foxp3 locus to promote its expression. Here, we report that IL-2 - STAT5 signaling converged on an enhancer (CNS0) during Foxp3 induction. CNS0 facilitated the IL-2 dependent CD25+Foxp3- precursor to Treg cell transition in the thymus. Its deficiency resulted in impaired Treg cell generation in neonates, which was partially mitigated with age. While the thymic Treg cell paucity caused by CNS0 deficiency did not result in autoimmunity on its own, it exacerbated autoimmune manifestations caused by disruption of the Aire gene. Thus, CNS0 enhancer activity ensures robust Treg cell differentiation early in postnatal life and cooperatively with other tolerance mechanisms minimizes autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Dikiy
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Lu Bai
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Menglin Jiang
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Laura Janke
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Xinying Zong
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Xiaolei Hao
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Beatrice Hoyos
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Zhong-Min Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Beisi Xu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yiping Fan
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Alexander Y Rudensky
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program, Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Yongqiang Feng
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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13
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Sousa AR, Mano JF, Oliveira MB. Engineering Strategies for Allogeneic Solid Tissue Acceptance. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:572-587. [PMID: 33865718 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Advances in allogeneic transplantation of solid organs and tissues depend on our understanding of mechanisms that mediate the prevention of graft rejection. For the past decades, clinical practice has established guidelines to prevent allograft rejection, which mostly rely on the intake of nontargeted immunosuppressants as the gold standard. However, such lifelong regimens have been reported to trigger severe morbidities and commonly fail in preventing late allograft loss. In this review, the biology of allogeneic rejection and self-tolerance is analyzed, as well as the mechanisms of cellular-based therapeutics driving suppression and/or tolerance. Bioinspired engineering strategies that take advantage of cells, biomaterials, or combinations thereof to prevent allograft rejection are addressed, as well as biological mechanisms that drive their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Sousa
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Mariana B Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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14
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TET family dioxygenases and the TET activator vitamin C in immune responses and cancer. Blood 2021; 136:1394-1401. [PMID: 32730592 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C serves as a cofactor for Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases including TET family enzymes, which catalyze the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and further oxidize methylcytosines. Loss-of-function mutations in epigenetic regulators such as TET genes are prevalent in hematopoietic malignancies. Vitamin C deficiency is frequently observed in cancer patients. In this review, we discuss the role of vitamin C and TET proteins in cancer, with a focus on hematopoietic malignancies, T regulatory cells, and other immune system cells.
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15
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Hwang JH, Piao H, Jang JY, Lee SK, Han D, Lee GM, Go C, Kim Y, Oh KI, Kang JS, Yan JJ, Yang J. Suppressive effects of vitamin C-treated induced-regulatory T cells on heart allograft rejection under vitamin C-deficient or -sufficient conditions. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246967. [PMID: 33577562 PMCID: PMC7880463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Foxp3 stability of vitamin C-treated induced-regulatory T cells (V-iTregs) is superior to that of conventional iTregs (C-iTregs). However, the role of V-iTregs in allograft rejection under vitamin C-deficient conditions, such as those seen in humans, remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate the role of vitamin C treatment on generation and maintenance of iTregs from gulo knockout (Gulo-KO) mice as well as wild type (WT) mice, and in vitro and in vivo suppressive effects of V-iTregs on heart allograft rejection in either Gulo-KO or WT recipient mice. Conversion efficiency of iTregs was similar between C- and V-iTregs in both WT and Gulo-KO mice. V-iTregs from WT or Gulo-KO mice showed better in vitro Foxp3 stability than C-iTregs, although there was no difference between WT V-iTregs and Gulo-KO V-iTregs. Furthermore, V-iTregs from WT or Gulo-KO mice suppressed in vitro T cell proliferation better than C-iTregs. Heterotrophic heart transplantation from BALB/c mice to WT or vitamin C-deficient Gulo-KO C57BL/6J mice was performed following adoptive transfer of C- or V-iTregs. V-iTregs as well as C-iTregs prolonged heart allograft survival in WT and Gulo-KO mice. However, there was no difference between the C- and V-iTreg groups. Supplementation of low- or high-dose vitamin C did not induce significant changes in heart allograft survival in Gulo-KO recipients that had received V-iTregs. In conclusion, V-iTregs do not exert better suppressive effects on heart allograft survival than C-iTregs in either WT or vitamin C-deficient recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Hee Hwang
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Honglin Piao
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medicine, Graduate School, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Young Jang
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Kyung Lee
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medicine, Graduate School, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongkyu Han
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang-Min Lee
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheolhyeon Go
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon Ik Oh
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Seung Kang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Jing Yan
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseok Yang
- Transplantation Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of surgery, Seoul National University hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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16
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Sasidharan Nair V, Saleh R, Toor SM, Cyprian FS, Elkord E. Metabolic reprogramming of T regulatory cells in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:2103-2121. [PMID: 33532902 PMCID: PMC8289790 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02842-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic dysregulation in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) is considered as a hallmark of solid tumors, leading to changes in biosynthetic pathways favoring onset, survival and proliferation of malignant cells. Within the TME, hypoxic milieu favors metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, which subsequently affects biological properties of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. T regulatory cells (Tregs), including both circulating and tissue-resident cells, are particularly susceptible to hypoxic metabolic signaling that can reprogram their biological and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, metabolic reprogramming modifies Tregs to utilize alternative substrates and undergo a plethora of metabolic events to meet their energy demands. Major impact of this metabolic reprogramming can result in differentiation, survival, excessive secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines and proliferation of Tregs within the TME, which in turn dampen anti-tumor immune responses. Studies on fine-tuning of Treg metabolism are challenging due to heterogenicity of tissue-resident Tregs and their dynamic functions. In this review, we highlight tumor intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which can influence Treg metabolism in the hypoxic TME. Moreover, we focus on metabolic reprogramming of Tregs that could unveil potential regulatory networks favoring tumorigenesis/progression, and provide novel insights, including inhibitors against acetyl-coA carboxylase 1 and transforming growth factor beta into targeting Treg metabolism for therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Sasidharan Nair
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Reem Saleh
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Salman M Toor
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Farhan S Cyprian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, UK.
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17
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Vitamin C and kidney transplantation: Nutritional status, potential efficacy, safety, and interactions. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2021; 41:1-9. [PMID: 33487249 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM There are several observational and interventional studies regarding the advantages of sufficient serum levels of vitamin C and the evaluation of the effects of vitamin C supplementation post kidney transplantation. These studies have been put together to investigate the role of vitamin C post-kidney transplantation and make suggestions for designing future studies based on the use of vitamin C supplements or nutritional interventions among these patients. METHODS This narrative review was done by searching in the Embase, PubMed, and SCOPUS databases. RESULTS The results are presented in several sections as follows; nutritional status, potential protective effects, safety concerns, and medications/laboratory tests interactions of vitamin C. CONCLUSIONS Kidney transplant recipients are prone to vitamin C deficiency, which is related to higher mortality based on several long-term observational studies. Vitamin C supplementation improves endothelial function and creatinine clearance. Vitamin C is considered as a safe supplement, however, side effects such as kidney stones, pro-oxidant effect, hemolysis in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, impact on lymphocytic activity, acid-base disturbance, and increased sodium load following its administration have been reported. Interaction of vitamin C and cyclosporine is the most important interaction with post-renal transplant medications. Vitamin C also interferes with creatinine assay using Jaffe and enzymatic methods.
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18
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Effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on immune status in healthy women following a single bout of exercise. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-020-00726-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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19
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Kurniawan H, Soriano-Baguet L, Brenner D. Regulatory T cell metabolism at the intersection between autoimmune diseases and cancer. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1626-1642. [PMID: 33067808 PMCID: PMC7756807 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for peripheral immune tolerance and homeostasis, and altered Treg behavior is involved in many pathologies, including autoimmunity and cancer. The expression of the transcription factor FoxP3 in Tregs is fundamental to maintaining their stability and immunosuppressive function. Recent studies have highlighted the crucial role that metabolic reprogramming plays in controlling Treg plasticity, stability, and function. In this review, we summarize how the availability and use of various nutrients and metabolites influence Treg metabolic pathways and activity. We also discuss how Treg‐intrinsic metabolic programs define and shape their differentiation, FoxP3 expression, and suppressive capacity. Lastly, we explore how manipulating the regulation of Treg metabolism might be exploited in different disease settings to achieve novel immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Kurniawan
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Immunology and Genetics, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Leticia Soriano-Baguet
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Immunology and Genetics, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Dirk Brenner
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Immunology and Genetics, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg.,Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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20
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Pecora F, Persico F, Argentiero A, Neglia C, Esposito S. The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3198. [PMID: 33092041 PMCID: PMC7589163 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.P.); (F.P.); (A.A.); (C.N.)
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21
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Masuelli L, Benvenuto M, Focaccetti C, Ciuffa S, Fazi S, Bei A, Miele MT, Piredda L, Manzari V, Modesti A, Bei R. Targeting the tumor immune microenvironment with "nutraceuticals": From bench to clinical trials. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 219:107700. [PMID: 33045254 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of immune effector cells in the tissue microenvironment during neoplastic progression is critical in determining tumor growth outcomes. On the other hand, tumors may also avoid immune system-mediated elimination by recruiting immunosuppressive leukocytes and soluble factors, which coordinate a tumor microenvironment that counteracts the efficiency of the antitumor immune response. Checkpoint inhibitor therapy results have indicated a way forward via activation of the immune system against cancer. Widespread evidence has shown that different compounds in foods, when administered as purified substances, can act as immunomodulators in humans and animals. Although there is no universally accepted definition of nutraceuticals, the term identifies a wide category of natural compounds that may impact health and disease statuses and includes purified substances from natural sources, plant extracts, dietary supplements, vitamins, phytonutrients, and various products with combinations of functional ingredients. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the immunomodulatory effects of nutraceuticals with a special focus on the cancer microenvironment, highlighting the conceptual benefits or drawbacks and subtle cell-specific effects of nutraceuticals for envisioning future therapies employing nutraceuticals as chemoadjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University Rome, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ciuffa
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Fazi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Bei
- Medical School, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Piredda
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; CIMER, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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22
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Zhao Y, Hu W, Chen P, Cao M, Zhang Y, Zeng C, Hara H, Cooper DKC, Mou L, Luan S, Gao H. Immunosuppressive and metabolic agents that influence allo‐ and xenograft survival by in vivo expansion of T regulatory cells. Xenotransplantation 2020; 27:e12640. [PMID: 32892428 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Zhao
- Department of Nephrology Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District Guangdong Medical University Shenzhen China
- Shenzhen Xenotransplantation Medical Engineering Research and Development Center Institute of Translational Medicine Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen Second People’s Hospital Shenzhen China
- Department of Medical Laboratory Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District Guangdong Medical University Shenzhen China
| | | | - Pengfei Chen
- Department of Nephrology Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District Guangdong Medical University Shenzhen China
- Department of Medical Laboratory Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District Guangdong Medical University Shenzhen China
| | - Mengtao Cao
- Department of Nephrology Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District Guangdong Medical University Shenzhen China
- Department of Medical Laboratory Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District Guangdong Medical University Shenzhen China
| | - Yingwei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District Guangdong Medical University Shenzhen China
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District Guangdong Medical University Shenzhen China
| | - Hidetaka Hara
- Xenotransplantation Program Department of Surgery University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham AL USA
| | - David K. C. Cooper
- Xenotransplantation Program Department of Surgery University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham AL USA
| | - Lisha Mou
- Shenzhen Xenotransplantation Medical Engineering Research and Development Center Institute of Translational Medicine Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen Second People’s Hospital Shenzhen China
| | - Shaodong Luan
- Department of Nephrology Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District Guangdong Medical University Shenzhen China
| | - Hanchao Gao
- Department of Nephrology Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District Guangdong Medical University Shenzhen China
- Shenzhen Xenotransplantation Medical Engineering Research and Development Center Institute of Translational Medicine Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen Second People’s Hospital Shenzhen China
- Department of Medical Laboratory Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District Guangdong Medical University Shenzhen China
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23
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Mannie MD, DeOca KB, Bastian AG, Moorman CD. Tolerogenic vaccines: Targeting the antigenic and cytokine niches of FOXP3 + regulatory T cells. Cell Immunol 2020; 355:104173. [PMID: 32712270 PMCID: PMC7444458 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitute a critical barrier that enforces tolerance to both the self-peptidome and the extended-self peptidome to ensure tissue-specific resistance to autoimmune, allergic, and other inflammatory disorders. Here, we review intuitive models regarding how T cell antigen receptor (TCR) specificity and antigen recognition efficiency shape the Treg and conventional T cell (Tcon) repertoires to adaptively regulate T cell maintenance, tissue-residency, phenotypic stability, and immune function in peripheral tissues. Three zones of TCR recognition efficiency are considered, including Tcon recognition of specific low-efficiency self MHC-ligands, Treg recognition of intermediate-efficiency agonistic self MHC-ligands, and Tcon recognition of cross-reactive high-efficiency agonistic foreign MHC-ligands. These respective zones of TCR recognition efficiency are key to understanding how tissue-resident immune networks integrate the antigenic complexity of local environments to provide adaptive decisions setting the balance of suppressive and immunogenic responses. Importantly, deficiencies in the Treg repertoire appear to be an important cause of chronic inflammatory disease. Deficiencies may include global deficiencies in Treg numbers or function, subtle 'holes in the Treg repertoire' in tissue-resident Treg populations, or simply Treg insufficiencies that are unable to counter an overwhelming molecular mimicry stimulus. Tolerogenic vaccination and Treg-based immunotherapy are two therapeutic modalities meant to restore dominance of Treg networks to reverse chronic inflammatory disease. Studies of these therapeutic modalities in a preclinical setting have provided insight into the Treg niche, including the concept that intermediate-efficiency TCR signaling, high IFN-β concentrations, and low IL-2 concentrations favor Treg responses and active dominant mechanisms of immune tolerance. Overall, the purpose here is to assimilate new and established concepts regarding how cognate TCR specificity of the Treg repertoire and the contingent cytokine networks provide a foundation for understanding Treg suppressive strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Mannie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States.
| | - Kayla B DeOca
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - Alexander G Bastian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - Cody D Moorman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
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24
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Borran M, Dashti-Khavidaki S, Alamdari A, Naderi N, Minoo F. Evaluation of the effect of high dose intravenous vitamin C on delayed allograft function in deceased donor kidney transplantation: a preliminary report. RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s41100-020-00279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Delayed graft function (DGF) can affect short- and long-term allograft outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. One of the pathophysiological pathways in the occurrence of DGF is ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). High dose intravenous vitamin C has proven efficacy in decreasing IRI consequences. Accordingly, we designed this study to assess the effect of high dose intravenous vitamin C on the incidence and duration of DGF.
Methods
This is a pilot, single-center, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. In the treatment group, kidney transplant recipients received vitamin C infusion at the dose of 70 mg/kg diluted in 0.45% saline, and in another study arm, only the diluent solution was administered. Data regarding allograft function and other clinical information was recorded.
Results
This preliminary study on 19 patients (9 cases in the vitamin C and 10 cases in the placebo group) showed that after administration of single, high dose vitamin C the incidence of DGF was not significantly different between the groups, but the duration of DGF was substantially shorter in the vitamin C group than the placebo group (7.33 ± 5.68 versus 19.66 ± 0.57 days; P = 0.02). Acute rejection episodes were more seen in the vitamin C group than in the placebo group. Although this data was not statistically significant (P = 0.37), it led to the termination of the study.
Conclusion
A high dose of intravenous vitamin C before allograft implantation was effective in decreasing DGF duration but not DGF incidence.
Trial registration
The trial was registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials encoded IRCT20100111003043N13 on June 24, 2019.
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25
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Kouakanou L, Peters C, Sun Q, Floess S, Bhat J, Huehn J, Kabelitz D. Vitamin C supports conversion of human γδ T cells into FOXP3-expressing regulatory cells by epigenetic regulation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6550. [PMID: 32300237 PMCID: PMC7162875 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63572-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human γδ T cells are potent cytotoxic effector cells, produce a variety of cytokines, and can acquire regulatory activity. Induction of FOXP3, the key transcription factor of regulatory T cells (Treg), by TGF-β in human Vγ9 Vδ2 T cells has been previously reported. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and acts as multiplier of DNA hydroxymethylation. Here we have investigated the effect of the more stable phospho-modified Vitamin C (pVC) on TGF-β-induced FOXP3 expression and the resulting regulatory activity of highly purified human Vγ9 Vδ2 T cells. pVC significantly increased the TGF-β-induced FOXP3 expression and stability and also increased the suppressive activity of Vγ9 Vδ2 T cells. Importantly, pVC induced hypomethylation of the Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR) in the FOXP3 gene. Genome-wide methylation analysis by Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing additionally revealed differentially methylated regions in several important genes upon pVC treatment of γδ T cells. While Vitamin C also enhances effector functions of Vγ9 Vδ2 T cells in the absence of TGF-β, our results demonstrate that pVC potently increases the suppressive activity and FOXP3 expression in TGF-β-treated Vγ9 Vδ2 T cells by epigenetic modification of the FOXP3 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léonce Kouakanou
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Qiwei Sun
- BGI Genomics Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Stefan Floess
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, D-38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jaydeep Bhat
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany
- Metabolic Programming, School of Life Sciences, Technical University Munich (TUM), 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, D-38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany.
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Alvarez-Salazar EK, Cortés-Hernández A, Arteaga-Cruz S, Alberú-Gómez J, Soldevila G. Large-Scale Generation of Human Allospecific Induced Tregs With Functional Stability for Use in Immunotherapy in Transplantation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:375. [PMID: 32300340 PMCID: PMC7142244 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells play an important role in the control of autoimmune diseases and maintenance of tolerance. In the context of transplantation, regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been proposed as new therapeutic tools that may induce allospecific tolerance toward the graft, avoiding the side effects induced by generalized immunosuppressors. Although most clinical trials are based on the use of thymic Tregs in adoptive therapy, some reports suggest the potential use of in vitro induced Tregs (iTregs), based on their functional stability under inflammatory conditions, indicating an advantage in a setting of allograft rejection. The aim of this work was to generate and expand large numbers of allospecific Tregs that maintain stable suppressive function in the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Dendritic cells were derived from monocytes isolated from healthy donors and were co-cultured with CTV-labeled naïve T cells from unrelated individuals, in the presence of TGF-β1, IL-2, and retinoic acid. After 7 days of co-culture, proliferating CD4+CD25++CTV− cells (allospecific iTregs) were sorted and polyclonally expanded for 6 weeks in the presence of TGF-β1, IL-2, and rapamycin. After 6 weeks of polyclonal activation, iTregs were expanded 230,000 times, giving rise to 4,600 million allospecific iTregs. Allospecific iTregs were able to specifically suppress the proliferation of autologous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in response to the allo-MoDCs used for iTreg generation, but not to third-party allo-MoDCs. Importantly, 88.5% of the expanded cells were CD4+CD25+FOXP3+, expressed high levels of CCR4 and CXCR3, and maintained their phenotype and suppressive function in the presence of TNF-α and IL-6. Finally, analysis of the methylation status of the FOXP3 TSDR locus demonstrated a 40% demethylation in the purified allospecific iTreg, prior to the polyclonal expansion. Interestingly, the phenotype and suppressive activity of expanded allospecific iTregs were maintained after 6 weeks of expansion, despite an increase in the methylation status of the FOXP3 TSDR. In conclusion, this is the first report that demonstrates a large-scale generation of allospecific iTregs that preserve a stable phenotype and suppressor function in the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pave the way for adoptive cell therapy with iTregs in transplanted patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Katy Alvarez-Salazar
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Arimelek Cortés-Hernández
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Saúl Arteaga-Cruz
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Josefina Alberú-Gómez
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Gloria Soldevila
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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27
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Arroyo Hornero R, Hamad I, Côrte-Real B, Kleinewietfeld M. The Impact of Dietary Components on Regulatory T Cells and Disease. Front Immunol 2020; 11:253. [PMID: 32153577 PMCID: PMC7047770 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rise in the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in developed societies has been associated with a change in lifestyle patterns. Among other factors, increased consumption of certain dietary components, such as table salt and fatty acids and excessive caloric intake has been associated with defective immunological tolerance. Dietary nutrients have shown to modulate the immune response by a direct effect on the function of immune cells or, indirectly, by acting on the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract. FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress immune responses and are critical for maintaining peripheral tolerance and immune homeostasis, modulating chronic tissue inflammation and autoimmune disease. It is now well-recognized that Tregs show certain degree of plasticity and can gain effector functions to adapt their regulatory function to different physiological situations during an immune response. However, plasticity of Tregs might also result in conversion into effector T cells that may contribute to autoimmune pathogenesis. Yet, which environmental cues regulate Treg plasticity and function is currently poorly understood, but it is of significant importance for therapeutic purposes. Here we review the current understanding on the effect of certain dietary nutrients that characterize Western diets in Treg metabolism, stability, and function. Moreover, we will discuss the role of Tregs linking diet and autoimmunity and the potential of dietary-based interventions to modulate Treg function in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Arroyo Hornero
- VIB Laboratory of Translational Immunomodulation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ibrahim Hamad
- VIB Laboratory of Translational Immunomodulation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Beatriz Côrte-Real
- VIB Laboratory of Translational Immunomodulation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Markus Kleinewietfeld
- VIB Laboratory of Translational Immunomodulation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
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28
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Peters C, Kouakanou L, Kabelitz D. A comparative view on vitamin C effects on αβ- versus γδ T-cell activation and differentiation. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 107:1009-1022. [PMID: 32034803 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1mr1219-245r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (VitC) is an essential vitamin that needs to be provided through exogenous sources. It is a potent anti-oxidant, and an essential cofactor for many enzymes including a group of enzymes that modulate epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Moreover, VitC has a significant influence on T-cell differentiation, and can directly interfere with T-cell signaling. Conventional CD4 and CD8 T cells express the αβ TCR and recognize peptide antigens in the context of MHC presentation. The numerically small population of γδ T cells recognizes antigens in an MHC-independent manner. γδ T cells kill a broad variety of malignant cells, and because of their unique features, are interesting candidates for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize what is known about the influence of VitC on T-cell activation and differentiation with a special focus on γδ T cells. The known mechanisms of action of VitC on αβ T cells are discussed and extrapolated to the effects observed on γδ T-cell activation and differentiation. Overall, VitC enhances proliferation and effector functions of γδ T cells and thus may help to increase the efficacy of γδ T cells applied as cancer immunotherapy in adoptive cell transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Léonce Kouakanou
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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29
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Iamsawat S, Tian L, Daenthanasanmak A, Wu Y, Nguyen HD, Bastian D, Yu XZ. Vitamin C stabilizes CD8+ iTregs and enhances their therapeutic potential in controlling murine GVHD and leukemia relapse. Blood Adv 2019; 3:4187-4201. [PMID: 31856270 PMCID: PMC6929397 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of induced regulatory T cells (iTregs) can ameliorate graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). CD4+ iTregs can effectively prevent GVHD but impair the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect, whereas CD8+ iTregs preserve the GVL effect but have limited efficacy in GVHD control because of their instability under inflammatory conditions. Thus, we aimed to stabilize CD8+ iTregs via treatment with vitamin C (Vit C) to improve their efficacy in controlling GVHD. We found that addition of Vit C significantly improved the stability of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression in CD8+ iTregs. Moreover, Vit C-treated CD8+ iTregs exhibited high efficacy in attenuating acute and chronic GVHD. The mechanistic study revealed that addition of Vit C to CD8+ iTreg culture markedly increased DNA demethylation in the conserved noncoding sequence 2 region and, hence, maintained higher Foxp3 expression levels compared with untreated controls. In acute GVHD, Vit C-treated CD8+ iTregs were able to inhibit pathogenic T-cell expansion and differentiation while reducing thymus damage and B-cell activation in cGVHD. Importantly, in contrast to CD4+ iTregs, Vit C-treated CD8+ iTregs retained the ability to control tumor relapse. These results provide a strong rationale to use Vit C in the clinic to stabilize CD8+ iTregs for the control of GVHD and preservation of GVL after allo-HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linlu Tian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | | | - Yongxia Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | | | | | - Xue-Zhong Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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30
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Scheinecker C, Göschl L, Bonelli M. Treg cells in health and autoimmune diseases: New insights from single cell analysis. J Autoimmun 2019; 110:102376. [PMID: 31862128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are characterized by the breakdown of immunological tolerance. Defects of regulatory T cells have been described among the various mechanisms, that are important for the development of autoimmune diseases, due to their critical role as regulators of peripheral immune tolerance and homeostasis. Initially T suppressor cells have been described as one population of peripheral T cells. Based on new technological advances a new understanding of the heterogeneity of different Treg cell populations in the lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissue has evolved over the last years. While initially Foxp3 has been defined as the main master regulator of Treg cells, we have learned that Treg cells from various tissue can be identified by a specific transcriptomic and epigenetic signature. Epigenetic mechanisms allow Treg cell stability, but we have also learned that certain Treg subsets are plastic and can under specific circumstances even enhance autoimmunity and inflammatory processes. Quantitative and functional defects of Treg cells have been observed in a variety of autoimmune diseases. Due to our understanding of the nature of this cell population, Treg cells have been a target of new Treg based therapies, such as low-dose IL-2. In addition, ongoing clinical trials aim to test safety and efficacy of transferred, in vitro expanded Treg cells in patients with autoimmune diseases and transplant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Scheinecker
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Lisa Göschl
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michael Bonelli
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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31
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Karl M, Sommer C, Gabriel CH, Hecklau K, Venzke M, Hennig AF, Radbruch A, Selbach M, Baumgrass R. Recruitment of Histone Methyltransferase Ehmt1 to Foxp3 TSDR Counteracts Differentiation of Induced Regulatory T Cells. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:3606-3625. [PMID: 31362003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation toward CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells is essentially dependent on an epigenetic program at Treg signature genes, which involves remodeling of the Treg-specific demethylated regions (TSDRs). In particular, the epigenetic status of the conserved non-coding sequence 2 of Foxp3 (Foxp3 TSDR) determines expression stability of the master transcription factor and thus Treg lineage identity. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling the epigenetic remodeling at TSDRs in Treg and conventional T cells are largely unknown. Using a combined approach of DNA pull-down and mass spectrometric analysis, we report a novel regulatory mechanism in which transcription factor Wiz recruits the histone methyltransferase Ehmt1 to Foxp3 TSDR. We show that both Wiz and Ehmt1 are crucial for shaping the region with the repressive histone modification H3K9me2 in conventional T cells. Consistently, knocking out either Ehmt1 or Wiz by CRISPR/Cas resulted in the loss of H3K9me2 and enhanced Foxp3 expression during iTreg differentiation. Moreover, the essential role of the Wiz-Ehmt1 interaction as observed at several TSDRs indicates a global function of Ehmt1 in the Treg differentiation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Karl
- Signal Transduction, German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), A Leibniz Institute, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Sommer
- Proteome Dynamics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian H Gabriel
- Signal Transduction, German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), A Leibniz Institute, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Hecklau
- Signal Transduction, German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), A Leibniz Institute, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie Venzke
- Signal Transduction, German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), A Leibniz Institute, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Floriane Hennig
- Signal Transduction, German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), A Leibniz Institute, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Radbruch
- Cell Biology, German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), A Leibniz Institute, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Charité-University Medicine, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Selbach
- Proteome Dynamics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ria Baumgrass
- Signal Transduction, German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), A Leibniz Institute, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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32
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Tenspolde M, Zimmermann K, Weber LC, Hapke M, Lieber M, Dywicki J, Frenzel A, Hust M, Galla M, Buitrago-Molina LE, Manns MP, Jaeckel E, Hardtke-Wolenski M. Regulatory T cells engineered with a novel insulin-specific chimeric antigen receptor as a candidate immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes. J Autoimmun 2019; 103:102289. [PMID: 31176558 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy with ex vivo expanded, polyspecific regulatory T cells (Tregs) is a promising treatment for graft-versus-host disease. Animal transplantation models used by us and others have demonstrated that the adoptive transfer of allospecific Tregs offers greater protection from graft rejection than that of polyclonal Tregs. This finding is in contrast to those of autoimmune models, where adoptive transfer of polyspecific Tregs had very limited effects, while antigen-specific Tregs were promising. However, antigen-specific Tregs in autoimmunity cannot be isolated in sufficient numbers. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can modify T cells and redirect their specificity toward needed antigens and are currently clinically used in leukemia patients. A major benefit of CAR technology is its "off-the-shelf" usability in a translational setting in contrast to major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted T cell receptors. We used CAR technology to redirect T cell specificity toward insulin and redirect T effector cells (Teffs) to Tregs by Foxp3 transduction. Our data demonstrate that our converted, insulin-specific CAR Tregs (cTregs) were functional stable, suppressive and long-lived in vivo. This is a proof of concept for both redirection of T cell specificity and conversion of Teffs to cTregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Tenspolde
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharina Zimmermann
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Leonie C Weber
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Hapke
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maren Lieber
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Janine Dywicki
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andre Frenzel
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik, Abteilung Biotechnologie, Braunschweig, Germany; YUMAB GmbH, Science Campus Braunschweig-Süd, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Hust
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik, Abteilung Biotechnologie, Braunschweig, Germany; YUMAB GmbH, Science Campus Braunschweig-Süd, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Haematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura E Buitrago-Molina
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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33
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Mohr A, Atif M, Balderas R, Gorochov G, Miyara M. The role of FOXP3 + regulatory T cells in human autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 197:24-35. [PMID: 30830965 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg ) expressing the forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) transcription factor (Tregs ) are instrumental for the prevention of autoimmune diseases. There is increasing evidence that the human T regulatory population is highly heterogeneous in phenotype and function. Numerous studies conducted in human autoimmune diseases have shown that Treg cells are impaired either in their suppressive function, in number, or both. However, the contribution of the FOXP3+ Treg subpopulations to the development of autoimmunity has not been delineated in detail. Rare genetic disorders that involve deficits in Treg function can be studied to develop a global idea of the impact of partial or complete deficiency in a specific molecular mechanism involved in Treg function. In patients with reduced Treg numbers (but no functional deficiency), the expansion of autologous Treg cells could be a suitable therapeutic approach: either infusion of in-vitro autologous expanded cells, infusion of interleukin (IL)-2/anti-IL-2 complex, or both. Treg biology-based therapies may not be suitable in patients with deficits of Treg function, unless their deficit can be corrected in vivo/in vitro. Finally, it is critical to consider the appropriate stage of autoimmune diseases at which administration of Treg cellular therapy can be most effective. We discuss conflicting data regarding whether Treg cells are more effectual at preventing the initiation of autoimmunity, ameliorating disease progression or curing autoimmunity itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mohr
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre d'immunologie et des maladies infectieuses, Paris (Cimi-Paris), Paris, France
| | - M Atif
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre d'immunologie et des maladies infectieuses, Paris (Cimi-Paris), Paris, France
| | | | - G Gorochov
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre d'immunologie et des maladies infectieuses, Paris (Cimi-Paris), Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre d'immunologie et des maladies infectieuses, Paris, France (Cimi-Paris), AP-HP Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - M Miyara
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre d'immunologie et des maladies infectieuses, Paris (Cimi-Paris), Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre d'immunologie et des maladies infectieuses, Paris, France (Cimi-Paris), AP-HP Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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34
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Vitamin C and immune cell function in inflammation and cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1147-1159. [PMID: 30301842 PMCID: PMC6195639 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C (ascorbate) is maintained at high levels in most immune cells and can affect many aspects of the immune response. Intracellular levels generally respond to variations in plasma ascorbate availability, and a combination of inadequate intake and increased turnover during severe stress can result in low plasma ascorbate status. Intracellular ascorbate supports essential functions and, in particular, acts as an enzyme cofactor for Fe- or Cu-containing oxygenases. Newly discovered enzymes in this family regulate cell metabolism and epigenetics, and dysregulation of their activity can affect cell phenotype, growth and survival pathways, and stem cell phenotype. This brief overview details some of the recent advances in our understanding of how ascorbate availability can affect the hydroxylases controlling the hypoxic response and the DNA and histone demethylases. These processes play important roles in the regulation of the immune system, altering cell survival pathways, metabolism and functions.
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35
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Abstract
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid (AA) is implicated in many biological processes and has been proposed as a supplement for various conditions, including cancer. In this review, we discuss the effects of AA on the development and function of lymphocytes. This is important in the light of cancer treatment, as the immune system needs to regenerate following chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation, while cancer patients are often AA-deficient. We focus on lymphocytes, as these white blood cells are the slowest to restore, rendering patients susceptible to often lethal infections. T lymphocytes mediate cellular immunity and have been most extensively studied in the context of AA biology. In vitro studies demonstrate that T cell development requires AA, while AA also enhances T cell proliferation and may influence T cell function. There are limited and opposing data on the effects of AA on B lymphocytes that mediate humoral immunity. However, AA enhances the proliferation of NK cells, a group of cytotoxic innate lymphocytes. The influence of AA on natural killer (NK) cell function is less clear. In summary, an increasing body of evidence indicates that AA positively influences lymphocyte development and function. Since AA is a safe and cheap nutritional supplement, it is worthwhile to further explore its potential benefits for immune reconstitution of cancer patients treated with immunotoxic drugs.
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36
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Oyarce K, Campos-Mora M, Gajardo-Carrasco T, Pino-Lagos K. Vitamin C Fosters the In Vivo Differentiation of Peripheral CD4 + Foxp3 - T Cells into CD4 + Foxp3 + Regulatory T Cells but Impairs Their Ability to Prolong Skin Allograft Survival. Front Immunol 2018; 9:112. [PMID: 29479348 PMCID: PMC5811461 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical players of immunological tolerance due to their ability to suppress effector T cell function thereby preventing transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases. During allograft transplantation, increases of both Treg expansion and generation, as well as their stable function, are needed to ensure allograft acceptance; thus, efforts have been made to discover new molecules that enhance Treg-mediated tolerance and to uncover their mechanisms. Recently, vitamin C (VitC), known to regulate T cell maturation and dendritic cell-mediated T cell polarization, has gained attention as a relevant epigenetic remodeler able to enhance and stabilize the expression of the Treg master regulator gene Foxp3, positively affecting the generation of induced Tregs (iTregs). In this study, we measured VitC transporter (SVCT2) expression in different immune cell populations, finding Tregs as one of the cell subset with the highest levels of SVCT2 expression. Unexpectedly, we found that VitC treatment reduces the ability of natural Tregs to suppress effector T cell proliferation in vitro, while having an enhancer effect on TGFβ-induced Foxp3+ Tregs. On the other hand, VitC increases iTregs generation in vitro and in vivo, however, no allograft tolerance was achieved in animals orally treated with VitC. Lastly, Tregs isolated from the draining lymph nodes of VitC-treated and transplanted mice also showed impaired suppression capacity ex vivo. Our results indicate that VitC promotes the generation and expansion of Tregs, without exhibiting CD4+ T cell-mediated allograft tolerance. These observations highlight the relevance of the nutritional status of patients when immune regulation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Oyarce
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Campos-Mora
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tania Gajardo-Carrasco
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karina Pino-Lagos
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
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37
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Wilkinson DS, Ghosh D, Nickle RA, Moorman CD, Mannie MD. Partial CD25 Antagonism Enables Dominance of Antigen-Inducible CD25 high FOXP3 + Regulatory T Cells As a Basis for a Regulatory T Cell-Based Adoptive Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1782. [PMID: 29312311 PMCID: PMC5735073 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a promising platform for effective adoptive immunotherapy of chronic inflammatory disease, including autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Successful Treg immunotherapy however requires new technologies to enable long-term expansion of stable, antigen-specific FOXP3+ Tregs in cell culture. Antigen-specific activation of naïve T cells in the presence of TGF-β elicits the initial differentiation of the FOXP3+ lineage, but these Treg lines lack phenotypic stability and rapidly transition to a conventional T cell (Tcon) phenotype during in vitro propagation. Because Tregs and Tcons differentially express CD25, we hypothesized that anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) would only partially block IL-2 signaling in CD25high FOXP3+ Tregs while completely blocking IL-2 responses of CD25low-intermediate Tcons to enable preferential outgrowth of Tregs during in vitro propagation. Indeed, murine TGF-β-induced MOG-specific Treg lines from 2D2 transgenic mice that were maintained in IL-2 with the anti-CD25 PC61 mAb rapidly acquired and indefinitely maintained a FOXP3high phenotype during long-term in vitro propagation (>90% FOXP3+ Tregs), whereas parallel cultures lacking PC61 rapidly lost FOXP3. These results pertained to TGF-β-inducible "iTregs" because Tregs from 2D2-FIG Rag1-/- mice, which lack thymic or natural Tregs, were stabilized by continuous culture in IL-2 and PC61. MOG-specific and polyclonal Tregs upregulated the Treg-associated markers Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and Helios (IKZF2). Just as PC61 stabilized FOXP3+ Tregs during expansion in IL-2, TGF-β fully stabilized FOXP3+ Tregs during cellular activation in the presence of dendritic cells and antigen/mitogen. Adoptive transfer of blastogenic CD25high FOXP3+ Tregs from MOG35-55-specific 2D2 TCR transgenic mice suppressed experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in pretreatment and therapeutic protocols. In conclusion, low IL-2 concentrations coupled with high PC61 concentrations constrained IL-2 signaling to a low-intensity range that enabled dominant stable outgrowth of suppressive CD25high FOXP3+ Tregs. The ability to indefinitely expand stable Treg lines will provide insight into FOXP3+ Treg physiology and will be foundational for Treg-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Wilkinson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Debjani Ghosh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Rebecca A Nickle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Cody D Moorman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Mark D Mannie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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Abstract
Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient for humans, with pleiotropic functions related to its ability to donate electrons. It is a potent antioxidant and a cofactor for a family of biosynthetic and gene regulatory enzymes. Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C supports epithelial barrier function against pathogens and promotes the oxidant scavenging activity of the skin, thereby potentially protecting against environmental oxidative stress. Vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells, such as neutrophils, and can enhance chemotaxis, phagocytosis, generation of reactive oxygen species, and ultimately microbial killing. It is also needed for apoptosis and clearance of the spent neutrophils from sites of infection by macrophages, thereby decreasing necrosis/NETosis and potential tissue damage. The role of vitamin C in lymphocytes is less clear, but it has been shown to enhance differentiation and proliferation of B- and T-cells, likely due to its gene regulating effects. Vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infections. In turn, infections significantly impact on vitamin C levels due to enhanced inflammation and metabolic requirements. Furthermore, supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections. Prophylactic prevention of infection requires dietary vitamin C intakes that provide at least adequate, if not saturating plasma levels (i.e., 100–200 mg/day), which optimize cell and tissue levels. In contrast, treatment of established infections requires significantly higher (gram) doses of the vitamin to compensate for the increased inflammatory response and metabolic demand.
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