1
|
Wilkerson JL, Tatum SM, Holland WL, Summers SA. Ceramides are fuel gauges on the drive to cardiometabolic disease. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:1061-1119. [PMID: 38300524 PMCID: PMC11381030 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00008.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ceramides are signals of fatty acid excess that accumulate when a cell's energetic needs have been met and its nutrient storage has reached capacity. As these sphingolipids accrue, they alter the metabolism and survival of cells throughout the body including in the heart, liver, blood vessels, skeletal muscle, brain, and kidney. These ceramide actions elicit the tissue dysfunction that underlies cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, metabolic-associated steatohepatitis, and heart failure. Here, we review the biosynthesis and degradation pathways that maintain ceramide levels in normal physiology and discuss how the loss of ceramide homeostasis drives cardiometabolic pathologies. We highlight signaling nodes that sense small changes in ceramides and in turn reprogram cellular metabolism and stimulate apoptosis. Finally, we evaluate the emerging therapeutic utility of these unique lipids as biomarkers that forecast disease risk and as targets of ceramide-lowering interventions that ameliorate disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Wilkerson
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Sean M Tatum
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - William L Holland
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Scott A Summers
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee M, Lee SY, Bae YS. Functional roles of sphingolipids in immunity and their implication in disease. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1110-1130. [PMID: 37258585 PMCID: PMC10318102 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids, which are components of cellular membranes and organ tissues, can be synthesized or degraded to modulate cellular responses according to environmental cues, and the balance among the different sphingolipids is important for directing immune responses, regardless of whether they originate, as intra- or extracellular immune events. Recent progress in multiomics-based analyses and methodological approaches has revealed that human health and diseases are closely related to the homeostasis of sphingolipid metabolism, and disease-specific alterations in sphingolipids and related enzymes can be prognostic markers of human disease progression. Accumulating human clinical data from genome-wide association studies and preclinical data from disease models provide support for the notion that sphingolipids are the missing pieces that supplement our understanding of immune responses and diseases in which the functions of the involved proteins and nucleotides have been established. In this review, we analyze sphingolipid-related enzymes and reported human diseases to understand the important roles of sphingolipid metabolism. We discuss the defects and alterations in sphingolipid metabolism in human disease, along with functional roles in immune cells. We also introduce several methodological approaches and provide summaries of research on sphingolipid modulators in this review that should be helpful in studying the roles of sphingolipids in preclinical studies for the investigation of experimental and molecular medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea
| | - Suh Yeon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoe-Sik Bae
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Günther A, Hose M, Abberger H, Schumacher F, Veith Y, Kleuser B, Matuschewski K, Lang KS, Gulbins E, Buer J, Westendorf A, Hansen W. The acid ceramidase/ceramide axis controls parasitemia in Plasmodium yoelii-infected mice by regulating erythropoiesis. eLife 2022; 11:77975. [PMID: 36094170 PMCID: PMC9499531 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid ceramidase (Ac) is part of the sphingolipid metabolism and responsible for the degradation of ceramide. As bioactive molecule, ceramide is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes. However, the impact of cell-intrinsic Ac activity and ceramide on the course of Plasmodium infection remains elusive. Here, we use Ac-deficient mice with ubiquitously increased ceramide levels to elucidate the role of endogenous Ac activity in a murine malaria model. Interestingly, ablation of Ac leads to alleviated parasitemia associated with decreased T cell responses in the early phase of Plasmodium yoelii infection. Mechanistically, we identified dysregulated erythropoiesis with reduced numbers of reticulocytes, the preferred host cells of P. yoelii, in Ac-deficient mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate that administration of the Ac inhibitor carmofur to wildtype mice has similar effects on P. yoelii infection and erythropoiesis. Notably, therapeutic carmofur treatment after manifestation of P. yoelii infection is efficient in reducing parasitemia. Hence, our results provide evidence for the involvement of Ac and ceramide in controlling P. yoelii infection by regulating red blood cell development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Günther
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Hose
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hanna Abberger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Ylva Veith
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai Matuschewski
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Erich Gulbins
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Buer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Astrid Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hansen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hose M, Günther A, Naser E, Schumacher F, Schönberger T, Falkenstein J, Papadamakis A, Kleuser B, Becker KA, Gulbins E, Haimovitz-Friedman A, Buer J, Westendorf AM, Hansen W. Cell-intrinsic ceramides determine T cell function during melanoma progression. eLife 2022; 11:83073. [PMID: 36426850 PMCID: PMC9699697 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid sphingomyelinase (Asm) and acid ceramidase (Ac) are parts of the sphingolipid metabolism. Asm hydrolyzes sphingomyelin to ceramide, which is further metabolized to sphingosine by Ac. Ceramide generates ceramide-enriched platforms that are involved in receptor clustering within cellular membranes. However, the impact of cell-intrinsic ceramide on T cell function is not well characterized. By using T cell-specific Asm- or Ac-deficient mice, with reduced or elevated ceramide levels in T cells, we identified ceramide to play a crucial role in T cell function in vitro and in vivo. T cell-specific ablation of Asm in Smpd1fl/fl/Cd4cre/+ (Asm/CD4cre) mice resulted in enhanced tumor progression associated with impaired T cell responses, whereas Asah1fl/fl/Cd4cre/+ (Ac/CD4cre) mice showed reduced tumor growth rates and elevated T cell activation compared to the respective controls upon tumor transplantation. Further in vitro analysis revealed that decreased ceramide content supports CD4+ regulatory T cell differentiation and interferes with cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells. In contrast, elevated ceramide concentration in CD8+ T cells from Ac/CD4cre mice was associated with enhanced cytotoxic activity. Strikingly, ceramide co-localized with the T cell receptor (TCR) and CD3 in the membrane of stimulated T cells and phosphorylation of TCR signaling molecules was elevated in Ac-deficient T cells. Hence, our results indicate that modulation of ceramide levels, by interfering with the Asm or Ac activity has an effect on T cell differentiation and function and might therefore represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of T cell-dependent diseases such as tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hose
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| | - Anne Günther
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| | - Eyad Naser
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| | | | - Tina Schönberger
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| | - Julia Falkenstein
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| | - Athanasios Papadamakis
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| | | | - Katrin Anne Becker
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| | | | - Jan Buer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| | - Astrid M Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| | - Wiebke Hansen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency: A Clinical and Immunological Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312870. [PMID: 34884674 PMCID: PMC8657623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient activity of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) enzyme, leading to the accumulation of varying degrees of sphingomyelin. Lipid storage leads to foam cell infiltration in tissues, and clinical features including hepatosplenomegaly, pulmonary insufficiency and in some cases central nervous system involvement. ASM enzyme replacement therapy is currently in clinical trial being the first treatment addressing the underlying pathology of the disease. Therefore, presently, it is critical to better comprehend ASMD to improve its diagnose and monitoring. Lung disease, including recurrent pulmonary infections, are common in ASMD patients. Along with lung disease, several immune system alterations have been described both in patients and in ASMD animal models, thus highlighting the role of ASM enzyme in the immune system. In this review, we summarized the pivotal roles of ASM in several immune system cells namely on macrophages, Natural Killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, B cells and T cells. In addition, an overview of diagnose, monitoring and treatment of ASMD is provided highlighting the new enzyme replacement therapy available.
Collapse
|
6
|
Lee H, Choi SQ. Sphingomyelinase-Mediated Multitimescale Clustering of Ganglioside GM1 in Heterogeneous Lipid Membranes. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2101766. [PMID: 34473415 PMCID: PMC8529493 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Several signaling processes in the plasma membrane are intensified by ceramides that are formed by sphingomyelinase-mediated hydrolysis of sphingomyelin. These ceramides trigger clustering of signaling-related biomolecules, but how they concentrate such biomolecules remains unclear. Here, the spatiotemporal localization of ganglioside GM1, a glycolipid receptor involved in signaling, during sphingomyelinase-mediated hydrolysis is described. Real-time visualization of the dynamic remodeling of the heterogeneous lipid membrane that occurs due to sphingomyelinase action is used to examine GM1 clustering, and unexpectedly, it is found that it is more complex than previously thought. Specifically, lipid membranes generate two distinct types of condensed GM1: 1) rapidly formed but short-lived GM1 clusters that are formed in ceramide-rich domains nucleated from the liquid-disordered phase; and 2) late-onset yet long-lasting, high-density GM1 clusters that are formed in the liquid-ordered phase. These findings suggest that multiple pathways exist in a plasma membrane to synergistically facilitate the rapid amplification and persistence of signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun‐Ro Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)Daejeon34141Republic of Korea
| | - Siyoung Q. Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)Daejeon34141Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for the NanoCenturyKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)Daejeon34141Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rhein C, Zoicas I, Marx LM, Zeitler S, Hepp T, von Zimmermann C, Mühle C, Richter-Schmidinger T, Lenz B, Erim Y, Reichel M, Gulbins E, Kornhuber J. mRNA Expression of SMPD1 Encoding Acid Sphingomyelinase Decreases upon Antidepressant Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115700. [PMID: 34071826 PMCID: PMC8198802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe psychiatric condition with key symptoms of low mood and lack of motivation, joy, and pleasure. Recently, the acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)/ceramide system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of MDD. ASM is a lysosomal glycoprotein that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin, an abundant component of membranes, into the bioactive sphingolipid ceramide, which impacts signaling pathways. ASM activity is inhibited by several common antidepressant drugs. Human and murine studies have confirmed that increased ASM activity and ceramide levels are correlated with MDD. To define a molecular marker for treatment monitoring, we investigated the mRNA expression of SMPD1, which encodes ASM, in primary cell culture models, a mouse study, and a human study with untreated MDD patients before and after antidepressive treatment. Our cell culture study showed that a common antidepressant inhibited ASM activity at the enzymatic level and also at the transcriptional level. In a genetically modified mouse line with depressive-like behavior, Smpd1 mRNA expression in dorsal hippocampal tissue was significantly decreased after treatment with a common antidepressant. The large human study showed that SMPD1 mRNA expression in untreated MDD patients decreased significantly after antidepressive treatment. This translational study shows that SMPD1 mRNA expression could serve as a molecular marker for treatment and adherence monitoring of MDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cosima Rhein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (I.Z.); (L.M.M.); (S.Z.); (C.v.Z.); (C.M.); (T.R.-S.); (B.L.); (M.R.); (J.K.)
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (T.H.); (Y.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-44542
| | - Iulia Zoicas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (I.Z.); (L.M.M.); (S.Z.); (C.v.Z.); (C.M.); (T.R.-S.); (B.L.); (M.R.); (J.K.)
| | - Lena M. Marx
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (I.Z.); (L.M.M.); (S.Z.); (C.v.Z.); (C.M.); (T.R.-S.); (B.L.); (M.R.); (J.K.)
| | - Stefanie Zeitler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (I.Z.); (L.M.M.); (S.Z.); (C.v.Z.); (C.M.); (T.R.-S.); (B.L.); (M.R.); (J.K.)
| | - Tobias Hepp
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (T.H.); (Y.E.)
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claudia von Zimmermann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (I.Z.); (L.M.M.); (S.Z.); (C.v.Z.); (C.M.); (T.R.-S.); (B.L.); (M.R.); (J.K.)
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (I.Z.); (L.M.M.); (S.Z.); (C.v.Z.); (C.M.); (T.R.-S.); (B.L.); (M.R.); (J.K.)
| | - Tanja Richter-Schmidinger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (I.Z.); (L.M.M.); (S.Z.); (C.v.Z.); (C.M.); (T.R.-S.); (B.L.); (M.R.); (J.K.)
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (I.Z.); (L.M.M.); (S.Z.); (C.v.Z.); (C.M.); (T.R.-S.); (B.L.); (M.R.); (J.K.)
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, D-68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yesim Erim
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (T.H.); (Y.E.)
| | - Martin Reichel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (I.Z.); (L.M.M.); (S.Z.); (C.v.Z.); (C.M.); (T.R.-S.); (B.L.); (M.R.); (J.K.)
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (I.Z.); (L.M.M.); (S.Z.); (C.v.Z.); (C.M.); (T.R.-S.); (B.L.); (M.R.); (J.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aerts JMFG, Artola M, van Eijk M, Ferraz MJ, Boot RG. Glycosphingolipids and Infection. Potential New Therapeutic Avenues. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:324. [PMID: 31867330 PMCID: PMC6908816 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs), the main topic of this review, are a subclass of sphingolipids. With their glycans exposed to the extracellular space, glycosphingolipids are ubiquitous components of the plasma membrane of cells. GSLs are implicated in a variety of biological processes including specific infections. Several pathogens use GSLs at the surface of host cells as binding receptors. In addition, lipid-rafts in the plasma membrane of host cells may act as platform for signaling the presence of pathogens. Relatively common in man are inherited deficiencies in lysosomal glycosidases involved in the turnover of GSLs. The associated storage disorders (glycosphingolipidoses) show lysosomal accumulation of substrate(s) of the deficient enzyme. In recent years compounds have been identified that allow modulation of GSLs levels in cells. Some of these agents are well tolerated and already used to treat lysosomal glycosphingolipidoses. This review summarizes present knowledge on the role of GSLs in infection and subsequent immune response. It concludes with the thought to apply glycosphingolipid-lowering agents to prevent and/or combat infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - M Artola
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - M van Eijk
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - M J Ferraz
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - R G Boot
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hollmann C, Wiese T, Dennstädt F, Fink J, Schneider-Schaulies J, Beyersdorf N. Translational Approaches Targeting Ceramide Generation From Sphingomyelin in T Cells to Modulate Immunity in Humans. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2363. [PMID: 31681273 PMCID: PMC6798155 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In T cells, as in all other cells of the body, sphingolipids form important structural components of membranes. Due to metabolic modifications, sphingolipids additionally play an active part in the signaling of cell surface receptors of T cells like the T cell receptor or the co-stimulatory molecule CD28. Moreover, the sphingolipid composition of their membranes crucially affects the integrity and function of subcellular compartments such as the lysosome. Previously, studying sphingolipid metabolism has been severely hampered by the limited number of analytical methods/model systems available. Besides well-established high resolution mass spectrometry new tools are now available like novel minimally modified sphingolipid subspecies for click chemistry as well as recently generated mouse mutants with deficiencies/overexpression of sphingolipid-modifying enzymes. Making use of these tools we and others discovered that the sphingolipid sphingomyelin is metabolized to ceramide to different degrees in distinct T cell subpopulations of mice and humans. This knowledge has already been translated into novel immunomodulatory approaches in mice and will in the future hopefully also be applicable to humans. In this paper we are, thus, summarizing the most recent findings on the impact of sphingolipid metabolism on T cell activation, differentiation, and effector functions. Moreover, we are discussing the therapeutic concepts arising from these insights and drugs or drug candidates which are already in clinical use or could be developed for clinical use in patients with diseases as distant as major depression and chronic viral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Hollmann
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Teresa Wiese
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabio Dennstädt
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julian Fink
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Niklas Beyersdorf
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|