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Cortes-Mejia NA, Bejarano-Ramirez DF, Guerra-Londono JJ, Trivino-Alvarez DR, Tabares-Mesa R, Vera-Torres A. Portal vein arterialization in 25 liver transplant recipients: A Latin American single-center experience. World J Transplant 2024; 14:92528. [DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v14.i2.92528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portal vein arterialization (PVA) has been used in liver transplantation (LT) to maximize oxygen delivery when arterial circulation is compromised or has been used as an alternative reperfusion technique for complex portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The effect of PVA on portal perfusion and primary graft dysfunction (PGD) has not been assessed.
AIM To examine the outcomes of patients who required PVA in correlation with their LT procedure.
METHODS All patients receiving PVA and LT at the Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota between 2011 and 2022 were analyzed. To account for the time-sensitive effects of graft perfusion, patients were classified into two groups: prereperfusion (pre-PVA), if the arterioportal anastomosis was performed before graft revascularization, and postreperfusion (post-PVA), if PVA was performed afterward. The pre-PVA rationale contemplated poor portal hemodynamics, severe vascular steal, or PVT. Post-PVA was considered if graft hypoperfusion became evident. Conservative interventions were attempted before PVA.
RESULTS A total of 25 cases were identified: 15 before and 10 after graft reperfusion. Pre-PVA patients were more affected by diabetes, decompensated cirrhosis, impaired portal vein (PV) hemodynamics, and PVT. PGD was less common after pre-PVA (20.0% vs 60.0%) (P = 0.041). Those who developed PGD had a smaller increase in PV velocity (25.00 cm/s vs 73.42 cm/s) (P = 0.036) and flow (1.31 L/min vs 3.34 L/min) (P = 0.136) after arterialization. Nine patients required PVA closure (median time: 62 d). Pre-PVA and non-PGD cases had better survival rates than their counterparts (56.09 months vs 22.77 months and 54.15 months vs 31.91 months, respectively).
CONCLUSION This is the largest report presenting PVA in LT. Results suggest that pre-PVA provides better graft perfusion than post-PVA. Graft hyperperfusion could play a protective role against PGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Andres Cortes-Mejia
- Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
- Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota, Bogota 110111, Colombia
| | | | - Juan Jose Guerra-Londono
- Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | | | - Raquel Tabares-Mesa
- General Surgery Department, Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota, Bogota 110111, Colombia
| | - Alonso Vera-Torres
- Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota, Bogota 110111, Colombia
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2
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Zhang JM, Huang H, Li XQ, Li SP, Zhou LX, Song SY, Zhu ZJ. FLT3 + DC inhibits immune rejection via interaction with Treg in liver transplantation. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 137:112289. [PMID: 38889505 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) primarily expressed in hematopoietic stem cells and dendritic cells (DCs). While FLT3 plays a critical role in the proliferation, development and maintenance of DCs, thus influencing immune responses under both normal and pathological conditions, there also exists some evidence that FLT3+DC may be involved with immune responses in liver transplantation (LT). In this study, results from single-cell sequencing data analysis revealed a clear relationship between FLT3+DCs and Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in liver tissue of LT recipients. In peripheral blood samples of LT patients, levels of FLT3+DCs were decreased post-LT-surgery, while Tregs were increased. In a LT mouse model, levels of FLT3+DCs in the liver and bone marrow exhibited an initial time-dependent decrease followed by an increase after LT surgery. Results as obtained with co-culture experiments using mature BMDCs and CD4+ T cells revealed fluctuations in Tregs in response to FLT3 inhibitors and the FLT3 ligand. These findings suggest that FLT3+DCs could emerge as a novel target for mitigating immune rejection in LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ming Zhang
- Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Qiang Li
- Organ Transplantation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shi-Peng Li
- Department of Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Liu-Xin Zhou
- Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | | | - Zhi-Jun Zhu
- Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China.
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3
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Assimakopoulos SF, Bhagani S, Aggeletopoulou I, Tsounis EP, Tsochatzis EA. The role of gut barrier dysfunction in postoperative complications in liver transplantation: pathophysiological and therapeutic considerations. Infection 2024; 52:723-736. [PMID: 38324146 PMCID: PMC11143052 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02182-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gut barrier dysfunction is a pivotal pathophysiological alteration in cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, which is further aggravated during and after the operational procedures for liver transplantation (LT). In this review, we analyze the multifactorial disruption of all major levels of defense of the gut barrier (biological, mechanical, and immunological) and correlate with clinical implications. METHODS A narrative review of the literature was performed using PubMed, PubMed Central and Google from inception until November 29th, 2023. RESULTS Systemic translocation of indigenous bacteria through this dysfunctional barrier contributes to the early post-LT infectious complications, while endotoxin translocation, through activation of the systemic inflammatory response, is implicated in non-infectious complications including renal dysfunction and graft rejection. Bacterial infections are the main cause of early in-hospital mortality of LT patients and unraveling the pathophysiology of gut barrier failure is of outmost importance. CONCLUSION A pathophysiology-based approach to prophylactic or therapeutic interventions may lead to enhancement of gut barrier function eliminating its detrimental consequences and leading to better outcomes for LT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelios F Assimakopoulos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, Rion, 26504, Patras, Greece.
| | - Sanjay Bhagani
- Department of Infectious Diseases/HIV Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ioanna Aggeletopoulou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Efthymios P Tsounis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and UCL, London, UK
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4
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Chen J, Wu L, Li Y. FGL1 and FGL2: emerging regulators of liver health and disease. Biomark Res 2024; 12:53. [PMID: 38816776 PMCID: PMC11141035 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00601-0] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver disease is a complex group of diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates, emerging as a major global health concern. Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of fibrinogen-like proteins, specifically fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) and fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2), in the regulation of various liver diseases. FGL1 plays a crucial role in promoting hepatocyte growth, regulating lipid metabolism, and influencing the tumor microenvironment (TME), contributing significantly to liver repair, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and liver cancer. On the other hand, FGL2 is a multifunctional protein known for its role in modulating prothrombin activity and inducing immune tolerance, impacting viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver transplantation. Understanding the functions and mechanisms of fibrinogen-like proteins is essential for the development of effective therapeutic approaches for liver diseases. Additionally, FGL1 has demonstrated potential as a disease biomarker in radiation and drug-induced liver injury as well as HCC, while FGL2 shows promise as a biomarker in viral hepatitis and liver transplantation. The expression levels of these molecules offer exciting prospects for disease assessment. This review provides an overview of the structure and roles of FGL1 and FGL2 in different liver conditions, emphasizing the intricate molecular regulatory processes and advancements in targeted therapies. Furthermore, it explores the potential benefits and challenges of targeting FGL1 and FGL2 for liver disease treatment and the prospects of fibrinogen-like proteins as biomarkers for liver disease, offering insights for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongming Chen
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China.
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5
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Dong M, Lu L, Xu H, Ruan Z. DC-Derived CXCL10 Promotes CTL Activation to Suppress Ovarian Cancer. Transl Res 2024:S1931-5244(24)00112-9. [PMID: 38823437 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the role of dendritic cells (DCs), with a focus on their CXCL10 marker gene, in the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) within the ovarian cancer microenvironment and its impact on disease progression. Utilizing scRNA-seq data and immune infiltration analysis, we identified a diminished DC presence in ovarian cancer. Gene analysis pinpointed CXCL10 as a key regulator in OV progression via its influence on DCs and CTLs. Prognostic analysis and in vitro experiments substantiated this role. Our findings reveal that DC-derived CXCL10 significantly affects CTL activation and proliferation. Reduced CXCL10 levels hinder CTL cytotoxicity, promoting ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion. Experimental studies using animal models have provided further evidence that the capacity of CTLs to suppress tumor development is significantly diminished when treated with DCs that have low expression of CXCL10. Dendritic cell-derived CXCL10 emerges as a pivotal factor in restraining ovarian cancer growth and metastasis through the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This study sheds light on the crucial interplay within the ovarian cancer microenvironment, offering potential therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
| | - Lili Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
| | - Zhengyi Ruan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China.
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6
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Chichelnitskiy E, Goldschmidt I, Ruhl L, Rübsamen N, Jaeger VK, Karch A, Beushausen K, Keil J, Götz JK, D'Antiga L, Debray D, Hierro L, Kelly D, McLin V, Pawlowska J, Mikolajczyk RT, Bravi M, Klaudel-Dreszler M, Demir Z, Lloyd C, Korff S, Baumann U, Falk CS. Plasma immune signatures can predict rejection-free survival in the first year after pediatric liver transplantation. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00367-2. [PMID: 38821361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS After pediatric liver transplantation (pLT), children undergo life-long immunosuppression since reliable biomarkers for the assessment of rejection probability are scarce. In the multicentre (n=7) prospective clinical cohort "ChilSFree" study, we aimed to characterize longitudinal dynamics of soluble and cellular immune mediators during the first year after pLT and identify early biomarkers associated with outcome. METHODS Using paired Luminex-based multiplex technique and flow cytometry, we characterized longitudinal dynamics of soluble immune mediators (SIM, n=50) and immune cells in the blood of 244 patients at 8 visits over one year: before, 7/14/21/28 days, 3/6/12 months after pLT. RESULTS The unsupervised clustering of patients based on SIM profiles revealed 6 unique SIM signatures associated with clinical outcome. From 3 signatures linked to improved outcome, one was associated with one-year-long rejection-free survival and stable graft function and was characterized by low levels of pro-inflammatory (CXCL8/9/10/12, CCL7, SCGF-β, sICAM-1), high levels of regenerative (SCF, TNF-β), and pro-apoptotic (TRAIL) SIM (all, p<0.001, fold change >100). Of note, this SIM signature appeared two weeks after pLT and remained stable over the entire year, pointing towards its potential as a novel early biomarker for minimizing or weaning immunosuppression. In the blood of these patients, a higher frequency of CD56bright NK cells (p<0.01), a known hallmark also associated with operationally tolerant pLT patients, was detected. The concordance of the model for prediction of rejection based on identified SIM signatures was 0.715, and 0.795, in combination with living-related transplantation as co-variate, respectively. CONCLUSIONS SIM blood signatures may enable the non-invasive and early assessment of rejection risks in the first year after pLT, paving the way to improved therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Imeke Goldschmidt
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MHH, DE; European Pediatric Liver Transplantation Network
| | - Louisa Ruhl
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Germany (DE)
| | - Nicole Rübsamen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, DE
| | - Veronika K Jaeger
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, DE
| | - Andre Karch
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, DE
| | - Kerstin Beushausen
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Germany (DE)
| | - Jana Keil
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Germany (DE)
| | - Juliane K Götz
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MHH, DE
| | - Lorenzo D'Antiga
- Pediatric Department, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII Bergamo, Italy; European Pediatric Liver Transplantation Network; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Dominique Debray
- Pediatric liver unit, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France; European Pediatric Liver Transplantation Network
| | - Loreto Hierro
- Hospital Infantil Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain; European Pediatric Liver Transplantation Network
| | - Deirdre Kelly
- Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital, and University of Birmingham, UK; European Pediatric Liver Transplantation Network
| | - Valerie McLin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; European Pediatric Liver Transplantation Network
| | - Joanna Pawlowska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutritional Disorders, and Pediatrics, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafael T Mikolajczyk
- Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Halle, DE
| | - Michela Bravi
- Pediatric Department, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII Bergamo, Italy; European Pediatric Liver Transplantation Network
| | - Maja Klaudel-Dreszler
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutritional Disorders, and Pediatrics, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zeynep Demir
- Pediatric liver unit, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France; European Pediatric Liver Transplantation Network
| | - Carla Lloyd
- Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital, and University of Birmingham, UK; European Pediatric Liver Transplantation Network
| | - Simona Korff
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; European Pediatric Liver Transplantation Network
| | - Ulrich Baumann
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MHH, DE; European Pediatric Liver Transplantation Network
| | - Christine S Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Germany (DE); German Centre for Infection Research, TTU-IICH Hannover, DE.
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7
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Tabrizian P, Abdelrahim M, Schwartz M. Immunotherapy and transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2024; 80:822-825. [PMID: 38253289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as the primary treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have shown promise in the neoadjuvant setting prior to resection. Liver transplantation (LT) is the preferred treatment for unresectable early HCC or locally advanced disease post locoregional therapy, but the need for immunosuppression after LT conflicts with ICIs' immune augmenting effects. Neoadjuvant ICI may benefit select LT candidates, but challenges arise in understanding response indicators and managing post-LT risks. Reports of severe rejection after LT have raised concerns, though liver-specific factors may mitigate rejection risks, prompting exploration of pre-LT ICI usage. While focus has been on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, the optimal pre-LT ICI regimen remains uncertain, and trials must emphasize careful patient selection and management. Living donor LT is advantageous because ICIs can be withheld for a predefined washout period. In the post-LT setting, use of ICIs is generally avoided, though a few reports suggest that PD-L1 expression in the transplanted liver may be a safety biomarker and that, despite the risk, ICI therapy may be better than supportive care for patients with otherwise-untreatable HCC recurrence. This expert opinion highlights the complexities in the management of HCC vis-à-vis LT. Prospective studies and biomarkers are needed to define safe and effective pre- and post-LT immunotherapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parissa Tabrizian
- Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Maen Abdelrahim
- Medical Oncology, Houston Methodist Texas Medical Center, Texas, United States
| | - Myron Schwartz
- Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.
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8
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Poudel S, Gupta S, Saigal S. Basics and Art of Immunosuppression in Liver Transplantation. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101345. [PMID: 38450290 PMCID: PMC10912712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is one of the most challenging areas in the medical field. Despite that, it has already been established as a standard treatment option, especially in decompensated cirrhosis and selected cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and acute liver failure. Complications due to graft rejection, including mortality and morbidity, have greatly improved over time due to better immunosuppressive agents and management protocols. Currently, immunosuppression in liver transplant patients makes use of the best possible combinations of effective agents to achieve optimal immunosuppression for long-term graft survival. Induction agents are no longer used routinely, and the aim is to provide minimal immunosuppression in the maintenance phase. Currently available immunosuppressive agents are mainly classified as biological and pharmacological agents. Though the protocols may vary among the centers and over time, the basics of effective use usually remain similar. Most protocols use the combination of multiple agents with different mechanisms of action to reduce the dose and minimize the side effects. Along with the improvement in operative and perioperative techniques, this art of immunosuppression has contributed to the recent progress made in the outcomes of liver transplants. In this review, we will discuss the various types of immunosuppressive agents currently in use, the different protocols of immunosuppression used, and the art of optimal use for achieving maximum immunosuppression without increasing toxicity. We will also discuss the practical aspects of various immunosuppression regimens, including drug monitoring, and briefly discuss the concepts of immunosuppression minimization and withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekhar Poudel
- Fellow Transplant Hepatology, Centre for Liver and Biliary Sciences, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
| | - Subhash Gupta
- Liver Transplant and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Centre for Liver and Biliary Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjiv Saigal
- Principal Director and Head, Transplant Hepatology, Centre for Liver and Biliary Sciences, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
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9
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Lan X, Zhang J, Ren S, Wang H, Shao B, Qin Y, Qin H, Sun C, Zhu Y, Li G, Wang H. Oxymatrine combined with rapamycin to attenuate acute cardiac allograft rejection. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29448. [PMID: 38655317 PMCID: PMC11036008 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29448] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Solid organ transplantation remains a life-saving therapeutic option for patients with end-stage organ dysfunction. Acute cellular rejection (ACR), dominated by dendritic cells (DCs) and CD4+ T cells, is a major cause of post-transplant mortality. Inhibiting DC maturation and directing the differentiation of CD4+ T cells toward immunosuppression are keys to inhibiting ACR. We propose that oxymatrine (OMT), a quinolizidine alkaloid, either alone or in combination with rapamycin (RAPA), attenuates ACR by inhibiting the mTOR-HIF-1α pathway. Methods Graft damage was assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining. Intragraft CD11c+ and CD4+ cell infiltrations were detected using immunohistochemical staining. The proportions of mature DCs, T helper (Th) 1, Th17, and Treg cells in the spleen; donor-specific antibody (DSA) secretion in the serum; mTOR-HIF-1α expression in the grafts; and CD4+ cells and bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) were evaluated using flow cytometry. Results OMT, either alone or in combination with RAPA, significantly alleviated pathological damage; decreased CD4+ and CD11c+ cell infiltration in cardiac allografts; reduced the proportion of mature DCs, Th1 and Th17 cells; increased the proportion of Tregs in recipient spleens; downregulated DSA production; and inhibited mTOR and HIF-1α expression in the grafts. OMT suppresses mTOR and HIF-1α expression in BMDCs and CD4+ T cells in vitro. Conclusions Our study suggests that OMT-based therapy can significantly attenuate acute cardiac allograft rejection by inhibiting DC maturation and CD4+ T cell responses. This process may be related to the inhibition of the mTOR-HIF-1α signaling pathway by OMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Lan
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precise Vascular Reconstruction and Organ Function Repair, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Shaohua Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precise Vascular Reconstruction and Organ Function Repair, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Hongda Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precise Vascular Reconstruction and Organ Function Repair, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Bo Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precise Vascular Reconstruction and Organ Function Repair, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yafei Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precise Vascular Reconstruction and Organ Function Repair, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Hong Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precise Vascular Reconstruction and Organ Function Repair, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Chenglu Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precise Vascular Reconstruction and Organ Function Repair, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yanglin Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precise Vascular Reconstruction and Organ Function Repair, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Guangming Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precise Vascular Reconstruction and Organ Function Repair, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Precise Vascular Reconstruction and Organ Function Repair, Tianjin 300052, China
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10
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Sayaf K, Battistella S, Russo FP. NLRP3 Inflammasome in Acute and Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4537. [PMID: 38674122 PMCID: PMC11049922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) is an intracellular complex that upon external stimuli or contact with specific ligands, recruits other components, forming the NLRP3 inflammasome. The NLRP3 inflammasome mainly mediates pyroptosis, a highly inflammatory mode of regulated cell death, as well as IL-18 and IL-1β production. Acute and chronic liver diseases are characterized by a massive influx of pro-inflammatory stimuli enriched in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that promote the assemblage and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. As the major cause of inflammatory cytokine storm, the NLRP3 inflammasome exacerbates liver diseases, even though it might exert protective effects in regards to hepatitis C and B virus infection (HCV and HBV). Here, we summarize the current knowledge concerning NLRP3 inflammasome function in both acute and chronic liver disease and in the post liver transplant setting, focusing on the molecular mechanisms involved in NLRP3 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Sayaf
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (K.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Sara Battistella
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (K.S.); (S.B.)
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (K.S.); (S.B.)
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
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11
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Barbetta A, Rocque B, Bangerth S, Street K, Weaver C, Chopra S, Kim J, Sher L, Gaudilliere B, Akbari O, Kohli R, Emamaullee J. Spatially resolved immune exhaustion within the alloreactive microenvironment predicts liver transplant rejection. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm8841. [PMID: 38608023 PMCID: PMC11014454 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm8841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Allograft rejection is common following clinical organ transplantation, but defining specific immune subsets mediating alloimmunity has been elusive. Calcineurin inhibitor dose escalation, corticosteroids, and/or lymphocyte depleting antibodies have remained the primary options for treatment of clinical rejection episodes. Here, we developed a highly multiplexed imaging mass cytometry panel to study the immune response in archival biopsies from 79 liver transplant (LT) recipients with either no rejection (NR), acute T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), or chronic rejection (CR). This approach generated a spatially resolved proteomic atlas of 461,816 cells (42 phenotypes) derived from 96 pathologist-selected regions of interest. Our analysis revealed that regulatory (HLADR+ Treg) and PD1+ T cell phenotypes (CD4+ and CD8+ subsets), combined with variations in M2 macrophage polarization, were a unique signature of active TCMR. These data provide insights into the alloimmune microenvironment in clinical LT, including identification of potential targets for focused immunotherapy during rejection episodes and suggestion of a substantial role for immune exhaustion in TCMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Barbetta
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brittany Rocque
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Bangerth
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Street
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population and Public Health, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carly Weaver
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shefali Chopra
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Janet Kim
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Linda Sher
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brice Gaudilliere
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Omid Akbari
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rohit Kohli
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Juliet Emamaullee
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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12
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Chiang HJ, Chuang YH, Li CW, Lin CC, Eng HL, Chen CL, Cheng YF, Chou MC. Usefulness of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Evaluating Acute Cellular Rejection and Monitoring Treatment Response in Liver Transplant Recipients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:807. [PMID: 38667453 PMCID: PMC11049147 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14080807] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is a significant immune issue among recipients following liver transplantation. Although diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is widely used for diagnosing liver disease, it has not yet been utilized for monitoring ACR in patients after liver transplantation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of DWI in monitoring treatment response among recipients with ACR. This study enrolled 25 recipients with highly suspected ACR rejection, and all subjects underwent both biochemistry and DWI scans before and after treatment. A pathological biopsy was performed 4 to 24 h after the first MRI examination to confirm ACR and degree of rejection. All patients were followed up and underwent a repeated MRI scan when their liver function returned to the normal range. After data acquisition, the DWI data were post-processed to obtain the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Five regions of interest were identified on the liver parenchyma to measure the mean ADC values from each patient. Finally, the mean ADC values and biochemical markers were statistically compared between ACR and non-ACR groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the performance of the ADC and biochemical data in detecting ACR, and correlation analysis was used to understand the relationship between the ADC values, biochemical markers, and the degree of rejection. The histopathologic results revealed that 20 recipients had ACR, including 10 mild, 9 moderate, and 1 severe rejection. The results demonstrated that the ACR patients had significantly lower hepatic ADC values than those in patients without ACR. After treatment, the hepatic ADC values in ACR patients significantly increased to levels similar to those in non-ACR patients with treatment. The ROC analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity for detecting ACR were 80% and 95%, respectively. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed that the mean ADC value and alanine aminotransferase level had strong and moderate negative correlation with the degree of rejection, respectively (r = -0.72 and -0.47). The ADC values were useful for detecting hepatic ACR and monitoring treatment response after immunosuppressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Jen Chiang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (H.-J.C.); (Y.-H.C.)
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Municipal Feng Shan Hospital—Under the Management of Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Kaohsiung 83062, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Chuang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (H.-J.C.); (Y.-H.C.)
| | - Chun-Wei Li
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Che Lin
- Liver Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (C.-C.L.); (C.-L.C.)
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Feng Shan Hospital—Under the Management of Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Kaohsiung 83062, Taiwan
| | - Hock-Liew Eng
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Chao-Long Chen
- Liver Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (C.-C.L.); (C.-L.C.)
| | - Yu-Fan Cheng
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (H.-J.C.); (Y.-H.C.)
| | - Ming-Chung Chou
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Big Data Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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13
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Krueger MB, Bonifacius A, Dragon AC, Santamorena MM, Nashan B, Taubert R, Kalinke U, Maecker-Kolhoff B, Blasczyk R, Eiz-Vesper B. In Vitro Profiling of Commonly Used Post-transplant Immunosuppressants Reveals Distinct Impact on Antiviral T-cell Immunity Towards CMV. Transpl Int 2024; 37:12720. [PMID: 38655204 PMCID: PMC11035762 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2024.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Infectious complications, including widespread human cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, frequently occur after hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplantation due to immunosuppressive treatment causing impairment of T-cell immunity. Therefore, in-depth analysis of the impact of immunosuppressants on antiviral T cells is needed. We analyzed the impact of mTOR inhibitors sirolimus (SIR/S) and everolimus (EVR/E), calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus (TAC/T), purine synthesis inhibitor mycophenolic acid (MPA/M), glucocorticoid prednisolone (PRE/P) and common double (T+S/E/M/P) and triple (T+S/E/M+P) combinations on antiviral T-cell functionality. T-cell activation and effector molecule production upon antigenic stimulation was impaired in presence of T+P and triple combinations. SIR, EVR and MPA exclusively inhibited T-cell proliferation, TAC inhibited activation and cytokine production and PRE inhibited various aspects of T-cell functionality including cytotoxicity. This was reflected in an in vitro infection model, where elimination of CMV-infected human fibroblasts by CMV-specific T cells was reduced in presence of PRE and all triple combinations. CMV-specific memory T cells were inhibited by TAC and PRE, which was also reflected with double (T+P) and triple combinations. EBV- and SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were similarly affected. These results highlight the need to optimize immune monitoring to identify patients who may benefit from individually tailored immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Benedikt Krueger
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Agnes Bonifacius
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Anna Christina Dragon
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria Michela Santamorena
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Björn Nashan
- Clinic for Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgery and Transplantation, First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kalinke
- TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and the Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Maecker-Kolhoff
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rainer Blasczyk
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Eiz-Vesper
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
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14
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Tian X, Wu L, Li X, Zheng W, Zuo H, Song H. Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells alleviate biliary ischemia reperfusion injury in fatty liver transplantation by inhibiting ferroptosis. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:881-894. [PMID: 37243945 PMCID: PMC11016128 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04770-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Fatty liver grafts are susceptible to ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), increasing the risk of biliary complications after liver transplantation (LT). Ferroptosis, a newly recognized programmed cell death, is expected to be a novel therapeutic target for IRI. We investigated whether exosomes derived from heme oxygenase 1-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HExos) relieve ferroptosis and protect biliary tracts from IRI in a rat fatty liver transplantation model. Rats were fed with a methionine choline deficient (MCD) diet for 2 weeks to induce severe hepatic steatosis. Steatotic grafts were implanted and HExos were administered after liver transplantation. A series of functional assays and pathological analysis were performed to assess ferroptosis and biliary IRI. The HExos attenuated IRI following liver transplantation, as demonstrated by less ferroptosis, improved liver function, less Kupffer and T cell activation, and less long-term biliary fibrosis. MicroRNA (miR)-204-5p delivered by HExos negatively regulated ferroptosis by targeting a key pro-ferroptosis enzyme, ACSL4. Ferroptosis contributes to biliary IRI in fatty liver transplantation. HExos protect steatotic grafts by inhibiting ferroptosis, and may become a promising strategy to prevent biliary IRI and expand the donor pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Tian
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Longlong Wu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Li
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Zheng
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, No. 24 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin, 300192, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaiwen Zuo
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongli Song
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, No. 24 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, People's Republic of China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Luo F, Li M, Chen Y, Song S, Yu H, Zhang P, Xiao C, Lv G, Chen X. Immunosuppressive enzyme-responsive nanoparticles for enhanced accumulation in liver allograft to overcome acute rejection. Biomaterials 2024; 306:122476. [PMID: 38266349 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Acute rejection is a life-threatening complication after liver transplantation. Immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus are used to inhibit acute rejection of liver grafts in clinic. However, inefficient intragraft accumulation may reduce the therapeutic outcomes of tacrolimus. Here, an enzyme-responsive nanoparticle is developed to selectively enhance the accumulation of tacrolimus in liver allograft through enzyme-induced aggregation to refine immunotherapeutic efficacy of tacrolimus. The nanoparticles are composed of amphiphilic tacrolimus prodrugs synthesized by covalently conjugating tacrolimus and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)-cleavable peptide-containing methoxy poly (ethylene glycol) to poly (l-glutamic acid). Upon exposure to MMP9, which is overexpressed in rejected liver allografts, the nanoparticles undergo a morphological transition from spherical micellar nanoparticles to microscale aggregate-like scaffolds. Intravenous administration of MMP9-responsive nanoparticles into a rat model of acute liver graft rejection results in enhanced nanoparticle accumulation in allograft as compared to nonresponsive nanoparticles. Consequently, the MMP9-responsive nanoparticles significantly inhibit intragraft inflammatory cell infiltration and proliferation, maintain intragraft immunosuppressive environment, alleviate graft damage, improve liver allograft function, abate weight loss and prolong recipient survival. This work proves that morphology-switchable enzyme-responsive nanoparticles represent an innovative strategy for selectively enhancing intragraft accumulation of immunosuppressive agents to improve treatment of liver allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feixiang Luo
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Mingqian Li
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Yuguo Chen
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Shifei Song
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, PR China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, PR China.
| | - Chunsheng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, PR China.
| | - Guoyue Lv
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China.
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, PR China
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16
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Feng J, Li Y, Wang C, Wang Y, Wan Y, Zheng M, Chen T, Xiao X. Peripheral blood transcriptomic analysis identifies potential inflammation and immune signatures for central retinal artery occlusion. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7398. [PMID: 38548806 PMCID: PMC10978867 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57052-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an acute retinal ischaemic disease, but early diagnosis is challenging due to a lack of biomarkers. Blood samples were collected from CRAO patients and cataract patients. Gene expression profiles were distinct between arterial/venous CRAO blood (A-V group) and venous CRAO/control blood (V-C group) samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Hub genes were identified by Cytoscape and used to predict gene interactions via GeneMANIA. Immune cell infiltration was analysed by CIBERSORT. More than 1400 DEGs were identified in the A-V group and 112 DEGs in the V-C group compared to controls. The DEGs in both groups were enriched in the ribosome pathway, and those in the V-C group were also enriched in antigen processing/MHC pathways. Network analysis identified ribosomal proteins (RPS2 and RPS5) as the core genes of the A-V group and MHC genes (HLA-F) as the core genes of the V-C group. Coexpression networks showed ribosomal involvement in both groups, with additional immune responses in the V-C group. Immune cell analysis indicated increased numbers of neutrophils and T cells. Ribosomal and MHC-related genes were identified as potential CRAO biomarkers, providing research directions for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqing Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jie Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jie Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Chuansen Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jie Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Yuedan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jie Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Yuwei Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jie Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Mengxue Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jie Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jie Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Xuan Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jie Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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17
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Wang X, Zhu W, Chen H, Li X, Zheng W, Zhang Y, Fan N, Chen X, Wang G. JNK signaling mediates acute rejection via activating autophagy of CD8 + T cells after liver transplantation in rats. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1359859. [PMID: 38562941 PMCID: PMC10982410 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1359859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Acute rejection (AR) after liver transplantation (LT) remains an important factor affecting the prognosis of patients. CD8+ T cells are considered to be important regulatory T lymphocytes involved in AR after LT. Our previous study confirmed that autophagy mediated AR by promoting activation and proliferation of CD8+ T cells. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating autophagy in CD8+ T cells during AR remain unclear. Methods Human liver biopsy specimens of AR after orthotopic LT were collected to assess the relationship between JNK and CD8+ T cells autophagy. The effect of JNK inhibition on CD8+ T cells autophagy and its role in AR were further examined in rats. Besides, the underlying mechanisms how JNK regulated the autophagy of CD8+ T cells were further explored. Results The expression of JNK is positive correlated with the autophagy level of CD8+ T cells in AR patients. And similar findings were obtained in rats after LT. Further, JNK inhibitor remarkably inhibited the autophagy of CD8+ T cells in rat LT recipients. In addition, administration of JNK inhibitor significantly attenuated AR injury by promoting the apoptosis and downregulating the function of CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, JNK may activate the autophagy of CD8+ T cells through upregulating BECN1 by inhibiting the formation of Bcl-2/BECN1 complex. Conclusion JNK signaling promoted CD8+ T cells autophagy to mediate AR after LT, providing a theoretical basis for finding new drug targets for the prevention and treatment of AR after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoqi Chen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Zheng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Genshu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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18
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Kosuta I, Kelava T, Ostojic A, Sesa V, Mrzljak A, Lalic H. Immunology demystified: A guide for transplant hepatologists. World J Transplant 2024; 14:89772. [PMID: 38576757 PMCID: PMC10989464 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v14.i1.89772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation has become standard practice for treating end-stage liver disease. The success of the procedure relies on effective immunosuppressive medications to control the host's immune response. Despite the liver's inherent capacity to foster tolerance, the early post-transplant period is marked by significant immune reactivity. To ensure favorable outcomes, it is imperative to identify and manage various rejection types, encompassing T-cell-mediated, antibody-mediated, and chronic rejection. However, the approach to prescribing immunosuppressants relies heavily on clinical judgment rather than evidence-based criteria. Given that the majority of patients will require lifelong immuno suppression as the mechanisms underlying operational tolerance are still being investigated, healthcare providers must possess an understanding of immune responses, rejection mechanisms, and the pathways targeted by immunosuppressive drugs. This knowledge enables customization of treatments and improved patient care, even though a consensus on an optimal immunosuppressive regimen remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Kosuta
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Kelava
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Univeristy of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ana Ostojic
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Transplant Center, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Vibor Sesa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Transplant Center, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Anna Mrzljak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Lalic
- Department of Physiology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Laboratory for Cell Biology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Department of Laboratory Immunology, Clinical Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
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19
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Iesari S, Nava FL, Zais IE, Coubeau L, Ferraresso M, Favi E, Lerut J. Advancing immunosuppression in liver transplantation: A narrative review. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2024:S1499-3872(24)00040-7. [PMID: 38523030 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppression is essential to ensure recipient and graft survivals after liver transplantation (LT). However, our understanding and management of the immune system remain suboptimal. Current immunosuppressive therapy cannot selectively inhibit the graft-specific immune response and entails a significant risk of serious side effects, i.e., among others, de novo cancers, infections, cardiovascular events, renal failure, metabolic syndrome, and late graft fibrosis, with progressive loss of graft function. Pharmacological research, aimed to develop alternative immunosuppressive agents in LT, is behind other solid-organ transplantation subspecialties, and, therefore, the development of new compounds and strategies should get priority in LT. The research trajectories cover mechanisms to induce T-cell exhaustion, to inhibit co-stimulation, to mitigate non-antigen-specific inflammatory response, and, lastly, to minimize the development and action of donor-specific antibodies. Moreover, while cellular modulation techniques are complex, active research is underway to foster the action of T-regulatory cells, to induce tolerogenic dendritic cells, and to promote the function of B-regulatory cells. We herein discuss current lines of research in clinical immunosuppression, particularly focusing on possible applications in the LT setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Iesari
- General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 15 Via della Commenda, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Laura Nava
- General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 15 Via della Commenda, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Elena Zais
- General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 15 Via della Commenda, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Laurent Coubeau
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, 10 Avenue Hippocrate, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Service de Chirurgie et Transplantation Abdominale, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 55 Avenue Hippocrate, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mariano Ferraresso
- General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 15 Via della Commenda, 20122 Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 19 Via della Commenda, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Evaldo Favi
- General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 15 Via della Commenda, 20122 Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 19 Via della Commenda, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Jan Lerut
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, 10 Avenue Hippocrate, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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20
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Li Z, Zhang X, Fu Z, He W, Gao Y, Ma Y. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-1 knockdown induces immature properties in dendritic cells and prolongs the survival time of allograft mice. Gene 2024; 897:148049. [PMID: 38043832 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mature state of dendritic cells (DCs) determines their ability to regulate immune responses. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-1 (RIG-1) plays a critical role in DC activation and maturation. RIG-1 activation triggers mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappa B signal transduction. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of inhibiting RIG-1 expression in DCs and its potential in inducing immune tolerance. METHODS DCs were transduced with the recombinant lentiviral vector (Lv) to inhibit RIG-1 expression. A murine islet and skin transplantation model were constructed to find out whether DC-DDX58-RNAi could prolong allograft survival. The phenotypes of DCs and T-cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. Cytokines in serum were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein levels were determined by Western blot. RESULTS RIG-1-deficient DCs had low expression of costimulatory molecules and major histocompatibility complex and a strong phagocytic ability. DC-DDX58-RNAi induced regulatory T cell differentiation in the transplant recipient spleens. The DC-DDX58-RNAi-treated recipients showed satisfactory islet allograft function and longer survival time. CONCLUSION Inhibition of RIG-1 with DDX58-RNAi prevented the activation and maturation of the DCs, affected T cell differentiation, protected the biological function of the allograft, and prolonged graft survival. These findings may have important therapeutic implications for new immunomodulatory regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiu Li
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuzhi Zhang
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongli Fu
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing He
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifang Gao
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yi Ma
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Peters AL, DePasquale EA, Begum G, Roskin KM, Woodle ES, Hildeman DA. Defining the T cell transcriptional landscape in pediatric liver transplant rejection at single cell resolution. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.26.582173. [PMID: 38464256 PMCID: PMC10925238 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.582173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Acute cellular rejection (ACR) affects >80% of pediatric liver transplant recipients within 5 years, and late ACR is associated with graft failure. Traditional anti-rejection therapy for late ACR is ineffective and has remained unchanged for six decades. Although CD8+ T cells promote late ACR, little has been done to define their specificity and gene expression. Here, we used single-cell sequencing and immune repertoire profiling (10X Genomics) on 30 cryopreserved 16G liver biopsies from 14 patients (5 pre-transplant or with no ACR, 9 with ACR). We identified expanded intragraft CD8+ T cell clonotypes (CD8EXP) and their gene expression profiles in response to anti-rejection treatment. Notably, we found that expanded CD8+ clonotypes (CD8EXP) bore markers of effector and CD56hiCD161- 'NK-like' T cells, retaining their clonotype identity and phenotype in subsequent biopsies from the same patients despite histologic ACR resolution. CD8EXP clonotypes localized to portal infiltrates during active ACR, and persisted in the lobule after histologic ACR resolution. CellPhoneDB analysis revealed differential crosstalk between KC and CD8EXP during late ACR, with activation of the LTB-LTBR pathway and downregulation of TGFß signaling. Therefore, persistently-detected intragraft CD8EXP clones remain active despite ACR treatment and may contribute to long-term allograft fibrosis and failure of operational tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Peters
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Erica A.K. DePasquale
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gousia Begum
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Krishna M. Roskin
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - E. Steve Woodle
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - David A. Hildeman
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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22
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Pan B, Li Y, Wang X, Ou Y, Heng G, Liu X, Jiang D, Liu W, Huang Y, Hu F, Xu Z, Chen Z, Zhang L, Zhang C. Adequate cumulative exposure to tacrolimus and low tacrolimus variability decrease the incidence of biliary complications after liver transplantation. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111461. [PMID: 38176344 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonearly biliary complications (BCs) after liver transplantation (LT) are highly associated with immunological status. Tacrolimus is the main immunosuppressant. Whether and how tacrolimus bioavailability affects BCs is unclear. METHODS LT recipients receiving tacrolimus-free immunosuppressants or developing BCs within 3 months after LT were excluded. Tacrolimus-related variables included trough concentration (C0), variability and cumulative exposure to tacrolimus (CET). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves defined cutoff values of CET and variability. The values divided patients into adequate and low CET groups, also high and low-variability groups. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to reduce bias. Logistic regression identified risk factors. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated for survival comparison. RESULTS 409 patients were enrolled, and 39 (9.5 %) suffered from BCs. The mean C0 values were 6.9 and 7.2 ng/mL in the BCs and BCs-free groups, respectively. CET within 3 postoperative months was 550.0 and 608.6 ng.day/mL, while the tacrolimus variability was 0.4 and 0.3, respectively. The cutoff values for CET within 3 months and variability predicting BCs were 660.5 and 0.54, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that low CET within 3 months (p = 0.005, p = 0.002) and high variability (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) were associated with BCs before and after IPTW. Appropriate CET and low variability were associated with better overall survival (p = 0.009 and 0.029). Subgroup analysis indicated that long cold ischemia time (CIT), high bilirubin and low CET had a higher relative risk and raised the incidence of BCs. CONCLUSIONS Adequate CET and low variability of tacrolimus ameliorated nonearly BCs incidence and improved survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China
| | - Yuancheng Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China
| | - Xiaojun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China
| | - Yanjiao Ou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China
| | - Gang Heng
- Department of general surgery, PLA Middle Military Command General Hospital, Wuchang District, Wuhan Province, China
| | - Xingchao Liu
- Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Qingyang District, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Di Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China
| | - Yixian Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China
| | - Feng Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China
| | - Zeliang Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China
| | - Zhiyu Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China.
| | - Leida Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China.
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China.
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23
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Zhang Y, Xiao B, Liu Y, Wu S, Xiang Q, Xiao Y, Zhao J, Yuan R, Xie K, Li L. Roles of PPAR activation in cancer therapeutic resistance: Implications for combination therapy and drug development. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 964:176304. [PMID: 38142851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance is a major obstacle to successful treatment or effective containment of cancer. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play an essential role in regulating energy homeostasis and determining cell fate. Despite of the pleiotropic roles of PPARs in cancer, numerous studies have suggested their intricate relationship with therapeutic resistance in cancer. In this review, we provided an overview of the roles of excessively activated PPARs in promoting resistance to modern anti-cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The mechanisms through which activated PPARs contribute to therapeutic resistance in most cases include metabolic reprogramming, anti-oxidant defense, anti-apoptosis signaling, proliferation-promoting pathways, and induction of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In addition, we discussed the mechanisms through which activated PPARs lead to multidrug resistance in cancer, including drug efflux, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and acquisition and maintenance of the cancer stem cell phenotype. Preliminary studies investigating the effect of combination therapies with PPAR antagonists have suggested the potential of these antagonists in reversing resistance and facilitating sustained cancer management. These findings will provide a valuable reference for further research on and clinical translation of PPAR-targeting treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Zhang
- School of Medicine, The South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Bin Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Yunduo Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Shunhong Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Qin Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Yuhan Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Junxiu Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Ruanfei Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Keping Xie
- School of Medicine, The South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Linhai Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China.
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24
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Shamsaeefar A, Shojaei S, Nikoupour H, Kazemi K, Sayadi M, Mashhadiagha A, Moosavi SA, Motazedian N, Geramizadeh B, Malekhosseini SA. Factors Associated with Chronic Rejection in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Cohort Study From Shiraz Organ Transplant Center. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2024; 22:114-119. [PMID: 38511982 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2023.0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Identification of chronic rejection risk factors in liver transplant recipients is critical for early detection and prevention of further graft loss. We investigated characteristics of liver transplant recipients who had experienced chronic rejection and the associated risk factors versus patients without chronic rejection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from 3022 adult liver transplant recipients between 2011 and 2018 were analyzed; of these, 80 patients had experienced chronic rejection. The control group included 98 randomly selected liver transplant recipients who did not have chronic rejection. RESULTS The age of the recipients and the donors was significantly lower in the group with chronic rejection versus the group without chronic rejection.The results indicated that chronic rejection was significantly associated with the sex of the recipients (hazard ratio 3.2, 95% CI 1.77-6.08; P < .001) and with the sex concordance between the recipients and donors (hazard ratio 2.93, 95% CI 1.67-5.13; P < .001, respectively). Also, in the group without chronic rejection, there were no male donors; however, the group with chronic rejection had mostly male donors (P <.001). Cold ischemia time was longer in patients with chronic rejection versus that shown in the control group (P = .031), and there was a significant difference between the 2 groups in acute rejection frequency (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Recipient sex and sex concordance were independent risk factors for chronic rejection. Most transplantrecipients with chronic rejection responded to medicaltreatment, and the rate of graftloss was low among our recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shamsaeefar
- From the Abu-Ali Sina Organ Transplant Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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25
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Zheng Z, Zhao L. An Overview of Liver Transplantation: Current Status, Recent Techniques, and Challenges-Perspectives From a Center in China. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2024; 22:85-92. [PMID: 38511979 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2023.0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the best way to treat end-stage liver disease.With benefits from enhanced techniques, refined management, and advanced medications, liver transplant boasts a commendable 5-year survival rate for recipients. Nevertheless, acquiring the perioperative management and surgical skills essential for liver transplant is a time-consuming process for new surgeons. In addition, COVID-19 has also affected the field. Based on our actual situation in China, we have provided an overview of donor evaluation,recipient selection,transplant procedures, postoperative complications and management, longterm management, and pandemic strategies to guide new clinical surgeons in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Zheng
- From the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
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26
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Zhao W, Li M, Song S, Zhi Y, Huan C, Lv G. The role of natural killer T cells in liver transplantation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1274361. [PMID: 38250325 PMCID: PMC10796773 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1274361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T cells (NKTs) are innate-like lymphocytes that are abundant in the liver and participate in liver immunity. NKT cells express both NK cell and T cell markers, modulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Type I and Type II NKT cells are classified according to the TCR usage, while they recognize lipid antigen in a non-classical major histocompatibility (MHC) molecule CD1d-restricted manner. Once activated, NKT cells can quickly produce cytokines and chemokines to negatively or positively regulate the immune responses, depending on the different NKT subsets. In liver transplantation (LTx), the immune reactions in a series of processes determine the recipients' long-term survival, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, alloresponse, and post-transplant infection. This review provides insight into the research on NKT cells subpopulations in LTx immunity during different processes, and discusses the shortcomings of the current research on NKT cells. Additionally, the CD56-expressing T cells are recognized as a NK-like T cell population, they were also discussed during these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Mingqian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shifei Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yao Zhi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chen Huan
- Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of The Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guoyue Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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27
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Li H, Yu S, Liu H, Chen L, Liu H, Liu X, Shen C. Immunologic barriers in liver transplantation: a single-cell analysis of the role of mesenchymal stem cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1274982. [PMID: 38143768 PMCID: PMC10748593 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1274982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to analyze the biomarkers that may reliably indicate rejection or tolerance and the mechanism that underlie the induction and maintenance of liver transplantation (LT) tolerance related to immunosuppressant or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods LT models of Lewis-Lewis and F344-Lewis rats were established. Lewis-Lewis rats model served as a control (Syn). F344-Lewis rats were treated with immunosuppressant alone (Allo+IS) or in combination with MSCs (Allo+IS+MSCs). Intrahepatic cell composition particularly immune cells was compared between the groups by single-cell sequencing. Analysis of subclusters, KEGG pathway analysis, and pseudotime trajectory analysis were performed to explore the potential immunoregulatory mechanisms of immunosuppressant alone or combined with MSCs. Results Immunosuppressants alone or combined with MSCs increases the liver tolerance, to a certain extent. Single-cell sequencing identified intrahepatic cell composition signature, including cell subpopulations of B cells, cholangiocytes, endothelial cells, erythrocytes, hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, mononuclear phagocytes, neutrophils, T cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Immunosuppressant particularly its combination with MSCs altered the landscape of intrahepatic cells in transplanted livers, as well as gene expression patterns in immune cells. MSCs may be included in the differentiation of T cells, classical monocytes, and non-classical monocytes. Conclusion These findings provided novel insights for better understanding the heterogeneity and biological functions of intrahepatic immune cells after LT treated by IS alone or in combination with MSCs. The identified markers of immune cells may serve as the immunotherapeutic targets for MSC treatment of liver transplant rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Saihua Yu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lihong Chen
- Department of Pathology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hongzhi Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xingwen Liu
- Department of Nursing, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Conglong Shen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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28
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Chen QD, Liu L, Zhao XH, Liang JB, Li SW. Challenges and opportunities in the islet transplantation microenvironment: a comprehensive summary of inflammatory cytokine, immune cells, and vascular endothelial cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1293762. [PMID: 38111575 PMCID: PMC10725940 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1293762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now understood that islet transplantation serves as a β-cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes. Many factors impact the survival of transplanted islets, especially those related to the microenvironment. This review explored microenvironmental components, including vascular endothelial cells, inflammatory cytokines, and immune cells, and their profound effects on post-islet transplantation survival rates. Furthermore, it revealed therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting these elements. Current evidence suggests that vascular endothelial cells are pivotal in facilitating vascularization and nutrient supply and establishing a new microcirculation network for transplanted islets. Consequently, preserving the functionality of vascular endothelial cells emerges as a crucial strategy to enhance the survival of islet transplantation. Release of cytokines will lead to activation of immune cells and production and release of further cytokines. While immune cells hold undeniable significance in regulating immune responses, their activation can result in rejection reactions. Thus, establishing immunological tolerance within the recipient's body is essential for sustaining graft functionality. Indeed, future research endeavors should be directed toward developing precise strategies for modulating the microenvironment to achieve higher survival rates and more sustained transplantation outcomes. While acknowledging certain limitations inherent to this review, it provides valuable insights that can guide further exploration in the field of islet transplantation. In conclusion, the microenvironment plays a paramount role in islet transplantation. Importantly, we discuss novel perspectives that could lead to broader clinical applications and improved patient outcomes in islet transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-dong Chen
- Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-hong Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University , Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-bo Liang
- Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shao-wei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
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29
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Jiang H, Fan W. Research progress on CD8+ T cell immune regulation in allogenic transplantation. Transpl Immunol 2023; 81:101945. [PMID: 37871888 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2023.101945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
With advances in tissue typing, organ preservation techniques, and clinical surgery, organ transplantation has gained popularity as a treatment option for various end-stage diseases. Allogeneic transplantation has been widely adopted and extensively researched in clinical practice. Despite significant breakthroughs and progress in immunosuppression, this procedure is still associated with several adverse reactions and complications. Therefore, there is a continuing need to explore new immunological approaches to provide fresh insights and guidance for clinical transplantation. CD8+ T cells, traditionally known for their cytotoxic function and their ability to recognize transplanted organs as "non-self" entities, display cytotoxicity. However, recent studies have unveiled that CD8+ T cells have various subtypes and functions that extend beyond conventional cytotoxicity. These CD8+ T cell subtypes include Effector CD8+ T cells, Memory CD8+ T cells, and CD8Treg cells. This review examines the immune regulatory mechanisms of CD8+ T cells in allogeneic transplantation and discusses the potential applications of CD8+ T cells in treating tumors in transplant recipients who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy. These findings offer theoretical guidance for reducing post-transplant rejection reactions and improving adverse prognoses, offering new hope for improved clinical survival rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Jiang
- Institute of Urology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Wenmei Fan
- Institute of Urology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.
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30
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Chen G, Hu X, Huang Y, Xiang X, Pan S, Chen R, Xu X. Role of the immune system in liver transplantation and its implications for therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e444. [PMID: 38098611 PMCID: PMC10719430 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) stands as the gold standard for treating end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, yet postoperative complications continue to impact survival rates. The liver's unique immune system, governed by a microenvironment of diverse immune cells, is disrupted during processes like ischemia-reperfusion injury posttransplantation, leading to immune imbalance, inflammation, and subsequent complications. In the posttransplantation period, immune cells within the liver collaboratively foster a tolerant environment, crucial for immune tolerance and liver regeneration. While clinical trials exploring cell therapy for LT complications exist, a comprehensive summary is lacking. This review provides an insight into the intricacies of the liver's immune microenvironment, with a specific focus on macrophages and T cells as primary immune players. Delving into the immunological dynamics at different stages of LT, we explore the disruptions after LT and subsequent immune responses. Focusing on immune cell targeting for treating liver transplant complications, we provide a comprehensive summary of ongoing clinical trials in this domain, especially cell therapies. Furthermore, we offer innovative treatment strategies that leverage the opportunities and prospects identified in the therapeutic landscape. This review seeks to advance our understanding of LT immunology and steer the development of precise therapies for postoperative complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanrong Chen
- The Fourth School of Clinical MedicineZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xin Hu
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Yingchen Huang
- The Fourth School of Clinical MedicineZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaonan Xiang
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Sheng Pan
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Ronggao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
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31
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Wang L, Zeng X, Wang Z, Fang L, Liu J. Recent advances in understanding T cell activation and exhaustion during HBV infection. Virol Sin 2023; 38:851-859. [PMID: 37866815 PMCID: PMC10786656 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health concern globally, and T cell responses are widely believed to play a pivotal role in mediating HBV clearance. Accordingly, research on the characteristics of HBV-specific T cell responses, from activation to exhaustion, has advanced rapidly. Here, we summarize recent developments in characterizing T cell immunity in HBV infection by reviewing basic and clinical research published in the last five years. We provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms that induce effective anti-HBV T cell immunity, as well as the latest developments in understanding T cell dysfunction in chronic HBV infection. Furthermore, we briefly discuss current novel treatment strategies aimed at restoring anti-HBV T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China; Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zida Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ling Fang
- Central Sterile Supply Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China; Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Ma C, Cao H, Sun Z, Deng Q, Liu W, Xin Y, Qiao S, Cen J, Shu Y, Qi K, Han L, Zhang L, Pan G. CD47 and PD-L1 overexpression in proliferating human hepatocytes attenuated immune responses and ameliorated acute liver injury in mice. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:1832-1844. [PMID: 37532180 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocyte transplantation has the potential to treat acute liver failure and correct liver-based metabolic disorders. Proliferating human hepatocytes (ProliHHs) provide a large-scale source as an alternative to primary human hepatocytes. However, host rejection led to inefficient graft survival and function, which hindered the clinical application of cell therapy. Herein, we employed the lentiviral system to overexpress immunomodulatory factors programmed death-ligand 1 (cluster of differentiation 274) (CD274) and cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) in ProliHHs. CD47+274 overexpression inhibited macrophage and T cell responses in vitro. After transplantation into mice via the spleen without immunosuppression, CD47+274 ProliHHs accumulation in the liver significantly increased for 48 hours compared with ProliHHs. Consistent with the in vitro results, CD47+274 ProliHHs were less aggregated and infiltrated by macrophages and also recruited fewer T cells in the liver. Seven days after transplantation, the human albumin level of engineered ProliHHs doubled compared with control group. CD47+274 ProliHHs further ameliorated the liver injury induced using concanavalin A. Overall, our results suggested CD47+274 overexpression reduced innate and adaptive immune responses during hepatocyte transplantation, and the survival rate and graft function of transplanted hepatocyte-like cells were all significantly improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiying Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiangqiang Deng
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Yingying Xin
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shida Qiao
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Cen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yajing Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Qi
- Shanghai Hexaell Biotech Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Han
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ludi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China.
| | - Guoyu Pan
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Qin R, Qin J, Li X, Xu Z, He P, Yuan X, Sun C, Nashan B. Influence of immunosuppressive drugs on natural killer cells in therapeutic drug exposure in liver transplantation. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2023; 12:835-853. [PMID: 38115918 PMCID: PMC10727815 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-22-438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells are enriched in the liver and are the main regulators in liver transplantation regarding rejection or tolerance, viral infection, or tumor recurrence. Immunosuppression consists of a triple drug standard regimen comprising tacrolimus (TAC) and corticosteroids (CS) with either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or sirolimus (SIR)/everolimus (EVE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of trough levels of these regimens under clinical conditions and exposure on human NK-cell activity and function in order to better understand the antiviral and anti-tumor effects of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORI). Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from liver transplant recipients and healthy controls. Number and phenotypes of NK cells in vivo were analyzed by flow cytometry. In this study we simulated the immunosuppressive microenvironment in vitro. PBMCs were cultured at the clinically effective plasma concentration of drugs for 3 d to detect the effect of immunosuppressants on NK cells. Drug type and concentration: single drug [EVE, 5 ng/mL; SIR, 5 ng/mL; TAC, 5 ng/mL; cyclosporine A (CSA), 125 ng/mL; MMF, 15 µg/mL; CS, 0.5 µg/mL] and combined immunosuppressants (Group 1: TAC, 5 ng/mL + MMF, 15 µg/mL + CS, 0.5 µg/mL; Group 2: TAC, 5 ng/mL + SIR, 5 ng/mL + CS, 0.5 µg/mL; Group 3: TAC, 5 ng/mL + EVE, 5 ng/mL + CS, 0.5 µg/mL). In addition, NK cells were sorted from PBMCs and treated under the above conditions to detect NK cell killing function and RNA transcription characteristics. Results CS significantly impaired the cytolytic activity of NK cells, followed by MMF and SIR/EVE. CS and TAC/CSA significantly decreased the secretion of IFN-γ and CD107a. NK cell function in liver transplant recipients was most pronouncedly inhibited by a triple immunosuppressive regimen, with CS playing the most prominent role compared with the other drugs. The MMF-containing regimen demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of suppressive genes, especially of the Siglec7/9 family. The SIR group had stronger NK cell activity compared with that of the MMF group, although liver transplantation patients have lower NK cell activity and function. Conclusions Despite an overall comparable immunosuppressive efficiency in terms of prevention of acute rejection, a mTORIs-including regimen might be considered as having less impact on NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Qin
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Organ Transplantation & Immunology Laboratory, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jiwei Qin
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhijun Xu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Peiqi He
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Organ Transplantation & Immunology Laboratory, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaodong Yuan
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Organ Transplantation & Immunology Laboratory, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Björn Nashan
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Organ Transplantation & Immunology Laboratory, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Wang H, Yang R, Wang Z, Cao L, Kong D, Sun Q, Yoshida S, Ren J, Chen T, Duan J, Lu J, Shen Z, Zheng H. Metronomic capecitabine with rapamycin exerts an immunosuppressive effect by inducing ferroptosis of CD4 + T cells after liver transplantation in rat. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110810. [PMID: 37625370 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is one of the most effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The balance between inhibiting immune rejection and preventing tumor recurrence after liver transplantation is the key to determining the long-term prognosis of patients with HCC after liver transplantation. In our previous study, we found that capecitabine (CAP), an effective drug for the treatment of HCC, could exert an immunosuppressive effect after liver transplantation by inducing T cell ferroptosis. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis is highly associated with autophagy. In this study, we confirmed that the autophagy inducer rapamycin (RAPA) combined with metronomic capecitabine (mCAP) inhibits glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and promotes ferroptosis in CD4+ T cells to exert immunosuppressive effects after rat liver transplantation. Compared with RAPA or mCAP alone, the combination of RAPA and mCAP could adequately reduce liver injury in rats with acute rejection after transplantation. The CD4+ T cell counts in peripheral blood, spleen, and transplanted liver of recipient rats significantly decreased, and the oxidative stress level and ferrous ion concentration of CD4+ T cells significantly increased in the combination group. In vitro, the combination of drugs significantly promoted autophagy, decreased GPX4 protein expression, and induced ferroptosis in CD4+ T cells. In conclusion, the autophagy inducer RAPA improved the mCAP-induced ferroptosis in CD4+ T cells. Our results support the concept of ferroptosis as an autophagy-dependent cell death and suggest that the combination of ferroptosis inducers and autophagy inducers is a new research direction for improving immunosuppressive regimens after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- The First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruining Yang
- The First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenglu Wang
- Organ Transplant Department, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dejun Kong
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Sun
- The First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sei Yoshida
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiashu Ren
- The First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinliang Duan
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianing Lu
- The First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongyang Shen
- Organ Transplant Department, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China; Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China; National Health Commission's Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Organ Transplant Department, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China; Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China; National Health Commission's Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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Eurich D, Schlickeiser S, Ossami Saidy RR, Uluk D, Rossner F, Postel M, Schoening W, Oellinger R, Lurje G, Pratschke J, Reinke P, Gruen N. How to Estimate the Probability of Tolerance Long-Term in Liver Transplant Recipients. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6546. [PMID: 37892685 PMCID: PMC10607917 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Operational tolerance as the ability to accept the liver transplant without pharmacological immunosuppression is a common phenomenon in the long-term course. However, it is currently underutilized due to a lack of simple diagnostic support and fear of rejection despite its recognized benefits. In the present work, we present a simple score based on clinical parameters to estimate the probability of tolerance. PATIENTS AND METHODS In order to estimate the probability of tolerance, clinical parameters from 82 patients after LT who underwent weaning from the IS for various reasons at our transplant center were extracted from a prospectively organized database and analyzed retrospectively. Univariate testing as well as multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the association of clinical variables with tolerance in the real-world setting. RESULTS The most important factors associated with tolerance after multivariable logistic regression were IS monotherapy, male sex, history of hepatocellular carcinoma pretransplant, time since LT, and lack of rejection. These five predictors were retained in an approximate model that could be presented as a simple scoring system to estimate the clinical probability of tolerance or IS dispensability with good predictive performance (AUC = 0.89). CONCLUSION In parallel with the existence of a tremendous need for further research on tolerance mechanisms, the presented score, after validation in a larger collective preferably in a multicenter setting, could be easily and safely applied in the real world and already now address all three levels of prevention in LT patients over the long-term course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Eurich
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Stephan Schlickeiser
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (S.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Ramin Raul Ossami Saidy
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Deniz Uluk
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Florian Rossner
- Department of Pathology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
- Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Postel
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Wenzel Schoening
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Robert Oellinger
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Georg Lurje
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Johann Pratschke
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (S.S.); (P.R.)
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité—Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Natalie Gruen
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité—Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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Du X, Li M, Huan C, Lv G. Dendritic cells in liver transplantation immune response. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1277743. [PMID: 37900282 PMCID: PMC10606587 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1277743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most powerful antigen presenting cells (APCs), they are considered one of the key regulatory factors in the liver immune system. There is currently much interest in modulating DC function to improve transplant immune response. In liver transplantation, DCs participate in both the promotion and inhibition of the alloreponse by adopting different phenotypes and function. Thus, in this review, we discussed the origin, maturation, migration and pathological effects of several DC subsets, including the conventional DC (cDC), plasmacytoid DC (pDC) and monocyte-derived DC (Mo-DC) in liver transplantation, and we summarized the roles of these DC subsets in liver transplant rejection and tolerance. In addition, we also outlined the latest progress in DC-based related treatment regimens. Overall, our discussion provides a beneficial resource for better understanding the biology of DCs and their manipulation to improve the immune adaptability of patients in transplant status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mingqian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chen Huan
- Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of The Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guoyue Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Ravichandran R, Itabashi Y, Zhou F, Lin Y, Mohanakumar T, Chapman WC. Circulating exosomes from brain death and cardiac death donors have distinct molecular and immunologic properties: A pilot study. Clin Transplant 2023; 37:e15067. [PMID: 37428019 PMCID: PMC11019898 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15067] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Comparison of donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after cardiac death (DCD) lung tissue before transplantation have demonstrated activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine pathway in DBD donors. The molecular and immunological properties of circulating exosomes from DBD and DCD donors were not previously described. METHODS We collected plasma from 18 deceased donors (12 DBD and six DCD). Cytokines were analyzed by 30-Plex luminex Panels. Exosomes were analyzed for liver self-antigen (SAg), Transcription Factors and HLA class II (HLA-DR/DQ) using western blot. C57BL/6 animals were immunized with isolated exosomes to determine strength and magnitude of immune responses. Interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α producing cells were quantified by ELISPOT, specific antibodies to HLA class II antigens were measured by ELISA RESULTS: We demonstrate increased plasma levels of IFNγ, EGF, EOTAXIN, IP-10, MCP-1, RANTES, MIP-β, VEGF, and interleukins - 6/8 in DBD plasma versus DCD. MiRNA isolated from exosome of DBD donors demonstrated significant increase in miR-421, which has been reported to correlate with higher level of Interleukin-6. Higher levels of liver SAg Collagen III (p = .008), pro-inflammatory transcription factors (NF-κB, p < .05; HIF1α, p = .021), CIITA (p = .011), and HLA class II (HLA-DR, p = .0003 and HLA-DQ, p = .013) were detected in exosomes from DBD versus DCD plasma. The circulating exosomes isolated from DBD donors were immunogenic in mice and led to the development of Abs to HLA-DR/DQ. CONCLUSIONS This study provides potential new mechanisms by which DBD organs release exosomes that can activate immune pathways leading to cytokine release and allo-immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshihiro Itabashi
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Fangyu Zhou
- Division of General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Yiing Lin
- Division of General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | | | - William C. Chapman
- Division of General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
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Wei JH, Qiao YL, Xu S, Zou Y, Ni HF, Wu LZ, Tao ZZ, Jiao WE, Chen SM. Specific knockout of Notch2 in Treg cells significantly inhibits the growth and proliferation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110705. [PMID: 37523971 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Notch2 gene knockout in Treg cells on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in mice. METHODS A mouse model of HNSCC was constructed. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to examine the numbers of related immune cells and programmed cell death in tumor cells in the spleen and tumor microenvironment of mice. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of related proteins in tumor tissues. RESULTS The tumor volume of regulatory T (Treg) cell-specific Notch2-knockout mice (experimental group) was significantly smaller than that of control mice (control group) (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the control group, the number of Treg cells and the expression of Ki67 in Treg cells in the spleen and tumor tissue were significantly decreased in the experimental group, while the numbers of CD45+ hematopoietic cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, T helper 1 (Th1) cells, CD11b+ cells (macrophages), and CD11b+CD11c+ cells (dendritic cells) and the expression of Ki67 in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were significantly increased (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of Th2 cells between the two groups (P > 0.05). Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the numbers of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in the tumor tissue in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with that in the control group, programmed cell death in the experimental group was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD in the tumor tissues of the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01), while the expression levels of BCL2, Bax, ATG5, LC3 and p62 were not significantly different (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Specific knockout of the Notch2 gene in Treg cells significantly decreases the function of Treg cells, inhibits the growth of HNSCC and improves the immune microenvironment in mice, thus effectively treating HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hua Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - Yue-Long Qiao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - Shan Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - You Zou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - Hai-Feng Ni
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Li-Zhi Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - Ze-Zhang Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China; Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - Wo-Er Jiao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China.
| | - Shi-Ming Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China; Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China.
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Kahan R, Cray PL, Abraham N, Gao Q, Hartwig MG, Pollara JJ, Barbas AS. Sterile inflammation in liver transplantation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1223224. [PMID: 37636574 PMCID: PMC10449546 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1223224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sterile inflammation is the immune response to damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released during cell death in the absence of foreign pathogens. In the setting of solid organ transplantation, ischemia-reperfusion injury results in mitochondria-mediated production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that are a major cause of uncontrolled cell death and release of various DAMPs from the graft tissue. When properly regulated, the immune response initiated by DAMP-sensing serves as means of damage control and is necessary for initiation of recovery pathways and re-establishment of homeostasis. In contrast, a dysregulated or overt sterile inflammatory response can inadvertently lead to further injury through recruitment of immune cells, innate immune cell activation, and sensitization of the adaptive immune system. In liver transplantation, sterile inflammation may manifest as early graft dysfunction, acute graft failure, or increased risk of immunosuppression-resistant rejection. Understanding the mechanisms of the development of sterile inflammation in the setting of liver transplantation is crucial for finding reliable biomarkers that predict graft function, and for development of therapeutic approaches to improve long-term transplant outcomes. Here, we discuss the recent advances that have been made to elucidate the early signs of sterile inflammation and extent of damage from it. We also discuss new therapeutics that may be effective in quelling the detrimental effects of sterile inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrew S. Barbas
- Duke Ex-Vivo Organ Lab (DEVOL)—Division of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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Zheng W, Yang L, Jiang S, Chen M, Li J, Liu Z, Wu Z, Gong J, Chen Y. Role of Kupffer cells in tolerance induction after liver transplantation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1179077. [PMID: 37601106 PMCID: PMC10435084 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1179077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, liver transplantation has reached a level of maturity where it is considered an effective treatment for end-stage liver disease and can significantly prolong the survival time of patients. However, acute and chronic rejection remain major obstacles to its efficacy. Although long-term use of immunosuppressants can prevent rejection, it is associated with serious side effects and significant economic burden for patients. Therefore, the investigation of induced immune tolerance holds crucial theoretical significance and socio-economic value. In fact, the establishment of immune tolerance in liver transplantation is intricately linked to the unique innate immune system of the liver. Kupffer cells, as a crucial component of this system, play a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance between inflammatory response and immune tolerance following liver transplantation. The important roles of different functions of Kupffer cells, such as phagocytosis, cell polarization, antigen presentation and cell membrane proteins, in the establishment of immune tolerance after transplantation is comprehensively summarized in this paper. Providing theoretical basis for further study and clinical application of Kupffer cells in liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixiong Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingxiang Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shiming Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingxiang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinzheng Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zuojing Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhongjun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianping Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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41
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Jeong H, Lee C, Lee MJ, Jung Y. Therapeutic strategies to improve liver regeneration after hepatectomy. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:1313-1318. [PMID: 37786387 PMCID: PMC10625346 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231191195] [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] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease is one of the most common diseases worldwide, and its prevalence is particularly high among adults aged 40-60 years; it takes a toll on productivity and causes significant economic burden. However, there are still no effective treatments that can fundamentally treat chronic liver disease. Although liver transplantation is considered the only effective treatment for chronic liver disease, it has limitations in that the pool of available donors is vastly insufficient for the number of potential recipients. Even if a patient undergoes liver transplantation, side effects such as immune rejection or bile duct complications could occur. In addition, impaired liver regeneration due to various causes, such as aging and metabolic disorders, may cause liver failure after liver resection, even leading to death. Therefore, further research on the liver regeneration process and therapeutic strategies to improve liver regeneration are needed. In this review, we describe the process of liver regeneration after hepatectomy, focusing on various cytokines and signaling pathways. In addition, we review treatment strategies that have been studied to date to improve liver regeneration, such as promotion of hepatocyte proliferation and metabolism and transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells. This review helps to understand the physiological processes involved in liver regeneration and provides basic knowledge for developing treatments for successful liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayeong Jeong
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Korea
| | - Chanbin Lee
- Institute of Systems Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Korea
| | - Min Jae Lee
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Youngmi Jung
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Korea
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Chaabani R, Bejaoui M, Zaouali MA, Ben Abdennebi H. Protective effects of diclofenac on liver graft preservation. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2023; 101:382-392. [PMID: 37224567 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2022-0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effect of diclofenac addition to the preservation solution Celsior on liver graft preservation. Liver from Wistar rats were cold flushed in situ, harvested, and then stored in Celsior solution (24 h, 4 °C) supplemented or not with 50 mg/L of diclofenac sodium salt. Reperfusion was performed (120 min, 37 °C) using the isolated perfusion rat liver model. Perfusate samples were collected to evaluate transaminases' activities after cold storage and by the end of reperfusion. To evaluate liver function, bile flow, hepatic clearance of bromosulfophthalein, and vascular resistance were assessed. Diclofenac scavenging property (DPPH assay) as well as oxidative stress parameters (SOD and MPO activities and the concentration of glutathione, conjugated dienes, MDA, and carbonylated proteins) were measured. Transcription factors (PPAR-γ and NF-κB), inflammation (COX-2, IL-6, HMGB-1, and TLR-4), as well as apoptosis markers (Bcl-2 and Bax) were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Enriching the preservation solution Celsior with diclofenac sodium salt attenuated liver injuries and improved graft function. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were significantly reduced in Celsior + Diclo solution. Also, diclofenac activated PPAR-γ and inhibited NF-κB transcription factors. To decrease graft damage and improve transplant recovery, diclofenac sodium salt may be a promising additive to preservation solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua Chaabani
- Laboratory of Human Genome and Multifactorial Diseases (LR12ES07), Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Rue Avicenne 5019, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Bejaoui
- Laboratory of Human Genome and Multifactorial Diseases (LR12ES07), Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Rue Avicenne 5019, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Amine Zaouali
- Laboratory of Human Genome and Multifactorial Diseases (LR12ES07), Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Rue Avicenne 5019, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hassen Ben Abdennebi
- Laboratory of Human Genome and Multifactorial Diseases (LR12ES07), Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Rue Avicenne 5019, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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Wang H, Li C, Xiong Z, Li T. Luteolin attenuates acute liver allograft rejection in rats by inhibiting T cell proliferation and regulating T cell subsets. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 121:110407. [PMID: 37290328 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Allograft rejection continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and graft failure for liver transplant recipients. Existing immunosuppressive regimens have many drawbacks, thus safe and effective long-term immunosuppressive regimens are still required. Luteolin (LUT), a natural component found in many plants, has a variety of biological and pharmacological effects and shows good anti-inflammatory activity in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how it affects acute organ rejection after allogeneic transplantation. In this study, a rat liver transplantation model was constructed to investigate the effect of LUT on acute rejection of organ allografts. We found that LUT significantly protected the structure and function of liver grafts, prolonged recipient rat survival, ameliorated T cell infiltration, and downregulated proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, LUT inhibited the proliferation of CD4+ T cells and Th cell differentiation but increased the proportion of Tregs, which is the key to its immunosuppressive effect. In vitro, LUT also significantly inhibited CD4+ T cell proliferation and Th1 differentiation. There may be important implications for improving immunosuppressive regimens for organ transplantation as a result of this discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Liver Transplantation, The Second Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; The First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300190, China
| | - Chenxuan Li
- Department of Liver Transplantation, The Second Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Transplant Medical Research Center, The Second Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zhiwei Xiong
- Department of Liver Transplantation, The Second Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Transplant Medical Research Center, The Second Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Liver Transplantation, The Second Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Transplant Medical Research Center, The Second Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
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Barbetta A, Rocque B, Bangerth S, Street K, Weaver C, Chopra S, Kim J, Sher L, Gaudilliere B, Akbari O, Kohli R, Emamaullee J. Spatially resolved immune exhaustion within the alloreactive microenvironment predicts liver transplant rejection. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3044385. [PMID: 37461437 PMCID: PMC10350170 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3044385/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Allograft rejection is a frequent complication following solid organ transplantation, but defining specific immune subsets mediating alloimmunity has been elusive due to the scarcity of tissue in clinical biopsy specimens. Single cell techniques have emerged as valuable tools for studying mechanisms of disease in complex tissue microenvironments. Here, we developed a highly multiplexed imaging mass cytometry panel, single cell analysis pipeline, and semi-supervised immune cell clustering algorithm to study archival biopsy specimens from 79 liver transplant (LT) recipients with histopathological diagnoses of either no rejection (NR), acute T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR), or chronic rejection (CR). This approach generated a spatially resolved proteomic atlas of 461,816 cells derived from 98 pathologist-selected regions of interest relevant to clinical diagnosis of rejection. We identified 41 distinct cell populations (32 immune and 9 parenchymal cell phenotypes) that defined key elements of the alloimmune microenvironment (AME), identified significant cell-cell interactions, and established higher order cellular neighborhoods. Our analysis revealed that both regulatory (HLA-DR+ Treg) and exhausted T-cell phenotypes (PD1+CD4+ and PD1+CD8+ T-cells), combined with variations in M2 macrophage polarization, were a unique signature of TCMR. TCMR was further characterized by alterations in cell-to-cell interactions among both exhausted immune subsets and inflammatory populations, with expansion of a CD8 enriched cellular neighborhood comprised of Treg, exhausted T-cell subsets, proliferating CD8+ T-cells, and cytotoxic T-cells. These data enabled creation of a predictive model of clinical outcomes using a subset of cell types to differentiate TCMR from NR (AUC = 0.96 ± 0.04) and TCMR from CR (AUC = 0.96 ± 0.06) with high sensitivity and specificity. Collectively, these data provide mechanistic insights into the AME in clinical LT, including a substantial role for immune exhaustion in TCMR with identification of novel targets for more focused immunotherapy in allograft rejection. Our study also offers a conceptual framework for applying spatial proteomics to study immunological diseases in archival clinical specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Linda Sher
- University of Southern California Keck School of Mdicine
| | | | - Omid Akbari
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine
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Dery KJ, Yao S, Cheng B, Kupiec-Weglinski JW. New therapeutic concepts against ischemia-reperfusion injury in organ transplantation. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:1205-1224. [PMID: 37489289 PMCID: PMC10529400 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2240516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) involves a positive amplification feedback loop that stimulates innate immune-driven tissue damage associated with organ procurement from deceased donors and during transplantation surgery. As our appreciation of its basic immune mechanisms has improved in recent years, translating putative biomarkers into therapeutic interventions in clinical transplantation remains challenging. AREAS COVERED This review presents advances in translational/clinical studies targeting immune responses to reactive oxygen species in IRI-stressed solid organ transplants, especially livers. Here we focus on novel concepts to rejuvenate suboptimal donor organs and improve transplant function using pharmacologic and machine perfusion (MP) strategies. Cellular damage induced by cold ischemia/warm reperfusion and the latest mechanistic insights into the microenvironment's role that leads to reperfusion-induced sterile inflammation is critically discussed. EXPERT OPINION Efforts to improve clinical outcomes and increase the donor organ pool will depend on improving donor management and our better appreciation of the complex mechanisms encompassing organ IRI that govern the innate-adaptive immune interface triggered in the peritransplant period and subsequent allo-Ag challenge. Computational techniques and deep machine learning incorporating the vast cellular and molecular mechanisms will predict which peri-transplant signals and immune interactions are essential for improving access to the long-term function of life-saving transplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth J. Dery
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Siyuan Yao
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian Cheng
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jerzy W. Kupiec-Weglinski
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Wang H, Wang ZL, Zhang S, Kong DJ, Yang RN, Cao L, Wang JX, Yoshida S, Song ZL, Liu T, Fan SL, Ren JS, Li JH, Shen ZY, Zheng H. Metronomic capecitabine inhibits liver transplant rejection in rats by triggering recipients’ T cell ferroptosis. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:3084-3102. [PMID: 37346150 PMCID: PMC10280797 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i20.3084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Capecitabine (CAP) is a classic antimetabolic drug and has shown potential antirejection effects after liver transplantation (LT) in clinical studies. Our previous study showed that metronomic CAP can cause the programmed death of T cells by inducing oxidative stress in healthy mice. Ferroptosis, a newly defined non-apoptotic cell death that occurs in response to iron overload and lethal levels of lipid peroxidation, is an important mechanism by which CAP induces cell death. Therefore, ferroptosis may also play an important role in CAP-induced T cell death and play an immunosuppressive role in acute rejection after trans-plantation.
AIM To investigate the functions and underlying mechanisms of antirejection effects of metronomic CAP.
METHODS A rat LT model of acute rejection was established, and the effect of metronomic CAP on splenic hematopoietic function and acute graft rejection was evaluated 7 d after LT. In vitro, primary CD3+ T cells were sorted from rat spleens and human peripheral blood, and co-cultured with or without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (active agent of CAP). The levels of ferroptosis-related proteins, ferrous ion concentration, and oxidative stress-related indicators were observed. The changes in mito-chondrial structure were observed using electron microscopy.
RESULTS With no significant myelotoxicity, metronomic CAP alleviated graft injury (Banff score 9 vs 7.333, P < 0.001), prolonged the survival time of the recipient rats (11.5 d vs 16 d, P < 0.01), and reduced the infiltration rate of CD3+ T cells in peripheral blood (6.859 vs 3.735, P < 0.001), liver graft (7.459 vs 3.432, P < 0.001), and spleen (26.92 vs 12.9, P < 0.001), thereby inhibiting acute rejection after LT. In vitro, 5-FU, an end product of CAP metabolism, induced the degradation of the ferritin heavy chain by upregulating nuclear receptor coactivator 4, which caused the accumulation of ferrous ions. It also inhibited nuclear erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, and glutathione peroxidase 4, eventually leading to oxidative damage and ferroptosis of T cells.
CONCLUSION Metronomic CAP can suppress acute allograft rejection in rats by triggering CD3+ T cell ferroptosis, which makes it an effective immunosuppressive agent after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- The First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300190, China
| | - Zheng-Lu Wang
- Department of Organ Transplant, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300190, China
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin 300190, China
| | - Sai Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300190, China
| | - De-Jun Kong
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300190, China
| | - Rui-Ning Yang
- The First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300190, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jian-Xi Wang
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Sei Yoshida
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhuo-Lun Song
- Department of Organ Transplant, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300190, China
| | - Tao Liu
- National Health Commission’s Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shun-Li Fan
- Department of Organ Transplant, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300190, China
| | - Jia-Shu Ren
- The First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300190, China
| | - Jiang-Hong Li
- The First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300190, China
| | - Zhong-Yang Shen
- Department of Organ Transplant, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300190, China
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin 300190, China
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- National Health Commission’s Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Organ Transplant, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300190, China
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin 300190, China
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- National Health Commission’s Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300071, China
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Extracellular Vesicles: The Future of Diagnosis in Solid Organ Transplantation? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065102. [PMID: 36982182 PMCID: PMC10048932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is a life-saving treatment for end-stage organ failure, but it comes with several challenges, the most important of which is the existing gap between the need for transplants and organ availability. One of the main concerns in this regard is the lack of accurate non-invasive biomarkers to monitor the status of a transplanted organ. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently emerged as a promising source of biomarkers for various diseases. In the context of SOT, EVs have been shown to be involved in the communication between donor and recipient cells and may carry valuable information about the function of an allograft. This has led to an increasing interest in exploring the use of EVs for the preoperative assessment of organs, early postoperative monitoring of graft function, or the diagnosis of rejection, infection, ischemia-reperfusion injury, or drug toxicity. In this review, we summarize recent evidence on the use of EVs as biomarkers for these conditions and discuss their applicability in the clinical setting.
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The effect of miR-155-5p on M1 polarization of Kupffer cells and immune response during liver transplantation through regulating the expression of KDM5D. Mol Immunol 2023; 155:17-26. [PMID: 36641950 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the effect and its specific mechanism of miR-155-5p on M1 polarization of Kupffer cells (KCs) and immune response in liver transplantation (LT) through KDM5D. METHODS Primary KCs were isolated from Wistar rats and identified by cell culture, ink-swallowing test and flow cytometry. The cells identified as KCs were induced into LT acute rejection (AR) model cells by LPS/IFN-γ, flow cytometry was used for cell sorting and apoptosis detection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, macrophages and liver function markers. RT-qPCR detected the expression of miR-155-5p and KDM5D mRNA. The protein expression of KDM5D was detected by Western blot. Dual luciferase reporter gene experiment verified the targeting relationship between miR-155-5p and KDM5D. RESULTS The separated KCs adhered after being cultured for 24 h, had pseudopodia and phagocytosis, and the proportion of F4/80 positive cells was more than 90%. The expression of miR-155-5p was increased in LPS/IFN-γ-induced KCs. And knockdown of miR-155-5p inhibited H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 of TNF-α promoter, M1 polarization of KCs and the immune response of AR model cells by upregulating KDM5D. In animal experiments, knockdown of miR-155-5p was found to inhibit liver damage and immune response in rats with allogeneic orthotopic LT. CONCLUSION These results confirmed that miR-155-5p inhibited M1 polarization of KCs induced by LPS/IFN-γ, thereby alleviating AR and liver function impairment after LT by upregulating KDM5D.
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Wood-Trageser MA, Lesniak D, Gambella A, Golnoski K, Feng S, Bucuvalas J, Sanchez-Fueyo A, Demetris AJ. Next-generation pathology detection of T cell-antigen-presenting cell immune synapses in human liver allografts. Hepatology 2023; 77:355-366. [PMID: 35819312 PMCID: PMC9834436 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In otherwise near-normal appearing biopsies by routine light microscopy, next-generation pathology (NGP) detected close pairings (immune pairs; iPAIRs) between lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that predicted immunosuppression weaning failure in pediatric liver transplant (LTx) recipients (Immunosuppression Withdrawal for Stable Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients [iWITH], NCT01638559). We hypothesized that NGP-detected iPAIRs enrich for true immune synapses, as determined by nuclear shape metrics, intercellular distances, and supramolecular activation complex (SMAC) formation. APPROACH AND RESULTS Intralobular iPAIRs (CD45 high lymphocyte-major histocompatibility complex II + APC pairs; n = 1167, training set) were identified at low resolution from multiplex immunohistochemistry-stained liver biopsy slides from several multicenter LTx immunosuppression titration clinical trials (iWITH; NCT02474199 (Donor Alloantigen Reactive Tregs (darTregs) for Calcineurin Inhibitor (CNI) Reduction (ARTEMIS); Prospective Longitudinal Study of iWITH Screen Failures Secondary to Histopathology). After excluding complex multicellular aggregates, high-resolution imaging was used to examine immune synapse formation ( n = 998). By enriching for close intranuclear lymphocyte-APC distance (mean: 0.713 μm) and lymphocyte nuclear flattening (mean ferret diameter: 2.1), SMAC formation was detected in 29% of iPAIR-engaged versus 9.5% of unpaired lymphocytes. Integration of these morphometrics enhanced NGP detection of immune synapses (ai-iSYN). Using iWITH preweaning biopsies from eligible patients ( n = 53; 18 tolerant, 35 nontolerant; testing set), ai-iSYN accurately predicted (87.3% accuracy vs. 81.4% for iPAIRs; 100% sensitivity, 75% specificity) immunosuppression weaning failure. This confirmed the presence and importance of intralobular immune synapse formation in liver allografts. Stratification of biopsy mRNA expression data by immune synapse quantity yielded the top 20 genes involved in T cell activation and immune synapse formation and stability. CONCLUSIONS NGP-detected immune synapses (subpathological rejection) in LTx patients prior to immunosuppression reduction suggests that NGP-detected (allo)immune activity usefulness for titration of immunosuppressive therapy in various settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Wood-Trageser
- Division of Liver and Transplant Pathology , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Drew Lesniak
- Division of Liver and Transplant Pathology , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Alessandro Gambella
- Division of Liver and Transplant Pathology , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences , University of Turin , Torino , Italy
| | - Kayla Golnoski
- Division of Liver and Transplant Pathology , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Sandy Feng
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , California , USA
| | - John Bucuvalas
- Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital and Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute , Mount Sinai Health System , New York , New York , USA
| | | | - A Jake Demetris
- Division of Liver and Transplant Pathology , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
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Goldschmidt I, Chichelnitskiy E, Rübsamen N, Jaeger VK, Karch A, D’Antiga L, Di Giorgio A, Nicastro E, Kelly DA, McLin V, Korff S, Debray D, Girard M, Hierro L, Klaudel-Dreszler M, Markiewicz-Kijewska M, Falk C, Baumann U. Diagnosing Acute Cellular Rejection after Paediatric Liver Transplantation-Is There Room for Interleukin Profiles? CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10010128. [PMID: 36670678 PMCID: PMC9857115 DOI: 10.3390/children10010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current gold standard to diagnose T-cell-mediated acute rejection (TCMR) requires liver histology. Using data from the ChilSFree study on immune response after paediatric liver transplantation (pLT), we aimed to assess whether soluble cytokines can serve as an alternative diagnostic tool in children suspected to have TCMR. METHODS A total of n = 53 blood samples obtained on the day of or up to 3 days before liver biopsy performed for suspected TCMR at median 18 days (range 7-427) after pLT in n = 50 children (38% female, age at pLT 1.8 (0.5-17.5) years) were analysed for circulating cytokine levels using Luminex-based Multiplex technology. Diagnostic accuracy of cytokine concentrations was assessed using a multivariable model based on elastic net regression and gradient boosting machine analysis. RESULTS TCMR was present in 68% of biopsies. There was strong evidence that patients with TCMR had increased levels of soluble CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, IL-16, IL-18, HGF, CCL4, MIF, SCGF-β, and HGF before biopsy. There was some evidence for increased levels of sCD25, ICAM-1, IL-6, IL-3, and CCL11. Diagnostic value of both single cytokine levels and a combination of cytokines and clinical markers was poor, with AUROCs not exceeding 0.7. CONCLUSION Patients with TCMR showed raised levels of cytokines and chemokines reflective of T-cell activation and chemotaxis. Despite giving insight into the mechanisms of TCMR, the diagnostic value of soluble cytokines for the confirmation of TCMR in a clinical scenario of suspected TCMR is poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imeke Goldschmidt
- Department of Paediatric Liver, Kidney and Metabolic Diseases, Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Evgeny Chichelnitskiy
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Rübsamen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Veronika K. Jaeger
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - André Karch
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Lorenzo D’Antiga
- Paediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24128 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Angelo Di Giorgio
- Paediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24128 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastro
- Paediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24128 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Deirdre A. Kelly
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK
| | - Valerie McLin
- Department Pédiatrie, Services Spécialités Pédiatriques, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1211 Genève, Switzerland
| | - Simona Korff
- Department Pédiatrie, Services Spécialités Pédiatriques, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1211 Genève, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Debray
- Pediatric Liver Unit, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Muriel Girard
- Pediatric Liver Unit, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Loreto Hierro
- Servicio de Hepatologìa y Transplante, Hospital Infantil Universitario La Paz Madrid, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Christine Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Baumann
- Department of Paediatric Liver, Kidney and Metabolic Diseases, Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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