1
|
Sumida TS, Cheru NT, Hafler DA. The regulation and differentiation of regulatory T cells and their dysfunction in autoimmune diseases. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:503-517. [PMID: 38374298 PMCID: PMC11216899 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-00994-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells as a distinct cell lineage with a central role in regulating immune responses provided a deeper understanding of self-tolerance. The transcription factor FOXP3 serves a key role in Treg cell lineage determination and maintenance, but is not sufficient to enable the full potential of Treg cell suppression, indicating that other factors orchestrate the fine-tuning of Treg cell function. Moreover, FOXP3-independent mechanisms have recently been shown to contribute to Treg cell dysfunction. FOXP3 mutations in humans cause lethal fulminant systemic autoinflammation (IPEX syndrome). However, it remains unclear to what degree Treg cell dysfunction is contributing to the pathophysiology of common autoimmune diseases. In this Review, we discuss the origins of Treg cells in the periphery and the multilayered mechanisms by which Treg cells are induced, as well as the FOXP3-dependent and FOXP3-independent cellular programmes that maintain the suppressive function of Treg cells in humans and mice. Further, we examine evidence for Treg cell dysfunction in the context of common autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu S Sumida
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Nardos T Cheru
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David A Hafler
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Santagata S, Rea G, Bello AM, Capiluongo A, Napolitano M, Desicato S, Fragale A, D'Alterio C, Trotta AM, Ieranò C, Portella L, Persico F, Di Napoli M, Di Maro S, Feroce F, Azzaro R, Gabriele L, Longo N, Pignata S, Perdonà S, Scala S. Targeting CXCR4 impaired T regulatory function through PTEN in renal cancer patients. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:2016-2026. [PMID: 38704478 PMCID: PMC11183124 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02702-x] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tregs trafficking is controlled by CXCR4. In Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), the effect of the new CXCR4 antagonist, R54, was explored in peripheral blood (PB)-Tregs isolated from primary RCC patients. METHODS PB-Tregs were isolated from 77 RCC patients and 38 healthy donors (HDs). CFSE-T effector-Tregs suppression assay, IL-35, IFN-γ, IL-10, TGF-β1 secretion, and Nrp-1+Tregs frequency were evaluated. Tregs were characterised for CTLA-4, PD-1, CD40L, PTEN, CD25, TGF-β1, FOXP3, DNMT1 transcriptional profile. PTEN-pAKT signalling was evaluated in the presence of R54 and/or triciribine (TCB), an AKT inhibitor. Methylation of TSDR (Treg-Specific-Demethylated-Region) was conducted. RESULTS R54 impaired PB-RCC-Tregs function, reduced Nrp-1+Tregs frequency, the release of IL-35, IL-10, and TGF-β1, while increased IFN-γ Teff-secretion. The CXCR4 ligand, CXCL12, recruited CD25+PTEN+Tregs in RCC while R54 significantly reduced it. IL-2/PMA activates Tregs reducing pAKT+Tregs while R54 increases it. The AKT inhibitor, TCB, prevented the increase in pAKT+Tregs R54-mediated. Moreover, R54 significantly reduced FOXP3-TSDR demethylation with DNMT1 and FOXP3 downregulation. CONCLUSION R54 impairs Tregs function in primary RCC patients targeting PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, reducing TSDR demethylation and FOXP3 and DNMT1 expression. Thus, CXCR4 targeting is a strategy to inhibit Tregs activity in the RCC tumour microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santagata
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rea
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Bello
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Capiluongo
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Napolitano
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Desicato
- Urology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fragale
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Crescenzo D'Alterio
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Portella
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Persico
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Urology Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marilena Di Napoli
- Uro-gynecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Florinda Feroce
- Pathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Azzaro
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Gabriele
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Longo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Urology Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sandro Pignata
- Uro-gynecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Sisto Perdonà
- Urology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yahsi B, Palaz F, Dincer P. Applications of CRISPR Epigenome Editors in Tumor Immunology and Autoimmunity. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:413-427. [PMID: 38298016 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00524] [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: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, CRISPR-Cas systems have become indispensable tools for genetic engineering and have been used in clinical trials for various diseases. Beyond genome editing, CRISPR-Cas systems can also be used for performing programmable epigenetic modifications. Recent efforts in enhancing CRISPR-based epigenome modifiers have yielded potent tools enabling targeted DNA methylation/demethylation capable of sustaining epigenetic memory through numerous cell divisions. Moreover, it has been understood that during chronic inflammatory states, including cancer, T cells encounter a state called T cell exhaustion that involves elevated inhibitory receptors (e.g., LAG-3, TIM3, PD-1, CD39) and reduced effector T cell-related protein levels (IFN-γ, granzyme B, and perforin). Importantly, epigenetic dysregulation has been identified as one of the key drivers of T cell exhaustion, and it remains one of the biggest obstacles in the field of immunotherapy and decreases the efficiency of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. Similarly, autoimmune diseases exhibit epigenetically dysfunctional regulatory T (Treg) cells. For instance, FOXP3 intronic regions, known as conserved noncoding sequences, display hypomethylation in healthy states but hypermethylation in pathological contexts. Therefore, the reversal of epigenetic dysregulation in cancer and autoimmune diseases using CRISPR-based epigenome modifiers has important therapeutic implications. In this review, we outline the progressive refinement of CRISPR-based epigenome modifiers and explore their potential therapeutic applications in tumor immunology and autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berkay Yahsi
- Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Fahreddin Palaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Pervin Dincer
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kapse B, Budev MM, Singer JP, Greenland JR. Immune aging: biological mechanisms, clinical symptoms, and management in lung transplant recipients. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2024; 3:1356948. [PMID: 38993782 PMCID: PMC11235310 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2024.1356948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
While chronologic age can be precisely defined, clinical manifestations of advanced age occur in different ways and at different rates across individuals. The observed phenotype of advanced age likely reflects a superposition of several biological aging mechanisms which have gained increasing attention as the world contends with an aging population. Even within the immune system, there are multiple age-associated biological mechanisms at play, including telomere dysfunction, epigenetic dysregulation, immune senescence programs, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These biological mechanisms have associated clinical syndromes, such as telomere dysfunction leading to short telomere syndrome (STS), and optimal patient management may require recognition of biologically based aging syndromes. Within the clinical context of lung transplantation, select immune aging mechanisms are particularly pronounced. Indeed, STS is increasingly recognized as an indication for lung transplantation. At the same time, common aging phenotypes may be evoked by the stress of transplantation because lung allografts face a potent immune response, necessitating higher levels of immune suppression and associated toxicities, relative to other solid organs. Age-associated conditions exacerbated by lung transplant include bone marrow suppression, herpes viral infections, liver cirrhosis, hypogammaglobulinemia, frailty, and cancer risk. This review aims to dissect the molecular mechanisms of immune aging and describe their clinical manifestations in the context of lung transplantation. While these mechanisms are more likely to manifest in the context of lung transplantation, this mechanism-based approach to clinical syndromes of immune aging has broad relevance to geriatric medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya Kapse
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Marie M. Budev
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jonathan P. Singer
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - John R. Greenland
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Arroyo-Olarte R, Mejía-Muñoz A, León-Cabrera S. Expanded Alternatives of CRISPR-Cas9 Applications in Immunotherapy of Colorectal Cancer. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:69-86. [PMID: 37907826 PMCID: PMC10786962 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00680-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited to patients with advanced disease who have already undergone first-line chemotherapy and whose tumors exhibit microsatellite instability. Novel technical strategies are required to enhance therapeutic options and achieve a more robust immunological response. Therefore, exploring gene analysis and manipulation at the molecular level can further accelerate the development of advanced technologies to address these challenges. The emergence of advanced genome editing technology, particularly of clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) 9, holds promise in expanding the boundaries of cancer immunotherapy. In this manuscript, we provide a comprehensive review of the applications and perspectives of CRISPR technology in improving the design, generation, and efficiency of current immunotherapies, focusing on solid tumors such as colorectal cancer, where these approaches have not been as successful as in hematological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Arroyo-Olarte
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México
| | - Aranza Mejía-Muñoz
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México
| | - Sonia León-Cabrera
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México.
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tuomela K, Salim K, Levings MK. Eras of designer Tregs: Harnessing synthetic biology for immune suppression. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:250-267. [PMID: 37522861 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Since their discovery, CD4+ CD25hi FOXP3hi regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been firmly established as a critical cell type for regulating immune homeostasis through a plethora of mechanisms. Due to their immunoregulatory power, delivery of polyclonal Tregs has been explored as a therapy to dampen inflammation in the settings of transplantation and autoimmunity. Evidence shows that Treg therapy is safe and well-tolerated, but efficacy remains undefined and could be limited by poor persistence in vivo and lack of antigen specificity. With the advent of new genetic engineering tools, it is now possible to create bespoke "designer" Tregs that not only overcome possible limitations of polyclonal Tregs but also introduce new features. Here, we review the development of designer Tregs through the perspective of three 'eras': (1) the era of FOXP3 engineering, in which breakthroughs in the biological understanding of this transcription factor enabled the conversion of conventional T cells to Tregs; (2) the antigen-specificity era, in which transgenic T-cell receptors and chimeric antigen receptors were introduced to create more potent and directed Treg therapies; and (3) the current era, which is harnessing advanced genome-editing techniques to introduce and refine existing and new engineering approaches. The year 2022 marked the entry of "designer" Tregs into the clinic, with exciting potential for application and efficacy in a wide variety of immune-mediated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karoliina Tuomela
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin Salim
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Requejo Cier CJ, Valentini N, Lamarche C. Unlocking the potential of Tregs: innovations in CAR technology. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1267762. [PMID: 37900916 PMCID: PMC10602912 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1267762] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) adoptive immunotherapy is emerging as a viable treatment option for both autoimmune and alloimmune diseases. However, numerous challenges remain, including limitations related to cell number, availability of target-specific cells, stability, purity, homing ability, and safety concerns. To address these challenges, cell engineering strategies have emerged as promising solutions. Indeed, it has become feasible to increase Treg numbers or enhance their stability through Foxp3 overexpression, post-translational modifications, or demethylation of the Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR). Specificity can be engineered by the addition of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), with new techniques designed to fine-tune specificity (tandem chimeric antigen receptors, universal chimeric antigen receptors, synNotch chimeric antigen receptors). The introduction of B-cell targeting antibody receptor (BAR) Tregs has paved the way for effective regulation of B cells and plasma cells. In addition, other constructs have emerged to enhance Tregs activation and function, such as optimized chimeric antigen receptors constructs and the use of armour proteins. Chimeric antigen receptor expression can also be better regulated to limit tonic signaling. Furthermore, various opportunities exist for enhancing the homing capabilities of CAR-Tregs to improve therapy outcomes. Many of these genetic modifications have already been explored for conventional CAR-T therapy but need to be further considered for CAR-Tregs therapies. This review highlights innovative CAR-engineering strategies that have the potential to precisely and efficiently manage immune responses in autoimmune diseases and improve transplant outcomes. As these strategies are further explored and optimized, CAR-Treg therapies may emerge as powerful tools for immune intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Requejo Cier
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Valentini
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Lamarche
- Department of Medicine, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang H, Wu T, Ren C, Dong N, Wu Y, Yao Y. p53 promotes the expansion of regulatory T cells via DNMT3a- and TET2- mediated Foxp3 expression in sepsis. BURNS & TRAUMA 2023; 11:tkad021. [PMID: 37564681 PMCID: PMC10410290 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Immunosuppression is an important characteristic of sepsis and is closely related to poor outcomes. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) contribute to immune suppression by inhibiting effector T cell (Teff) proliferation and differentiation. We aimed to investigate the role of p53 in Treg expansion after sepsis. Methods We constructed a sepsis model in wild-type (WT) and p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and evaluated the proportions of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs by flow cytometry. The expression levels of forkhead/winged helix transcription factor p3 (Foxp3), DNA methyltransferase enzyme (DMNT)3a and ten-eleven translocation (TET)2 were examined using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Treg-specific demethylation region (TSDR) methylation sites in cells were analyzed by bisulfite-sequencing PCR. Furthermore, the direct binding of p53 to the Dnmt3a and TET2 promoters was illustrated using a luciferase assay. The suppressive ability of Tregs was indicated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis of cytokine levels and the proliferation of cocultured Teffs. Finally, mortality rates after CLP were compared among WT and p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ mice. Results The proportion of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs was significantly reduced in p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ mice compared to WT mice after CLP. The enhanced expression of Foxp3 in WT mice was downregulated in the p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ group. We found decreased DMNT3a and increased TET2 levels after CLP. However, the dysregulation of DNMT3a and TET2 was significantly reversed in p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ mice. TSDR underwent increased demethylation in p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ mice. Luciferase activity indicated direct binding of p53 to the promoter regions of DNMT3a and TET2 to regulate their transcription. Consequently, Tregs from p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ CLP mice exhibited limited suppressive ability, as indicated by the reduced production of transforming growth factor-β and interleukin 10 (IL-10). In the coculture system, Teffs showed preserved production of IL-2, differentiation into Th1 cells and proliferation in the presence of Tregs isolated from p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ CLP mice. Finally, the mortality rate of the p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ group after CLP was significantly reduced in comparison to that of the WT group. Conclusion p53 appears to be critical for Foxp3 expression and consequent Treg expansion by regulating the induction of DNMT3a and TET2, thereby resulting in Foxp3-TSDR demethylation in the context of sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University International Hospital, No. 1 Science Park Road, Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing 100034, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Worker's Stadium South Road, Chao-yang District, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Dong
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Wu
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongming Yao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tiane A, Schepers M, Reijnders RA, van Veggel L, Chenine S, Rombaut B, Dempster E, Verfaillie C, Wasner K, Grünewald A, Prickaerts J, Pishva E, Hellings N, van den Hove D, Vanmierlo T. From methylation to myelination: epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling of chronic inactive demyelinated multiple sclerosis lesions. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 146:283-299. [PMID: 37286732 PMCID: PMC10328906 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02596-8] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (MS), the hampered differentiation capacity of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) eventually results in remyelination failure. We have previously shown that DNA methylation of Id2/Id4 is highly involved in OPC differentiation and remyelination. In this study, we took an unbiased approach by determining genome-wide DNA methylation patterns within chronically demyelinated MS lesions and investigated how certain epigenetic signatures relate to OPC differentiation capacity. We compared genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptional profiles between chronically demyelinated MS lesions and matched normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), making use of post-mortem brain tissue (n = 9/group). DNA methylation differences that inversely correlated with mRNA expression of their corresponding genes were validated for their cell-type specificity in laser-captured OPCs using pyrosequencing. The CRISPR-dCas9-DNMT3a/TET1 system was used to epigenetically edit human-iPSC-derived oligodendrocytes to assess the effect on cellular differentiation. Our data show hypermethylation of CpGs within genes that cluster in gene ontologies related to myelination and axon ensheathment. Cell type-specific validation indicates a region-dependent hypermethylation of MBP, encoding for myelin basic protein, in OPCs obtained from white matter lesions compared to NAWM-derived OPCs. By altering the DNA methylation state of specific CpGs within the promotor region of MBP, using epigenetic editing, we show that cellular differentiation and myelination can be bidirectionally manipulated using the CRISPR-dCas9-DNMT3a/TET1 system in vitro. Our data indicate that OPCs within chronically demyelinated MS lesions acquire an inhibitory phenotype, which translates into hypermethylation of crucial myelination-related genes. Altering the epigenetic status of MBP can restore the differentiation capacity of OPCs and possibly boost (re)myelination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Assia Tiane
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Rick A. Reijnders
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lieve van Veggel
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Sarah Chenine
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Ben Rombaut
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Emma Dempster
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Catherine Verfaillie
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kobi Wasner
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Anne Grünewald
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ehsan Pishva
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Niels Hellings
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Golzari-Sorkheh M, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Development and function of FOXP3+ regulators of immune responses. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 213:13-22. [PMID: 37085947 PMCID: PMC10324550 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad048] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3) protein is an essential transcription factor for the development and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), involved in the maintenance of immunological tolerance. Although extensive research over the last decade has investigated the critical role of FOXP3+ cells in preserving immune homeostasis, our understanding of their specific functions remains limited. Therefore, unveiling the molecular mechanisms underpinning the up- and downstream transcriptional regulation of and by FOXP3 is crucial for developing Treg-targeted therapeutics. Dysfunctions in FOXP3+ Tregs have also been found to be inherent drivers of autoimmune disorders and have been shown to exhibit multifaceted functions in the context of cancer. Recent research suggests that these cells may also be involved in tissue-specific repair and regeneration. Herein, we summarize current understanding of the thymic-transcriptional regulatory landscape of FOXP3+ Tregs, their epigenetic modulators, and associated signaling pathways. Finally, we highlight the contributions of FOXP3 on the functional development of Tregs and reflect on the clinical implications in the context of pathological and physiological immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Núñez R, Rodríguez MJ, Lebrón-Martín C, Martín-Astorga MDC, Ramos-Soriano J, Rojo J, Torres MJ, Cañas JA, Mayorga C. A synthetic glycodendropeptide induces methylation changes on regulatory T cells linked to tolerant responses in anaphylactic-mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1165852. [PMID: 37334360 PMCID: PMC10272618 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1165852] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are allergens found in a wide range of plant-foods. Specifically, Pru p 3, the major allergen of peach, is commonly responsible for severe allergic reactions. The need for new alternatives to conventional food allergy treatments, like restrictive diets, suggests allergen immunotherapy as a promising option. It has been demonstrated that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with synthetic glycodendropeptides, such as D1ManPrup3, containing mannose and Pru p 3 peptides induced tolerance in mice and that the persistence of this effect depends on treatment dose (2nM or 5nM). Moreover, it produces changes associated with differential gene expression and methylation profile of dendritic cells, as well as phenotypical changes in regulatory T cells (Treg). However, there are no works addressing the study of epigenetic changes in terms of methylation in the cell subsets that sustain tolerant responses, Treg. Therefore, in this work, DNA methylation changes in splenic-Treg from Pru p 3 anaphylactic mice were evaluated. Methods It was performed by whole genome bisulphite sequencing comparing SLIT-D1ManPrup3 treated mice: tolerant (2nM D1ManPrup3), desensitized (5nM D1ManPrup3), and sensitized but not treated (antigen-only), with anaphylactic mice. Results Most of the methylation changes were found in the gene promoters from both SLIT-treated groups, desensitized (1,580) and tolerant (1,576), followed by the antigen-only (1,151) group. Although tolerant and desensitized mice showed a similar number of methylation changes, only 445 genes were shared in both. Remarkably, interesting methylation changes were observed on the promoter regions of critical transcription factors for Treg function like Stat4, Stat5a, Stat5b, Foxp3, and Gata3. In fact, Foxp3 was observed exclusively as hypomethylated in tolerant group, whereas Gata3 was only hypomethylated in the desensitized mice. Discussion In conclusion, diverse D1ManPrup3 doses induce different responses (tolerance or desensitization) in mice, which are reflected by differential methylation changes in Tregs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Núñez
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
| | - María J. Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
| | - Clara Lebrón-Martín
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
| | - María del Carmen Martín-Astorga
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Ramos-Soriano
- Laboratory of Glycosystems, Institute of Chemical Research (IIQ), Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Javier Rojo
- Laboratory of Glycosystems, Institute of Chemical Research (IIQ), Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María J. Torres
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Málaga, Spain
- Clinical Unit of Allergy, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - José A. Cañas
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
| | - Cristobalina Mayorga
- Laboratory of Allergy, Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-Plataforma BIONAND (IBIMA-BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Clinical Unit of Allergy, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Glaser V, Flugel C, Kath J, Du W, Drosdek V, Franke C, Stein M, Pruß A, Schmueck-Henneresse M, Volk HD, Reinke P, Wagner DL. Combining different CRISPR nucleases for simultaneous knock-in and base editing prevents translocations in multiplex-edited CAR T cells. Genome Biol 2023; 24:89. [PMID: 37095570 PMCID: PMC10123993 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02928-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple genetic modifications may be required to develop potent off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies. Conventional CRISPR-Cas nucleases install sequence-specific DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), enabling gene knock-out or targeted transgene knock-in. However, simultaneous DSBs provoke a high rate of genomic rearrangements which may impede the safety of the edited cells. RESULTS Here, we combine a non-viral CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease-assisted knock-in and Cas9-derived base editing technology for DSB free knock-outs within a single intervention. We demonstrate efficient insertion of a CAR into the T cell receptor alpha constant (TRAC) gene, along with two knock-outs that silence major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) class I and II expression. This approach reduces translocations to 1.4% of edited cells. Small insertions and deletions at the base editing target sites indicate guide RNA exchange between the editors. This is overcome by using CRISPR enzymes of distinct evolutionary origins. Combining Cas12a Ultra for CAR knock-in and a Cas9-derived base editor enables the efficient generation of triple-edited CAR T cells with a translocation frequency comparable to unedited T cells. Resulting TCR- and MHC-negative CAR T cells resist allogeneic T cell targeting in vitro. CONCLUSIONS We outline a solution for non-viral CAR gene transfer and efficient gene silencing using different CRISPR enzymes for knock-in and base editing to prevent translocations. This single-step procedure may enable safer multiplex-edited cell products and demonstrates a path towards off-the-shelf CAR therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Glaser
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Flugel
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonas Kath
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Weijie Du
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vanessa Drosdek
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Clemens Franke
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maik Stein
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Axel Pruß
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schmueck-Henneresse
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Volk
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- CheckImmune GmbH, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dimitrios L Wagner
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
McCallion O, Bilici M, Hester J, Issa F. Regulatory T-cell therapy approaches. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 211:96-107. [PMID: 35960852 PMCID: PMC10019137 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have enormous therapeutic potential to treat a variety of immunopathologies characterized by aberrant immune activation. Adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded autologous Tregs continues to progress through mid- to late-phase clinical trials in several disease spaces and has generated promising preliminary safety and efficacy signals to date. However, the practicalities of this strategy outside of the clinical trial setting remain challenging. Here, we review the current landscape of regulatory T-cell therapy, considering emergent approaches and technologies presenting novel ways to engage Tregs, and reflect on the progress necessary to deliver their therapeutic potential to patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver McCallion
- Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Merve Bilici
- Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Hester
- Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fadi Issa
- Correspondence. Fadi Issa, Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pavel-Dinu M, Borna S, Bacchetta R. Rare immune diseases paving the road for genome editing-based precision medicine. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1114996. [PMID: 36846437 PMCID: PMC9945114 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1114996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing platform heralds a new era of gene therapy. Innovative treatments for life-threatening monogenic diseases of the blood and immune system are transitioning from semi-random gene addition to precise modification of defective genes. As these therapies enter first-in-human clinical trials, their long-term safety and efficacy will inform the future generation of genome editing-based medicine. Here we discuss the significance of Inborn Errors of Immunity as disease prototypes for establishing and advancing precision medicine. We will review the feasibility of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based genome editing platforms to modify the DNA sequence of primary cells and describe two emerging genome editing approaches to treat RAG2 deficiency, a primary immunodeficiency, and FOXP3 deficiency, a primary immune regulatory disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Pavel-Dinu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Simon Borna
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Rosa Bacchetta
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States,Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Rosa Bacchetta,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Laukova M, Glatman Zaretsky A. Regulatory T cells as a therapeutic approach for inflammatory bowel disease. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250007. [PMID: 36562391 PMCID: PMC10107179 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells suppress inflammation and are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis. A growing appreciation of tissue-specific Treg functions has built interest in leveraging the endogenous suppressive mechanisms of these cells into cellular therapeutics in organ-specific diseases. Notably, Treg cells play a critical role in maintaining the intestinal environment. As a barrier site, the gut requires Treg cells to mediate interactions with the microbiota, support barrier integrity, and regulate the immune system. Without fully functional Treg cells, intestinal inflammation and microbial dysbiosis ensue. Thus, there is a particular interest in developing Treg cellular therapies for intestinal inflammatory disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This article reviews some of the critical pathways that are dysregulated in IBD, Treg cell mechanisms of suppression, and the efforts and approaches in the field to develop these cells as a cellular therapy for IBD.
Collapse
|
16
|
Amini L, Kaeda J, Fritsche E, Roemhild A, Kaiser D, Reinke P. Clinical adoptive regulatory T Cell therapy: State of the art, challenges, and prospective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1081644. [PMID: 36794233 PMCID: PMC9924129 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1081644] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rejection of solid organ transplant and graft versus host disease (GvHD) continue to be challenging in post transplantation management. The introduction of calcineurin inhibitors dramatically improved recipients' short-term prognosis. However, long-term clinical outlook remains poor, moreover, the lifelong dependency on these toxic drugs leads to chronic deterioration of graft function, in particular the renal function, infections and de-novo malignancies. These observations led investigators to identify alternative therapeutic options to promote long-term graft survival, which could be used concomitantly, but preferably, replace pharmacologic immunosuppression as standard of care. Adoptive T cell (ATC) therapy has evolved as one of the most promising approaches in regenerative medicine in the recent years. A range of cell types with disparate immunoregulatory and regenerative properties are actively being investigated as potential therapeutic agents for specific transplant rejection, autoimmunity or injury-related indications. A significant body of data from preclinical models pointed to efficacy of cellular therapies. Significantly, early clinical trial observations have confirmed safety and tolerability, and yielded promising data in support of efficacy of the cellular therapeutics. The first class of these therapeutic agents commonly referred to as advanced therapy medicinal products have been approved and are now available for clinical use. Specifically, clinical trials have supported the utility of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) to minimize unwanted or overshooting immune responses and reduce the level of pharmacological immunosuppression in transplant recipients. Tregs are recognized as the principal orchestrators of maintaining peripheral tolerance, thereby blocking excessive immune responses and prevent autoimmunity. Here, we summarize rationale for the adoptive Treg therapy, challenges in manufacturing and clinical experiences with this novel living drug and outline future perspectives of its use in transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Amini
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health—Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jaspal Kaeda
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Fritsche
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andy Roemhild
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Kaiser
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health—Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Petra Reinke,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cheung J, Zahorowska B, Suranyi M, Wong JKW, Diep J, Spicer ST, Verma ND, Hodgkinson SJ, Hall BM. CD4 +CD25 + T regulatory cells in renal transplantation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1017683. [PMID: 36426347 PMCID: PMC9681496 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1017683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune response to an allograft activates lymphocytes with the capacity to cause rejection. Activation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T regulatory cells (Treg) can down-regulate allograft rejection and can induce immune tolerance to the allograft. Treg represent <10% of peripheral CD4+T cells and do not markedly increase in tolerant hosts. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells include both resting and activated Treg that can be distinguished by several markers, many of which are also expressed by effector T cells. More detailed characterization of Treg to identify increased activated antigen-specific Treg may allow reduction of non-specific immunosuppression. Natural thymus derived resting Treg (tTreg) are CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells and only partially inhibit alloantigen presenting cell activation of effector cells. Cytokines produced by activated effector cells activate these tTreg to more potent alloantigen-activated Treg that may promote a state of operational tolerance. Activated Treg can be distinguished by several molecules they are induced to express, or whose expression they have suppressed. These include CD45RA/RO, cytokine receptors, chemokine receptors that alter pathways of migration and transcription factors, cytokines and suppression mediating molecules. As the total Treg population does not increase in operational tolerance, it is the activated Treg which may be the most informative to monitor. Here we review the methods used to monitor peripheral Treg, the effect of immunosuppressive regimens on Treg, and correlations with clinical outcomes such as graft survival and rejection. Experimental therapies involving ex vivo Treg expansion and administration in renal transplantation are not reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Cheung
- Renal Unit, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Michael Suranyi
- Renal Unit, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jason Diep
- Renal Unit, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen T. Spicer
- Renal Unit, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nirupama D. Verma
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Immune Tolerance Laboratory, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Suzanne J. Hodgkinson
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Immune Tolerance Laboratory, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bruce M. Hall
- Renal Unit, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Immune Tolerance Laboratory, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Inflammation is a biological process that dynamically alters the surrounding microenvironment, including participating immune cells. As a well-protected organ surrounded by specialized barriers and with immune privilege properties, the central nervous system (CNS) tightly regulates immune responses. Yet in neuroinflammatory conditions, pathogenic immunity can disrupt CNS structure and function. T cells in particular play a key role in promoting and restricting neuroinflammatory responses, while the inflamed CNS microenvironment can influence and reshape T cell function and identity. Still, the contraction of aberrant T cell responses within the CNS is not well understood. Using autoimmunity as a model, here we address the contribution of CD4 T helper (Th) cell subsets in promoting neuropathology and disease. To address the mechanisms antagonizing neuroinflammation, we focus on the control of the immune response by regulatory T cells (Tregs) and describe the counteracting processes that preserve their identity under inflammatory challenges. Finally, given the influence of the local microenvironment on immune regulation, we address how CNS-intrinsic signals reshape T cell function to mitigate abnormal immune T cell responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nail Benallegue
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Hania Kebir
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jorge I. Alvarez
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
DNA Methylation in Regulatory T Cell Differentiation and Function: Challenges and Opportunities. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091282. [PMID: 36139121 PMCID: PMC9496199 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As a bona fide epigenetic marker, DNA methylation has been linked to the differentiation and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells, a subset of CD4 T cells that play an essential role in maintaining immune homeostasis and suppressing autoimmunity and antitumor immune response. DNA methylation undergoes dynamic regulation involving maintenance of preexisting patterns, passive and active demethylation, and de novo methylation. Scattered evidence suggests that these processes control different stages of Treg cell lifespan ranging from lineage induction to cell fate maintenance, suppression of effector T cells and innate immune cells, and transdifferentiation. Despite significant progress, it remains to be fully explored how differential DNA methylation regulates Treg cell fate and immunological function. Here, we review recent progress and discuss the questions and challenges for further understanding the immunological roles and mechanisms of dynamic DNA methylation in controlling Treg cell differentiation and function. We also explore the opportunities that these processes offer to manipulate Treg cell suppressive function for therapeutic purposes by targeting DNA methylation.
Collapse
|
20
|
Raugh A, Allard D, Bettini M. Nature vs. nurture: FOXP3, genetics, and tissue environment shape Treg function. Front Immunol 2022; 13:911151. [PMID: 36032083 PMCID: PMC9411801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.911151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in preventing autoimmunity has been well established; however, the precise alterations in Treg function in autoimmune individuals and how underlying genetic associations impact the development and function of Tregs is still not well understood. Polygenetic susceptibly is a key driving factor in the development of autoimmunity, and many of the pathways implicated in genetic association studies point to a potential alteration or defect in regulatory T cell function. In this review transcriptomic control of Treg development and function is highlighted with a focus on how these pathways are altered during autoimmunity. In combination, observations from autoimmune mouse models and human patients now provide insights into epigenetic control of Treg function and stability. How tissue microenvironment influences Treg function, lineage stability, and functional plasticity is also explored. In conclusion, the current efficacy and future direction of Treg-based therapies for Type 1 Diabetes and other autoimmune diseases is discussed. In total, this review examines Treg function with focuses on genetic, epigenetic, and environmental mechanisms and how Treg functions are altered within the context of autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Raugh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Denise Allard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Maria Bettini
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- *Correspondence: Maria Bettini,
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Long X, Luo C, Zhu Z. Role of CNSs Conserved Distal Cis-Regulatory Elements in CD4 + T Cell Development and Differentiation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:919550. [PMID: 35812386 PMCID: PMC9260786 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.919550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Naïve CD4+ T cells differentiate into diverse subsets of effector cells and perform various homeostatic and immune functions. The differentiation and maintenance of these different subsets are controlled through the upregulation and silencing of master genes. Mechanistic studies of the regulation of these master genes identified conserved and distal intronic regulatory elements, which are accessible subsets of conserved non-coding sequences (CNSs), acting as cis-regulatory elements in a lineage-specific manner that controls the function of CD4+ T cells. Abnormal CNS activity is associated with incorrect expression of master genes and development of autoimmune diseases or immune suppression. Here, we describe the function of several conserved, distal cis-regulatory elements at the Foxp3, Rorc, Il-4, Il-10 and Il-17 gene locus were shown to play important roles in CD4+ T cells differentiation. Together, this review briefly outlines currently known CNSs, with a focus on their regulations and functions in complexes modulating the differentiation and maintenance of various CD4+ T cells subsets, in health and disease contexts, as well as during the conversion of T regulatory cells to T helper 17 cells. This article will provide a comprehensive view of CNSs conserved distal cis-regulatory elements at a few loci that control aspects of CD4+ T cells function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xunyi Long
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhengming Zhu, ; Chen Luo,
| | - Zhengming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhengming Zhu, ; Chen Luo,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gerecke C, Egea Rodrigues C, Homann T, Kleuser B. The Role of Ten-Eleven Translocation Proteins in Inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:861351. [PMID: 35386689 PMCID: PMC8977485 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.861351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation proteins (TET1-3) are dioxygenases that oxidize 5-methyldeoxycytosine, thus taking part in passive and active demethylation. TETs have shown to be involved in immune cell development, affecting from self-renewal of stem cells and lineage commitment to terminal differentiation. In fact, dysfunction of TET proteins have been vastly associated with both myeloid and lymphoid leukemias. Recently, there has been accumulating evidence suggesting that TETs regulate immune cell function during innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby modulating inflammation. In this work, we pursue to review the current and recent evidence on the mechanistic aspects by which TETs regulate immune cell maturation and function. We will also discuss the complex interplay of TET expression and activity by several factors to modulate a multitude of inflammatory processes. Thus, modulating TET enzymes could be a novel pharmacological approach to target inflammation-related diseases and myeloid and lymphoid leukemias, when their activity is dysregulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Gerecke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Caue Egea Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Homann
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Joudi AM, Reyes Flores CP, Singer BD. Epigenetic Control of Regulatory T Cell Stability and Function: Implications for Translation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:861607. [PMID: 35309306 PMCID: PMC8924620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.861607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immune homeostasis, promote self-tolerance, and have an emerging role in resolving acute inflammation, providing tissue protection, and repairing tissue damage. Some data suggest that FoxP3+ T cells are plastic, exhibiting susceptibility to losing their function in inflammatory cytokine-rich microenvironments and paradoxically contributing to inflammatory pathology. As a result, plasticity may represent a barrier to Treg cell immunotherapy. Here, we discuss controversies surrounding Treg cell plasticity and explore determinants of Treg cell stability in inflammatory microenvironments, focusing on epigenetic mechanisms that clinical protocols could leverage to enhance efficacy and limit toxicity of Treg cell-based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M. Joudi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Carla P. Reyes Flores
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Benjamin D. Singer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wilk C, Effenberg L, Abberger H, Steenpass L, Hansen W, Zeschnigk M, Kirschning C, Buer J, Kehrmann J. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated demethylation of FOXP3-TSDR toward Treg-characteristic programming of Jurkat T cells. Cell Immunol 2022; 371:104471. [PMID: 34954490 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Demethylation of FOXP3-TSDR (Treg specific demethylated region) is a hallmark of stable differentiation and suppressive function of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Previous protocols aiming at human naïve T cell differentiation failed to implement a Treg cell specific epigenetic signature. Ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes catalyze DNA demethylation. Plasmids towardexpression of a fusion protein encompassing nonfunctional Cas9, the catalytic domain of TET1, blue fluorescent protein, and encoding single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting specific segments of the FOXP3-TSDR were engineered and transfected into Jurkat T cells. FOXP3-TSDR methylation was analyzed by deep-amplicon bisulfite sequencing while cellular Foxp3, Tbet, Gata3, and Rorgt mRNA levels were determined by real-time PCR. Overexpression of dCas9TET1 significantly decreased Jurkat cell FOXP3-TSDR methylation and increased Foxp3 mRNA expression while expressions of master transcription factor mRNAs of other major T cell lineages remained largely unaffected. dCas9-TET1 construct transfection mediated Treg programming of patients' primary T cells might be feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Wilk
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Laura Effenberg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Hanna Abberger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Laura Steenpass
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany; Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hansen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Zeschnigk
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten Kirschning
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Buer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Kehrmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cortés-Hernández A, Alvarez-Salazar EK, Arteaga-Cruz S, Rosas-Cortina K, Linares N, Alberú Gómez JM, Soldevila G. Highly Purified Alloantigen-Specific Tregs From Healthy and Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Can Be Long-Term Expanded, Maintaining a Suppressive Phenotype and Function in the Presence of Inflammatory Cytokines. Front Immunol 2021; 12:686530. [PMID: 34777330 PMCID: PMC8581357 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.686530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The adoptive transfer of alloantigen-specific regulatory T cells (alloTregs) has been proposed as a therapeutic alternative in kidney transplant recipients to the use of lifelong immunosuppressive drugs that cause serious side effects. However, the clinical application of alloTregs has been limited due to their low frequency in peripheral blood and the scarce development of efficient protocols to ensure their purity, expansion, and stability. Here, we describe a new experimental protocol that allows the long-term expansion of highly purified allospecific natural Tregs (nTregs) from both healthy controls and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, which maintain their phenotype and suppressive function under inflammatory conditions. Firstly, we co-cultured CellTrace Violet (CTV)-labeled Tregs from CKD patients or healthy individuals with allogeneic monocyte-derived dendritic cells in the presence of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and retinoic acid. Then, proliferating CD4+CD25hiCTV− Tregs (allospecific) were sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and polyclonally expanded with anti-CD3/CD28-coated beads in the presence of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), IL-2, and rapamycin. After 4 weeks, alloTregs were expanded up to 2,300 times the initial numbers with a purity of >95% (CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+). The resulting allospecific Tregs showed high expressions of CTLA-4, LAG-3, and CD39, indicative of a highly suppressive phenotype. Accordingly, expanded alloTregs efficiently suppressed T-cell proliferation in an antigen-specific manner, even in the presence of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, or TNF-α). Unexpectedly, the long-term expansion resulted in an increased methylation of the specific demethylated region of Foxp3. Interestingly, alloTregs from both normal individuals and CKD patients maintained their immunosuppressive phenotype and function after being expanded for two additional weeks under an inflammatory microenvironment. Finally, phenotypic and functional evaluation of cryopreserved alloTregs demonstrated the feasibility of long-term storage and supports the potential use of this cellular product for personalized Treg therapy in transplanted patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arimelek Cortés-Hernández
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Evelyn Katy Alvarez-Salazar
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Saúl Arteaga-Cruz
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Katya Rosas-Cortina
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nadyeli Linares
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Josefina M Alberú Gómez
- National Laboratory of Flow Cytometry, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gloria Soldevila
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hefazi M, Bolivar-Wagers S, Blazar BR. Regulatory T Cell Therapy of Graft-versus-Host Disease: Advances and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9676. [PMID: 34575843 PMCID: PMC8469916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Immunomodulation using regulatory T cells (Tregs) offers an exciting option to prevent and/or treat GVHD as these cells naturally function to maintain immune homeostasis, can induce tolerance following HSCT, and have a tissue reparative function. Studies to date have established a clinical safety profile for polyclonal Tregs. Functional enhancement through genetic engineering offers the possibility of improved potency, specificity, and persistence. In this review, we provide the most up to date preclinical and clinical data on Treg cell therapy with a particular focus on GVHD. We discuss the different Treg subtypes and highlight the pharmacological and genetic approaches under investigation to enhance the application of Tregs in allo-HSCT. Lastly, we discuss the remaining challenges for optimal clinical translation and provide insights as to future directions of the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hefazi
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Sara Bolivar-Wagers
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA;
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Piotrowska M, Gliwiński M, Trzonkowski P, Iwaszkiewicz-Grzes D. Regulatory T Cells-Related Genes Are under DNA Methylation Influence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7144. [PMID: 34281195 PMCID: PMC8267835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert a highly suppressive function in the immune system. Disturbances in their function predispose an individual to autoimmune dysregulation, with a predominance of the pro-inflammatory environment. Besides Foxp3, which is a master regulator of these cells, other genes (e.g., Il2ra, Ctla4, Tnfrsf18, Ikzf2, and Ikzf4) are also involved in Tregs development and function. Multidimensional Tregs suppression is determined by factors that are believed to be crucial in the action of Tregs-related genes. Among them, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, tend to be widely studied over the past few years. DNA methylation acts as a repressive mark, leading to diminished gene expression. Given the role of increased CpG methylation upon Tregs imprinting and functional stability, alterations in the methylation pattern can cause an imbalance in the immune response. Due to the fact that epigenetic changes can be reversible, so-called epigenetic modifiers are broadly used in order to improve Tregs performance. In this review, we place emphasis on the role of DNA methylation of the genes that are key regulators of Tregs function. We also discuss disease settings that have an impact on the methylation status of Tregs and systematize the usefulness of epigenetic drugs as factors able to influence Tregs functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dorota Iwaszkiewicz-Grzes
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.P.); (M.G.); (P.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ectopic FOXP3 Expression in Combination with TGF-β1 and IL-2 Stimulation Generates Limited Suppressive Function in Human Primary Activated Thymocytes Ex Vivo. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050461. [PMID: 33922629 PMCID: PMC8146103 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are characterized by the expression of the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), are the main immune cells that induce tolerance and are regulators of immune homeostasis. Natural Treg cells (nTregs), described as CD4+CD25+FOXP3+, are generated in the thymus via activation and cytokine signaling. Transforming growth factor beta type 1 (TGF-β1) is pivotal to the generation of the nTreg lineage, its maintenance in the thymus, and to generating induced Treg cells (iTregs) in the periphery or in vitro arising from conventional T cells (Tconvs). Here, we tested whether TGF-β1 treatment, associated with interleukin-2 (IL-2) and CD3/CD28 stimulation, could generate functional Treg-like cells from human thymocytes in vitro, as it does from Tconvs. Additionally, we genetically manipulated the cells for ectopic FOXP3 expression, along with the TGF-β1 treatment. We demonstrated that TGF-β1 and ectopic FOXP3, combined with IL-2 and through CD3/CD28 activation, transformed human thymocytes into cells that expressed high levels of Treg-associated markers. However, these cells also presented a lack of homogeneous suppressive function and an unstable proinflammatory cytokine profile. Therefore, thymocyte-derived cells, activated with the same stimuli as Tconvs, were not an appropriate alternative for inducing cells with a Treg-like phenotype and function.
Collapse
|
29
|
Rothenberg EV. Logic and lineage impacts on functional transcription factor deployment for T-cell fate commitment. Biophys J 2021; 120:4162-4181. [PMID: 33838137 PMCID: PMC8516641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors are the major agents that read the regulatory sequence information in the genome to initiate changes in expression of specific genes, both in development and in physiological activation responses. Their actions depend on site-specific DNA binding and are largely guided by their individual DNA target sequence specificities. However, their action is far more conditional in a real developmental context than would be expected for simple reading of local genomic DNA sequence, which is common to all cells in the organism. They are constrained by slow-changing chromatin states and by interactions with other transcription factors, which affect their occupancy patterns of potential sites across the genome. These mechanisms lead to emergent discontinuities in function even for transcription factors with minimally changing expression. This is well revealed by diverse lineages of blood cells developing throughout life from hematopoietic stem cells, which use overlapping combinations of transcription factors to drive strongly divergent gene regulation programs. Here, using development of T lymphocytes from hematopoietic multipotent progenitor cells as a focus, recent evidence is reviewed on how binding specificity and dynamics, transcription factor cooperativity, and chromatin state changes impact the effective regulatory functions of key transcription factors including PU.1, Runx1, Notch-RBPJ, and Bcl11b.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen V Rothenberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California.
| |
Collapse
|