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Jonić N, Koprivica I, Chatzigiannis CM, Tsiailanis AD, Kyrkou SG, Tzakos EP, Pavić A, Dimitrijević M, Jovanović A, Jovanović MB, Marinho S, Castro-Almeida I, Otašević V, Moura-Alves P, Tzakos AG, Stojanović I. Development of FluoAHRL: A Novel Synthetic Fluorescent Compound That Activates AHR and Potentiates Anti-Inflammatory T Regulatory Cells. Molecules 2024; 29:2988. [PMID: 38998940 PMCID: PMC11243367 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29132988] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) ligands, upon binding, induce distinct gene expression profiles orchestrated by the AHR, leading to a spectrum of pro- or anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we designed, synthesized and evaluated three indole-containing potential AHR ligands (FluoAHRL: AGT-4, AGT-5 and AGT-6). All synthesized compounds were shown to emit fluorescence in the near-infrared. Their AHR agonist activity was first predicted using in silico docking studies, and then confirmed using AHR luciferase reporter cell lines. FluoAHRLs were tested in vitro using mouse peritoneal macrophages and T lymphocytes to assess their immunomodulatory properties. We then focused on AGT-5, as it illustrated the predominant anti-inflammatory effects. Notably, AGT-5 demonstrated the ability to foster anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells (Treg) while suppressing pro-inflammatory T helper (Th)17 cells in vitro. AGT-5 actively induced Treg differentiation from naïve CD4+ cells, and promoted Treg proliferation, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) expression and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production. The increase in IL-10 correlated with an upregulation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) expression. Importantly, the Treg-inducing effect of AGT-5 was also observed in human tonsil cells in vitro. AGT-5 showed no toxicity when applied to zebrafish embryos and was therefore considered safe for animal studies. Following oral administration to C57BL/6 mice, AGT-5 significantly upregulated Treg while downregulating pro-inflammatory Th1 cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Due to its fluorescent properties, AGT-5 could be visualized both in vitro (during uptake by macrophages) and ex vivo (within the lamina propria of the small intestine). These findings make AGT-5 a promising candidate for further exploration in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalija Jonić
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Ivan Koprivica
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Christos M. Chatzigiannis
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
| | - Antonis D. Tsiailanis
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
| | - Stavroula G. Kyrkou
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
| | | | - Aleksandar Pavić
- Laboratory for Microbial Molecular Genetics and Ecology, Institute for Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Mirjana Dimitrijević
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Andjelina Jovanović
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology with Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Hospital Center “Zemun”, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.J.); (M.B.J.)
| | - Milan B. Jovanović
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology with Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Hospital Center “Zemun”, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.J.); (M.B.J.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sérgio Marinho
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.); (I.C.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Castro-Almeida
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.); (I.C.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vesna Otašević
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Pedro Moura-Alves
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.); (I.C.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreas G. Tzakos
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
- Institute of Materials Science and Computing, University Research Center of Ioannina (URCI), 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ivana Stojanović
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
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Cannon AS, Holloman BL, Wilson K, Miranda K, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. 6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole, a potent ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, attenuates concanavalin-induced hepatitis by limiting T-cell activation and infiltration of proinflammatory CD11b+ Kupffer cells. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:1070-1083. [PMID: 38366630 PMCID: PMC11135611 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiae018] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
FICZ (6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole) is a potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist that has a poorly understood function in the regulation of inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation by FICZ in a murine model of autoimmune hepatitis induced by concanavalin A. High-throughput sequencing techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing were used to explore the mechanisms through which FICZ induces its effects. FICZ treatment attenuated concanavalin A-induced hepatitis, evidenced by decreased T-cell infiltration, decreased circulating alanine transaminase levels, and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines. Concanavalin A revealed an increase in natural killer T cells, T cells, and mature B cells upon concanavalin A injection while FICZ treatment reversed the presence of these subsets. Surprisingly, concanavalin A depleted a subset of CD55+ B cells, while FICZ partially protected this subset. The immune cells showed significant dysregulation in the gene expression profiles, including diverse expression of migratory markers such as CCL4, CCL5, and CXCL2 and critical regulatory markers such as Junb. Assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing showed more accessible chromatin in the CD3e promoter in the concanavalin A-only group as compared to the naive and concanavalin A-exposed, FICZ-treated group. While there was overall more accessible chromatin of the Adgre1 (F4/80) promoter in the FICZ-treated group, we observed less open chromatin in the Itgam (CD11b) promoter in Kupffer cells, supporting the ability of FICZ to reduce the infiltration of proinflammatory cytokine producing CD11b+ Kupffer cells. Taken together, these data demonstrate that aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation by FICZ suppresses liver injury through the limitation of CD3+ T-cell activation and CD11b+ Kupffer cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alkeiver S Cannon
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, United States
| | - Bryan L Holloman
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, United States
| | - Kiesha Wilson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, United States
| | - Kathryn Miranda
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, United States
| | - Prakash S Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, United States
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, United States
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Holloman BL, Wilson K, Cannon A, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti PS. Indole-3-carbinol attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome through activation of AhR: role of CCR2+ monocyte activation and recruitment in the regulation of CXCR2+ neutrophils in the lungs. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1330373. [PMID: 38596679 PMCID: PMC11002125 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1330373] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is found in cruciferous vegetables and used as a dietary supplement. It is known to act as a ligand for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). In the current study, we investigated the role of AhR and the ability of I3C to attenuate LPS-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Methods To that end, we induced ARDS in wild-type C57BL/6 mice, Ccr2gfp/gfp KI/KO mice (mice deficient in the CCR2 receptor), and LyZcreAhRfl/fl mice (mice deficient in the AhR on myeloid linage cells). Additionally, mice were treated with I3C (65 mg/kg) or vehicle to investigate its efficacy to treat ARDS. Results I3C decreased the neutrophils expressing CXCR2, a receptor associated with neutrophil recruitment in the lungs. In addition, LPS-exposed mice treated with I3C revealed downregulation of CCR2+ monocytes in the lungs and lowered CCL2 (MCP-1) protein levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Loss of CCR2 on monocytes blocked the recruitment of CXCR2+ neutrophils and decreased the total number of immune cells in the lungs during ARDS. In addition, loss of the AhR on myeloid linage cells ablated I3C-mediated attenuation of CXCR2+ neutrophils and CCR2+ monocytes in the lungs from ARDS animals. Interestingly, scRNASeq showed that in macrophage/monocyte cell clusters of LPS-exposed mice, I3C reduced the expression of CXCL2 and CXCL3, which bind to CXCR2 and are involved in neutrophil recruitment to the disease site. Discussion These findings suggest that CCR2+ monocytes are involved in the migration and recruitment of CXCR2+ neutrophils during ARDS, and the AhR ligand, I3C, can suppress ARDS through the regulation of immune cell trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Prakash S. Nagarkatti
- Nagarkatti Laboratory, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Columbia, SC, United States
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Liu M, Li S, Cao N, Wang Q, Liu Y, Xu Q, Zhang L, Sun C, Xiao X, Yao J. Intestinal flora, intestinal metabolism, and intestinal immunity changes in complete Freud's adjuvant-rheumatoid arthritis C57BL/6 mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111090. [PMID: 37866312 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111090] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by persistent joint enlargement, synovial cartilage damage, and inflammatory infiltrates. Although the pathogenesis and treatment of RA are still currently insufficient, the importance of the intestine flora, metabolism and immunity for RA has been gradually recognized, and many intestine regulatory strategies have been used to treat RA. However, the relationship between RA and intestine flora, metabolism and immunity has not been fully expounded. In this study, Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) was used to establish RA model, CyTOF technology was used to study the changes of intestinal immune cell types, 16S rRNA technology was used to analyze the differences of intestinal flora, and LC-MS technology was used to explain the effects of metabolites produced by the changed intestinal flora on RA. Moreover, we systematically explored how the imbalance of intestinal flora changed the intestinal immune status through its metabolites in RA mice. Our results showed that the intestinal flora of RA mice changed significantly, and the bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), indole classes and secondary bile acids were significantly reduced. The abundance of SCFAs, indole classes and secondary bile acids in the intestine were significantly decreased. The balance of immune cells in the intestine of RA mice was significantly disrupted, with an overall decrease in immune cells. This work reveals the possible relationship between intestinal flora, metabolism and immunity and RA in mice, which will provide new therapeutic strategies for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfei Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shirong Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ningning Cao
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 300250, China
| | - Qingguo Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yuhao Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qianqian Xu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Chenghong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Integration and Innovation of Classic Formula and Modern Chinese Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. LTD., Linyi 276005, China; Linyi Key Laboratory for Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology of Natural Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. LTD., Linyi 273400, China.
| | - Xuefeng Xiao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Jingchun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Integration and Innovation of Classic Formula and Modern Chinese Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. LTD., Linyi 276005, China; Linyi Key Laboratory for Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology of Natural Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. LTD., Linyi 273400, China.
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Jovisic M, Mambetsariev N, Singer BD, Morales-Nebreda L. Differential roles of regulatory T cells in acute respiratory infections. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170505. [PMID: 37463441 PMCID: PMC10348770 DOI: 10.1172/jci170505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory infections trigger an inflammatory immune response with the goal of pathogen clearance; however, overexuberant inflammation causes tissue damage and impairs pulmonary function. CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) interact with cells of both the innate and the adaptive immune system to limit acute pulmonary inflammation and promote its resolution. Tregs also provide tissue protection and coordinate lung tissue repair, facilitating a return to homeostatic pulmonary function. Here, we review Treg-mediated modulation of the host response to respiratory pathogens, focusing on mechanisms underlying how Tregs promote resolution of inflammation and repair of acute lung injury. We also discuss potential strategies to harness and optimize Tregs as a cellular therapy for patients with severe acute respiratory infection and discuss open questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Jovisic
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science
| | | | - Benjamin D. Singer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Luisa Morales-Nebreda
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science
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Holloman BL, Cannon A, Wilson K, Nagarkatti P, Nagarkatti M. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation Ameliorates Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome through Regulation of Th17 and Th22 Cells in the Lungs. mBio 2023; 14:e0313722. [PMID: 36809070 PMCID: PMC10128024 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03137-22] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is triggered by a variety of insults, including bacterial and viral infections, and this leads to high mortality. While the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in mucosal immunity is being increasingly recognized, its function during ARDS is unclear. In the current study, we investigated the role of AhR in LPS-induced ARDS. AhR ligand, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), attenuated ARDS which was associated with a decrease in CD4+ RORγt +IL-17a+IL-22+ pathogenic Th17 cells, but not CD4+RORγt +IL-17a+IL-22- homeostatic Th 17 cells, in the lungs. AhR activation also led to a significant increase in CD4+IL-17a-IL-22+ Th22 cells. I3C-mediated Th22 cell expansion was dependent on the AhR expression on RORγt+ cells. AhR activation downregulated miR-29b-2-5p in immune cells from the lungs, which in turn downregulated RORc expression and upregulated IL-22. Collectively, the current study suggests that AhR activation can attenuate ARDS and may serve as a therapeutic modality by which to treat this complex disorder. IMPORTANCE Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a type of respiratory failure that is triggered by a variety of bacterial and viral infections, including the coronavirus SARS-CoV2. ARDS is associated with a hyperimmune response in the lungs that which is challenging to treat. Because of this difficulty, approximately 40% of patients with ARDS die. Thus, it is critical to understand the nature of the immune response that is functional in the lungs during ARDS as well as approaches by which to attenuate it. AhR is a transcription factor that is activated by a variety of endogenous and exogenous environmental chemicals as well as bacterial metabolites. While AhR has been shown to regulate inflammation, its role in ARDS is unclear. In the current study, we provide evidence that AhR activation can attenuate LPS-mediated ARDS through the activation of Th22 cells in the lungs, which are regulated through miR-29b-2-5p. Thus, AhR can be targeted to attenuate ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Latrell Holloman
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Alkeiver Cannon
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kiesha Wilson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Alghetaa H, Mohammed A, Singh N, Wilson K, Cai G, Putluri N, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti P. Resveratrol attenuates staphylococcal enterotoxin B-activated immune cell metabolism via upregulation of miR-100 and suppression of mTOR signaling pathway. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1106733. [PMID: 36909201 PMCID: PMC9999031 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1106733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is triggered by a variety of insults, such as bacterial and viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, leading to high mortality. In the murine model of ARDS induced by Staphylococcal enterotoxin-B (SEB), our previous studies showed that while SEB triggered 100% mortality, treatment with Resveratrol (RES) completely prevented such mortality by attenuating inflammation in the lungs. In the current study, we investigated the metabolic profile of SEB-activated immune cells in the lungs following treatment with RES. RES-treated mice had higher expression of miR-100 in the lung mononuclear cells (MNCs), which targeted mTOR, leading to its decreased expression. Also, Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA seq) unveiled the decreased expression of mTOR in a variety of immune cells in the lungs. There was also an increase in glycolytic and mitochondrial respiration in the cells from SEB + VEH group in comparison with SEB + RES group. Together these data suggested that RES alters the metabolic reprogramming of SEB-activated immune cells, through suppression of mTOR activation and its down- and upstream effects on energy metabolism. Also, miR-100 could serve as novel potential therapeutic molecule in the amelioration of ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Alghetaa
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Amira Mohammed
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Narendra Singh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Kiesha Wilson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Goushuai Cai
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Nagireddy Putluri
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Advanced Technology Core, Alkek Center for Molecular Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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Merchak AR, Cahill HJ, Brown LC, Brown RM, Rivet-Noor C, Beiter RM, Slogar ER, Olgun DG, Gaultier A. The activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in T cells tunes the gut microenvironment to sustain autoimmunity and neuroinflammation. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002000. [PMID: 36787309 PMCID: PMC9928083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a T cell-driven autoimmune disease that attacks the myelin of the central nervous system (CNS) and currently has no cure. MS etiology is linked to both the gut flora and external environmental factors but this connection is not well understood. One immune system regulator responsive to nonpathogenic external stimuli is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The AHR, which binds diverse molecules present in the environment in barrier tissues, is a therapeutic target for MS. However, AHR's precise function in T lymphocytes, the orchestrators of MS, has not been described. Here, we show that in a mouse model of MS, T cell-specific Ahr knockout leads to recovery driven by a decrease in T cell fitness. At the mechanistic level, we demonstrate that the absence of AHR changes the gut microenvironment composition to generate metabolites that impact T cell viability, such as bile salts and short chain fatty acids. Our study demonstrates a newly emerging role for AHR in mediating the interdependence between T lymphocytes and the microbiota, while simultaneously identifying new potential molecular targets for the treatment of MS and other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea R. Merchak
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Hannah J. Cahill
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Lucille C. Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ryan M. Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Courtney Rivet-Noor
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Rebecca M. Beiter
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Erica R. Slogar
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Deniz G. Olgun
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Alban Gaultier
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
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Campbell C, Kandalgaonkar MR, Golonka RM, Yeoh BS, Vijay-Kumar M, Saha P. Crosstalk between Gut Microbiota and Host Immunity: Impact on Inflammation and Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:294. [PMID: 36830830 PMCID: PMC9953403 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbes and their metabolites are actively involved in the development and regulation of host immunity, which can influence disease susceptibility. Herein, we review the most recent research advancements in the gut microbiota-immune axis. We discuss in detail how the gut microbiota is a tipping point for neonatal immune development as indicated by newly uncovered phenomenon, such as maternal imprinting, in utero intestinal metabolome, and weaning reaction. We describe how the gut microbiota shapes both innate and adaptive immunity with emphasis on the metabolites short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids. We also comprehensively delineate how disruption in the microbiota-immune axis results in immune-mediated diseases, such as gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, cardiometabolic disorders (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension), autoimmunity (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), hypersensitivity (e.g., asthma and allergies), psychological disorders (e.g., anxiety), and cancer (e.g., colorectal and hepatic). We further encompass the role of fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary polyphenols in reshaping the gut microbiota and their therapeutic potential. Continuing, we examine how the gut microbiota modulates immune therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and anti-TNF therapies. We lastly mention the current challenges in metagenomics, germ-free models, and microbiota recapitulation to a achieve fundamental understanding for how gut microbiota regulates immunity. Altogether, this review proposes improving immunotherapy efficacy from the perspective of microbiome-targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Campbell
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Mrunmayee R. Kandalgaonkar
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Rachel M. Golonka
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Beng San Yeoh
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Matam Vijay-Kumar
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Piu Saha
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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10
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Singh V, Lee G, Son H, Koh H, Kim ES, Unno T, Shin JH. Butyrate producers, "The Sentinel of Gut": Their intestinal significance with and beyond butyrate, and prospective use as microbial therapeutics. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1103836. [PMID: 36713166 PMCID: PMC9877435 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1103836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut-microbial butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) of significant physiological importance than the other major SCFAs (acetate and propionate). Most butyrate producers belong to the Clostridium cluster of the phylum Firmicutes, such as Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Eubacterium, Anaerostipes, Coprococcus, Subdoligranulum, and Anaerobutyricum. They metabolize carbohydrates via the butyryl-CoA: acetate CoA-transferase pathway and butyrate kinase terminal enzymes to produce most of butyrate. Although, in minor fractions, amino acids can also be utilized to generate butyrate via glutamate and lysine pathways. Butyrogenic microbes play a vital role in various gut-associated metabolisms. Butyrate is used by colonocytes to generate energy, stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor to maintain the anaerobic environment in the gut, maintains gut barrier integrity by regulating Claudin-1 and synaptopodin expression, limits pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12), and inhibits oncogenic pathways (Akt/ERK, Wnt, and TGF-β signaling). Colonic butyrate producers shape the gut microbial community by secreting various anti-microbial substances, such as cathelicidins, reuterin, and β-defensin-1, and maintain gut homeostasis by releasing anti-inflammatory molecules, such as IgA, vitamin B, and microbial anti-inflammatory molecules. Additionally, butyrate producers, such as Roseburia, produce anti-carcinogenic metabolites, such as shikimic acid and a precursor of conjugated linoleic acid. In this review, we summarized the significance of butyrate, critically examined the role and relevance of butyrate producers, and contextualized their importance as microbial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Singh
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - GyuDae Lee
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - HyunWoo Son
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Koh
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Soo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Tatsuya Unno
- Faculty of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Shin
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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11
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Li J, Li Y, Sha R, Zheng L, Xu L, Xie HQ, Zhao B. Effects of perinatal TCDD exposure on colonic microbiota and metabolism in offspring and mother mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154762. [PMID: 35364153 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence supports that exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) impacts the gut microbiota and metabolic pathways. TCDD can be transmitted from mother to child; thus, we hypothesize that maternal exposure to TCDD may affect the gut microbiota in mothers and offspring. To acquire in vivo evidence supporting this hypothesis, female C57BL/6 mice were administered with TCDD (0.1 and 10 μg/kg body weight (bw)) during pregnancy and lactation periods, and then changes of colonic microbiota in offspring and mothers were evaluated. High-throughput sequencing of the V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene was performed. The composition and structure of the colonic microbiota in offspring and mothers were significantly influenced by 10 μg/kg bw TCDD as demonstrated by upregulation of harmful bacteria and downregulation of beneficial bacteria. Paradoxically, pathogenic bacteria and opportunistic pathogens were conversely decreased in the offspring of the low-dose TCDD treatment group. Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism exhibited a noticeable change caused by the alteration of colonic microbiota in offspring after maternal exposure to 10 μg/kg bw TCDD, which showed a linear dependence, demonstrating that pathogens or opportunistic pathogens may accelerate the dysbiosis of Trp metabolism. Trp metabolism dysregulation caused by the changed colonic microbiota may subsequently impact other intestinal segments or even living organisms. Our study provides new evidence indicating a potential influence of early TCDD exposure on the colonic microbiota and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Rui Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liping Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Heidi Qunhui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
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12
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Varsha KK, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti P. Role of Gut Microbiota in Cannabinoid-Mediated Suppression of Inflammation. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2022; 2:10550. [PMID: 36776218 PMCID: PMC9910956 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2022.10550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system have been well established to play a crucial role in the regulation of the immune response. Also, emerging data from numerous investigations unravel the imperative role of gut microbiota and their metabolites in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and gut barrier integrity. In this review, we concisely report the immunosuppressive mechanisms triggered by cannabinoids, and how they are closely associated with the alterations in the gut microbiome and metabolome following exposure to endogenous or exogenous cannabinoids. We discuss how cannabinoid-mediated induction of microbial secondary bile acids, short chain fatty acids, and indole metabolites, produced in the gut, can suppress inflammation even in distal organs. While clearly, more clinical studies are necessary to establish the cross talk between exo- or endocannabinoid system with the gut microbiome and the immune system, the current evidence opens a new avenue of cannabinoid-gut-microbiota-based therapeutics to regulate immunological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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13
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Koduru L, Lakshmanan M, Hoon S, Lee DY, Lee YK, Ow DSW. Systems Biology of Gut Microbiota-Human Receptor Interactions: Toward Anti-inflammatory Probiotics. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:846555. [PMID: 35308387 PMCID: PMC8928190 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.846555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory disorders have increased globally, and is projected to double in the next decade. Gut microbiome-based therapeutics have shown promise in ameliorating chronic inflammation. However, they are largely experimental, context- or strain-dependent and lack a clear mechanistic basis. This hinders precision probiotics and poses significant risk, especially to individuals with pre-existing conditions. Molecules secreted by gut microbiota act as ligands to several health-relevant receptors expressed in human gut, such as the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), pregnane X receptor (PXR), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Among these, the human AhR expressed in different tissues exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and shows activity against a wide range of ligands produced by gut bacteria. However, different AhR ligands induce varying host responses and signaling in a tissue/organ-specific manner, which remain mostly unknown. The emerging systems biology paradigm, with its powerful in silico tool repertoire, provides opportunities for comprehensive and high-throughput strain characterization. In particular, combining metabolic models with machine learning tools can be useful to delineate tissue and ligand-specific signaling and thus their causal mechanisms in disease and health. The knowledge of such a mechanistic basis is indispensable to account for strain heterogeneity and actualize precision probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokanand Koduru
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Meiyappan Lakshmanan
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shawn Hoon
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dong-Yup Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Yuan Kun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dave Siak-Wei Ow
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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14
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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: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [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.
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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
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15
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Alharris E, Mohammed A, Alghetaa H, Zhou J, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti P. The Ability of Resveratrol to Attenuate Ovalbumin-Mediated Allergic Asthma Is Associated With Changes in Microbiota Involving the Gut-Lung Axis, Enhanced Barrier Function and Decreased Inflammation in the Lungs. Front Immunol 2022; 13:805770. [PMID: 35265071 PMCID: PMC8898895 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.805770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease highly prevalent worldwide. Recent studies have suggested a role for microbiome-associated gut-lung axis in asthma development. In the current study, we investigated if Resveratrol (RES), a plant-based polyphenol, can attenuate ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine allergic asthma, and if so, the role of microbiome in the gut-lung axis in this process. We found that RES attenuated allergic asthma with significant improvements in pulmonary functions in OVA-exposed mice when tested using plethysmography for frequency (F), mean volume (MV), specific airway resistance (sRaw), and delay time(dT). RES treatment also suppressed inflammatory cytokines in the lungs. RES modulated lung microbiota and caused an abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila accompanied by a reduction of LPS biosynthesis in OVA-treated mice. Furthermore, RES also altered gut microbiota and induced enrichment of Bacteroides acidifaciens significantly in the colon accompanied by an increase in butyric acid concentration in the colonic contents from OVA-treated mice. Additionally, RES caused significant increases in tight junction proteins and decreased mucin (Muc5ac) in the pulmonary epithelium of OVA-treated mice. Our results demonstrated that RES may attenuate asthma by inducing beneficial microbiota in the gut-lung axis and through the promotion of normal barrier functions of the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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16
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Wang Q, Zhang SX, Chang MJ, Qiao J, Wang CH, Li XF, Yu Q, He PF. Characteristics of the Gut Microbiome and Its Relationship With Peripheral CD4+ T Cell Subpopulations and Cytokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:799602. [PMID: 35185845 PMCID: PMC8851473 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.799602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the association between intestinal microbiota abundance and diversity and cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T cell subpopulations, cytokine levels, and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis RA. A total of 108 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 99 healthy control (HC) subjects were recruited. PICRUSt2 was used for functional metagenomic predictions. Absolute counts of peripheral CD4+ T cell subpopulations and cytokine levels were detected by flow cytometry and with a cytokine bead array, respectively. Correlations were analyzed with the Spearman rank correlation test. The results showed that the diversity of intestinal microbiota was decreased in RA patients compared to HCs. At the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes, Fusobacteriota, and Bacteroidota was decreased while that of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria was increased and at the genus level, the abundance of Faecalibacterium, Blautia, and Escherichia-Shigella was increased while that of Bacteroides and Coprococcus was decreased in RA patients compared to HC subjects. The linear discriminant analysis effect size indicated that Bifidobacterium was the most significant genus in RA. The most highly enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway in RA patients was amino acid metabolism. The relative abundance of Megamonas, Monoglobus, and Prevotella was positively correlated with CD4+ T cell counts and cytokine levels; and the relative numbers of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper (Th17)/Treg ratio were negatively correlated with disease activity in RA. These results suggest that dysbiosis of certain bacterial lineages and alterations in gut microbiota metabolism lead to changes in the host immune profile that contribute to RA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Big Data for Clinical Decision Research, Taiyuan, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Min-Jing Chang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Big Data for Clinical Decision Research, Taiyuan, China
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jun Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Cai-Hong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qi Yu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Big Data for Clinical Decision Research, Taiyuan, China
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Yu,
| | - Pei-Feng He
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Big Data for Clinical Decision Research, Taiyuan, China
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Pei-Feng He,
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17
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Cannon AS, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. Targeting AhR as a Novel Therapeutic Modality against Inflammatory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:288. [PMID: 35008717 PMCID: PMC8745713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) was excluded from consideration as a therapeutic approach due to the potential toxic effects of AhR ligands and the induction of the cytochrome P450 enzyme, Cyp1a1, following AhR activation. However, it is now understood that AhR activation not only serves as an environmental sensor that regulates the effects of environmental toxins, but also as a key immunomodulator where ligands induce a variety of cellular and epigenetic mechanisms to attenuate inflammation. Thus, the emergence of further in-depth research into diverse groups of compounds capable of activating this receptor has prompted reconsideration of its use therapeutically. The aim of this review is to summarize the body of research surrounding AhR and its role in regulating inflammation. Specifically, evidence supporting the potential of targeting this receptor to modulate the immune response in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases will be highlighted. Additionally, the opportunities and challenges of developing AhR-based therapies to suppress inflammation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (A.S.C.); (P.S.N.)
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18
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Sultan M, Wilson K, Abdulla OA, Busbee PB, Hall A, Carter T, Singh N, Chatterjee S, Nagarkatti P, Nagarkatti M. Endocannabinoid Anandamide Attenuates Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome through Modulation of Microbiome in the Gut-Lung Axis. Cells 2021; 10:3305. [PMID: 34943813 PMCID: PMC8699344 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious lung condition characterized by severe hypoxemia leading to limitations of oxygen needed for lung function. In this study, we investigated the effect of anandamide (AEA), an endogenous cannabinoid, on Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-mediated ARDS in female mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing data showed that the lung epithelial cells from AEA-treated mice showed increased levels of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and tight junction proteins. MiSeq sequencing data on 16S RNA and LEfSe analysis demonstrated that SEB caused significant alterations in the microbiota, with increases in pathogenic bacteria in both the lungs and the gut, while treatment with AEA reversed this effect and induced beneficial bacteria. AEA treatment suppressed inflammation both in the lungs as well as gut-associated mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). AEA triggered several bacterial species that produced increased levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate. Furthermore, administration of butyrate alone could attenuate SEB-mediated ARDS. Taken together, our data indicate that AEA treatment attenuates SEB-mediated ARDS by suppressing inflammation and preventing dysbiosis, both in the lungs and the gut, through the induction of AMPs, tight junction proteins, and SCFAs that stabilize the gut-lung microbial axis driving immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthanna Sultan
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (M.S.); (K.W.); (O.A.A.); (P.B.B.); (A.H.); (T.C.); (N.S.); (P.N.)
| | - Kiesha Wilson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (M.S.); (K.W.); (O.A.A.); (P.B.B.); (A.H.); (T.C.); (N.S.); (P.N.)
| | - Osama A. Abdulla
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (M.S.); (K.W.); (O.A.A.); (P.B.B.); (A.H.); (T.C.); (N.S.); (P.N.)
| | - Philip Brandon Busbee
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (M.S.); (K.W.); (O.A.A.); (P.B.B.); (A.H.); (T.C.); (N.S.); (P.N.)
| | - Alina Hall
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (M.S.); (K.W.); (O.A.A.); (P.B.B.); (A.H.); (T.C.); (N.S.); (P.N.)
| | - Taylor Carter
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (M.S.); (K.W.); (O.A.A.); (P.B.B.); (A.H.); (T.C.); (N.S.); (P.N.)
| | - Narendra Singh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (M.S.); (K.W.); (O.A.A.); (P.B.B.); (A.H.); (T.C.); (N.S.); (P.N.)
| | - Saurabh Chatterjee
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (M.S.); (K.W.); (O.A.A.); (P.B.B.); (A.H.); (T.C.); (N.S.); (P.N.)
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (M.S.); (K.W.); (O.A.A.); (P.B.B.); (A.H.); (T.C.); (N.S.); (P.N.)
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