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Xie W, Chen S, Luo H, Kong C, Wang D. Critical gene signature and immunological characterization in peripheral vascular atherosclerosis: novel insights from mendelian randomization and transcriptomics. Front Genet 2024; 15:1361445. [PMID: 38660678 PMCID: PMC11039871 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1361445] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Peripheral vascular atherosclerosis (PVA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by lipid accumulation in blood vessel walls, leading to vessel narrowing and inadequate blood supply. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PVA remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed a combination of Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and integrated transcriptomics to identify the critical gene signature associated with PVA. Methods This study utilized three public datasets (GSE43292, GSE100927 and GSE28829) related to peripheral vascular atherosclerosis obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Instrumental variables (IVs) were identified through expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis, and two-sample MR analysis was performed using publicly available summary statistics. Disease critical genes were identified based on odds ratios and intersected with differentially expressed genes in the disease dataset. GSE28829 dataset was used to validate the screened disease critical genes. Functional enrichment analysis, GSEA analysis, and immune cell infiltration analysis were performed to further characterize the role of these genes in peripheral vascular atherosclerosis. Results A total of 26,152 gene-related SNPs were identified as IVs, and 242 disease-associated genes were identified through MR analysis. Ten disease critical genes (ARHGAP25, HCLS1, HVCN1, RBM47, LILRB1, PLAU, IFI44L, IL1B, IFI6, and CFL2) were significantly associated with peripheral vascular atherosclerosis. Functional enrichment analysis using KEGG pathways revealed enrichment in the NF-kappa B signaling pathway and osteoclast differentiation. Gene set enrichment analysis further demonstrated functional enrichment of these genes in processes related to vascular functions and immune system activation. Additionally, immune cell infiltration analysis showed differential ratios of B cells and mast cells between the disease and control groups. The correlations analysis highlights the intricate interplay between disease critical genes and immune cells associated with PVA. Conclusion In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PVA by identifying ten disease critical genes associated with the disease. These findings, supported by differential expression, functional enrichment, and immune system involvement, emphasize the role of these genes in vascular function and immune cell interactions in the context of PVA. These findings contribute to a better understanding of PVA pathogenesis and offer potential targets for further mechanistic exploration and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xie
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shumin Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanqing Luo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuiyu Kong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongjin Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Suárez Vázquez TA, López López N, Salinas Carmona MC. MASTer cell: chief immune modulator and inductor of antimicrobial immune response. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360296. [PMID: 38638437 PMCID: PMC11024470 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Mast cells have long been recognized for their involvement in allergic pathology through the immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated degranulation mechanism. However, there is growing evidence of other "non-canonical" degranulation mechanisms activated by certain pathogen recognition receptors. Mast cells release several mediators, including histamine, cytokines, chemokines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes, to initiate and enhance inflammation. The chemical nature of activating stimuli influences receptors, triggering mechanisms for the secretion of formed and new synthesized mediators. Mast cells have more than 30 known surface receptors that activate different pathways for direct and indirect activation by microbes. Different bacterial strains stimulate mast cells through various ligands, initiating the innate immune response, which aids in clearing the bacterial burden. Mast cell interactions with adaptative immune cells also play a crucial role in infections. Recent publications revealed another "non-canonical" degranulation mechanism present in tryptase and chymase mast cells in humans and connective tissue mast cells in mice, occurring through the activation of the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor (MRGPRX2/b2). This receptor represents a new therapeutic target alongside antibiotic therapy. There is an urgent need to reconsider and redefine the biological role of these MASTer cells of innate immunity, extending beyond their involvement in allergic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mario César Salinas Carmona
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine and Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
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Visnyaiová K, Varga I, Feitscherová C, Pavlíková L, Záhumenský J, Mikušová R. Morphology of the immune cells in the wall of the human uterine tube and their possible impact on reproduction-uterine tube as a possible immune privileged organ. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1325565. [PMID: 38516130 PMCID: PMC10955054 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1325565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The uterine tube, as well as other parts of the upper female reproductive system, is immunologically unique in its requirements for tolerance to allogenic sperm and semi-allogenic embryos, yet responds to an array of sexually transmitted pathogens. To understand this dichotomy, there is a need to understand the functional morphology of immune cells in the wall of the uterine tube. Thus, we reviewed scientific literature regarding immune cells and the human uterine tube by using the scientific databases. The human uterine tube has a diverse population of immunocompetent cells representing both the innate and adaptive immune systems. We describe in detail the possible roles of cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (macrophages and dendritic cells), T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, neutrophils and mast cells in association with the reproductive functions of uterine tubes. We are also discussing about the possible "immune privilege" of the uterine tube, as another mechanism to tolerate sperm and embryo without eliciting an inflammatory immune response. In uterine tube is not present an anatomical blood-tissue barrier between antigens and circulation. However, the immune cells of the uterine tube probably represent a type of "immunological barrier," which probably includes the uterine tube among the immunologically privileged organs. Understanding how immune cells in the female reproductive tract play roles in reproduction is essential to understand not only the mechanisms of gamete transport and fertilization as well as embryo transport through the uterine tube, but also in improving results from assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristína Visnyaiová
- Second Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava and University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivan Varga
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Claudia Feitscherová
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lada Pavlíková
- Department of Rehabilitation Studies, Faculty of Health Care Studies, University of Western Bohemia, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Jozef Záhumenský
- Second Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava and University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Renáta Mikušová
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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von Beek C, Fahlgren A, Geiser P, Di Martino ML, Lindahl O, Prensa GI, Mendez-Enriquez E, Eriksson J, Hallgren J, Fällman M, Pejler G, Sellin ME. A two-step activation mechanism enables mast cells to differentiate their response between extracellular and invasive enterobacterial infection. Nat Commun 2024; 15:904. [PMID: 38291037 PMCID: PMC10828507 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45057-w] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Mast cells localize to mucosal tissues and contribute to innate immune defense against infection. How mast cells sense, differentiate between, and respond to bacterial pathogens remains a topic of ongoing debate. Using the prototype enteropathogen Salmonella Typhimurium (S.Tm) and other related enterobacteria, here we show that mast cells can regulate their cytokine secretion response to distinguish between extracellular and invasive bacterial infection. Tissue-invasive S.Tm and mast cells colocalize in the mouse gut during acute Salmonella infection. Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) sensing of extracellular S.Tm, or pure lipopolysaccharide, causes a modest induction of cytokine transcripts and proteins, including IL-6, IL-13, and TNF. By contrast, type-III-secretion-system-1 (TTSS-1)-dependent S.Tm invasion of both mouse and human mast cells triggers rapid and potent inflammatory gene expression and >100-fold elevated cytokine secretion. The S.Tm TTSS-1 effectors SopB, SopE, and SopE2 here elicit a second activation signal, including Akt phosphorylation downstream of effector translocation, which combines with TLR activation to drive the full-blown mast cell response. Supernatants from S.Tm-infected mast cells boost macrophage survival and maturation from bone-marrow progenitors. Taken together, this study shows that mast cells can differentiate between extracellular and host-cell invasive enterobacteria via a two-step activation mechanism and tune their inflammatory output accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher von Beek
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Fahlgren
- Department of Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Petra Geiser
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Otto Lindahl
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Grisna I Prensa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Mendez-Enriquez
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jens Eriksson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jenny Hallgren
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Fällman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Pejler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mikael E Sellin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Filardo S, Di Pietro M, Bozzuto G, Fracella M, Bitossi C, Molinari A, Scagnolari C, Antonelli G, Sessa R. Interferon-ε as potential inhibitor of Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106427. [PMID: 37890679 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, the main cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, is responsible for severe reproductive sequelae. Amongst all the cytokines involved in host immunity towards this pathogen, IFN-ε has recently acquired importance for its potential contribution to the female reproductive tract innate defenses. Herein, our study aimed to explore, for the first time, the activity of IFN-ε toward C. trachomatis in an in vitro infection model, by testing its effects on the different phases of chlamydial developmental cycle, as well as on the ultrastructural characteristics of chlamydial inclusions, via transmission electron microscopy. Main result is the capability of IFN-ε to alter C. trachomatis growth, as suggested by reduced infectious progenies, as well as a patchy distribution of bacteria and altered morphology of reticulate bodies within inclusions. In conclusion, our results suggest that IFN-ε could play a role in the innate and adaptive immune defenses against C. trachomatis; in the future, it will be needed to investigate its activity on an infection model more closely resembling the physiological environment of the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Bozzuto
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Matteo Fracella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Camilla Bitossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Agnese Molinari
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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