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Roa-Vidal N, Rodríguez-Aponte AS, Lasalde-Dominicci JA, Capó-Vélez CM, Delgado-Vélez M. Cholinergic Polarization of Human Macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15732. [PMID: 37958716 PMCID: PMC10650439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115732] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages serve as vital defenders, protecting the body by exhibiting remarkable cellular adaptability in response to invading pathogens and various stimuli. These cells express nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, with the α7-nAChR being extensively studied due to its involvement in activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Activation of this pathway plays a crucial role in suppressing macrophages' production of proinflammatory cytokines, thus mitigating excessive inflammation and maintaining host homeostasis. Macrophage polarization, which occurs in response to specific pathogens or insults, is a process that has received limited attention concerning the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and the contributions of the α7-nAChR in this context. This review aims to present evidence highlighting how the cholinergic constituents in macrophages, led by the α7-nAChR, facilitate the polarization of macrophages towards anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Additionally, we explore the influence of viral infections on macrophage inflammatory phenotypes, taking into account cholinergic mechanisms. We also review the current understanding of macrophage polarization in response to these infections. Finally, we provide insights into the relatively unexplored partial duplication of the α7-nAChR, known as dup α7, which is emerging as a significant factor in macrophage polarization and inflammation scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Roa-Vidal
- Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00936, USA;
| | - Adriana S. Rodríguez-Aponte
- Department of Biology, Rio Piedras Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931, USA; (A.S.R.-A.); (C.M.C.-V.)
| | - José A. Lasalde-Dominicci
- Department of Biology, Rio Piedras Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931, USA; (A.S.R.-A.); (C.M.C.-V.)
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, Clinical Bioreagent Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00926, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Rio Piedras Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931, USA
- Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Science Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00901, USA
| | - Coral M. Capó-Vélez
- Department of Biology, Rio Piedras Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931, USA; (A.S.R.-A.); (C.M.C.-V.)
| | - Manuel Delgado-Vélez
- Department of Biology, Rio Piedras Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931, USA; (A.S.R.-A.); (C.M.C.-V.)
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, Clinical Bioreagent Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00926, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
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2
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Wills BM, Garai P, Dickinson Q, Meyer JG, Brockman KL. Phase variable acetylation of lipooligosaccharide modifies antibody production and opsonophagocytic killing of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae. iScience 2023; 26:107785. [PMID: 37727736 PMCID: PMC10505976 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) causes millions of infections each year. Though it is primarily known to cause otitis media, recent studies have shown NTHi is emerging as a primary pathogen for invasive infection, prompting the need for new vaccines and treatments. Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) has been identified as a potential vaccine candidate due to its immunogenic nature and outer membrane localization. Yet, phase variable expression of genes involved in LOS synthesis has complicated vaccine development. In this study, we used a chinchilla model of otitis media to investigate how phase variation of oafA, a gene involved in LOS biosynthesis, affects antibody production in response to infection. We found that acetylation of LOS by OafA inhibited production of LOS-specific antibodies during infection and that NTHi expressing acetylated LOS were subsequently better protected against opsonophagocytic killing. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how phase variable modifications might affect vaccine efficacy and success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M. Wills
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Preeti Garai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Quinn Dickinson
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Jesse G. Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Brockman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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3
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Zhang Y, Jen FEC, Fox KL, Edwards JL, Jennings MP. The biosynthesis and role of phosphorylcholine in pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:692-706. [PMID: 36863982 PMCID: PMC10272106 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.01.006] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorylcholine (ChoP) can be found in all life forms. Although this molecule was first thought to be uncommon in bacteria, it is now appreciated that many bacteria express ChoP on their surface. ChoP is usually attached to a glycan structure, but in some cases, it is added as a post-translational modification to proteins. Recent findings have demonstrated the role of ChoP modification and phase variation (ON/OFF switching) in bacterial pathogenesis. However, the mechanisms of ChoP synthesis are still unclear in some bacteria. Here, we review the literature and examine the recent developments in ChoP-modified proteins and glycolipids and of ChoP biosynthetic pathways. We discuss how the well-studied Lic1 pathway exclusively mediates ChoP attachment to glycans but not to proteins. Finally, we provide a review of the role of ChoP in bacterial pathobiology and the role of ChoP in modulating the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Freda E-C Jen
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Kate L Fox
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Edwards
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michael P Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia.
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4
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Rodd ZA, Swartzwelder HS, Waeiss RA, Soloviov SO, Lahiri DK, Engleman EA, Truitt WA, Bell RL, Hauser SR. Negative and positive allosteric modulators of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor regulates the ability of adolescent binge alcohol exposure to enhance adult alcohol consumption. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:954319. [PMID: 37082421 PMCID: PMC10113115 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.954319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale and Objectives: Ethanol acts directly on the α7 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7). Adolescent-binge alcohol exposure (ABAE) produces deleterious consequences during adulthood, and data indicate that the α7 receptor regulates these damaging events. Administration of an α7 Negative Allosteric Modulator (NAM) or the cholinesterase inhibitor galantamine can prophylactically prevent adult consequences of ABAE. The goals of the experiments were to determine the effects of co-administration of ethanol and a α7 agonist in the mesolimbic dopamine system and to determine if administration of an α7 NAM or positive allosteric modulator (PAM) modulates the enhancement of adult alcohol drinking produced by ABAE. Methods: In adult rats, ethanol and the α7 agonist AR-R17779 (AR) were microinjected into the posterior ventral tegmental area (VTA), and dopamine levels were measured in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh). In adolescence, rats were treated with the α7 NAM SB-277011-A (SB) or PNU-120596 (PAM) 2 h before administration of EtOH (ABAE). Ethanol consumption (acquisition, maintenance, and relapse) during adulthood was characterized. Results: Ethanol and AR co-administered into the posterior VTA stimulated dopamine release in the AcbSh in a synergistic manner. The increase in alcohol consumption during the acquisition and relapse drinking during adulthood following ABAE was prevented by administration of SB, or enhanced by administration of PNU, prior to EtOH exposure during adolescence. Discussion: Ethanol acts on the α7 receptor, and the α7 receptor regulates the critical effects of ethanol in the brain. The data replicate the findings that cholinergic agents (α7 NAMs) can act prophylactically to reduce the alterations in adult alcohol consumption following ABAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A. Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - H. Scott Swartzwelder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - R. Aaron Waeiss
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Serhii O. Soloviov
- Department of Pharmacy, Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology and Biopharmacy, National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Eric A. Engleman
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - William A. Truitt
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Richard L. Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Sheketha R. Hauser
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Shelukhina I, Siniavin A, Kasheverov I, Ojomoko L, Tsetlin V, Utkin Y. α7- and α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Functioning of Immune System and in Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076524. [PMID: 37047495 PMCID: PMC10095066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) present as many different subtypes in the nervous and immune systems, muscles and on the cells of other organs. In the immune system, inflammation is regulated via the vagus nerve through the activation of the non-neuronal α7 nAChR subtype, affecting the production of cytokines. The analgesic properties of α7 nAChR-selective compounds are mostly based on the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain relief mediated by the inhibition of α9-containing nAChRs is not fully understood yet, but the role of immune factors in this process is becoming evident. To obtain appropriate drugs, a search of selective agonists, antagonists and modulators of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs is underway. The naturally occurring three-finger snake α-neurotoxins and mammalian Ly6/uPAR proteins, as well as neurotoxic peptides α-conotoxins, are not only sophisticated tools in research on nAChRs but are also considered as potential medicines. In particular, the inhibition of the α9-containing nAChRs by α-conotoxins may be a pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain. nAChRs are involved in the inflammation processes during AIDS and other viral infections; thus they can also be means used in drug design. In this review, we discuss the role of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs in the immune processes and in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuri Utkin
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +7-495-3366522
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6
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Richter K, Asci N, Singh VK, Yakoob SH, Meixner M, Zakrzewicz A, Liese J, Hecker A, Wilker S, Stumpf S, Schlüter KD, Rohde M, Gödecke A, Padberg W, Manzini I, Schmalzing G, Grau V. Activation of endothelial NO synthase and P2X7 receptor modification mediates the cholinergic control of ATP-induced interleukin-1β release by mononuclear phagocytes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1140592. [PMID: 36969210 PMCID: PMC10034071 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1140592] [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] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveThe pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) plays a central role in host defense against infections. High systemic IL-1β levels, however, promote the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders. Therefore, mechanisms controlling IL-1β release are of substantial clinical interest. Recently, we identified a cholinergic mechanism inhibiting the ATP-mediated IL-1β release by human monocytes via nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits α7, α9 and/or α10. We also discovered novel nAChR agonists that trigger this inhibitory function in monocytic cells without eliciting ionotropic functions at conventional nAChRs. Here, we investigate the ion flux-independent signaling pathway that links nAChR activation to the inhibition of the ATP-sensitive P2X7 receptor (P2X7R).MethodsDifferent human and murine mononuclear phagocytes were primed with lipopolysaccharide and stimulated with the P2X7R agonist BzATP in the presence or absence of nAChR agonists, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) inhibitors, and NO donors. IL-1β was measured in cell culture supernatants. Patch-clamp and intracellular Ca2+ imaging experiments were performed on HEK cells overexpressing human P2X7R or P2X7R with point mutations at cysteine residues in the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain.ResultsThe inhibitory effect of nAChR agonists on the BzATP-induced IL-1β release was reversed in the presence of eNOS inhibitors (L-NIO, L-NAME) as well as in U937 cells after silencing of eNOS expression. In peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes from eNOS gene-deficient mice, the inhibitory effect of nAChR agonists was absent, suggesting that nAChRs signal via eNOS to inhibit the BzATP-induced IL-1β release. Moreover, NO donors (SNAP, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine; SIN-1) inhibited the BzATP-induced IL-1β release by mononuclear phagocytes. The BzATP-induced ionotropic activity of the P2X7R was abolished in the presence of SIN-1 in both, Xenopus laevis oocytes and HEK cells over-expressing the human P2X7R. This inhibitory effect of SIN-1 was absent in HEK cells expressing P2X7R, in which C377 was mutated to alanine, indicating the importance of C377 for the regulation of the P2X7R function by protein modification.ConclusionWe provide first evidence that ion flux-independent, metabotropic signaling of monocytic nAChRs involves eNOS activation and P2X7R modification, resulting in an inhibition of ATP signaling and ATP-mediated IL-1β release. This signaling pathway might be an interesting target for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Richter
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Katrin Richter,
| | - Nilay Asci
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Vijay K. Singh
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Marion Meixner
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Anna Zakrzewicz
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Juliane Liese
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hecker
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Sigrid Wilker
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Stumpf
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Marius Rohde
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Axel Gödecke
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Winfried Padberg
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Ivan Manzini
- Department of Animal Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Günther Schmalzing
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Veronika Grau
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
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Hollenhorst MI, Krasteva-Christ G. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Respiratory Tract. Molecules 2021; 26:6097. [PMID: 34684676 PMCID: PMC8539672 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are widely distributed in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues, where they play diverse physiological roles. In this review, we highlight the recent findings regarding the role of nAChR in the respiratory tract with a special focus on the involvement of nAChR in the regulation of multiple processes in health and disease. We discuss the role of nAChR in mucociliary clearance, inflammation, and infection and in airway diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. The subtype diversity of nAChR enables differential regulation, making them a suitable pharmaceutical target in many diseases. The stimulation of the α3β4 nAChR could be beneficial in diseases accompanied by impaired mucociliary clearance, and the anti-inflammatory effect due to an α7 nAChR stimulation could alleviate symptoms in diseases with chronic inflammation such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, while the inhibition of the α5 nAChR could potentially be applied in non-small cell lung cancer treatment. However, while clinical studies targeting nAChR in the airways are still lacking, we suggest that more detailed research into this topic and possible pharmaceutical applications could represent a valuable tool to alleviate the symptoms of diverse airway diseases.
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Islas-Weinstein L, Marquina-Castillo B, Mata-Espinosa D, Paredes-González IS, Chávez J, Balboa L, Marín Franco JL, Guerrero-Romero D, Barrios-Payan JA, Hernandez-Pando R. The Cholinergic System Contributes to the Immunopathological Progression of Experimental Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Front Immunol 2021; 11:581911. [PMID: 33679685 PMCID: PMC7930380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.581911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cholinergic system is present in both bacteria and mammals and regulates inflammation during bacterial respiratory infections through neuronal and non-neuronal production of acetylcholine (ACh) and its receptors. However, the presence of this system during the immunopathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in vivo and in its causative agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has not been studied. Therefore, we used an experimental model of progressive pulmonary TB in BALB/c mice to quantify pulmonary ACh using high-performance liquid chromatography during the course of the disease. In addition, we performed immunohistochemistry in lung tissue to determine the cellular expression of cholinergic system components, and then administered nicotinic receptor (nAChR) antagonists to validate their effect on lung bacterial burden, inflammation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, we subjected Mtb cultures to colorimetric analysis to reveal the production of ACh and the effect of ACh and nAChR antagonists on Mtb growth. Our results show high concentrations of ACh and expression of its synthesizing enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) during early infection in lung epithelial cells and macrophages. During late progressive TB, lung ACh upregulation was even higher and coincided with ChAT and α7 nAChR subunit expression in immune cells. Moreover, the administration of nAChR antagonists increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced bacillary loads and synergized with antibiotic therapy in multidrug resistant TB. Finally, in vitro studies revealed that the bacteria is capable of producing nanomolar concentrations of ACh in liquid culture. In addition, the administration of ACh and nicotinic antagonists to Mtb cultures induced or inhibited bacterial proliferation, respectively. These results suggest that Mtb possesses a cholinergic system and upregulates the lung non-neuronal cholinergic system, particularly during late progressive TB. The upregulation of the cholinergic system during infection could aid both bacterial growth and immunomodulation within the lung to favor disease progression. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of modulating this system suggests that it could be a target for treating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Islas-Weinstein
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, México City, Mexico
| | - Brenda Marquina-Castillo
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, México City, Mexico
| | - Dulce Mata-Espinosa
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, México City, Mexico
| | - Iris S. Paredes-González
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, México City, Mexico
| | - Jaime Chávez
- Department of Bronchial Hyperreactivity, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (Mexico), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luciana Balboa
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Medicina Experimental del National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José Luis Marín Franco
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Medicina Experimental del National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Guerrero-Romero
- Departamento de Matemáticas, Escuela Superior de Física y Matemáticas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jorge Alberto Barrios-Payan
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, México City, Mexico
| | - Rogelio Hernandez-Pando
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, México City, Mexico
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9
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Kumar P, Scholze P, Fronius M, Krasteva-Christ G, Hollenhorst MI. Nicotine stimulates ion transport via metabotropic β4 subunit containing nicotinic ACh receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5595-5608. [PMID: 32959891 PMCID: PMC7707097 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Mucociliary clearance is an innate immune process of the airways, essential for removal of respiratory pathogens. It depends on ciliary beat and ion and fluid homeostasis of the epithelium. We have shown that nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) activate ion transport in mouse tracheal epithelium. Yet the receptor subtypes and signalling pathways involved remained unknown. Experimental Approach Transepithelial short circuit currents (ISC) of freshly isolated mouse tracheae were recorded using the Ussing chamber technique. Changes in [Ca2+]i were studied on freshly dissociated mouse tracheal epithelial cells. Key Results Apical application of the nAChR agonist nicotine transiently increased ISC. The nicotine effect was abolished by the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine. α‐Bungarotoxin (α7 antagonist) had no effect. The agonists epibatidine (α3β2, α4β2, α4β4 and α3β4) and A‐85380 (α4β2 and α3β4) increased ISC. The antagonists dihydro‐β‐erythroidine (α4β2, α3β2, α4β4 and α3β4), α‐conotoxin MII (α3β2) and α‐conotoxin PnIA (α3β2) reduced the nicotine effect. Nicotine‐ and epibatidine‐induced currents were unaltered in β2−/−mice, but in β4−/− mice no increase was observed. In the presence of thapsigargin (endoplasmatic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor) or the ryanodine receptor antagonists JTV‐519 and dantrolene there was a reduction in the nicotine‐effect, indicating involvement of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Additionally, the PKA inhibitor H‐89 and the TMEM16A (Ca2+‐activated chloride channel) inhibitor T16Ainh‐A01 significantly reduced the nicotine‐effect. Conclusion and Implications α3β4 nAChRs are responsible for the nicotine‐induced current changes via Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, PKA and ryanodine receptor activation. These nAChRs might be possible targets to stimulate chloride transport via TMEM16A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Kumar
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Petra Scholze
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Fronius
- Department of Physiology and HeartOtago, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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10
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Bjørn-Yoshimoto WE, Ramiro IBL, Yandell M, McIntosh JM, Olivera BM, Ellgaard L, Safavi-Hemami H. Curses or Cures: A Review of the Numerous Benefits Versus the Biosecurity Concerns of Conotoxin Research. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E235. [PMID: 32708023 PMCID: PMC7460000 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins form a diverse group of peptide toxins found in the venom of predatory marine cone snails. Decades of conotoxin research have provided numerous measurable scientific and societal benefits. These include their use as a drug, diagnostic agent, drug leads, and research tools in neuroscience, pharmacology, biochemistry, structural biology, and molecular evolution. Human envenomations by cone snails are rare but can be fatal. Death by envenomation is likely caused by a small set of toxins that induce muscle paralysis of the diaphragm, resulting in respiratory arrest. The potency of these toxins led to concerns regarding the potential development and use of conotoxins as biological weapons. To address this, various regulatory measures have been introduced that limit the use and access of conotoxins within the research community. Some of these regulations apply to all of the ≈200,000 conotoxins predicted to exist in nature of which less than 0.05% are estimated to have any significant toxicity in humans. In this review we provide an overview of the many benefits of conotoxin research, and contrast these to the perceived biosecurity concerns of conotoxins and research thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walden E. Bjørn-Yoshimoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
| | - Iris Bea L. Ramiro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
| | - Mark Yandell
- Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
- Utah Center for Genetic Discovery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
- George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Baldomero M. Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Grau V, Richter K, Hone AJ, McIntosh JM. Conopeptides [V11L;V16D]ArIB and RgIA4: Powerful Tools for the Identification of Novel Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Monocytes. Front Pharmacol 2019; 9:1499. [PMID: 30687084 PMCID: PMC6338043 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous marine snails of the genus Conus employ small peptides to capture prey, mainly osteichthyes, mollusks, and worms. A subset of these peptides known as α-conotoxins, are antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These disulfide-rich peptides provide a large number of evolutionarily refined templates that can be used to develop conopeptides that are highly selective for the various nAChR subtypes. Two such conopeptides, namely [V11L;V16D]ArIB and RgIA4, have been engineered to selectively target mammalian α7∗ and α9∗ nAChRs, respectively, and have been used to study the functional roles of these subtypes in immune cells. Unlike in neurons and cochlear hair cells, where α7∗ and α9∗ nAChRs, respectively, function as ligand-gated ion channels, in immune cells ligand-evoked ion currents have not been demonstrated. Instead, different metabotropic functions of α7∗ and α9∗ nAChRs have been described in monocytic cells including the inhibition of ATP-induced ion currents, inflammasome activation, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release. In addition to conventional nAChR agonists, diverse compounds containing a phosphocholine group inhibit monocytic IL-1β release and include dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, palmitoyl lysophosphatidylcholine, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine, phosphocholine-decorated lipooligosaccharides from Haemophilus influenzae, synthetic phosphocholine-modified bovine serum albumin, and the phosphocholine-binding C-reactive protein. In monocytic cells, the effects of [V11L;V16D]ArIB and RgIA4 suggested that activation of nAChRs containing α9, α7, and/or α10 subunits inhibits ATP-induced IL-1β release. These results have been corroborated utilizing gene-deficient mice and small interfering RNA. Targeted re-engineering of native α-conotoxins has resulted in excellent tools for nAChR research as well as potential therapeutics. ∗indicates possible presence of additional subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Grau
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katrin Richter
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Arik J Hone
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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