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Rat Model of Intra-articular Chondrocyte Xenotransplantation. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 32002914 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0255-3_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Current treatment options are not providing an adequate solution for cartilage defects. Articular cartilage lesions in particular are not able to repair spontaneously and progressively degenerate with an arthrosic pattern. Aiming to solve this pressing medical need, xenotransplantation of porcine chondrocytes could be developed as a new therapeutic approach. Xenotransplantation is gaining much attention, thanks to the advances in animal genetic engineering and progress in the characterization of the rejection mechanisms that prevent long-term graft survival. In this regard, our team has identified various targets for intervention that should be tested in a meaningful animal model to prove their relevance in rejection of xenogeneic cartilage. To this end, we have recently established a discordant xenotransplantation model by injecting three million porcine articular chondrocytes (PAC) into the femorotibial joint of Lewis rats. This chapter describes this new model, which can be used to assess the immunoregulatory effect of a variety of strategies designed to inhibit rejection of xenogeneic PAC both at the humoral and cellular levels.
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The Role of NK Cells in Pig-to-Human Xenotransplantation. J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:4627384. [PMID: 29410970 PMCID: PMC5749293 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4627384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recruitment of human NK cells to porcine tissues has been demonstrated in pig organs perfused ex vivo with human blood in the early 1990s. Subsequently, the molecular mechanisms leading to adhesion and cytotoxicity in human NK cell-porcine endothelial cell (pEC) interactions have been elucidated in vitro to identify targets for therapeutic interventions. Specific molecular strategies to overcome human anti-pig NK cell responses include (1) blocking of the molecular events leading to recruitment (chemotaxis, adhesion, and transmigration), (2) expression of human MHC class I molecules on pECs that inhibit NK cells, and (3) elimination or blocking of pig ligands for activating human NK receptors. The potential of cell-based strategies including tolerogenic dendritic cells (DC) and regulatory T cells (Treg) and the latest progress using transgenic pigs genetically modified to reduce xenogeneic NK cell responses are discussed. Finally, we present the status of phenotypic and functional characterization of nonhuman primate (NHP) NK cells, essential for studying their role in xenograft rejection using preclinical pig-to-NHP models, and summarize key advances and important perspectives for future research.
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Borlongan CV, Yu G, Matsukawa N, Yasuhara T, Hara K, Xu L. Article Commentary: Cell Transplantation: Stem Cells in the Spotlight. Cell Transplant 2017; 14:519-526. [DOI: 10.3727/000000005783982774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cesar V. Borlongan
- Neurology/Insttitute of Molecular Medicind & Genetics/School of Graduate Studies, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
- Research/Affiliations Service Line, Augusta VAMC, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Guolong Yu
- Neurology/Insttitute of Molecular Medicind & Genetics/School of Graduate Studies, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
- Research/Affiliations Service Line, Augusta VAMC, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Noriyuki Matsukawa
- Neurology/Insttitute of Molecular Medicind & Genetics/School of Graduate Studies, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
- Research/Affiliations Service Line, Augusta VAMC, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Takao Yasuhara
- Neurology/Insttitute of Molecular Medicind & Genetics/School of Graduate Studies, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
- Research/Affiliations Service Line, Augusta VAMC, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Koichi Hara
- Neurology/Insttitute of Molecular Medicind & Genetics/School of Graduate Studies, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
- Research/Affiliations Service Line, Augusta VAMC, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Neurology/Insttitute of Molecular Medicind & Genetics/School of Graduate Studies, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
- Research/Affiliations Service Line, Augusta VAMC, Augusta, GA, USA
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SanMartin A, Borlongan CV. Article Commentary: Cell Transplantation: Toward Cell Therapy. Cell Transplant 2017; 15:665-73. [PMID: 17176618 DOI: 10.3727/000000006783981666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Agneta SanMartin
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Marquina M, Collado JA, Pérez-Cruz M, Fernández-Pernas P, Fafián-Labora J, Blanco FJ, Máñez R, Arufe MC, Costa C. Biodistribution and Immunogenicity of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Intraarticular Chondrocyte Xenotransplantation. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1465. [PMID: 29163532 PMCID: PMC5681521 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Xenogeneic chondrocytes and allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are considered a potential source of cells for articular cartilage repair. We here assessed the immune response triggered by xenogeneic chondrocytes when injected intraarticularly, as well as the immunoregulatory effect of allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSC after systemic administration. To this end, a discordant xenotransplantation model was established by injecting three million porcine articular chondrocytes (PAC) into the femorotibial joint of Lewis rats and monitoring the immune response. First, the fate of MSC injected using various routes was monitored in an in vivo imaging system. The biodistribution revealed a dependency on the injection route with MSC injected intravenously (i.v.) succumbing early after 24 h and MSC injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) lasting locally for at least 5 days. Importantly, no migration of MSC to the joint was detected in rats previously injected with PAC. MSC were then administered either i.v. 1 week before PAC injection or i.p. 3 weeks after to assess their immunomodulatory function on humoral and adaptive immune parameters. Anti-PAC IgM and IgG responses were detected in all PAC-injected rats with a peak at week 2 postinjection and reactivity remaining above baseline levels by week 18. IgG2a and IgG2b were the predominant and long-lasting IgG subtypes. By contrast, no anti-MSC antibody response was detected in the cohort injected with MSC only, but infusion of MSC before PAC injection temporarily augmented the anti-PAC antibody response. Consistent with a cellular immune response to PAC in PAC-injected rats, cytokine/chemokine profiling in serum by antibody array revealed a distinct pattern relative to controls characterized by elevation of multiple markers at week 2, as well as increases in proliferation in draining lymph nodes. Notably, systemic administration of allogeneic MSC under the described conditions did not diminish the immune response. IL-2 measurements in cocultures of rat peripheral blood lymphocytes with PAC indicated that PAC injection induced some T-cell hyporesponsiveness that was not enhanced in the cohorts additionally receiving MSC. Thus, PAC injected intraarticularly in Lewis rats induced a cellular and humoral immune response that was not counteracted by the systemic administration of allogeneic MSC under the described conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Marquina
- Infectious Diseases and Transplantation Division, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, Bellvitge University Hospital, ICS, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier A. Collado
- Infectious Diseases and Transplantation Division, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, Bellvitge University Hospital, ICS, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magdiel Pérez-Cruz
- Infectious Diseases and Transplantation Division, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, Bellvitge University Hospital, ICS, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Fernández-Pernas
- Cellular Therapy and Medicine Regenerative Group, Department of Medicine, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña, As Xubias, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Juan Fafián-Labora
- Cellular Therapy and Medicine Regenerative Group, Department of Medicine, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña, As Xubias, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Blanco
- Grupo de Proteómica-ProteoRed/Plataforma PBR2-ISCIII, Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña, As Xubias, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rafael Máñez
- Infectious Diseases and Transplantation Division, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, Bellvitge University Hospital, ICS, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María C. Arufe
- Cellular Therapy and Medicine Regenerative Group, Department of Medicine, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña, As Xubias, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Cristina Costa
- Infectious Diseases and Transplantation Division, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, Bellvitge University Hospital, ICS, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Cristina Costa,
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Mukonoweshuro B, Brown CJ, Fisher J, Ingham E. Immunogenicity of undifferentiated and differentiated allogeneic mouse mesenchymal stem cells. J Tissue Eng 2014; 5:2041731414534255. [PMID: 24812582 PMCID: PMC4014080 DOI: 10.1177/2041731414534255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotential cells with utility in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the immunological properties and immunogenicity of allogeneic MSC remain poorly defined. Recent studies investigating their immunogenicity remain inconclusive and this has hampered their clinical application. This study investigated the (1) immunogenicity and (2) immunomodulatory properties of bone marrow-derived MSC using an allogeneic mouse model involving Balb/c (responder) and C3H (stimulator) mice. Dermal fibroblasts (DF) were used as controls for cells of mesenchymal origin. Adaptations of the lymphocyte transformation assay (LTA) and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) were used to investigate the immunogenicity and immunomodulatory properties of allogeneic undifferentiated and chondrogenic-differentiated MSC and DF. Both MSC and DF displayed a similar phenotypic profile with the exception of lower expression of CD44 and CD105 in DF. Tri-lineage differentiation of MSC and DF into adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteocytes confirmed their multipotency. In LTA, both undifferentiated and chondrogenic-differentiated allogeneic MSC stimulated lymphocyte proliferation. Allogeneic DF were non-stimulatory but chondrogenic-differentiated DF triggered responder lymphocyte proliferation. In one-way MLR, both allogeneic MSC and DF significantly suppressed Balb/c lymphocyte proliferation. The current challenges in distinguishing between MSC and fibroblasts were apparent throughout the work. These findings support the notion that although MSC possess immunosuppressive properties, they may not be immunoprivileged. Thus, clinical application of allogeneic MSC should be taken with due consideration of their potential immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blessing Mukonoweshuro
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE), Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Christopher Jf Brown
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE), Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - John Fisher
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE), Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Eileen Ingham
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE), Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Liu Y, Yang JY, Lu Y, Yu P, Dove CR, Hutcheson JM, Mumaw JL, Stice SL, West FD. α-1,3-Galactosyltransferase Knockout Pig Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Cell Source for the Production of Xenotransplant Pigs. Cell Reprogram 2013; 15:107-16. [DOI: 10.1089/cell.2012.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Jeong Yeh Yang
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Yangqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Ping Yu
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - C. Robert Dove
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Jessica M. Hutcheson
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Jennifer L. Mumaw
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Steven L. Stice
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Franklin D. West
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
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Sommaggio R, Cohnen A, Watzl C, Costa C. Multiple receptors trigger human NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against porcine chondrocytes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:2075-83. [PMID: 22287712 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1100433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Xenotransplantation of genetically engineered porcine chondrocytes may provide a therapeutic solution for the repair of cartilage defects of various types. However, the mechanisms underlying the humoral and cellular responses that lead to rejection of xenogeneic cartilage are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the interaction between human NK cells and isolated porcine costal chondrocytes (PCC). Our data show that freshly isolated NK cells adhere weakly to PCC. Consequently, PCC were highly resistant to cytolysis mediated by freshly isolated NK cells. However, the presence of human natural Abs in the coculture was often sufficient to trigger cytotoxicity against PCC. Furthermore, IL-2 stimulation of NK cells or activation of PCC with the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α or IL-1α resulted in increased adhesion, which was paralleled by increased NK cell-mediated lysis of PCC. NK cell adhesion to PCC could be blocked by Abs against human LFA-1 and porcine VCAM-1. NKG2D and NKp44 were involved in triggering cytotoxicity against PCC, which expressed ligands for these activating NK cell receptors. Our data further suggest that NKp30 and NKp46 may contribute to the activation of NK cells by PCC under certain conditions. Finally, comparative studies confirmed that PCC are more resistant than porcine aortic endothelial cells to human NK cell-mediated lysis. Thus, the data demonstrate that human NK cells can kill pig chondrocytes and may therefore contribute to rejection of xenogeneic cartilage. In addition, we identify potential targets for intervention to prevent the NK cell response against pig xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Sommaggio
- New Therapies of Genes and Transplants Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain
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Sommaggio R, Máñez R, Costa C. TNF, Pig CD86, and VCAM-1 Identified as Potential Targets for Intervention in Xenotransplantation of Pig Chondrocytes. Cell Transplant 2009; 18:1381-93. [DOI: 10.3727/096368909x474249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenotransplantation of genetically engineered porcine chondrocytes may benefit many patients who suffer cartilage defects. In this work, we sought to elucidate the molecular bases of the cellular response to xenogeneic cartilage. To this end, we isolated pig costal chondrocytes (PCC) and conducted a series of functional studies. First, we determined by flow cytometry the cell surface expression of multiple immunoregulatory proteins in resting conditions or after treatment with human TNF-α, IL-1α, or IL-1β, which did not induce apoptosis. TNF-α and to a lesser extent IL-1α led to a marked upregulation of SLA I, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 on PCC. SLA II and E-selectin remained undetectable in all the conditions assayed. Notably, CD86 was constitutively expressed at moderate levels, whereas CD80 and CD40 were barely detected. To assess their function, we next studied the interaction of PCC with human monoblastic U937 and Jurkat T cells. U937 cells adhered to resting and in a greater proportion to cytokine-stimulated PCC. Consistent with its expression pattern, pig VCAM-1 was key, mediating the increased adhesion after cytokine stimulation. We also conducted coculture experiments with U937 and PCC and measured the release of pig and human cytokines. Stimulated PCC secreted IL-6 and IL-8, whereas U937 secreted IL-8 in response to PCC. Finally, coculture of PCC with Jurkat in the presence of PHA led to a marked Jurkat activation as determined by the increase in IL-2 secretion. This process was dramatically reduced by blocking pig CD86. In summary, CD86 and VCAM-1 on pig chondrocytes may be important triggers of the xenogeneic cellular immune response. These molecules together with TNF could be considered potential targets for intervention in order to develop xenogeneic therapies for cartilage repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Sommaggio
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Máñez
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Costa
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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Lin ML, Zhan Y, Nutt SL, Brady J, Wojtasiak M, Brooks AG, Lew AM. NK cells promote peritoneal xenograft rejection through an IFN-?-dependent mechanism. Xenotransplantation 2006; 13:536-46. [PMID: 17059581 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2006.00348.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells have emerged as major players in anti-viral and anti-tumour immune responses. Like cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), they express perforin and are potent secretors of gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma). However, there is conflicting evidence about their role in mediating rejection of xenogeneic tissue. METHODS A pig-to-mouse peritoneal cell model of xenotransplantation was used to investigate the effect of NK deficiency on xenograft recovery and the possible mechanisms behind this NK-mediated graft rejection. gamma c(-/-)RAG(-/-) mice were used as a model of NK deficiency. Additionally, NK cells were depleted in RAG(-/-) mice using anti-asialo GM1. The contributions of IFN-gamma, perforin and NKT cells were studied using knock-out mice that were depleted in vivo of T cells. Mice were injected with 10(7) pig cells intraperitoneally and peritoneal fluid was assessed 5 days later for xenograft recovery and phenotypic analysis. The requirement for NK cells for xenograft rejection was also assessed using luciferase-transfected porcine cells in a renal subcapsular model of transplantation. RESULTS Pig cell recovery was enhanced in both gamma c(-/-)RAG(-/-) and NK-depleted RAG(-/-) mice when compared with RAG(-/-) control mice. IFN-gamma(-/-) mice depleted of T cells also demonstrated superior graft survival compared with their B6 counterparts. However, there were minimal graft survival differences between Pfp(-/-) and B6 control mice. Similarly, a deficiency in NKT cells did not improve pig xenograft recovery from the peritoneum of these mice. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, we conclude that NK cells, but not NKT cells, are important mediators of xenograft rejection in the peritoneal cavity, and that their role may be unmasked in the absence of T cells. The mechanism for this xenorejection appears to involve IFN-gamma but is perforin independent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Lee Lin
- Autoimmunity and Transplantation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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Boldt A, Barten MJ, Sagner A, Mohr FW, Adams V, Dhein S, Gummert JF. The Influence of Immunosuppressive Drugs on T- and B-cell Apoptosis via p53-Mediated Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo. Transplantation 2006; 82:422-7. [PMID: 16906043 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000229036.75483.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to assess the effects of calcineurin and inosine-5-monophosphate-dehydrogenase inhibitors on p53-mediated-apoptosis in T- and B-cells in vitro and in human heart-transplanted recipients (HTx-R). METHODS For in vitro experiments, peripheral blood from healthy volunteers was collected and treated either with 1 microM cyclosporin A (CsA; n = 6), 10 microM mycophenolic acid (MPA; n = 6) or 100 nM tacrolimus (TRL; n = 6). For the second part, peripheral blood was collected from HTx-R undergoing CsA-MPA (n = 11) or TRL-MPA (n = 11) therapy before (0 hr) and after (2 hr) acute drug application and from healthy volunteers (n = 11) without drug therapy. Whole blood (part 1+2) was stimulated (24 hr) with eight different concentrations of actinomycin-D (0-800 nM), an apoptosis inductor acting via p53-pathway. Apoptotic lymphocytes were measured by TUNEL and expression of Annexin-V using FACS. Drug effects were calculated by taking the effects of actinomycin-D as baseline values. RESULTS In vitro drug treatment with CsA, MPA, and TRL significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the apoptotic effect of actinomycin-D in T-cells in a noncompetitive manner. In HTx-R undergoing drug therapy, there was a similar antiapoptotic effect observed in both T- and B-cells (P < 0.05). Differences between 0 hr and 2 hr after acute drug application did not exist. Apoptosis induced by actinomycin-D can be completely blocked by caspase-inhibitor zVAD-FMK. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that, in vitro and in HTx-R, an inhibition of calcineurin and inosine-5-monophosphate-dehydrogenase by CsA, TRL, or MPA lead to an inhibition of T-and B-cell apoptosis via p53-pathway. This assay may be helpful to provide insights into mechanisms of immunosuppressive drugs in regulation of apoptosis in lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Boldt
- University of Leipzig Heart Center, Department of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, Germany.
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Costa C, Bell NK, Stabel TJ, Fodor WL. Use of porcine tumor necrosis factor receptor 1-Ig fusion protein to prolong xenograft survival. Xenotransplantation 2004; 11:491-502. [PMID: 15479458 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2004.00169.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delayed rejection of xenografts is a major hurdle that needs to be addressed to achieve long-term engraftment in the pig-to-primate transplant setting. Both vascular and avascular xenografts are susceptible to a delayed rejection process that comprises humoral and cellular responses. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is believed to play a role in this process by promoting cell activation, apoptosis and the recruitment of inflammatory cells. To address this problem, we engineered the donor cell in such a way that it could block both human and porcine TNF. METHODS We produced a recombinant fusion protein containing the extracellular domain of the porcine TNF-Receptor 1 and an IgG Fc moiety (pTNFR1Ig). We first evaluated by flow cytometry the pTNFR1Ig capacity to prevent TNF alpha-induced expression of SLAI, SLAII, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin on the cell surface of porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC). The effect on TNF alpha-mediated cell death was also assessed by propidium iodide staining after incubating PAEC with TNF alpha plus cycloheximide for 24 h. PAEC and porcine fibroblasts were subsequently engineered by retroviral infection to express and secrete pTNFR1Ig and their resistance to the TNF alpha effects was tested in vitro. Finally, we transplanted mock-control and pTNFR1Ig-expressing PAEC under the kidney capsule of BALB/c mice in the absence of immunosuppression and examined the degree of rejection at 2 and 3 weeks post-transplantation. RESULTS Treatment with pTNFR1Ig resulted in a very potent blockade of human, porcine and murine TNF alpha activity on porcine cells. It inhibited the upregulation of all cell surface markers of activation tested as well as the TNF alpha-mediated cell death. Moreover, pTNFR1Ig-expressing PAEC showed prolonged engraftment in a pig-to-mouse xenotransplant model. CONCLUSIONS Incorporation of strategies that block TNF may prove useful in the development of xenografts resistant to delayed rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Costa
- Department of Molecular and Preclinical Sciences, Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc, Cheshire, CT, USA.
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