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Putscher E, Hecker M, Fitzner B, Boxberger N, Schwartz M, Koczan D, Lorenz P, Zettl UK. Genetic risk variants for multiple sclerosis are linked to differences in alternative pre-mRNA splicing. Front Immunol 2022; 13:931831. [PMID: 36405756 PMCID: PMC9670805 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.931831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system to which a genetic predisposition contributes. Over 200 genetic regions have been associated with increased disease risk, but the disease-causing variants and their functional impact at the molecular level are mostly poorly defined. We hypothesized that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have an impact on pre-mRNA splicing in MS. METHODS Our study focused on 10 bioinformatically prioritized SNP-gene pairs, in which the SNP has a high potential to alter alternative splicing events (ASEs). We tested for differential gene expression and differential alternative splicing in B cells from MS patients and healthy controls. We further examined the impact of the SNP genotypes on ASEs and on splice isoform expression levels. Novel genotype-dependent effects on splicing were verified with splicing reporter minigene assays. RESULTS We were able to confirm previously described findings regarding the relation of MS-associated SNPs with the ASEs of the pre-mRNAs from GSDMB and SP140. We also observed an increased IL7R exon 6 skipping when comparing relapsing and progressive MS patients to healthy subjects. Moreover, we found evidence that the MS risk alleles of the SNPs rs3851808 (EFCAB13), rs1131123 (HLA-C), rs10783847 (TSFM), and rs2014886 (TSFM) may contribute to a differential splicing pattern. Of particular interest is the genotype-dependent exon skipping of TSFM due to the SNP rs2014886. The minor allele T creates a donor splice site, resulting in the expression of the exon 3 and 4 of a short TSFM transcript isoform, whereas in the presence of the MS risk allele C, this donor site is absent, and thus the short transcript isoform is not expressed. CONCLUSION In summary, we found that genetic variants from MS risk loci affect pre-mRNA splicing. Our findings substantiate the role of ASEs with respect to the genetics of MS. Further studies on how disease-causing genetic variants may modify the interactions between splicing regulatory sequence elements and RNA-binding proteins can help to deepen our understanding of the genetic susceptibility to MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Putscher
- Rostock University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Hecker
- Rostock University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Rostock, Germany
| | - Brit Fitzner
- Rostock University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Rostock, Germany
| | - Nina Boxberger
- Rostock University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Rostock, Germany
| | - Margit Schwartz
- Rostock University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Rostock, Germany
| | - Dirk Koczan
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute of Immunology, Rostock, Germany
| | - Peter Lorenz
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute of Immunology, Rostock, Germany
| | - Uwe Klaus Zettl
- Rostock University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Rostock, Germany
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Han F, Gulam MY, Zheng Y, Zulhaimi NS, Sia WR, He D, Ho A, Hadadi L, Liu Z, Qin P, Lobie PE, Kamarulzaman A, Wang LF, Sandberg JK, Lewin SR, Rajasuriar R, Leeansyah E. IL7RA single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with the size and function of the MAIT cell population in treated HIV-1 infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:985385. [PMID: 36341446 PMCID: PMC9632172 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.985385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MAIT cells are persistently depleted and functionally exhausted in HIV-1-infected patients despite long-term combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). IL-7 treatment supports MAIT cell reconstitution in vivo HIV-1-infected individuals and rescues their functionality in vitro. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the IL-7RA gene modulate the levels of soluble(s)IL-7Rα (sCD127) levels and influence bioavailability of circulating IL-7. Here we evaluate the potential influence of IL-7RA polymorphisms on MAIT cell numbers and function in healthy control (HC) subjects and HIV-1-infected individuals on long-term cART. Our findings indicate that IL-7RA haplotype 2 (H2*T), defined as T-allele carriers at the tagging SNP rs6897932, affects the size of the peripheral blood MAIT cell pool, as well as their production of cytokines and cytolytic effector proteins in response to bacterial stimulation. H2*T carriers had lower sIL-7Rα levels and higher MAIT cell frequency with enhanced functionality linked to higher expression of MAIT cell-associated transcription factors. Despite an average of 7 years on suppressive cART, MAIT cell levels and function in HIV-1-infected individuals were still significantly lower than those of HC. Notably, we observed a significant correlation between MAIT cell levels and cART duration only in HIV-1-infected individuals carrying IL-7RA haplotype 2. Interestingly, treatment with sIL-7Rα in vitro suppressed IL-7-dependent MAIT cell proliferation and function following cognate stimulations. These observations suggest that sIL-7Rα levels may influence MAIT cell numbers and function in vivo by limiting IL-7 bioavailability to MAIT cells. Collectively, these observations suggest that IL-7RA polymorphisms may play a significant role in MAIT cell biology and influence MAIT cells recovery in HIV-1 infection. The potential links between IL7RA polymorphisms, MAIT cell immunobiology, and HIV-1 infection warrant further studies going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Han
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
- Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Centre, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Muhammad Yaaseen Gulam
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yichao Zheng
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
- Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Centre, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nurul Syuhada Zulhaimi
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wan Rong Sia
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dan He
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
- Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Centre, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Amanda Ho
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
- Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Centre, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Leila Hadadi
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhenyu Liu
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
- Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Centre, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peiwu Qin
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
- Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Centre, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peter E. Lobie
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
- Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Centre, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lin-Fa Wang
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Johan K. Sandberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sharon R. Lewin
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Reena Rajasuriar
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Edwin Leeansyah
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
- Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Centre, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Edwin Leeansyah,
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Galarza-Muñoz G, Kennedy-Boone D, Schott G, Bradrick SS, Garcia-Blanco MA. Antisense modulation of IL7R splicing to control sIL7R expression in human CD4 + T cells. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 28:1058-1073. [PMID: 35613883 PMCID: PMC9297843 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079137.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R) is strongly associated with increased risk to develop multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, and this association is likely driven by up-regulation of the soluble isoform of IL7R (sIL7R). Expression of sIL7R is determined by exclusion of the alternative exon 6 from IL7R transcripts, and our previous work revealed that the MS risk allele of the SNP rs6897932 within this exon enhances the expression of sIL7R by promoting exclusion of exon 6. sIL7R potentiates the activity of IL7, leading to enhanced expansion of T cells and increased disability in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) murine model of MS. This role in modulating T cell-driven immunity positions sIL7R as an attractive therapeutic target whose expression could be reduced for treatment of MS or increased for treatment of cancers. In this study, we identified novel antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that effectively control the inclusion (anti-sIL7R ASOs) or exclusion (pro-sIL7R ASOs) of this exon in a dose-dependent fashion. These ASOs provided excellent control of exon 6 splicing and sIL7R secretion in human primary CD4+ T cells. Supporting their potential for therapeutic targeting, we showed that lead anti-sIL7R ASOs correct the enhanced exon 6 exclusion imposed by the MS risk allele of rs6897932, whereas lead pro-sIL7R ASOs phenocopy it. The data presented here form the foundation for future preclinical studies that will test the therapeutic potential of these ASOs in MS and immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaddiel Galarza-Muñoz
- Autoimmunity BioSolutions, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
| | - Debbie Kennedy-Boone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
| | - Geraldine Schott
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
| | - Shelton S Bradrick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
- Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
| | - Mariano A Garcia-Blanco
- Autoimmunity BioSolutions, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
- Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA
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IL-7/IL7R axis dysfunction in adults with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13145. [PMID: 35907923 PMCID: PMC9339003 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13063-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a worldwide leading cause of death. Recognized risk factors in some severe cases have not been identified. Lymphocytopenia has been frequently described in CAP. Since IL-7, membrane-bound receptor (IL7Rα;CD127) and soluble IL7Rα (sIL7R) are critical in lymphocytes homeostasis, in this work we aimed to evaluate the involvement of the IL-7/IL7Rα axis in the severity of adult CAP, since it has not been explored. The IL7Rα SNPs rs6897932, rs987106, and rs3194051 SNPs in IL7α were genotyped, the systemic expression of the IL7R gene, sIL7R, IL-7, and levels of peripheral IL7Rα+ T lymphocytes were quantified in 202 hospitalized CAP cases. rs3194051GG was more frequent in non-survivors than in survivors; rs987106TT was more frequent and rs3194051AA less frequent in patients at intensive care unit (ICU) than in those not admitted to ICU. IL7Rα gene expression was lower in non-survivors than in survivors, and in severe than in mild cases. CD3+CD127+ lymphocytes were lower in severe than in mild cases; in non-survivors than in survivors and in ICU than in non- ICU admitted cases. sIL7Rα plasmatic levels were higher in non-survivors than in survivors, and in severe than in mild cases. rs6897932CC, rs987106AA and rs3194051GG carriers showed the highest while rs6897932TT showed the lowest sIL7Rα levels. The AUC of sIL7Rα levels predicting 30-day mortality was 0.71. Plasma IL-7 levels were lower in ICU-admitted than in not ICU-admitted and in non-survivors than in survivors. No additional association was detected. In conclusion, rs3194051GG and rs987106TT IL7R genotypes were associated with a poorer prognosis. A significant association between sIL7R levels and SNPs of the IL7R gene is described for the first time in adult CAP. Increased plasmatic sIL7R could contribute to identifying adult CAP cases at risk of death.
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Schott G, Galarza-Muñoz G, Trevino N, Chen X, Weirauch M, Gregory SG, Bradrick SS, Garcia-Blanco MA. U2AF2 binds IL7R exon 6 ectopically and represses its inclusion. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:rna.078279.120. [PMID: 33568552 PMCID: PMC8051268 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078279.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 7 receptor α-chain is crucial for the development and maintenance of T cells and is genetically associated with autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease of the CNS. Exon 6 of IL7R encodes for the transmembrane domain of the receptor and is regulated by alternative splicing: inclusion or skipping of IL7R exon 6 results in membrane-bound or soluble IL7R isoforms, respectively. We previously identified a SNP (rs6897932) in IL7R exon 6, strongly associated with MS risk and showed that the risk allele (C) increases skipping of the exon, resulting in elevated levels of sIL7R. This has important pathological consequences as elevated levels of sIL7R has been shown to exacerbate the disease in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of MS. Understanding the regulation of exon 6 splicing provides important mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of MS. Here we report two mechanisms by which IL7R exon 6 is controlled. First, a competition between PTBP1 and U2AF2 at the polypyrimidine tract (PPT) of intron 5, and second, an unexpected U2AF2-mediated assembly of spicing factors in the exon. We noted the presence of a branchpoint sequence (BPS) (TACTAAT or TACTAAC) within exon 6, which is stronger with the C allele. We also noted that the BPS is followed by a PPT and conjectured that silencing could be mediated by the binding of U2AF2 to that tract. In support of this model, we show that evolutionary conservation of the exonic PPT correlates well with the degree of alternative splicing of exon 6 in two non-human primate species and that U2AF2 binding to this PPT recruits U2 snRNP components to the exon. These observations provide the first explanation for the stronger silencing of IL7R exon 6 with the disease associated C allele at rs6897932.
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6
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Côté SC, Burke Schinkel SC, Berthoud TK, Barros PO, Sanchez‐Vidales M, Davidson AM, Crawley AM, Angel JB. IL-7 induces sCD127 release and mCD127 downregulation in human CD8 + T cells by distinct yet overlapping mechanisms, both of which are impaired in HIV infection. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1537-1549. [PMID: 32390135 PMCID: PMC7586945 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The IL‐7 receptor specific α chain, CD127, can be expressed both as a membrane‐associated (mCD127) and a soluble form (sCD127), however, the mechanisms involved in their regulation remain to be defined. We first demonstrated in primary human CD8+ T cells that IL‐7‐induced downregulation of mCD127 expression is dependent on JAK and PI3K signaling, whereas IL‐7‐induced sCD127 release is also mediated by STAT5. Following stimulation with IL‐7, expression of alternatively spliced variants of the CD127 gene, sCD127 mRNA, is reduced, but to a lesser degree than the full‐length gene. Evaluation of the role of proteases revealed that MMP‐9 was involved in sCD127 release, without affecting the expression of mCD127, suggesting it does not induce direct shedding from the cell surface. Since defects in the IL‐7/CD127 pathway occur in various diseases, including HIV, we evaluated CD8+ T cells derived from HAART‐treated HIV‐infected individuals and found that IL‐7‐induced (1) downregulation of mCD127, (2) release of sCD127, and (3) expression of the sCD127 mRNA were all impaired. Expression of mCD127 and sCD127 is, therefore, regulated by distinct, but overlapping, mechanisms and their impairment in HIV infection contributes to our understanding of the CD8+ T cell dysfunction that persists despite effective antiretroviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tamara K. Berthoud
- The Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaONCanada
- Department of BiochemistryMicrobiology, and ImmunologyThe University of OttawaOttawaONCanada
| | - Priscila O. Barros
- The Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaONCanada
- Department of BiochemistryMicrobiology, and ImmunologyThe University of OttawaOttawaONCanada
| | - Maria Sanchez‐Vidales
- The Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaONCanada
- Department of BiochemistryMicrobiology, and ImmunologyThe University of OttawaOttawaONCanada
| | - April M. Davidson
- The Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaONCanada
- Department of BiochemistryMicrobiology, and ImmunologyThe University of OttawaOttawaONCanada
| | - Angela M. Crawley
- The Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaONCanada
- Department of BiochemistryMicrobiology, and ImmunologyThe University of OttawaOttawaONCanada
- Department of BiologyCarleton UniversityOttawaONCanada
| | - Jonathan B. Angel
- The Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaONCanada
- Department of BiochemistryMicrobiology, and ImmunologyThe University of OttawaOttawaONCanada
- Division of Infectious DiseasesThe Ottawa HospitalOttawaONCanada
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Lokau J, Garbers C. Biological functions and therapeutic opportunities of soluble cytokine receptors. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 55:94-108. [PMID: 32386776 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines control the immune system by regulating the proliferation, differentiation and function of immune cells. They activate their target cells through binding to specific receptors, which either are transmembrane proteins or attached to the cell-surface via a GPI-anchor. Different tissues and individual cell types have unique expression profiles of cytokine receptors, and consequently this expression pattern dictates to which cytokines a given cell can respond. Furthermore, soluble variants of several cytokine receptors exist, which are generated by different molecular mechanisms, namely differential mRNA splicing, proteolytic cleavage of the membrane-tethered precursors, and release on extracellular vesicles. These soluble receptors shape the function of cytokines in different ways: they can serve as antagonistic decoy receptors which compete with their membrane-bound counterparts for the ligand, or they can form functional receptor/cytokine complexes which act as agonists and can even activate cells that would usually not respond to the ligand alone. In this review, we focus on the IL-2 and IL-6 families of cytokines and the so-called Th2 cytokines. We summarize for each cytokine which soluble receptors exist, were they originate from, how they are generated, and what their biological functions are. Furthermore, we give an outlook on how these soluble receptors can be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Lokau
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Garbers
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Hecker M, Rüge A, Putscher E, Boxberger N, Rommer PS, Fitzner B, Zettl UK. Aberrant expression of alternative splicing variants in multiple sclerosis - A systematic review. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:721-732. [PMID: 31059848 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alternative splicing is an important form of RNA processing that affects nearly all human genes. The differential expression of specific transcript and protein isoforms holds the potential of novel biomarkers for complex diseases. In this systematic review, we compiled the existing literature on aberrant alternative splicing events in multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS A systematic literature search in the PubMed database was carried out and supplemented by screening the reference lists of the identified articles. We selected only MS-related original research studies which compared the levels of different isoforms of human protein-coding genes. A narrative synthesis of the research findings was conducted. Additionally, we performed a case-control analysis using high-density transcriptome microarray data to reevaluate the genes that were examined in the reviewed studies. RESULTS A total of 160 records were screened. Of those, 36 studies from the last two decades were included. Most commonly, peripheral blood samples were analyzed (32 studies), and PCR-based techniques were usually employed (27 studies) for measuring the expression of selected genes. Two studies used an exploratory genome-wide approach. Overall, 27 alternatively spliced genes were investigated. Nine of these genes appeared in at least two studies (CD40, CFLAR, FOXP3, IFNAR2, IL7R, MOG, PTPRC, SP140 and TNFRSF1A). The microarray data analysis confirmed differential alternative pre-mRNA splicing for 19 genes. CONCLUSIONS An altered RNA processing of genes mediating immune signaling pathways has been repeatedly implicated in MS. The analysis of individual exon-level expression patterns is stimulated by the advancement of transcriptome profiling technologies. In particular, the examination of genes encoded in MS-associated genetic regions may provide important insights into the pathogenesis of the disease and help to identify new biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hecker
- University of Rostock, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Annelen Rüge
- University of Rostock, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Elena Putscher
- University of Rostock, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Nina Boxberger
- University of Rostock, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Paulus Stefan Rommer
- University of Rostock, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany; Medical University of Vienna, Department of Neurology, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Brit Fitzner
- University of Rostock, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Uwe Klaus Zettl
- University of Rostock, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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Association Between IL7R Promoter Polymorphisms and Multiple Sclerosis in Turkish Population. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 67:38-47. [PMID: 30443838 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1205-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects myelin fibers within the central nervous system resulting in neurological impairment. Although the etiology of MS is not fully understood, environmental and genetic factors are thought to play important roles. IL7R gene polymorphisms which are associated with several autoimmune diseases have also been implicated as a genetic factor for MS following genome-wide association studies. To further examine this association, we investigated the association between MS and IL7R gene - 449 (A/G), - 504 (T/C), and - 1085 (G/T) promoter polymorphisms in Turkish population. Three hundred sixty-four MS patients and 191 healthy controls were involved in this study. Three polymorphic regions in the promoter of IL7R were identified and these regions were amplified by appropriate primers. The PCR products were digested by PstI enzyme for - 504 (T/C) SNP and HphI enzyme for - 1085 (G/T) and - 449 (A/G) SNPs and genotyping was done based on digested PCR product sizes. Genotype distributions and allele frequencies of - 449 polymorphism did not show any significant association with MS directly (p = 0.120 and p = 0.490, respectively). But the genotypes of IL7R - 449 GA for AOMS and AA for EOMS were a risk factor in according to age of onset (p = 0.002, OR = 4.021, 95% CI = 1.642-9.845). Furthermore, IL7R - 449 A allele was found to be a risk factor for EOMS (p = 0.011, OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.107-1.527). Significant association was seen between IL7R - 504 TC heterozygote genotype and MS (p = 0.02, OR = 1.702, 95% CI = 1.169-2.478). The IL7R - 1085 (G/T) polymorphism did not show association with MS; however, the haplotype of ACG may be susceptibility to MS and RRMS (p = 0.035, OR = 1.349, 95% CI = 1.020-1.785, and p = 0.041, OR = 1.368, 95% CI = 1.012-1.850, respectively) and the haplotypes of ACG, ATT, and GTG demonstrate a protective effect in EOMS (p = 0.008, OR = 0.326, 95% CI = 0.136-0.782, p = 0.012 and p = 0.012, OR = 0.462, 95% CI = 0.249-0.859, respectively). RRMS frequency in the Turkish population was decreased and SPMS frequency was strongly increased based on comparison to results from other populations. Furthermore, male patients had an increased frequency of SPMS significantly (p = 0.033, OR = 1.667, 95% CI = 1.036-2.682). In conclusion, this is the first study to show a significant association between the IL7R promoter polymorphisms and the age of onset of MS.
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Seyfarth J, Lundtoft C, Förtsch K, Ahlert H, Rosenbauer J, Baechle C, Roden M, Holl RW, Mayatepek E, Kummer S, Meissner T, Jacobsen M. Interleukin-7 receptor α-chain haplotypes differentially affect soluble IL-7 receptor and IL-7 serum concentrations in children with type 1 diabetes. Pediatr Diabetes 2018; 19:955-962. [PMID: 29484785 DOI: 10.1111/pedi.12665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-7 receptor α-chain (IL7RA) haplotypes are associated with susceptibility for development of autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D). A protective IL7RA haplotype which causes lower soluble IL-7R (sIL-7R) serum levels is hypothesized to restrict IL-7-availability for self-reactive T cells. Functional mechanisms affected by a risk-associated IL7RA haplotype are unknown. METHODS We investigated the influence of IL7RA haplotypes (tagged by rs6897932T for the protective or by rs1494555G for the risk haplotype) on sIL-7R and IL-7 serum concentrations as well as disease manifestation of children with T1D (n = 259). Possible effects of differential IL-7 serum concentrations on IL-7-mediated in vitro T cell functions (i.e. IL-7R regulation and cytokine expression) were measured in a second study group of children with T1D (n = 42). RESULTS We detected lower sIL-7R serum concentrations in children with T1D carrying protective or risk haplotypes as compared to reference haplotypes. sIL-7R levels were lowest in T1D children with the protective haplotype and lower IL-7 serum levels were exclusively detected in this study group. We found no evidence for dependency between IL-7 and sIL-7R serum concentrations and no association with T1D manifestation. Neither IL-7 nor sIL-7R serum levels were associated with mIL-7R regulation or IL-7-promoted T cell cytokine expression. CONCLUSIONS Children with T1D carrying autoimmunity risk- or protection-associated IL7RA haplotypes had both lower sIL-7R serum concentrations as compared to the reference haplotype, but only T1D children with the protective haplotype had lower IL-7 serum levels. Our results suggest additional functional mechanisms of autoimmunity-associated IL7RA variants independent from sIL-7R mediated regulation of IL-7 availability for T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Seyfarth
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Christian Lundtoft
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina Förtsch
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Heinz Ahlert
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Rosenbauer
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Biometrics and Epidemiology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center at Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Baechle
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Biometrics and Epidemiology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center at Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Roden
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center at Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Reinhard W Holl
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, ZIBMT, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ertan Mayatepek
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kummer
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Meissner
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marc Jacobsen
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
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11
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Steele AK, Carrasco-Medina L, Sodora DL, Crawley AM. Increased soluble IL-7 receptor concentrations associate with improved IL-7 therapy outcomes in SIV-infected ART-treated Rhesus macaques. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188427. [PMID: 29261677 PMCID: PMC5736176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of interleukin-7 (IL-7) as an immunorestorative therapeutic has proven effective in HIV infection, cancer and bone marrow transplantation. Mediating its activity through membrane-bound IL-7 receptor α (mCD127), IL-7 therapy increases T-cell numbers and survival. A soluble form, sCD127, is found in plasma, and we have previously identified increased plasma sCD127 concentrations in HIV infection. Furthermore, patients with high sCD127 exhibited the best viral control, implicating a role for IL-7 or sCD127 directly in improved virologic/immunologic outcomes. The role of the cytokine IL-7 in elevating sCD127 levels was addressed here through assessment of retrospective samples obtained from SIV-infected antiretroviral (ART)-treated Rhesus macaques. IL-7 was administered in clustered weekly doses, allowing for an assessment prior, during and following IL-7 administration. The levels of sCD127 remained relatively unchanged during both early SIV infection and following initiation of ART. However, treatment with IL-7 increased sCD127 concentrations in most animals, transiently or persistently, paralleling increased T-cell numbers, correlating significantly with CD8+ T-cell levels. In addition, proliferating CD4+ or CD8+ T-cells (measured by Ki67) increased in association with elevated sCD127 concentrations. Finally, a high concentration of sCD127 in IL7-treated animals was associated with increased retention of T-cells (measured by BrDU). In addition, a lack, or loss of viral control was associated with more pronounced and frequent elevations in plasma sCD127 concentrations with IL-7 therapy. In summary, plasma sCD127 levels in SIV-infected ART-treated macaques was associated with therapeutic IL-7 administration, with higher sCD127 levels in macaques demonstrating the best T-cell responses. This study furthers our knowledge regarding the interrelationship between increased IL-7 levels and elevated sCD127 levels that may have implications for future IL-7 immunotherapeutic approaches in HIV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Steele
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Collegiate Peaks Science Writing, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Lorna Carrasco-Medina
- The Ottawa Hospital–General Campus, Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Donald L. Sodora
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Angela M. Crawley
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Dept. Biochem., Microbiol., and Immunol., Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Carleton University, Dept. Biol., Ottawa, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
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12
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Interleukin 7 receptor alpha Thr244Ile genetic polymorphism is associated with susceptibility and prognostic markers in breast cancer subgroups. Cytokine 2017; 103:121-126. [PMID: 28964592 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) exerts crucial functions on lymphoid cells' development and maintenance. In breast cancer (BC), IL-7 promotes growth of tumor cells in culture through the activation of JAK1/3-STAT5 and PI3K/AKT pathways, and expression of IL-7 signaling components was associated with worst prognosis. AC>T polymorphism (rs6897932; Thr244Ile) at exon 6 of IL-7 receptor alpha (IL-7Rα) gene (IL7RA) shifts the balance between the membrane-bound and soluble IL-7Rα splicing variants and was previously associated with autoimmune diseases, but has not been studied in cancer, including BC, so far. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the possible association of this polymorphism with the susceptibility and clinicopathological parameters of BC subgroups. IL7RA Thr244Ile was genotyped through PCR-RFLP in 403 women without neoplasia, no personal history of malignancy or family history of BC and in 338 BC patients with clinicopathological data available. BC patients were stratified according to their positivity for estrogen (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Age-adjusted logistic regression was performed for case-control analyses, and correlations with clinicopathological parameters were assessed through Kendall's Tau-b coefficient. All analyses were two-tailed and had 95% confidence interval. In ER-PR-HER2- BCs, TT genotype was associated with increased susceptibility both in genotypic (TT vs. CC: OR=3.07; CI=1.01-9.38; p=0.05) and recessive (TT vs. CC+CT: OR=3.59; CI=1.19-10.85; p=0.02) models and negatively correlated with disease stage (Tau-b=-0.27; p=0.05). Whereas T allele was positively correlated with histopathological grade (Tau-b=0.29; p=0.03) and lymph node metastasis (Tau-b=0.35; p=0.02) in ER/PR+HER2+BCs and with Ki67 (Tau-b=0.51; p=0.008) in ER-PR-HER2+ subgroup. These data indicate that IL-7Rα is involved in BC, and that IL7RA polymorphism may play distinct roles in breast carcinogenesis according to BC subtype, pointing this genetic variant as an interesting marker for breast carcinogenesis to be validated by further mechanistic and prospective studies with larger samples.
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13
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Kielsen K, Shamim Z, Thiant S, Faucher S, Decker W, Christensen IJ, Ryder LP, Yakoub-Agha I, Müller K. Soluble Interleukin-7 receptor levels and risk of acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Clin Immunol 2017; 187:26-32. [PMID: 28863969 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 is a cytokine essential for T cell homeostasis. IL-7 binds to cellular IL-7 receptors in competition with a soluble form of the receptor (sIL-7Rα). We hypothesized that altered sIL-7Rα levels may cause adverse outcomes in patients undergoing HSCT. In parallel, we investigated the impact of the IL-7Rα SNP rs6897932, which has been associated with release of IL-7R. The sIL-7Rα levels decreased during HSCT (from 114ng/ml before to 48ng/ml at day +14 (P<0.0001)). This pattern was inversely mirrored by IL-7. The IL-7/sIL-7Rα ratio at day +14 was significantly higher in patients developing grades II-IV aGVHD (OR=4.3, P=0.026). Furthermore, donor carriage of the rs6897932 T allele was associated with reduced sIL-7Rα levels, increased risk of grades II-IV aGVHD (OR=2.4, P=0.055) and increased transplant-related mortality (CC=4.5%, CT=21.4% and TT=27.3%, P=0.0037). In conclusion, this study suggests an impact of sIL-7Rα levels and rs6897932 donor genotype on alloreactivity and outcome after HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Kielsen
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark; Haematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Primary Immune Deficiency, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Zaiba Shamim
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark; The Tissue Typing Laboratory, Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stephanie Thiant
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Boulevard de l'Assomption 5415, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Faucher
- Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate, Health Canada, Address Locator 0900C2, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wendy Decker
- National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Eglantine Drw 100, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ib Jarle Christensen
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Hvidovre Hospital, Kettegård Allé 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Lars Peter Ryder
- The Tissue Typing Laboratory, Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ibrahim Yakoub-Agha
- Laboratory of Immunology, Center of Biology and Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille, Avenue Oscar Lambret 1, 59037 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Klaus Müller
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark; Haematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Primary Immune Deficiency, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Interleukin-31 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression in plasma and lymph node from Hodgkin lymphoma patients. Oncotarget 2017; 8:85263-85275. [PMID: 29156718 PMCID: PMC5689608 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is a tumor of B-cell origin characterized by Hodgkin and Reed-Stenberg (H/RS) cells embedded in an inflammatory tissue where numerous cytokines/chemokines contribute to shape the microenvironment, leading to the typical clinical symptoms. We investigated: i) the expression of Interleukin-IL-31 (IL-31) and Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP), two Th2-related cytokines with tumor-promoting and pruritogenic functions, and of the respective receptors in HL invaded lymph nodes by flow cytometry, and ii) the potential association of IL-31/TSLP plasma concentrations with clinical characteristics by ELISA. H/RS cells and the major immune cell types infiltrating HL lymph nodes expressed intracytoplasmic and surface IL-31/TSLP, and their receptors. A subgroup of patients showing at diagnosis elevated IL-31 and TSLP plasma levels had an International Prognostic Score>2, indicative of high risk of relapse, and a subsequent positive interim PET-scan, indicative of insufficient response to chemotherapy. No correlation was found between IL-31/TSLP plasma levels and overall or event-free survival. In conclusion, IL-31/TSLP and their receptors are expressed in HL cells and in immune cells infiltrating affected lymph nodes, where both cytokines may contribute to local immune suppression. The clinical impact of IL-31 and TSLP plasma levels has to be further defined in larger patient cohorts.
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15
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Galarza-Muñoz G, Briggs FBS, Evsyukova I, Schott-Lerner G, Kennedy EM, Nyanhete T, Wang L, Bergamaschi L, Widen SG, Tomaras GD, Ko DC, Bradrick SS, Barcellos LF, Gregory SG, Garcia-Blanco MA. Human Epistatic Interaction Controls IL7R Splicing and Increases Multiple Sclerosis Risk. Cell 2017; 169:72-84.e13. [PMID: 28340352 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder where T cells attack neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) leading to demyelination and neurological deficits. A driver of increased MS risk is the soluble form of the interleukin-7 receptor alpha chain gene (sIL7R) produced by alternative splicing of IL7R exon 6. Here, we identified the RNA helicase DDX39B as a potent activator of this exon and consequently a repressor of sIL7R, and we found strong genetic association of DDX39B with MS risk. Indeed, we showed that a genetic variant in the 5' UTR of DDX39B reduces translation of DDX39B mRNAs and increases MS risk. Importantly, this DDX39B variant showed strong genetic and functional epistasis with allelic variants in IL7R exon 6. This study establishes the occurrence of biological epistasis in humans and provides mechanistic insight into the regulation of IL7R exon 6 splicing and its impact on MS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaddiel Galarza-Muñoz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Center for RNA Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Farren B S Briggs
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Irina Evsyukova
- Center for RNA Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Geraldine Schott-Lerner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Edward M Kennedy
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Tinashe Nyanhete
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Liuyang Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Laura Bergamaschi
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Steven G Widen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Georgia D Tomaras
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Immunology, Duke University Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dennis C Ko
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center; Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Shelton S Bradrick
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Center for RNA Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Lisa F Barcellos
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Simon G Gregory
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Mariano A Garcia-Blanco
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Center for RNA Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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16
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Hartling HJ, Ryder LP, Ullum H, Ødum N, Nielsen SD. Gene variation in IL-7 receptor (IL-7R)α affects IL-7R response in CD4+ T cells in HIV-infected individuals. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42036. [PMID: 28181541 PMCID: PMC5299473 DOI: 10.1038/srep42036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimal CD4+ T cell recovery after initiating combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) in HIV infection reduces risk of morbidity and mortality. T-allele homozygosity ('TT') in the single nucleotide polymorphism, rs6897932(C/T), in the IL-7 receptor α (IL-7RA) is associated with faster CD4+ T cell recovery after cART initiation compared to C-allele homozygosity in rs6897932 ('CC'). However, underlying mechanisms are unknown. We aimed to examine potential mechanisms explaining the association between rs6897932 and CD4+ T cell recovery. Ten 'TT' and 10 'CC' HIV-infected individuals matched on gender, age, and nadir and current CD4+ T cell counts were included in a cross-sectional study. 'TT' individuals had higher proportion of CD4+ T cells expressing pSTAT5 compared to 'CC' individuals after stimulating with IL-7, especially when co-stimulated with soluble IL7-RA (sIL-7RA). Furthermore, 'TT' individuals had a higher proportion of proliferating CD4+ T cells after 7 days of culture with IL-7 + sIL-7RA compared to 'CC' individuals. No differences between 'TT' and 'CC' in binding of biotinylated IL-7 were found. In conclusion, increased signal transduction and proliferation in response to IL-7 was found in 'TT' compared to 'CC' HIV-infected individuals providing a mechanistic explanation of the effect of rs6897932 T-allele on CD4+ T cell recovery in HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Jakob Hartling
- Viro-Immunology Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Lars P Ryder
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Henrik Ullum
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Niels Ødum
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Dam Nielsen
- Viro-Immunology Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
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17
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Correlation of Serum Soluble Interleukin-7 Receptor and Anti-C1q Antibody in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Autoimmune Dis 2016; 2016:8252605. [PMID: 27069677 PMCID: PMC4812203 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8252605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Serum concentrations of soluble interleukin-7 receptor (sIL-7R) and anti-C1q antibody have recently been identified as unique serological markers for lupus nephritis (LN) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we evaluated the correlation of serum sIL-7R and anti-C1q in SLE patients. Methods. Sera from 134 patients with SLE and 84 healthy cohorts were tested for levels of sIL-7R and anti-C1q antibodies in terms of ELISA. Correlations of the sIL-7R and anti-C1q autoantibodies were evaluated. Results. The serum concentrations of sIL-7R and anti-C1q antibodies were significantly higher in SLE patients and LN patients in comparison with healthy individuals/controls and SLE patients with non-LN, respectively. In addition, both sIL-7R and anti-C1q concentrations were found to significantly correlate with the SLE disease activity as evaluated by SLEDAI scores. Interestingly, the serum sIL-7R concentration was strongly correlated with the level of anti-C1q antibodies (r = 0.2871, p = 0.0008) but not statistically correlated with other serological markers, including the anti-dsDNA and complements C3 and C4 concentrations in SLE patients. Conclusion. Both serum sIL-7R and anti-C1q antibodies were strongly associated with disease activity and LN in SLE patients, suggesting that they may be reliable serological markers for identification of SLE patients with active diseases and LN.
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18
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Boulter N, Suarez FG, Schibeci S, Sunderland T, Tolhurst O, Hunter T, Hodge G, Handelsman D, Simanainen U, Hendriks E, Duggan K. A simple, accurate and universal method for quantification of PCR. BMC Biotechnol 2016; 16:27. [PMID: 26956612 PMCID: PMC4784296 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-016-0256-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research into gene expression enables scientists to decipher the complex regulatory networks that control fundamental biological processes. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is a powerful and ubiquitous method for interrogation of gene expression. Accurate quantification is essential for correct interpretation of qPCR data. However, conventional relative and absolute quantification methodologies often give erroneous results or are laborious to perform. To overcome these failings, we developed an accurate, simple to use, universal calibrator, AccuCal. Results Herein, we show that AccuCal quantification can be used with either dye- or probe-based detection methods and is accurate over a dynamic range of ≥105 copies, for amplicons up to 500 base pairs (bp). By providing absolute quantification of all genes of interest, AccuCal exposes, and circumvents, the well-known biases of qPCR, thus allowing objective experimental conclusions to be drawn. Conclusion We propose that AccuCal supersedes the traditional quantification methods of PCR. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12896-016-0256-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Boulter
- Accugen Pty Ltd, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | | | - Stephen Schibeci
- Westmead Millennium Institute, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
| | - Trevor Sunderland
- Bitfuturistic Solutions, 9623 Lawndale Avenue SW, Lakewood, WA, 98498, USA.
| | - Ornella Tolhurst
- Accugen Pty Ltd, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia. .,Vectus Biosystems Pty Ltd, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - Tegan Hunter
- Accugen Pty Ltd, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia. .,Vectus Biosystems Pty Ltd, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - George Hodge
- Vectus Biosystems Pty Ltd, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - David Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2139, Australia.
| | - Ulla Simanainen
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2139, Australia.
| | - Edward Hendriks
- Accugen Pty Ltd, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia. .,Vectus Biosystems Pty Ltd, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - Karen Duggan
- Accugen Pty Ltd, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia. .,Vectus Biosystems Pty Ltd, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.
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19
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Thiant S, Moutuou MM, Leboeuf D, Guimond M. Homeostatic cytokines in immune reconstitution and graft-versus-host disease. Cytokine 2016; 82:24-32. [PMID: 26795458 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
For numerous patients, allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is the only therapeutic option that could potentially cure their disease. Despite significant progress made in clinical management of allogeneic SCT, acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) remains the second cause of death after disease recurrence. aGVHD is highly immunosuppressive and the adverse effect of allogeneic SCT on T cell regeneration is typically more important than the levels of immunosuppression normally seen after autologous SCT. In these patients, immune reconstitution often takes several years to occur and restoring immunocompetence after allogeneic SCT represents an important challenge, principally because clinical options are limited and current methods used to accelerate immune reconstitution are associated with increased GVHD. Interleukin-7 and IL-15 are both under clinical investigation and demonstrate the greatest potential on peripheral T cells regeneration in mice and humans. However, awareness has been raised about the use of IL-7 and IL-15 after allogeneic SCT with regards to potential adverse effects on aGVHD. In this review, we will discuss about recent progress made in lymphocyte regeneration, the critical role played by IL-7 and IL-15 in T cell homeostasis and how these cytokines could be used to improve immune reconstitution after allogeneic SCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Thiant
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Moutuaata M Moutuou
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dominique Leboeuf
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martin Guimond
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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A Preliminary Comparative Assessment of the Role of CD8+ T Cells in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Multiple Sclerosis. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:9064529. [PMID: 26881265 PMCID: PMC4736227 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9064529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. CD8+ T cells have putative roles in the regulation of adaptive immune responses during infection. The purpose of this paper is to compare the status of CD8+ T cells in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). Methods. This preliminary investigation comprised 23 CFS/ME patients, 11 untreated MS patients, and 30 nonfatigued controls. Whole blood samples were collected from participants, stained with monoclonal antibodies, and analysed on the flow cytometer. Using the following CD markers, CD27 and CD45RA (CD45 exon isoform 4), CD8+ T cells were divided into naïve, central memory (CM), effector memory CD45RA− (EM), and effector memory CD45RA+ (EMRA) cells. Results. Surface expressions of BTLA, CD127, and CD49/CD29 were increased on subsets of CD8+ T cells from MS patients. In the CFS/ME patients CD127 was significantly decreased on all subsets of CD8+ T cells in comparison to the nonfatigued controls. PSGL-1 was significantly reduced in the CFS/ME patients in comparison to the nonfatigued controls. Conclusions. The results suggest significant deficits in the expression of receptors and adhesion molecules on subsets of CD8+ T cells in both MS and CFS/ME patients. These deficits reported may contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases. However, larger sample size is warranted to confirm and support these encouraging preliminary findings.
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Correlation of Serum Soluble Interleukin-7 Receptor and Anti-C1q Antibody in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Autoimmune Dis 2016. [PMID: 27069677 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8252605.pmid:27069677;pmcid:pmc4812203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Serum concentrations of soluble interleukin-7 receptor (sIL-7R) and anti-C1q antibody have recently been identified as unique serological markers for lupus nephritis (LN) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we evaluated the correlation of serum sIL-7R and anti-C1q in SLE patients. Methods. Sera from 134 patients with SLE and 84 healthy cohorts were tested for levels of sIL-7R and anti-C1q antibodies in terms of ELISA. Correlations of the sIL-7R and anti-C1q autoantibodies were evaluated. Results. The serum concentrations of sIL-7R and anti-C1q antibodies were significantly higher in SLE patients and LN patients in comparison with healthy individuals/controls and SLE patients with non-LN, respectively. In addition, both sIL-7R and anti-C1q concentrations were found to significantly correlate with the SLE disease activity as evaluated by SLEDAI scores. Interestingly, the serum sIL-7R concentration was strongly correlated with the level of anti-C1q antibodies (r = 0.2871, p = 0.0008) but not statistically correlated with other serological markers, including the anti-dsDNA and complements C3 and C4 concentrations in SLE patients. Conclusion. Both serum sIL-7R and anti-C1q antibodies were strongly associated with disease activity and LN in SLE patients, suggesting that they may be reliable serological markers for identification of SLE patients with active diseases and LN.
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22
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Stechova K, Kolar M, Blatny R, Halbhuber Z, Vcelakova J, Hubackova M, Petruzelkova L, Sumnik Z, Obermannova B, Pithova P, Stavikova V, Krivjanska M, Neuwirth A, Kolouskova S, Filipp D. Healthy first-degree relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes exhibit significant differences in basal gene expression pattern of immunocompetent cells compared to controls: expression pattern as predeterminant of autoimmune diabetes. Scand J Immunol 2015; 75:210-9. [PMID: 21923738 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2011.02637.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Expression features of genetic landscape which predispose an individual to the type 1 diabetes are poorly understood. We addressed this question by comparing gene expression profile of freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from either patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), or their first-degree relatives or healthy controls. Our aim was to establish whether a distinct type of 'prodiabetogenic' gene expression pattern in the group of relatives of patients with T1D could be identified. Whole-genome expression profile of nine patients with T1D, their ten first-degree relatives and ten healthy controls was analysed using the human high-density expression microarray chip. Functional aspects of candidate genes were assessed using the MetaCore software. The highest number of differentially expressed genes (547) was found between the autoantibody-negative healthy relatives and the healthy controls. Some of them represent genes critically involved in the regulation of innate immune responses such as TLR signalling and CCR3 signalling in eosinophiles, humoral immune reactions such as BCR pathway, costimulation and cytokine responses mediated by CD137, CD40 and CD28 signalling and IL-1 proinflammatory pathway. Our data demonstrate that expression profile of healthy relatives of patients with T1D is clearly distinct from the pattern found in the healthy controls. That especially concerns differential activation status of genes and signalling pathways involved in proinflammatory processes and those of innate immunity and humoral reactivity. Thus, we posit that the study of the healthy relative's gene expression pattern is instrumental for the identification of novel markers associated with the development of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Stechova
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - M Kolar
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - R Blatny
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Z Halbhuber
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - J Vcelakova
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - M Hubackova
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - L Petruzelkova
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Z Sumnik
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - B Obermannova
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - P Pithova
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - V Stavikova
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - M Krivjanska
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - A Neuwirth
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - S Kolouskova
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - D Filipp
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicLaboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Prague, Czech RepublicCentral European Biosystems, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Internal Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
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The MS Risk Allele of CD40 Is Associated with Reduced Cell-Membrane Bound Expression in Antigen Presenting Cells: Implications for Gene Function. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127080. [PMID: 26068105 PMCID: PMC4465929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human genetic and animal studies have implicated the costimulatory molecule CD40 in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated the cell specific gene and protein expression variation controlled by the CD40 genetic variant(s) associated with MS, i.e. the T-allele at rs1883832. Previously we had shown that the risk allele is expressed at a lower level in whole blood, especially in people with MS. Here, we have defined the immune cell subsets responsible for genotype and disease effects on CD40 expression at the mRNA and protein level. In cell subsets in which CD40 is most highly expressed, B lymphocytes and dendritic cells, the MS-associated risk variant is associated with reduced CD40 cell-surface protein expression. In monocytes and dendritic cells, the risk allele additionally reduces the ratio of expression of full-length versus truncated CD40 mRNA, the latter encoding secreted CD40. We additionally show that MS patients, regardless of genotype, express significantly lower levels of CD40 cell-surface protein compared to unaffected controls in B lymphocytes. Thus, both genotype-dependent and independent down-regulation of cell-surface CD40 is a feature of MS. Lower expression of a co-stimulator of T cell activation, CD40, is therefore associated with increased MS risk despite the same CD40 variant being associated with reduced risk of other inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Our results highlight the complexity and likely individuality of autoimmune pathogenesis, and could be consistent with antiviral and/or immunoregulatory functions of CD40 playing an important role in protection from MS.
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Lundström W, Hermanrud C, Sjöstrand M, Brauner S, Wahren-Herlenius M, Olsson T, Karrenbauer V, Hillert J, Fogdell-Hahn A. Interferon beta treatment of multiple sclerosis increases serum interleukin-7. Mult Scler 2014; 20:1727-36. [PMID: 24821684 DOI: 10.1177/1352458514532700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a non-redundant cytokine for T-cell development and survival. The IL-7 signaling pathway has been genetically and functionally associated with several autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper is to elucidate the effect of the widely used immunomodulatory MS therapy interferon beta (IFNβ) on IL-7 homeostasis. METHODS Swedish MS patients were screened for IL-7 concentration in serum and blood cell counts. IL-7 receptor alpha chain (IL-7Rα) expression was determined by semi-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and flow cytometry. RESULTS IFNβ treatment led to significantly increased serum IL-7 levels (mean: 17 pg/ml) compared with healthy controls (mean: 7.6 pg/ml) and natalizumab-treated patients (mean: 5.3 pg/ml). In vitro and in vivo, peripheral blood leukocytes showed decreased IL-7Rα expression and IL-7 consumption upon IFNβ exposure, suggesting that their IL-7 responsiveness is impaired during treatment. CONCLUSIONS MS patients undergoing IFNβ treatment have increased serum IL-7 levels and decreased IL-7 consumption. Given IL-7's important role in T-cell immunity, this relationship may be highly relevant for IFNβ's treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangko Lundström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina Hermanrud
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Sjöstrand
- Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Susanna Brauner
- Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | | | - Tomas Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Virginija Karrenbauer
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Hillert
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Fogdell-Hahn
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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25
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Gupta S, Cerosaletti K, Long SA. Renegade homeostatic cytokine responses in T1D: drivers of regulatory/effector T cell imbalance. Clin Immunol 2014; 151:146-54. [PMID: 24576418 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Homeostatic cytokines contribute to the balance between regulatory and effector T cells (Tregs and Teffs respectively) and are necessary to maintain peripheral tolerance. These cytokines include IL-2 that supports Treg and IL-7 and IL-15 that drive Teff. In overt settings of lost tolerance (i.e. graft rejection), IL-2 Treg signatures are decreased while IL-7 and IL-15 Teff signatures are often enhanced. Similar cytokine profile imbalances also occur in some autoimmune diseases. In type 1 diabetes (T1D), there are underlying defects in the IL-2 pathway and Teff cytokine blockade can prevent and treat diabetes in NOD mice. In this review, we summarize evidence of IL-2, IL-7 and IL-15 genetic and cellular alterations in T1D patients. We then discuss how the combined effect of these cytokine profiles may together contribute to altered Treg/Teff ratios and functions in T1D. Implications for combination therapies and suggestions for integrated cytokine and Treg/Teff biomarker development are then proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Gupta
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karen Cerosaletti
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - S Alice Long
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
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26
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Naegele M, Martin R. The good and the bad of neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2014; 122:59-87. [PMID: 24507513 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-52001-2.00003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory, demyelinating, neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). It is widely considered a T-cell mediated autoimmune disease that develops in genetically susceptible individuals, possibly under the influence of certain environmental trigger factors. The invasion of autoreactive CD4+ T-cells into the CNS is thought to be a central step that initiates the disease. Several other cell types, including CD8+ T-cells, B-cells and phagocytes appear to be involved in causing inflammation and eventually neurodegeneration. But inflammation is not entirely deleterious in MS. Evidence has accumulated in the recent years that show the importance of regulatory immune mechanisms which restrain tissue damage and initiate regeneration. More insight into the beneficial aspects of neuroinflammation might allow us to develop new treatment strategies for this enigmatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Naegele
- Institute for Neuroimmunology and Clinical Multiple Sclerosis Research, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roland Martin
- Neuroimmunology and MS Research, Neurology Clinic, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
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27
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Ibayyan L, Zaza R, Dahbour S, El-Omar A, Samhouri B, El-Khateeb M, Ahram M. The Promoter SNP, but not the Alternative Splicing SNP, is Linked to Multiple Sclerosis Among Jordanian Patients. J Mol Neurosci 2013; 52:467-72. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-013-0151-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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28
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McKay FC, Hoe E, Parnell G, Gatt P, Schibeci SD, Stewart GJ, Booth DR. IL7Rα expression and upregulation by IFNβ in dendritic cell subsets is haplotype-dependent. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77508. [PMID: 24147013 PMCID: PMC3797747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The IL7Rα gene is unequivocally associated with susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). Haplotype 2 (Hap 2) confers protection from MS, and T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) of Hap 2 exhibit reduced splicing of exon 6, resulting in production of relatively less soluble receptor, and potentially more response to ligand. We have previously shown in CD4 T cells that IL7Rα haplotypes 1 and 2, but not 4, respond to interferon beta (IFNβ), the most commonly used immunomodulatory drug in MS, and that haplotype 4 (Hap 4) homozygotes have the highest risk of developing MS. We now show that IL7R expression increases in myeloid cells in response to IFNβ, but that the response is haplotype-dependent, with cells from homozygotes for Hap 4 again showing no response. This was shown using freshly derived monocytes, in vitro cultured immature and mature monocyte-derived dendritic cells, and by comparing homozygotes for the common haplotypes, and relative expression of alleles in heterozygotes (Hap 4 vs not Hap 4). As for T cells, in all myeloid cell subsets examined, Hap 2 homozygotes showed a trend for reduced splicing of exon 6 compared to the other haplotypes, significantly so in most conditions. These data are consistent with increased signaling being protective from MS, constitutively and in response to IFNβ. We also demonstrate significant regulation of immune response, chemokine activity and cytokine biosynthesis pathways by IL7Rα signaling in IFNβ -treated myeloid subsets. IFNβ-responsive genes are over-represented amongst genes associated with MS susceptibility. IL7Rα haplotype may contribute to MS susceptibility through reduced capacity for IL7Rα signalling in myeloid cells, especially in the presence of IFNβ, and is currently under investigation as a predictor of therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona C. McKay
- Institute for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
| | - Edwin Hoe
- Institute for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
| | - Grant Parnell
- Institute for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
| | - Prudence Gatt
- Institute for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
| | - Stephen D. Schibeci
- Institute for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
| | - Graeme J. Stewart
- Institute for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
- * E-mail: (GJS); (DRB)
| | - David R. Booth
- Institute for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Whales, Australia
- * E-mail: (GJS); (DRB)
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Lucas R, Parikh SJ, Sridhar S, Guo DH, Bhagatwala J, Dong Y, Caldwell R, Mellor A, Caldwell W, Zhu H, Dong Y. Cytokine profiling of young overweight and obese female African American adults with prediabetes. Cytokine 2013; 64:310-5. [PMID: 23769592 PMCID: PMC4058336 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2013.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 5-10% of subjects with prediabetes become diabetic every year. Inflammation is involved in the development of obesity-related type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, to date, the relationship between inflammation and prediabetes, defined by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥5.7 and <6.5%, remains largely unexplored, especially in African Americans. Therefore, in this study we examined a comprehensive panel of 13 cytokines involved in the inflammatory response in overweight/obese subjects with prediabetes. A total of 21 otherwise healthy, overweight/obese, young adult African American females with prediabetes, together with 20 matched overweight/obese controls, were selected for this study. Plasma cytokines were assessed by multiplex cytokine profiling. Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-6, IL-7, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were significantly higher in the prediabetic group, as compared to the control group (all p<0.05). Plasma concentrations of all the other cytokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and IL-13, seemed to be elevated in the prediabetic group, but failed to reach statistical significances. Upon merging both groups, HbA1c was found to be positively correlated with IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-7, IL-8, TNF-α and GM-CSF. This study demonstrates elevated levels of various pro-inflammatory cytokines in overweight/obese young subjects with prediabetes, which place them at higher risk of developing T2D and cardiovascular diseases. Our data also call for further investigations in animal models and population cohorts to establish the roles of a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the early development of obesity-related T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Lucas
- Vascular Biology Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Samip J. Parikh
- Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
- Georgia Prevention Center, Institute for Public and Preventive Health, Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Regents University Augusta, Georgia
| | - Supriya Sridhar
- Vascular Biology Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - De-Huang Guo
- Georgia Prevention Center, Institute for Public and Preventive Health, Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Regents University Augusta, Georgia
| | - Jigar Bhagatwala
- Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
- Georgia Prevention Center, Institute for Public and Preventive Health, Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Regents University Augusta, Georgia
| | - Yutong Dong
- Georgia Prevention Center, Institute for Public and Preventive Health, Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Regents University Augusta, Georgia
| | - Ruth Caldwell
- Vascular Biology Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Andrew Mellor
- Immunotherapy Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - William Caldwell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Haidong Zhu
- Georgia Prevention Center, Institute for Public and Preventive Health, Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Regents University Augusta, Georgia
| | - Yanbin Dong
- Georgia Prevention Center, Institute for Public and Preventive Health, Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Regents University Augusta, Georgia
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IL7RA haplotype-associated alterations in cellular immune function and gene expression patterns in multiple sclerosis. Genes Immun 2013; 14:453-61. [PMID: 23985573 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2013.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 receptor alpha (IL7RA) is among the top listed candidate genes influencing the risk to develop multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Soluble IL-7RA (sIL-7RA) protein and mRNA levels vary among the four common IL7RA haplotypes. Here we show and confirm that protective haplotype carriers have three times lower sIL-7RA serum levels than the other three haplotypes. High sIL-7RA concentrations significantly decrease IL-7-mediated STAT5 phosphorylation in CD4(+) T cells. Transcriptome analysis of unstimulated and stimulated CD4(+) T cells of MS patients carrying the different IL7RA haplotypes revealed complex and overlapping patterns in genes participating in cytokine signaling networks, apoptosis, cell cycle progression and cell differentiation. Our findings indicate that genetic variants of IL7RA result in haplotype-associated differential responsiveness to immunological stimuli that influence MS susceptibility not exclusively by varying levels of sIL-7RA.
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Shamim Z, Spellman S, Haagenson M, Wang T, Lee SJ, Ryder LP, Müller K. Polymorphism in the interleukin-7 receptor-alpha and outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with matched unrelated donor. Scand J Immunol 2013; 78:214-20. [PMID: 23692589 PMCID: PMC3982186 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is essential for T cell development in the thymus and maintenance of peripheral T cells. The α-chain of the IL-7R is polymorphic with the existence of SNPs that give rise to non-synonymous amino acid substitutions. We previously found an association between donor genotypes and increased treatment-related mortality (TRM) (rs1494555G) and acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) (rs1494555G and rs1494558T) after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Some studies have confirmed an association between rs6897932C and multiple sclerosis. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic significance of IL-7Rα SNP genotypes in 590-recipient/donor pairs that received HLA-matched unrelated donor HCT for haematological malignancies. Consistent with the primary studies, the rs1494555GG and rs1494558TT genotypes of the donor were associated with aGvHD and chronic GvHD in the univariate analysis. The Tallele of rs6897932 was suggestive of an association with increased frequency of relapse by univariate analysis (P = 0.017) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.015). In conclusion, this study provides further evidence of a role of the IL-7 pathway and IL-7Rα SNPs in HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaiba Shamim
- Dept Clinical Immunology sect. 7631 and Institute of Inflammation Research, sect.7541 University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Tagensvej 20, DK-2200 Copenhagen Denmark, Phone +45 3545 7510
| | - Stephen Spellman
- Immunobiology Research, Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), 3001 Broadway Street N. E. Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 555413-1753, Office: 612-617-8334 Cell: 612-719-0511
| | - Michael Haagenson
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplantation Research, Minneapolis, MN, 3001 Broadway Street, N.E., Suite 110, Minneapolis, MN 55413 USA, Telephone: 612-884-8609, Fax: 612-884-8661
| | - Tao Wang
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Biostatistics / Population Health, 8701 W. Watertown Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, Phone: 414-456-4339, Fax: 414-456-6513
| | - Stephanie J. Lee
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Transplant Research, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., D5-290, Seattle, WA 98109, Phone: 206-667-5160, Fax: 206-667-1034
| | - Lars P. Ryder
- Dept Clinical Immunology sect. 7631, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Tagensvej 20, DK-2200 Copenhagen Denmark, Phone +45 3545 7536 and Fax +45 3539 8766
| | - Klaus Müller
- Paediatric clinic II 4064, and Institute of Inflammation Research 7541, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen Denmark, Phone +45 3545 4756
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Homeostatic T cell proliferation after islet transplantation. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:217934. [PMID: 23970924 PMCID: PMC3736509 DOI: 10.1155/2013/217934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic islet transplantation in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus is performed under immunosuppression to avoid alloreactive T cell responses and to control the reactivation of autoreactive memory T cells. However, lymphopenia associated with immunosuppression and T cell depletion can induce a paradoxical expansion of lymphocyte subsets under the influence of homeostatic proliferation. Homeostatic T cell proliferation is mainly driven by the IL-7/IL-7 receptor axis, a molecular pathway which is not affected by standard immune-suppressive drugs and, consequently, represents a novel potential target for immuno-modulatory strategies. In this review, we will discuss how homeostatic T cell proliferation can support autoimmunity recurrence after islet transplantation and how it can be targeted by new therapeutic approaches.
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Monti P, Brigatti C, Krasmann M, Ziegler AG, Bonifacio E. Concentration and activity of the soluble form of the interleukin-7 receptor α in type 1 diabetes identifies an interplay between hyperglycemia and immune function. Diabetes 2013; 62:2500-8. [PMID: 23454692 PMCID: PMC3712069 DOI: 10.2337/db12-1726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Soluble interleukin-7 (IL-7) receptor α (sCD127) is implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. We show that serum sCD127 concentrations are increased at the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D; n = 390) as compared with concentrations in age-matched islet autoantibody-negative first-degree relatives of patients (n = 392; P = 0.00001). sCD127 concentration in patients was influenced by islet autoantibody status (P = 0.003) and genotype of the rs6897932 single nucleotide polymorphism within the IL-7RA gene (P = 0.006). Release of sCD127 in vitro was strongly upregulated by activation of T lymphocytes and affected by exposure to cytokines. sCD127 bound IL-7 and was antagonistic to IL-7 signaling and IL-7-mediated T-cell proliferation, suggesting a regulatory feedback mechanism on T-cell expansion. Remarkably, high glucose led to a glycated form of sCD127 that was ineffective as an IL-7 antagonist. The finding of glycated sCD127 in the circulation of patients at onset of T1D suggested that physiological regulation of IL-7-mediated T-cell survival and expansion by sCD127 may be compromised in T1D. The findings indicate that genetic, immunologic, and metabolic factors contribute to a dysregulation of the IL-7/IL-7 receptor pathway in T1D and identify a novel hyperglycemia-mediated interference of immune regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Monti
- San Raffaele Diabetes Research Institute, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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Abstract
Human soluble interleukin-7 receptor (sIL7R)α circulates in high molar excess compared with IL-7, but its biology remains unclear. We demonstrate that sIL7Rα has moderate affinity for IL-7 but does not bind thymic stromal lymphopoietin. Functionally, sIL7Rα competes with cell-associated IL-7 receptor to diminish excessive IL-7 consumption and, thus, enhances the bioactivity of IL-7 when the cytokine is limited, as it is presumed to be in vivo. IL-7 signaling in the presence of sIL7Rα also diminishes expression of CD95 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1, both regulatory molecules. Murine models confirm diminished consumption of IL-7 in the presence of sIL7Rα and also demonstrate a potentiating effect of sIL7Rα on IL-7-mediated homeostatic expansion and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis exacerbation. In multiple sclerosis and several other autoimmune diseases, IL7R genotype influences susceptibility. We measured increased sIL7Rα levels, as well as increased IL-7 levels, in multiple sclerosis patients with the predisposing IL7R genotype, consistent with diminished IL-7 consumption in vivo. This work demonstrates that sIL7Rα potentiates IL-7 bioactivity and provides a basis to explain the increased risk of autoimmunity observed in individuals with genotype-induced elevations of sIL7Rα.
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Kreft KL, Verbraak E, Wierenga-Wolf AF, van Meurs M, Oostra BA, Laman JD, Hintzen RQ. Decreased systemic IL-7 and soluble IL-7Rα in multiple sclerosis patients. Genes Immun 2012; 13:587-92. [DOI: 10.1038/gene.2012.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Abstract
IL-7 plays many essential roles in human health and disease. Congenital deficiencies in IL-7 signaling result in profound immunodeficiency, polymorphisms in IL7Rα modulate susceptibility to autoimmune disease, and acquired somatic activating mutations in IL7Rα contribute to neoplastic transformation in B cell and T cell leukemia. In response to lymphopenia, IL-7 accumulates to supranormal levels, which alters T cell homeostasis by augmenting T cell reactivity toward self and cognate antigens. This physiologic response is now routinely exploited to improve the efficacy of adoptive cell therapies for cancer. Clinical trials of recombinant IL-7 have demonstrated safety and potent immunorestorative effects, and current studies are investigating whether rhIL-7 therapy can improve outcomes in chronic viral infection and in the context of cancer immunotherapies. Building upon the large fund of knowledge regarding the basic biology of IL-7, this review will discuss the many and varied roles of IL-7 in human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangko Lundström
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
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The influence of HIV on CD127 expression and its potential implications for IL-7 therapy. Semin Immunol 2012; 24:231-40. [PMID: 22421574 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2012.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is critical for early T-cell development and plays an important role in T-cell homeostasis, differentiation and function. Signalling via the IL-7 receptor is dependent on the expression of its components, IL-7Rα (CD127) and IL-2Rγ (CD132) and is mediated in part by alterations in CD127 expression levels in different cell subsets. Naïve and memory T-cells express high levels of CD127, while effector cells are CD127(lo) and retention of the receptor is thought to influence the development of memory cells. Reduced expression of CD127 has been associated with markers of disease severity in HIV infection and other chronic viral infections as well as in various cancers. In HIV infection, decreased CD127 expression on T-cells is correlated with reduced CD4(+) T-cell counts, increased viral replication and immune activation. The loss of IL-7 activity, due to decreased CD127 expression, may contribute to the observed loss of CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity in HIV infection. The downregulation of CD127 expression in HIV infection may be due to host (e.g. IL-7, IL-4, immune activation) and/or viral (e.g. HIV-tat) factors and mechanisms of receptor regulation may differ by cell type. In addition, the expression of a soluble form of CD127 (sCD127) has been shown to be increased in HIV infection. This protein may affect IL-7 activity in vivo and therefore may have implications for IL-7-based therapies which are currently being tested in clinical trials. Understanding how CD127 is regulated during HIV infection will provide insight for the development of novel therapeutics to improve immune function and anti-viral T-cell activity.
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IL-7: the global builder of the innate lymphoid network and beyond, one niche at a time. Semin Immunol 2012; 24:190-7. [PMID: 22421575 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2012.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The development and homeostasis of adaptive and innate lymphocytes is dependent on the stromal cytokine IL-7. The initial priming of immune responses to pathogenic challenges is executed by innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) with programmed capacity to rapidly secrete effector cytokines. How ILCs are controlled by IL-7 in distinct anatomical locale has evolved into a more complex problem as IL-7 receptor is not only expressed on ILCs, but also on surrounding neighbors, including vascular endothelium and mesenchymal cells that compete for limiting IL-7. For the generation of γδ T and B cells IL-7 is required for the production of antigen receptors, and it is likely that IL-7 performs critical function in facilitating ILC effector programming in addition to its regulatory actions on cell survival and proliferation. Most of our current understanding of the highly calibrated regulatory circuits of IL-7 function and IL-7 receptor signaling has derived from studies of adaptive, conventional lymphocytes. Here we highlight recent advances in mapping the gene circuits and cellular interactions that regulate temporospatial activities of IL-7 in diverse macro and micro niches that have direct relevance to deciphering the sphere of impact of IL-7 on ILC differentiation.
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39
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Genetic Determination and Immunopathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Humans. ACTA MEDICA MARTINIANA 2012. [DOI: 10.2478/v10201-011-0034-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Vandenbroeck K. Cytokine gene polymorphisms and human autoimmune disease in the era of genome-wide association studies. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2011; 32:139-51. [PMID: 22191464 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2011.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokine (receptor) genes have traditionally attracted great interest as plausible genetic risk factors for autoimmune disease. Since 2007, the implementation of genome-wide association studies has facilitated the robust identification of allelic variants in more than 35 cytokine loci as susceptibility factors for a wide variety of over 15 autoimmune disorders. In this review, we catalog the gene loci of interleukin, chemokine, and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and ligands that have emerged as autoimmune risk factors. We examine recent progress made in the clarification of the functional mechanisms by which polymorphisms in the genes coding for interleukin-2 receptor alpha (IL2RA), IL7R, and IL23R may alter risk for autoimmune disease, and discuss opposite autoimmune risk alleles found, among others, at the IL10 locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen Vandenbroeck
- Neurogenomiks Group, Universidad del País Vasco-UPV/EHU, Zamudio, Spain.
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41
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The role of SNPs in the α-chain of the IL-7R gene in CD4+ T-cell recovery in HIV-infected African patients receiving suppressive cART. Genes Immun 2011; 13:83-93. [DOI: 10.1038/gene.2011.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Crawley AM, Angel JB. Expression of γ-chain cytokine receptors on CD8+ T cells in HIV infection with a focus on IL-7Rα (CD127). Immunol Cell Biol 2011; 90:379-87. [PMID: 21863001 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2011.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
When interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor γ-chain (γ(C))-sharing cytokine receptors on T cells bind their specific ligands (IL-2, -4, -7, -9, -15 or -21), they initiate a variety of cell signals that promote survival, differentiation or antiviral or antitumor cytolytic functions. Although expression of the γ(C) is constitutive across T-cell subsets, the varying expression of other receptor complex components can regulate cytokine signalling and function. Impaired γ(C) cytokine activity in HIV infection, and the role of γ(C) cytokines in CD8(+) T-cell function and homeostasis, implicates these molecules among potential contributors to the observed decline of cytolytic activity (CTL) in HIV disease. In particular, this review will be highlighting information about the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) complex, which is composed of the γ(C) and the IL-7Rα (CD127) chains. There has been an abundance of HIV-related CD127 research and its important role in CD8(+) T-cell survival and function. The expression of CD127 undergoes dramatic changes throughout the course of T-cell responses in HIV infection. The expression of CD127 is significantly decreased in progressive HIV disease, whereas effective antiretroviral therapy results in its recovery. Observations of impaired IL-7 activity in HIV(+) individuals have suggested that CD127 has an important role in HIV immunopathogenesis. In addition, a soluble form of CD127 (sCD127) is upregulated in the plasma of HIV(+) individuals. Hence, CD127 is being increasingly considered as a marker of disease prognosis, and related information may provide insight into understanding the expression and role of other γ(C) receptors in HIV disease and contribute to the development of novel cytokine-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Crawley
- Department of Chronic Disease, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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43
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Brynedal B, Hillert J. Entering a new phase of multiple sclerosis genetic epidemiology. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl.11.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease, where multiple genetic variants have been found to influence the risk of development. The evidence for environmental-attributable risk is also strong, indicating an interaction of risk factors leading to the development of disease in the individual. An importance of genetic variation within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region has been known for almost 40 years, but the search for additional variants connected to susceptibility has been long and largely fruitless. Joint efforts of the MS research community in collecting and sharing results from genetic case control cohorts, together with the technical development, eventually lead to the identification of multiple risk factors for MS as in other complex diseases. The list of identified genetic variants associated with disease is increasingly growing and some leads for functional mechanisms are emerging. Many of the identified regions also harbor associations with other immune-mediated diseases, suggesting common etiology across these various diseases. The great challenge in front of us now is to translate these point-wise indications of genetic effects to functional understanding of how disease develops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boel Brynedal
- Department of Neurology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, USA
- Medical & Population Genetics, The Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jan Hillert
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Increased (6 exon) interleukin-7 production after M. tuberculosis infection and soluble interleukin-7 receptor expression in lung tissue. Genes Immun 2011; 12:513-22. [PMID: 21677672 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2011.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) and the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) have been shown to be alternatively spliced in infectious diseases. We tested IL-7 and IL-7R splicing in a tuberculosis (TB)-vaccine/Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-challenge model in non-human primates (NHPs). Differential IL-7 splicing was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 15/15 NHPs showing 6 different IL-7 spliced isoforms. This pattern did not change after infection with virulent Mtb. We demonstrated increased IL-7 (6 exon) and IL-17 protein production in lung tissue along with concomitant decreased transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) from NHPs (vaccinated with a recombinant BCG (rBCG)) who showed increased survival after Mtb challenge. IL-7 increased IL-17 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) gene and protein expression in PBMCs. Mtb-infected NHPs showed differential IL-7R splicing associated with the anatomical location and tissue origin, that is, in lung tissue, hilus, axillary lymph nodes (LNs) and spleen. Differential splicing of the IL-7R was typical for healthy (non-Mtb infected) and for Mtb-infected lung tissue with a dominant expression of soluble IL-7R (sIL-7R) receptor lacking exon 6 (9:1 ratio of sIL-7R/cell-bound IL-7R). Differential ratios of cell-bound vs sIL-7R could be observed in hilus and axillary LNs from Mtb-infected NHPs with an inversed ratio of 1:9 (sIL-7R/cell-bound IL-7R) in spleen and PBMCs. Soluble IL-7R is exclusively present in lung tissue.
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Ponchel F, Cuthbert RJ, Goëb V. IL-7 and lymphopenia. Clin Chim Acta 2010; 412:7-16. [PMID: 20850425 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Revised: 09/01/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a growth and anti-apoptotic factor for T-lymphocytes, with potential for clinical use in the treatment of immunodeficiencies due to loss of T-cells. Lymphopenia induced by disease (HIV infection, hemodialysis or Idiopathic CD4+ lymphopenia) or by treatment (high dose chemotherapy or depleting antibodies) for cancer or auto-immune diseases results in increased circulating levels of IL-7 which decline with T-cell recovery, however, the mechanism of such response remains to be elucidated. Furthermore, IL-7 is a major player in the regulation of peripheral T-cell homeostasis and as such is an important candidate cytokine for therapy aimed at improving T-cell reconstitution following lymphopenia. Anti- IL-7 is on the other hand proposed to treat conditions where IL-7 may play a more direct role in pathogenesis such as autoimmune disease like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis or Inflammatory Bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederique Ponchel
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section of Musculoskeletal disease, the University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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46
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Todd JA. Etiology of type 1 diabetes. Immunity 2010; 32:457-67. [PMID: 20412756 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2010.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2010] [Revised: 03/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent genetic mapping and gene-phenotype studies have revealed the genetic architecture of type 1 diabetes. At least ten genes so far can be singled out as strong causal candidates. The known functions of these genes indicate the primary etiological pathways of this disease, including HLA class II and I molecules binding to preproinsulin peptides and T cell receptors, T and B cell activation, innate pathogen-viral responses, chemokine and cytokine signaling, and T regulatory and antigen-presenting cell functions. This review considers research in the field of type 1 diabetes toward identifying disease mechanisms using genetic approaches. The expression and functions of these pathways, and, therefore, disease susceptibility, will be influenced by epigenetic and environmental factors. Certain inherited immune phenotypes will be early precursors of type 1 diabetes and could be useful in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Todd
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation/Wellcome Trust Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory, Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK.
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