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Niu X, Xu C, Cheuk YC, Xu X, Liang L, Zhang P, Rong R. Characterizing hub biomarkers for post-transplant renal fibrosis and unveiling their immunological functions through RNA sequencing and advanced machine learning techniques. J Transl Med 2024; 22:186. [PMID: 38378674 PMCID: PMC10880303 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04971-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation stands out as the most effective renal replacement therapy for patients grappling with end-stage renal disease. However, post-transplant renal fibrosis is a prevalent and irreversible consequence, imposing a substantial clinical burden. Unfortunately, the clinical landscape remains devoid of reliable biological markers for diagnosing post-transplant renal interstitial fibrosis. METHODS We obtained transcriptome and single-cell sequencing datasets of patients with renal fibrosis from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Subsequently, we employed Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify potential genes by integrating core modules and differential genes. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted to unveil the involvement of potential pathways. To identify key biomarkers for renal fibrosis, we utilized logistic analysis, a LASSO-based tenfold cross-validation approach, and gene topological analysis within Cytoscape. Furthermore, histological staining, Western blotting (WB), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiments were performed in a murine model of renal fibrosis to verify the identified hub genes. Moreover, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to explore possible effective drugs. RESULTS Through WGCNA, the intersection of core modules and differential genes yielded a compendium of 92 potential genes. Logistic analysis, LASSO-based tenfold cross-validation, and gene topological analysis within Cytoscape identified four core genes (CD3G, CORO1A, FCGR2A, and GZMH) associated with renal fibrosis. The expression of these core genes was confirmed through single-cell data analysis and validated using various machine learning methods. Wet experiments also verified the upregulation of these core genes in the murine model of renal fibrosis. A positive correlation was observed between the core genes and immune cells, suggesting their potential role in bolstering immune system activity. Moreover, four potentially effective small molecules (ZINC000003830276-Tessalon, ZINC000003944422-Norvir, ZINC000008214629-Nonoxynol-9, and ZINC000085537014-Cobicistat) were identified through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. CONCLUSION Four potential hub biomarkers most associated with post-transplant renal fibrosis, as well as four potentially effective small molecules, were identified, providing valuable insights for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying post-transplant renal fibrosis and exploring new targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhao Niu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cuidi Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yin Celeste Cheuk
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lifei Liang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Pingbao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ruiming Rong
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Lavergne M, Hernández-Castañeda MA, Mantel PY, Martinvalet D, Walch M. Oxidative and Non-Oxidative Antimicrobial Activities of the Granzymes. Front Immunol 2021; 12:750512. [PMID: 34707614 PMCID: PMC8542974 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.750512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-mediated cytotoxicity is an essential immune defense mechanism to fight against viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. Upon recognition of an infected target cell, killer lymphocytes form an immunological synapse to release the content of their cytotoxic granules. Cytotoxic granules of humans contain two membrane-disrupting proteins, perforin and granulysin, as well as a homologous family of five death-inducing serine proteases, the granzymes. The granzymes, after delivery into infected host cells by the membrane disrupting proteins, may contribute to the clearance of microbial pathogens through different mechanisms. The granzymes can induce host cell apoptosis, which deprives intracellular pathogens of their protective niche, therefore limiting their replication. However, many obligate intracellular pathogens have evolved mechanisms to inhibit programed cells death. To overcome these limitations, the granzymes can exert non-cytolytic antimicrobial activities by directly degrading microbial substrates or hijacked host proteins crucial for the replication or survival of the pathogens. The granzymes may also attack factors that mediate microbial virulence, therefore directly affecting their pathogenicity. Many mechanisms applied by the granzymes to eliminate infected cells and microbial pathogens rely on the induction of reactive oxygen species. These reactive oxygen species may be directly cytotoxic or enhance death programs triggered by the granzymes. Here, in the light of the latest advances, we review the antimicrobial activities of the granzymes in regards to their cytolytic and non-cytolytic activities to inhibit pathogen replication and invasion. We also discuss how reactive oxygen species contribute to the various antimicrobial mechanisms exerted by the granzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyne Lavergne
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Anatomy Unit, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Maria Andrea Hernández-Castañeda
- Division Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Immunology, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Pierre-Yves Mantel
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Anatomy Unit, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Denis Martinvalet
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Michael Walch
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Anatomy Unit, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Sfikakis PP, Verrou KM, Ampatziadis-Michailidis G, Tsitsilonis O, Paraskevis D, Kastritis E, Lianidou E, Moutsatsou P, Terpos E, Trougakos I, Chini V, Manoloukos M, Moulos P, Pavlopoulos GA, Kollias G, Hatzis P, Dimopoulos MA. Blood Transcriptomes of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody-Positive Healthy Individuals Who Experienced Asymptomatic Versus Clinical Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:746203. [PMID: 34675930 PMCID: PMC8523987 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.746203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The reasons behind the clinical variability of SARS-CoV-2 infection, ranging from asymptomatic infection to lethal disease, are still unclear. We performed genome-wide transcriptional whole-blood RNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and PCR validation to test the hypothesis that immune response-related gene signatures reflecting baseline may differ between healthy individuals, with an equally robust antibody response, who experienced an entirely asymptomatic (n=17) versus clinical SARS-CoV-2 infection (n=15) in the past months (mean of 14 weeks). Among 12.789 protein-coding genes analysed, we identified six and nine genes with significantly decreased or increased expression, respectively, in those with prior asymptomatic infection relatively to those with clinical infection. All six genes with decreased expression (IFIT3, IFI44L, RSAD2, FOLR3, PI3, ALOX15), are involved in innate immune response while the first two are interferon-induced proteins. Among genes with increased expression six are involved in immune response (GZMH, CLEC1B, CLEC12A), viral mRNA translation (GCAT), energy metabolism (CACNA2D2) and oxidative stress response (ENC1). Notably, 8/15 differentially expressed genes are regulated by interferons. Our results suggest that subtle differences at baseline expression of innate immunity-related genes may be associated with an asymptomatic disease course in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Whether a certain gene signature predicts, or not, those who will develop a more efficient immune response upon exposure to SARS-CoV-2, with implications for prioritization for vaccination, warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros P. Sfikakis
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Kleio-Maria Verrou
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Giannis Ampatziadis-Michailidis
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania Tsitsilonis
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evi Lianidou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Moutsatsou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, NKUA, Haidari, Greece
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Trougakos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Chini
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Menelaos Manoloukos
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Moulos
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
| | - Georgios A. Pavlopoulos
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
| | - George Kollias
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
| | - Pantelis Hatzis
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
| | - Meletios A. Dimopoulos
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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de Jong LC, Crnko S, ten Broeke T, Bovenschen N. Noncytotoxic functions of killer cell granzymes in viral infections. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009818. [PMID: 34529743 PMCID: PMC8445437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic lymphocytes produce granules armed with a set of 5 serine proteases (granzymes (Gzms)), which, together with the pore-forming protein (perforin), serve as a major defense against viral infections in humans. This granule-exocytosis pathway subsumes a well-established mechanism in which target cell death is induced upon perforin-mediated entry of Gzms and subsequent activation of various (apoptosis) pathways. In the past decade, however, a growing body of evidence demonstrated that Gzms also inhibit viral replication and potential reactivation in cell death–independent manners. For example, Gzms can induce proteolysis of viral or host cell proteins necessary for the viral entry, release, or intracellular trafficking, as well as augment pro-inflammatory antiviral cytokine response. In this review, we summarize current evidence for the noncytotoxic mechanisms and roles by which killer cells can use Gzms to combat viral infections, and we discuss the potential thereof for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne C. de Jong
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Crnko
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Toine ten Broeke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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5
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Caron J, Ridgley LA, Bodman-Smith M. How to Train Your Dragon: Harnessing Gamma Delta T Cells Antiviral Functions and Trained Immunity in a Pandemic Era. Front Immunol 2021; 12:666983. [PMID: 33854516 PMCID: PMC8039298 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.666983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of viruses with pandemic potential such as the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causing COVID-19 poses a global health challenge. There is remarkable progress in vaccine technology in response to this threat, but their design often overlooks the innate arm of immunity. Gamma Delta (γδ) T cells are a subset of T cells with unique features that gives them a key role in the innate immune response to a variety of homeostatic alterations, from cancer to microbial infections. In the context of viral infection, a growing body of evidence shows that γδ T cells are particularly equipped for early virus detection, which triggers their subsequent activation, expansion and the fast deployment of antiviral functions such as direct cytotoxic pathways, secretion of cytokines, recruitment and activation of other immune cells and mobilization of a trained immunity memory program. As such, γδ T cells represent an attractive target to stimulate for a rapid and effective resolution of viral infections. Here, we review the known aspects of γδ T cells that make them crucial component of the immune response to viruses, and the ways that their antiviral potential can be harnessed to prevent or treat viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Caron
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Alice Ridgley
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Bodman-Smith
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Ma Y, Chen X, Wang A, Zhao H, Lin Q, Bao H, Zhang Y, Hong S, Tang W, Huang Y, Yang Y, Wu X, Shao Y, Fang W, Zhang L. Copy number loss in granzyme genes confers resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002014. [PMID: 33737344 PMCID: PMC7978327 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-programmed death (PD)-1 therapy has recently been used in recurrent or metastatic (R/M) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The long-term survival and its biomarkers responding to anti-PD-1 treatment in patients with R/M NPC remain unclear. Methods Patients with R/M NPC were enrolled between March 2016 and January 2018 from two phase I clinical trials. The median follow-up period was 24.7 months. Eligible patients progressed on standard chemotherapy had measurable disease by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor V.1.1. Non-obligatory contemporaneous tumor samples were collected for whole-exome sequencing. The primary outcome was objective response rate (ORR). Duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were secondary outcomes assessed in all patients. Results Among 124 evaluable patients, anti-PD-1 therapy achieved an ORR of 29.8% and a durable clinical benefit rate of 60.5%. The median OS (mOS) was 17.1 months (95% CI 14.2 to 24.7), median PFS (mPFS) was 3.8 months (95% CI 3.4 to 6.0), and median DOR was 9.5 months. Significant OS benefit from treatment was observed in patients without liver metastasis (23.8 vs 13.3 months, p=0.006). Copy number deletion in genes encoding granzyme B or granzyme H (GZMB/H) was associated with poor treatment outcome (mPFS altered vs wildtype: 1.7 vs 3.6 months, p=0.03; mOS altered vs wildtype: 10.1 vs 18 months, p=0.012). Conclusions Anti-PD-1 treatment provided promising clinical benefit in pretreated patients with R/M NPC. Copy number loss in either GZMB or GZMH genes was associated with reduced survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Ma
- Department of Clinical Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ao Wang
- Medical Department, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingguang Lin
- Department of Ultrasonography, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Bao
- Medical Department, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaodong Hong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanxiangfu Tang
- Medical Department, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunpeng Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Medical Department, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Shao
- Medical Department, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China .,School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenfeng Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Expansions of adaptive-like NK cells with a tissue-resident phenotype in human lung and blood. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2016580118. [PMID: 33836578 PMCID: PMC7980282 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016580118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory diseases are leading causes of death worldwide. However, the local immune cell composition in the human lung and individual outliers within the population still remain largely undescribed. We here identify adaptive-like NK cell expansions with tissue-resident traits in lung and blood in approximately 20% of individuals. This particular NK cell subset, which differed from adaptive-like CD16+ blood NK cells, was hyperresponsive to target cell stimulation. Individuals with such in vivo-primed, expanded NK cells will likely experience a different course of acute lung disease such as viral infections. Furthermore, we believe that target cell-hyperresponsive tissue-resident NK cells represent a future tool in the treatment of lung cancer. Human adaptive-like “memory” CD56dimCD16+ natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood from cytomegalovirus-seropositive individuals have been extensively investigated in recent years and are currently explored as a treatment strategy for hematological cancers. However, treatment of solid tumors remains limited due to insufficient NK cell tumor infiltration, and it is unknown whether large expansions of adaptive-like NK cells that are equipped for tissue residency and tumor homing exist in peripheral tissues. Here, we show that human lung and blood contains adaptive-like CD56brightCD16− NK cells with hallmarks of tissue residency, including expression of CD49a. Expansions of adaptive-like lung tissue-resident NK (trNK) cells were found to be present independently of adaptive-like CD56dimCD16+ NK cells and to be hyperresponsive toward target cells. Together, our data demonstrate that phenotypically, functionally, and developmentally distinct subsets of adaptive-like NK cells exist in human lung and blood. Given their tissue-related character and hyperresponsiveness, human lung adaptive-like trNK cells might represent a suitable alternative for therapies targeting solid tumors.
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Björk A, Da Silva Rodrigues R, Richardsdotter Andersson E, Ramírez Sepúlveda JI, Mofors J, Kvarnström M, Oke V, Svenungsson E, Gunnarsson I, Wahren-Herlenius M. Interferon activation status underlies higher antibody response to viral antigens in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus receiving no or light treatment. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:1445-1455. [PMID: 33006609 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infections have been proposed as an environmental risk factor for autoimmune disease. Responses to microbial antigens may be studied in vivo during vaccination. We therefore followed patients with SLE and controls during split-virion influenza vaccination to quantify antibody responses against viral antigens and associated cellular and proteome parameters. METHODS Blood samples and clinical data were collected from female patients with SLE with no or HCQ and/or low-dose prednisolone treatment (n = 29) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 17). Vaccine-specific antibody titres were measured by ELISA and IFN-induced gene expression in monocytes by quantitative PCR. Serum proteins were measured by proximity extension assay and disease-associated symptoms were followed by questionnaires. RESULTS The vaccine-specific antibody response was significantly higher in patients compared with controls and titres of IgG targeting the viral proteins were higher in patients than controls at both 1 and 3 months after immunization. Clinical disease symptoms and autoantibody titres remained unchanged throughout the study. Notably, a positive pre-vaccination mRNA-based IFN score was associated with a significantly higher vaccine-specific antibody response and with a broader profile of autoantibody specificities. Screening of serum protein biomarkers revealed higher levels of IFN-regulated proteins in patients compared with controls and that levels of such proteins correlated with the vaccine-specific IgG response, with C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 exhibiting the strongest association. CONCLUSION Augmented antibody responses to viral antigens develop in patients with SLE on no or light treatment and associate with markers of type I IFN system activation at the RNA and protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albin Björk
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rui Da Silva Rodrigues
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Johannes Mofors
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marika Kvarnström
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vilija Oke
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Svenungsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iva Gunnarsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Wahren-Herlenius
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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9
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Screening of small molecule libraries using combined text mining, ligand- and target-driven based approaches for identification of novel granzyme H inhibitors. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 105:107876. [PMID: 33744783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.107876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Granzymes are serine proteases synthesized by CTL and NK cells. Five granzyme genes (GzmA, -B, -H, -K, -M) are present in humans, which are located at three different chromosomal loci. Being serine proteases, the binding pocket constitutes a catalytic triad (i.e., His59, Asp103 and Ser197). Granzymes are released into target (cancerous and virally infected) cells by a specialized process known as granule exocytosis pathway. After internalization, these proteases initiate apoptosis. Granzymes are also involved in other non-apoptotic immune associated roles like ECM remodeling, cytokine modulation, killing of pathogens through generation of phagosomes. Their intracellular activity is regulated by specialized inhibitors knows as SERPINs. However, if these proteases are secreted in excess into the extracellular environment, their regulation becomes important as otherwise they start self-damage to the tissues thereby worsening the disease conditions. Efforts are being made to identify potential inhibitors for regulation of these proteases in an extracellular environment. Physiological and synthetic inhibitors have been reported against some members however there is no known inhibitor against extracellular human GzmH. Thus, in the current study, we investigated small molecule databases for the identification of potential molecules having the ability to inhibit GzmH by combined molecular simulations, which can ultimately be used as a potential therapeutic agent.
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10
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Goettig P, Brandstetter H, Magdolen V. Surface loops of trypsin-like serine proteases as determinants of function. Biochimie 2019; 166:52-76. [PMID: 31505212 PMCID: PMC7615277 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Trypsin and chymotrypsin-like serine proteases from family S1 (clan PA) constitute the largest protease group in humans and more generally in vertebrates. The prototypes chymotrypsin, trypsin and elastase represent simple digestive proteases in the gut, where they cleave nearly any protein. Multidomain trypsin-like proteases are key players in the tightly controlled blood coagulation and complement systems, as well as related proteases that are secreted from diverse immune cells. Some serine proteases are expressed in nearly all tissues and fluids of the human body, such as the human kallikreins and kallikrein-related peptidases with specialization for often unique substrates and accurate timing of activity. HtrA and membrane-anchored serine proteases fulfill important physiological tasks with emerging roles in cancer. The high diversity of all family members, which share the tandem β-barrel architecture of the chymotrypsin-fold in the catalytic domain, is conferred by the large differences of eight surface loops, surrounding the active site. The length of these loops alters with insertions and deletions, resulting in remarkably different three-dimensional arrangements. In addition, metal binding sites for Na+, Ca2+ and Zn2+ serve as regulatory elements, as do N-glycosylation sites. Depending on the individual tasks of the protease, the surface loops determine substrate specificity, control the turnover and allow regulation of activation, activity and degradation by other proteins, which are often serine proteases themselves. Most intriguingly, in some serine proteases, the surface loops interact as allosteric network, partially tuned by protein co-factors. Knowledge of these subtle and complicated molecular motions may allow nowadays for new and specific pharmaceutical or medical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Goettig
- Division of Structural Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Division of Structural Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Viktor Magdolen
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, München, Germany
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KLRG1+ natural killer cells exert a novel antifibrotic function in chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2019; 71:252-264. [PMID: 30905683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells are known to exert strong antiviral activity. Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G member 1 (KLRG1) is expressed by terminally differentiated NK cells and KLRG1-expressing lymphocytes are known to expand following chronic viral infections. We aimed to elucidate the previously unknown role of KLRG1 in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS KLRG1+ NK cells were taken from the blood and liver of healthy individuals and patients with CHB. The phenotype and function of these cells was assessed using flow cytometry and in vitro stimulation. RESULTS Patients with CHB had a higher frequency of KLRG1+ NK cells compared to healthy controls (blood 13.4 vs. 2.3%, p <0.0001 and liver 23.4 vs. 2.6%, p <0.01). KLRG1+ NK cells were less responsive to K562 and cytokine stimulation, but demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity (9.0 vs. 4.8%, p <0.05) and IFN-γ release (8.0 vs. 1.5%, p <0.05) via antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity compared to their KLRG1- counterparts. KLRG1+ NK cells possessed a mature phenotype, demonstrating stronger cytolytic activity and IFN-γ secretion against hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) than KLRG1- NK cells. Moreover, KLRG1+ NK cells more effectively induced primary HSC apoptosis in a TRAIL-dependent manner. Increased KLRG1+ NK cell frequency in the liver and blood was associated with lower fibrosis stage (F0/F1) in patients with CHB. Finally, the expression of CD44, degranulation and IFN-γ production were all increased in KLRG1+ NK cells following stimulation with osteopontin, the CD44 ligand, suggesting that HSC-derived osteopontin may cause KLRG1+ NK cell activation. CONCLUSIONS KLRG1+ NK cells likely play an antifibrotic role during the natural course of CHB infection. Harnessing this antifibrotic function may provide a novel therapeutic approach to treat liver fibrosis in patients with CHB. LAY SUMMARY Individuals that are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) possess an increased number of immune cells, called natural killer (NK) cells expressing the surface marker KLRG1 in the blood and liver. Here, we demonstrate that these specific NK cells are able to kill activated stellate cells in the liver. Because activated stellate cells contribute to liver scarring, i.e. fibrosis, and subsequent liver dysfunction in individuals with chronic HBV infection, KLRG1+ NK cells are a novel immune cell type that can limit liver scarring.
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Zheng B, Yang Y, Han Q, Yin C, Pan Z, Zhang J. STAT3 directly regulates NKp46 transcription in NK cells of HBeAg-negative CHB patients. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 106:987-996. [PMID: 31132315 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2a1118-421r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play an important role in early control of HBV infection. The function of NK cells is inhibited in chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We found that the expression of STAT3 decreased in peripheral NK cells of CHB patients, and was associated with low levels of degranulation and IFN-γ secretion. In addition, STAT3 levels were positively correlated with cytolysis-associated molecules and antiviral cytokines, such as CD107a, granzyme B, perforin, and IFN-γ. HBsAg directly inhibited the expression and activation of STAT3 in NK cells, and knocking down STAT3 expression in NK cells inhibited proliferation, decreased cyclin d1 levels, and suppressed responsiveness to IL-21 stimulation. Furthermore, STAT3 directly bound to the promoter of NKp46, an important activating receptor of NK cells, to regulate its transcription and expression. Taken together, our findings indicate that STAT3 is an important positive regulator of NK cells, and provide a new mechanism of NK cell dysfunction in CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqing Zheng
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yinli Yang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunlai Yin
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaoyi Pan
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Intracellular Pathogens: Host Immunity and Microbial Persistence Strategies. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:1356540. [PMID: 31111075 PMCID: PMC6487120 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1356540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites are ranked as the second leading cause of death worldwide by the World Health Organization. Despite tremendous improvements in global public health since 1950, a number of challenges remain to either prevent or eradicate infectious diseases. Many pathogens can cause acute infections that are effectively cleared by the host immunity, but a subcategory of these pathogens called "intracellular pathogens" can establish persistent and sometimes lifelong infections. Several of these intracellular pathogens manage to evade the host immune monitoring and cause disease by replicating inside the host cells. These pathogens have evolved diverse immune escape strategies and overcome immune responses by residing and multiplying inside host immune cells, primarily macrophages. While these intracellular pathogens that cause persistent infections are phylogenetically diverse and engage in diverse immune evasion and persistence strategies, they share common pathogen type-specific mechanisms during host-pathogen interaction inside host cells. Likewise, the host immune system is also equipped with a diverse range of effector functions to fight against the establishment of pathogen persistence and subsequent host damage. This article provides an overview of the immune effector functions used by the host to counter pathogens and various persistence strategies used by intracellular pathogens to counter host immunity, which enables their extended period of colonization in the host. The improved understanding of persistent intracellular pathogen-derived infections will contribute to develop improved disease diagnostics, therapeutics, and prophylactics.
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Chávez-Blanco A, Chacón-Salinas R, Dominguez-Gomez G, Gonzalez-Fierro A, Perez-Cardenas E, Taja-Chayeb L, Trejo-Becerril C, Duenas-Gonzalez A. Viral inhibitors of NKG2D ligands for tumor surveillance. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:1375-1387. [PMID: 27322108 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2016.1202928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Natural Killer cells (NK) are key for the innate immune response against tumors and viral infections. Several viral proteins evade host immune response and target the NK cell receptor NKG2D and its ligands. Areas covered: This review aimed to describe the viruses and their proteins that interfere with the NKG2D receptor and their ligands, and how these interactions lead to immune evasion, host protection, and tissue damage from acute and chronic viral infections. Expert opinion: The study of viral proteins has already impacted the field of oncology. A prime example is the HBV vaccine and the development of antiviral drugs for HIV, Hepatitis C, and the family of Herpesviridae viruses. The NKG2D system seems to be a rational therapeutic target. Nevertheless, an effective cytotoxic response by NK cells is mediated by a network of activating and inhibitory receptors, the integration of which determines if the NK cell becomes cytotoxic or permissive. Immunotherapeutic agents that increase the antitumor lytic activity of NK cells through modulating activation and inhibitory signaling of NK cells are being developed. Nevertheless, more research is needed to dissect the integrative mechanism of NK cells function to fully exploit their antitumor and antiviral effector mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Chávez-Blanco
- a Division of Basic Research , Instituto Nacional de Cancerología , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Rommel Chacón-Salinas
- b Departamento de Inmunología , Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, ENCB-IPN , Mexico City , México
| | | | - Aurora Gonzalez-Fierro
- a Division of Basic Research , Instituto Nacional de Cancerología , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Enrique Perez-Cardenas
- a Division of Basic Research , Instituto Nacional de Cancerología , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Lucia Taja-Chayeb
- a Division of Basic Research , Instituto Nacional de Cancerología , Mexico City , Mexico
| | | | - Alfonso Duenas-Gonzalez
- c Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cancer , Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas UNAM/Instituto Nacional de Cancerología , Mexico City , Mexico.,d Unidad de Investigacion Basica Aplicada , ISSEMyM Cancer Center , Toluca , Mexico
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15
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Sun C, Sun HY, Xiao WH, Zhang C, Tian ZG. Natural killer cell dysfunction in hepatocellular carcinoma and NK cell-based immunotherapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:1191-9. [PMID: 26073325 PMCID: PMC4648180 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2015.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms linking hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. Natural killer (NK) cells account for 25%–50% of the total number of liver lymphocytes, suggesting that NK cells play an important role in liver immunity. The number of NK cells in the blood and tumor tissues of HCC patients is positively correlated with their survival and prognosis. Furthermore, a group of NK cell-associated genes in HCC tissues is positively associated with the prolonged survival. These facts suggest that NK cells and HCC progression are strongly associated. In this review, we describe the abnormal NK cells and their functional impairment in patients with chronic HBV and HCV infection, which contribute to the progression of HCC. Then, we summarize the association of NK cells with HCC based on the abnormalities in the numbers and phenotypes of blood and liver NK cells in HCC patients. In particular, the exhaustion of NK cells that represents lower cytotoxicity and impaired cytokine production may serve as a predictor for the occurrence of HCC. Finally, we present the current achievements in NK cell immunotherapy conducted in mouse models of liver cancer and in clinical trials, highlighting how chemoimmunotherapy, NK cell transfer, gene therapy, cytokine therapy and mAb therapy improve NK cell function in HCC treatment. It is conceivable that NK cell-based anti-HCC therapeutic strategies alone or in combination with other therapies will be great promise for HCC treatment.
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16
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Chen J, Zhao Y, Tao XY, Zhang M, Sun AD. Protective effect of blueberry anthocyanins in a CCL4-induced liver cell model. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Chen J, Hao L, Li C, Ye B, Du Y, Zhang H, Long B, Zhu P, Liu B, Yang L, Li P, Tian Y, Fan Z. The endoplasmic reticulum adaptor protein ERAdP initiates NK cell activation via the Ubc13-mediated NF-κB pathway. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 194:1292-303. [PMID: 25548215 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
NK cells play a pivotal role in innate immune responses against pathogenic infections. However, the underlying mechanisms driving defined NK functions remain largely elusive. In this study, we identified a novel endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein, ER adaptor protein (ERAdP), which is constitutively expressed in human and mouse NK cells. ERAdP is expressed at low levels in peripheral NK cells of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma patients. We show that ERAdP initiates NK cell activation through the NF-κB pathway. Notably, ERAdP interacts with ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 13 (Ubc13) to potentiate its charging activity. Thus, ERAdP augments Ubc13-mediated NF-κB essential modulator ubiquitination to trigger the Ubc13-mediated NF-κB pathway, leading to NK cell activation. Finally, ERAdP transgenic mice display hyperactivated NK cells that are more resistant to pathogenic infections. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of ERAdP-mediated NK cell activation will provide strategies for treatment of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lu Hao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chong Li
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Buqing Ye
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ying Du
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Honglian Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bo Long
- Central Research Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Pingping Zhu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Benyu Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liuliu Yang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China; and
| | - Yong Tian
- Beijing Noncoding RNA Laboratory, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zusen Fan
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
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Vahedi F, Fraleigh N, Vlasschaert C, McElhaney J, Hanifi-Moghaddam P. Human granzymes: Related but far apart. Med Hypotheses 2014; 83:688-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rönnberg E, Calounova G, Sutton VR, Trapani JA, Rollman O, Hagforsen E, Pejler G. Granzyme H is a novel protease expressed by human mast cells. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2014; 165:68-74. [PMID: 25342632 DOI: 10.1159/000368403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many of the functions attributed to mast cells depend on the various pro-inflammatory mediators that are secreted upon mast cell activation. These include a panel of mast cell-specific proteases. In addition, recent studies have indicated that murine mast cells also express granzyme D, a protease previously thought to be confined to cytotoxic lymphocytes. Here, we address the human relevance of the latter findings by investigating whether human mast cells express granzyme H, the granzyme that may represent the functional counterpart to murine granzyme D. METHODS Cord blood-derived mast cells, LAD2 cells and skin mast cells in situ were evaluated for their expression of granzymes using quantitative PCR, Western blot analysis and immunostaining. Mast cells were activated by either calcium ionophore stimulation or IgE receptor cross-linking. RESULTS Cord blood-derived mast cells and LAD2 cells were shown to express granzyme H and B mRNA, while granzyme A, K and M expression was undetectable. Mast cell activation by either calcium ionophore or IgE receptor cross-linking caused down-regulated expression of granzyme H. In contrast, granzyme B expression was up-regulated by the same stimuli. Granzyme H expression was also confirmed at the protein level, as shown by both Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy. Further, we show that granzyme H is expressed by human skin mast cells in situ. CONCLUSIONS The present findings implicate granzyme H as a novel protease expressed by human mast cells and support earlier findings obtained in natural killer cells suggesting that granzymes B and H are reciprocally regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Rönnberg
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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20
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Blessing or curse? Proteomics in granzyme research. Proteomics Clin Appl 2014; 8:351-81. [DOI: 10.1002/prca.201300096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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21
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Schuch A, Hoh A, Thimme R. The role of natural killer cells and CD8(+) T cells in hepatitis B virus infection. Front Immunol 2014; 5:258. [PMID: 24917866 PMCID: PMC4042360 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the main causes of chronic liver diseases that may progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Host immune responses are important factors that determine whether HBV infection is cleared or persists. Natural killer (NK) cells represent the main effector population of the innate immune system and are abundant in the human liver. Recently, it has been demonstrated that NK cells not only exhibit antiviral functions but may also regulate adaptive immune responses by deletion of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. It is well-established that HBV-specific CD8+ T cells contribute to virus elimination. However, the mechanisms contributing to CD8+ T cell failure in chronic HBV infection are not well-understood. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge about NK cells and CD8+ T cells and illustrate their contribution to viral clearance and persistence in HBV infection. Moreover, novel immunological in vitro model systems and techniques to analyze HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, which are barely detectable using current multimer staining methods, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Schuch
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital of Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany ; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany
| | - Alexander Hoh
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital of Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany ; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany ; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital of Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany
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22
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NK cells in hepatitis B virus infection: a potent target for immunotherapy. Arch Virol 2014; 159:1555-65. [PMID: 24445811 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-013-1965-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), are the most prevalent and infectious agents that lead to liver disease in humans. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis of the liver are the most serious complications arising from prolonged forms of hepatitis B. Previous studies demonstrated that patients suffering from long-term HBV infections are unable to eradicate HBV from hepatocytes completely. The mechanisms responsible for progression of these forms of infection have not yet been clarified. However, it seems that there are differences in genetic and immunological parameters when comparing patients to subjects who successfully clear HBV infections, and these may represent the causes of long-term infection. Natural killer (NK) cells, the main innate immune cells that target viral infections, play important roles in the eradication of HBV from hepatocytes. NK cells carry several stimulatory and inhibitor receptors, and binding of receptors with their ligands results in activation and suppression of NK cells, respectively. The aim of this review is to address the recent information regarding NK cell phenotype, functions and modifications in hepatitis B. This review addresses the recent data regarding the roles of NK cells as novel targets for immunotherapies that target hepatitis B infection. It also discusses the potential to reduce the risk of HCC or cirrhosis of the liver by targeting NK cells.
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Granzyme M: behind enemy lines. Cell Death Differ 2014; 21:359-68. [PMID: 24413154 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2013.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The granule-exocytosis pathway is the major mechanism via which cytotoxic lymphocytes eliminate virus-infected and tumor cells. In this pathway, cytotoxic lymphocytes release granules containing the pore-forming protein perforin and a family of serine proteases known as granzymes into the immunological synapse. Pore-formation by perforin facilitates entry of granzymes into the target cell, where they can activate various (death) pathways. Humans express five different granzymes, of which granzymes A and B have been most extensively characterized. However, much less is known about granzyme M (GrM). Recently, structural analysis and advanced proteomics approaches have determined the primary and extended specificity of GrM. GrM functions have expanded over the past few years: not only can GrM efficiently induce cell death in tumor cells, it can also inhibit cytomegalovirus replication in a noncytotoxic manner. Finally, a role for GrM in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses has been proposed. In this review, we recapitulate the current status of GrM expression, substrate specificity, functions, and inhibitors.
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Chen J, Tao XY, Li LN, Sun AD, Wang Y, Zhang S. Protective effect of blueberry anthocyanins in a CCl4-induced injury model in human embryonic liver cells. FOOD AGR IMMUNOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/09540105.2013.781139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Liu B, Wen X, Huang C, Wei Y. Unraveling the complexity of hepatitis B virus: from molecular understanding to therapeutic strategy in 50 years. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2013; 45:1987-96. [PMID: 23819994 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a well-known hepadnavirus with a double-stranded circular DNA genome. Although HBV was first described approximately 50 years ago, the precise mechanisms of HBV infection and effective therapeutic strategies remain unclear. Here, we focus on summarizing the complicated mechanisms of HBV replication and infection, as well as genomic factors and epigenetic regulation. Additionally, we discuss in vivo models of HBV, as well as diagnosis, prevention and therapeutic drugs for HBV. Together, the data in this 50-year review may provide new clues to elucidate molecular mechanisms of HBV pathogenesis and shed new light on the future HBV therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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26
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Brenu EW, Hardcastle SL, Atkinson GM, van Driel ML, Kreijkamp-Kaspers S, Ashton KJ, Staines DR, Marshall-Gradisnik SM. Natural killer cells in patients with severe chronic fatigue syndrome. AUTOIMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 2013; 4:69-80. [PMID: 26000145 PMCID: PMC4389023 DOI: 10.1007/s13317-013-0051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance of health and physiological homeostasis is a synergistic process involving tight regulation of proteins, transcription factors and other molecular processes. The immune system consists of innate and adaptive immune cells that are required to sustain immunity. The presence of pathogens and tumour cells activates innate immune cells, in particular Natural Killer (NK) cells. Stochastic expression of NK receptors activates either inhibitory or activating signals and results in cytokine production and activation of pathways that result in apoptosis of target cells. Thus, NK cells are a necessary component of the immunological process and aberrations in their functional processes, including equivocal levels of NK cells and cytotoxic activity pre-empts recurrent viral infections, autoimmune diseases and altered inflammatory responses. NK cells are implicated in a number of diseases including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The purpose of this review is to highlight the different profiles of NK cells reported in CFS patients and to determine the extent of NK immune dysfunction in subtypes of CFS patients based on severity in symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. W. Brenu
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- Immunology Research Group, Centre for Medicine and Oral Health, Griffith University, GH1, Room 7.59, Southport, QLD 4215 Australia
| | - S. L. Hardcastle
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
| | - G. M. Atkinson
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
| | - M. L. van Driel
- Queensland Health, Gold Coast Public Health Unit, Robina, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
| | | | - K. J. Ashton
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD Australia
| | - D. R. Staines
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- Queensland Health, Gold Coast Public Health Unit, Robina, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
| | - S. M. Marshall-Gradisnik
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
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van Domselaar R, de Poot SAH, Remmerswaal EBM, Lai KW, ten Berge IJM, Bovenschen N. Granzyme M targets host cell hnRNP K that is essential for human cytomegalovirus replication. Cell Death Differ 2013; 20:419-29. [PMID: 23099853 PMCID: PMC3569982 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2012.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most frequent viral cause of congenital defects and HCMV infection in immunocompromised patients may trigger devastating disease. Cytotoxic lymphocytes control HCMV by releasing granzymes towards virus-infected cells. In mice, granzyme M (GrM) has a physiological role in controlling murine CMV infection. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we showed that human GrM was expressed by HCMV-specific CD8(+) T cells both in latently infected healthy individuals and in transplant patients during primary HCMV infection. We identified host cell heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) as a physiological GrM substrate. GrM most efficiently cleaved hnRNP K in the presence of RNA at multiple sites, thereby likely destroying hnRNP K function. Host cell hnRNP K was essential for HCMV replication not only by promoting viability of HCMV-infected cells but predominantly by regulating viral immediate-early 2 (IE2) protein levels. Furthermore, hnRNP K interacted with IE2 mRNA. Finally, GrM decreased IE2 protein expression in HCMV-infected cells. Our data suggest that targeting of hnRNP K by GrM contributes to the mechanism by which cytotoxic lymphocytes inhibit HCMV replication. This is the first evidence that cytotoxic lymphocytes target host cell proteins to control HCMV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- R van Domselaar
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S A H de Poot
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E B M Remmerswaal
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Renal Transplant Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K W Lai
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - I J M ten Berge
- Renal Transplant Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Wang L, Li Q, Wu L, Liu S, Zhang Y, Yang X, Zhu P, Zhang H, Zhang K, Lou J, Liu P, Tong L, Sun F, Fan Z. Identification of SERPINB1 as a physiological inhibitor of human granzyme H. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 190:1319-30. [PMID: 23269243 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The granzyme/perforin pathway is a major mechanism for cytotoxic lymphocytes to eliminate virus-infected and tumor cells. The balance between activation and inhibition of the proteolytic cascade must be tightly controlled to avoid self damage. Granzyme H (GzmH) is constitutively expressed in NK cells and induces target cell death; however, how GzmH activity is regulated remains elusive. We reported earlier the crystal structures of inactive D102N-GzmH alone and in complex with its synthetic substrate and inhibitor, as well as defined the mechanisms of substrate recognition and enzymatic activation. In this study, we identified SERPINB1 as a potent intracellular inhibitor for GzmH. Upon cleavage of the reactive center loop at Phe(343), SERPINB1 forms an SDS-stable covalent complex with GzmH. SERPINB1 overexpression suppresses GzmH- or LAK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. We determined the crystal structures of active GzmH and SERPINB1 (LM-DD mutant) in the native conformation to 3.0- and 2.9-Å resolution, respectively. Molecular modeling reveals the possible conformational changes in GzmH for the suicide inhibition. Our findings provide new insights into the inhibitory mechanism of SERPINB1 against human GzmH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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29
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Dkhil MA, Al-Quraishy S, Abdel-Baki AA, Delic D, Wunderlich F. Eimeria coecicola: spleen response of Oryctolagus cuniculus. Exp Parasitol 2012. [PMID: 23206958 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The apicomplexan protozoon Eimeria coecicola is an infectious agent of intestinal coccidiosis in rabbits, causing severe injuries in the appendix as the final target, but also in the liver though not being a target. Here, we investigated the effect of E. coecicola on the spleen of the rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus with respect to structure and gene expression using 2-color Agilent whole rabbit genome oligo-microarray technology in combination with quantitative PCR. At maximal fecal output of E. coecicola oocyts on day 7p.i., the spleen did not contain any parasites, but displayed moderate inflammatory changes evidenced as fused white pulp areas, diffuse appearance of the marginal zones, and increased number of macrophages in the red pulp, eventually resulting in an increased histological score. The infections induced 36 genes to be up-regulated and 156 genes to be down-regulated, among which were 139 genes encoding diverse regions of antibodies. The highest upregulated genes were those encoding granzyme H (10-fold), lim1 (10-fold), xanthine dehydrogenase (9-fold), whereas the downregulated genes could be majorly assigned to the immune response, as e.g. the genes encoding the macrophage cationic peptide-2 (5-fold). Quantitative PCR of genes encoding GZMH, XDH, HSD17B1, SULT3A1, SAA, BPI, MCP-2, and GST exhibited the same transcriptional level as that detected by microarray analysis. The E. coecicola-induced changes in gene expression of the spleen were totally different to those found previously in appendix and liver. Only the granzyme H gene became upregulated in all three organs. Our data indicate that the spleen, though not a final target of E. coecicola, responds to E. coecicola infections, suggesting that the spleen may be part of an orchestrated host defense against E. coecicola critically involving GZMH-expressing NK-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Dkhil
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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30
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Liu S, Zhang H, Li M, Hu D, Li C, Ge B, Jin B, Fan Z. Recruitment of Grb2 and SHIP1 by the ITT-like motif of TIGIT suppresses granule polarization and cytotoxicity of NK cells. Cell Death Differ 2012; 20:456-64. [PMID: 23154388 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2012.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating and inhibitory receptors control natural killer (NK) cell activity. T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif) domain (TIGIT) was recently identified as a new inhibitory receptor on T and NK cells that suppressed their effector functions. TIGIT harbors the immunoreceptor tail tyrosine (ITT)-like and ITIM motifs in its cytoplasmic tail. However, how its ITT-like motif functions in TIGIT-mediated negative signaling is still unclear. Here, we show that TIGIT/PVR (poliovirus receptor) engagement disrupts granule polarization leading to loss of killing activity of NK cells. The ITT-like motif of TIGIT has a major role in its negative signaling. After TIGIT/PVR ligation, the ITT-like motif is phosphorylated at Tyr225 and binds to cytosolic adapter Grb2, which can recruit SHIP1 to prematurely terminate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and MAPK signaling, leading to downregulation of NK cell function. In support of this, Tyr225 or Asn227 mutation leads to restoration of TIGIT/PVR-mediated cytotoxicity, and SHIP1 silencing can dramatically abolish TIGIT/PVR-mediated killing inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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