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Fukui C, Yamana S, Xue Y, Shirane M, Tsutsui H, Asahara K, Yoshitomi K, Ito T, Lestari T, Hasegawa E, Yawata N, Takeda A, Sonoda KH, Shibata K. Functions of mucosal associated invariant T cells in eye diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1341180. [PMID: 38440736 PMCID: PMC10911089 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1341180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a unique subset of T cells that recognizes metabolites derived from the vitamin B2 biosynthetic pathway. Since the identification of cognate antigens for MAIT cells, knowledge of the functions of MAIT cells in cancer, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases has been rapidly expanding. Recently, MAIT cells have been found to contribute to visual protection against autoimmunity in the eye. The protective functions of MAIT cells are induced by T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated activation. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, this mini-review aims to discuss our findings and the complexity of MAIT cell-mediated immune regulation in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Fukui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamana
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yanqi Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mariko Shirane
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tsutsui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Asahara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keiko Yoshitomi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takako Ito
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tantri Lestari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eiichi Hasegawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nobuyo Yawata
- Department of Ocular Pathology and Imaging Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Atsunobu Takeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kensuke Shibata
- Department of Ocular Pathology and Imaging Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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Nakamura YK, Metea C, Llorenç V, Karstens L, Balter A, Lin P. A diet rich in fermentable fiber promotes robust changes in the intestinal microbiota, mitigates intestinal permeability, and attenuates autoimmune uveitis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10806. [PMID: 37402809 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37062-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches for noninfectious uveitis have expanded greatly over the past 10 years, but are limited by potential side effects and limited efficacy. Thus, therapeutic approaches that include less toxic, potentially preventative strategies to manage noninfectious uveitis are essential areas of study. Diets rich in fermentable fiber are potentially preventative in various conditions such as metabolic syndrome and type 1 diabetes. We studied the effects of various fermentable dietary fibers in an inducible model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) and found that they differentially modulated uveitis severity. A high pectin diet was the most protective, reducing clinical disease severity through the induction of regulatory T lymphocytes and the suppression of Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes at peak ocular inflammation in either intestinal or extra-intestinal lymphoid tissues. The high pectin diet also promoted intestinal homeostasis as shown by changes in intestinal morphology and gene expression, as well as intestinal permeability. Pectin-induced modulation of intestinal bacteria appeared to be associated with protective changes in immunophenotype in the intestinal tract, and correlated with reduced uveitis severity. In summary, our current findings support the potential for dietary intervention as a strategy to mitigate noninfectious uveitis severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko K Nakamura
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Christina Metea
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Victor Llorenç
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Clinic Institute of Ophthalmology, Clinic Hospital of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lisa Karstens
- Departments of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ariel Balter
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Phoebe Lin
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Zhang T, Han X, Zhong Y, Kam HT, Qiao D, Chen Z, Chan KWY, Chong WP, Chen J. Regulatory T cell intravitreal delivery using hyaluronan methylcellulose hydrogel improves therapeutic efficacy in experimental autoimmune uveitis. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 151:213496. [PMID: 37290283 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune uveitis refers to several intraocular inflammation conditions, which are mediated by autoreactive T cells. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are immunosuppressive cells that have shown potential for resolving various autoimmune diseases, including uveitis. However, poor donor cell dispersion distal to the injection site and plasticity of Treg cells in an inflammatory microenvironment can present obstacles for this immunotherapy. We assessed the use of a physical blend of hyaluronan and methylcellulose (HAMC) as immunoprotective and injectable hydrogel cell delivery system to improve the efficacy of Treg-based therapy in treating experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). We demonstrated that the Treg-HAMC blend increased both the survival and stability of Tregs under proinflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we found that the intravitreal HAMC delivery system resulted in a two-fold increase in the number of transferred Tregs in the inflamed eye of EAU mice. Treg-HAMC delivery effectively attenuated ocular inflammation and preserved the visual function of EAU mice. It significantly decreased the number of ocular infiltrates, including the uveitogenic IFN-γ+CD4+ and IL-17+CD4+ T cells. In contrast, intravitreal injection of Treg cells without HAMC only achieved marginal therapeutic effects in EAU. Our findings suggest that HAMC may become a promising delivery vehicle for human uveitis Treg therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiongqi Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yajie Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hio Tong Kam
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Dijie Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zilin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kannie Wai Yan Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wai Po Chong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
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Abraham AR, Maghsoudlou P, Copland DA, Nicholson LB, Dick AD. CAR-Treg cell therapies and their future potential in treating ocular autoimmune conditions. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1184937. [PMID: 38983082 PMCID: PMC11182176 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1184937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Ophthalmic autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions cause significant visual morbidity and require complex medical treatment complicated by significant side effects and lack of specificity. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have key roles in immune homeostasis and in the resolution of immune responses. Polyclonal Treg therapy has shown efficacy in treating autoimmune disease. Genetic engineering approaches to produce antigen-specific Treg therapy has the potential for enhanced treatment responses and fewer systemic side effects. Cell therapy using chimeric antigen receptor modified T cell (CAR-T) therapy, has had significant success in treating haematological malignancies. By modifying Tregs specifically, a CAR-Treg approach has been efficacious in preclinical models of autoimmune conditions leading to current phase 1-2 clinical trials. This review summarises CAR structure and design, Treg cellular biology, developments in CAR-Treg therapies, and discusses future strategies to apply CAR-Treg therapy in the treatment of ophthalmic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R. Abraham
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Panayiotis Maghsoudlou
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Copland
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay B. Nicholson
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D. Dick
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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McPherson SW, Heuss ND, Abedin M, Roehrich H, Pierson MJ, Gregerson DS. Parabiosis reveals the correlation between the recruitment of circulating antigen presenting cells to the retina and the induction of spontaneous autoimmune uveoretinitis. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:295. [PMID: 36494807 PMCID: PMC9733026 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02660-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Characterizing immune cells and conditions that govern their recruitment and function in autoimmune diseases of the nervous system or in neurodegenerative processes is an area of active investigation. We sought to analyze the origin of antigen presenting cells associated with the induction of retinal autoimmunity using a system that relies on spontaneous autoimmunity, thus avoiding uncertainties associated with immunization with adjuvants at remotes sites or adoptive transfer of in vitro activated T cells. METHODS R161H mice (B10.RIII background), which spontaneously and rapidly develop severe spontaneous autoimmune uveoretinitis (SAU), were crossed to CD11cDTR/GFP mice (B6/J) allowing us to track the recruitment to and/or expansion within the retina of activated, antigen presenting cells (GFPhi cells) in R161H+/- × CD11cDTR/GFP F1 mice relative to the course of SAU. Parabiosis between R161H+/- × CD11cDTR/GFP F1 mice and B10.RIII × B6/J F1 (wild-type recipient) mice was done to explore the origin and phenotype of antigen presenting cells crucial for the induction of autoimmunity. Analysis was done by retinal imaging, flow cytometry, and histology. RESULTS Onset of SAU in R161H+/- × CD11cDTR/GFP F1 mice was delayed relative to B10.RIII-R161H+/- mice revealing a disease prophase prior to frank autoimmunity that was characterized by expansion of GFPhi cells within the retina prior to any clinical or histological evidence of autoimmunity. Parabiosis between mice carrying the R161H and CD11cDTR/GFP transgenes and transgene negative recipients showed that recruitment of circulating GFPhi cells into retinas was highly correlative with the occurrence of SAU. CONCLUSIONS Our results here contrast with our previous findings showing that retinal antigen presenting cells expanding in response to either sterile mechanical injury or neurodegeneration were derived from myeloid cells within the retina or optic nerve, thus highlighting a unique facet of retinal autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W. McPherson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6th Street SE, Lions Research Building, Room 482A, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Neal D. Heuss
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6th Street SE, Lions Research Building, Room 482A, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Md. Abedin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6th Street SE, Lions Research Building, Room 482A, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Heidi Roehrich
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6th Street SE, Lions Research Building, Room 482A, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Mark J. Pierson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6th Street SE, Lions Research Building, Room 482A, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Dale S. Gregerson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6th Street SE, Lions Research Building, Room 482A, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
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DeMaio A, Mehrotra S, Sambamurti K, Husain S. The role of the adaptive immune system and T cell dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:251. [PMID: 36209107 PMCID: PMC9548183 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02605-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptive immune system and associated inflammation are vital in surveillance and host protection against internal and external threats, but can secondarily damage host tissues. The central nervous system is immune-privileged and largely protected from the circulating inflammatory pathways. However, T cell involvement and the disruption of the blood-brain barriers have been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Under normal physiological conditions, regulatory T cells (Treg cells) dampen the inflammatory response of effector T cells. In the pathological states of many neurodegenerative disorders, the ability of Treg cells to mitigate inflammation is reduced, and a pro-inflammatory environment persists. This perspective review provides current knowledge on the roles of T cell subsets (e.g., effector T cells, Treg cells) in neurodegenerative and ocular diseases, including uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Many neurodegenerative and ocular diseases have been linked to immune dysregulation, but the cellular events and molecular mechanisms involved in such processes remain largely unknown. Moreover, the role of T cells in ocular pathologies remains poorly defined and limited literature is available in this area of research. Adoptive transfer of Treg cells appears to be a vital immunological approach to control ocular pathologies. Similarities in T cell dysfunction seen among non-ocular neurodegenerative diseases suggest that this area of research has a great potential to develop better therapeutic agents for ocular diseases and warrants further studies. Overall, this perspective review article provides significant information on the roles of T cells in numerous ocular and non-ocular neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa DeMaio
- Department of Ophthalmology, Storm Eye Institute, Room 713, Medical University of South Carolina, 167 Ashley Ave, SC, 29425, Charleston, USA
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, 29425, Charleston, USA
| | - Kumar Sambamurti
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, 29425, Charleston, USA
| | - Shahid Husain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Storm Eye Institute, Room 713, Medical University of South Carolina, 167 Ashley Ave, SC, 29425, Charleston, USA.
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Huang J, Li Z, Hu Y, Li Z, Xie Y, Huang H, Chen Q, Chen G, Zhu W, Chen Y, Su W, Chen X, Liang D. Melatonin, an endogenous hormone, modulates Th17 cells via the reactive-oxygen species/TXNIP/HIF-1α axis to alleviate autoimmune uveitis. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:124. [PMID: 35624485 PMCID: PMC9145533 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02477-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Melatonin, an indoleamine produced by the pineal gland, plays a pivotal role in maintaining circadian rhythm homeostasis. Recently, the strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of melatonin have attracted attention of researchers. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of melatonin in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), which is a representative animal model of human autoimmune uveitis. Methods EAU was induced in mice via immunization with the peptide interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein 1–20 (IRBP1–20). Melatonin was then administered via intraperitoneal injection to induce protection against EAU. With EAU induction for 14 days, clinical and histopathological scores were graded to evaluate the disease progression. T lymphocytes accumulation and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the retinas were assessed via flow cytometry and RT-PCR, respectively. T helper 1 (Th1), T helper 17 (Th17), and regulatory T (Treg) cells were detected via flow cytometry for both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Reactive-oxygen species (ROS) from CD4 + T cells was tested via flow cytometry. The expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) proteins were quantified via western blot. Results Melatonin treatment resulted in notable attenuation of ocular inflammation in EAU mice, evidenced by decreasing optic disc edema, few signs of retinal vasculitis, and minimal retinal and choroidal infiltrates. Mechanistic studies revealed that melatonin restricted the proliferation of peripheral Th1 and Th17 cells by suppressing their transcription factors and potentiated Treg cells. In vitro studies corroborated that melatonin restrained the polarization of retina-specific T cells towards Th17 and Th1 cells in addition to enhancing the proportion of Treg cells. Pretreatment of retina-specific T cells with melatonin failed to induce EAU in naïve recipients. Furthermore, the ROS/ TXNIP/ HIF-1α pathway was shown to mediate the therapeutic effect of melatonin in EAU. Conclusions Melatonin regulates autoimmune T cells by restraining effector T cells and facilitating Treg generation, indicating that melatonin could be a hopeful treatment alternative for autoimmune uveitis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02477-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yunwei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zuoyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yanyan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Haixiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Wenjie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yuxi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Dan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratoryof Ophthalmologyand VisualScience, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Xu H, Rao NA. Grand Challenges in Ocular Inflammatory Diseases. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022; 2:756689. [PMID: 38983535 PMCID: PMC11182270 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2022.756689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Heping Xu
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, China
| | - Narsing A. Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC-Roski Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Hu Y, Chen G, Huang J, Li Z, Li Z, Xie Y, Chen Y, Li H, Su W, Chen X, Liang D. The Calcium Channel Inhibitor Nimodipine Shapes the Uveitogenic T Cells and Protects Mice from Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis through the p38-MAPK Signaling Pathway. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:2933-2943. [PMID: 34799427 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune uveitis (AU) is a sight-threatening ocular inflammatory disorder, characterized by massive retinal vascular leakage and inflamed lesions with infiltration of the uveitogenic T cells in the retina and disorders of the T cell-related immune response in the system. Stimulation of TCRs can trigger calcium release and influx via Ca2+ channels and then transmit signals from the surface to the nucleus, which are important for energy metabolism, proliferation, activation, and differentiation. Inhibition of Ca2+ influx by pharmacological modulation of Ca2+ channels may suppress T cell function, representing a novel anti-inflammatory strategy in the treatment of AU. This study investigated the effects of the l-type voltage-gated calcium channel blocker nimodipine in experimental AU (EAU). Nimodipine was found to not only decrease the clinical and histopathological inflammation score of EAU (C57BL/6J mice) but also dwindle the infiltration of uveitogenic CD4+ T cells into the retina. Moreover, nimodipine decreased the effector T cells and increased the regulatory T cells in the immune system. In vitro, nimodipine reduced the effector T cell differentiation of the IRBP1-20-specific CD4+ T cells of EAU mice and LPS-stimulated PBMCs of uveitis patients. Meanwhile, nimodipine suppressed the energy metabolism, proliferation, activation, and Th1 cell differentiation of T cells. Further studies on RNA sequencing and molecular mechanisms have established that nimodipine alleviates EAU by regulating T cells response through the p38-MAPK pathway signaling. Taken together, our data reveal a novel therapeutic potential of the l-type Ca2+ channels antagonist nimodipine in AU by regulating the balance of T cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zuoyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - He Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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McDonald T, Muhammad F, Peters K, Lee DJ. Combined Deficiency of the Melanocortin 5 Receptor and Adenosine 2A Receptor Unexpectedly Provides Resistance to Autoimmune Disease in a CD8 + T Cell-Dependent Manner. Front Immunol 2021; 12:742154. [PMID: 34867964 PMCID: PMC8634946 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.742154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory immunity that provides resistance to relapse emerges during resolution of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). This post-EAU regulatory immunity requires a melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5r)-dependent suppressor antigen presenting cell (APC), as shown using a MC5r single knock-out mouse. The MC5r-dependent APC activates an adenosine 2A receptor (A2Ar)-dependent regulatory Treg cell, as shown using an A2Ar single knock-out mouse. Unexpectedly, when MC5r-/- post-EAU APC were used to activate A2Ar-/- post-EAU T cells the combination of cells significantly suppressed EAU, when transferred to EAU mice. In contrast, transfer of the reciprocal activation scheme did not suppress EAU. In order to explain this finding, MC5r-/-A2Ar-/- double knock-out (DKO) mice were bred. Naïve DKO mice had no differences in the APC populations, or inflammatory T cell subsets, but did have significantly more Treg cells. When we examined the number of CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets, we found significantly fewer CD8 T cells in the DKO mice compared to WT and both single knock-out mice. DKO mice also had significantly reduced EAU severity and accelerated resolution. In order to determine if the CD8 T cell deficiency contributed to the resistance to EAU in the DKO mice, we transferred naïve CD8 T cells from WT mice, that were immunized for EAU. Susceptibility to EAU was restored in DKO mice that received a CD8 T cell transfer. While the mechanism that contributed to the CD8 T cell deficiency in the DKO mice remains to be determined, these observations indicate an importance of CD8 T cells in the initiation of EAU. The involvement of CD4 and CD8 T cells suggests that both class I and class II antigen presentation can trigger an autoimmune response, suggesting a much wider range of antigens may trigger autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha McDonald
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Fauziyya Muhammad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Kayleigh Peters
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Darren J. Lee
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States,*Correspondence: Darren J. Lee,
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11
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Huang J, Li Z, Hu Y, Chen G, Li Z, Xie Y, Huang H, Su W, Chen X, Liang D. Azithromycin modulates Teff/Treg balance in retinal inflammation via the mTOR signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114793. [PMID: 34600916 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Uveitis is one of the most common blindness-causing ocular disorders. Due to its complicated pathogenesis, the treatment of uveitis has been widely recognized as a challenge for ophthalmologists. Recently, the anti-inflammatory properties of the antibiotic Azithromycin (AZM) have been reported. However, the therapeutic effects of Azithromycin in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), a representative model of human AU, have not been elucidated till date. We conducted this study to examine the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of Azithromycin in EAU. We observed that Azithromycin significantly attenuated retinal inflammation in EAU mice at day 14 after immunization along with a significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine production in the retina. Furthermore, we observed that Azithromycin increased the number of regulatory T cells (Treg) and decreased the number of effector T cells (Teff) in both the draining lymph nodes and spleen of EAU mice. Additionally, Azithromycin suppressed the proliferation and activation of CD4 + T cells, and induced the apoptosis of CD4 + CD44 + memory T and CD4 + CXCR3 + Th1 cells. Mechanistically, we proved that Azithromycin could regulate Teff/Treg balance by inhibiting the phosphorylation of S6 ribosomal protein, a downstream target of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Together, our findings revealed that Azithromycin alleviated EAU by regulating the Teff/Treg balance through the mTOR signaling pathway, suggesting that Azithromycin could be a promising therapeutic candidate for AU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yunwei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zuoyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yanyan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Haixiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Dan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
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12
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Chen YH, Lightman S, Calder VL. CD4 + T-Cell Plasticity in Non-Infectious Retinal Inflammatory Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179584. [PMID: 34502490 PMCID: PMC8431487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is a potentially sight-threatening disease. Effector CD4+ T cells, especially interferon-γ-(IFNγ) producing Th1 cells and interleukin-17-(IL-17) producing Th17 cells, are the major immunopathogenic cells, as demonstrated by adoptive transfer of disease in a model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). CD4+FoxP3+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were known to suppress function of effector CD4+ T cells and contribute to resolution of disease. It has been recently reported that some CD4+ T-cell subsets demonstrate shared phenotypes with another CD4+ T-cell subset, offering the potential for dual function. For example, Th17/Th1 (co-expressing IFNγ and IL-17) cells and Th17/Treg (co-expressing IL-17 and FoxP3) cells have been identified in NIU and EAU. In this review, we have investigated the evidence as to whether these ‘plastic CD4+ T cells’ are functionally active in uveitis. We conclude that Th17/Th1 cells are generated locally, are resistant to the immunosuppressive effects of steroids, and contribute to early development of EAU. Th17/Treg cells produce IL-17, not IL-10, and act similar to Th17 cells. These cells were considered pathogenic in uveitis. Future studies are needed to better clarify their function, and in the future, these cell subsets may in need to be taken into consideration for designing treatment strategies for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsing Chen
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK; (Y.-H.C.); (S.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Sue Lightman
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK; (Y.-H.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Virginia L. Calder
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK; (Y.-H.C.); (S.L.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
- Correspondence:
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13
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Conrady CD, Yeh S. A Review of Ocular Drug Delivery Platforms and Drugs for Infectious and Noninfectious Uveitis: The Past, Present, and Future. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1224. [PMID: 34452185 PMCID: PMC8399730 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveitis refers to a broad group of inflammatory disorders of the eye that often require medical and surgical management to improve or stabilize vision and prevent vision-threatening pathological changes to the eye. Drug delivery to the eye to combat inflammation and subsequent complications from uveitic conditions is complex as there are multiple barriers to absorption limiting availability of the needed drug in the affected tissues. As such, there has been substantial interest in developing new drugs and drug delivery platforms to help reduce intraocular inflammation and its complications. In this review, we discuss the challenges of drug delivery, novel technologies recently approved for uveitis patient care and promising drug delivery platforms for uveitis and sequelae of ocular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Conrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Steven Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
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14
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Taylor AW. Tailoring immune cell behavior to stop autoimmune disease. EBioMedicine 2021; 70:103516. [PMID: 34364167 PMCID: PMC8350449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Taylor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, 02118 MA, USA.
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15
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Induction of antigen-specific Treg cells in treating autoimmune uveitis via bystander suppressive pathways without compromising anti-tumor immunity. EBioMedicine 2021; 70:103496. [PMID: 34280776 PMCID: PMC8318874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Induction of autoantigen-specific Treg cells that suppress tissue-specific autoimmunity without compromising beneficial immune responses is the holy-grail for immunotherapy to autoimmune diseases. METHODS In a model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) that mimics human uveitis, ocular inflammation was induced by immunization with retinal antigen interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP). Mice were given intraperitoneal injection of αCD4 antibody (Ab) after the onset of disease, followed by administration of IRBP. EAU was evaluated clinically and functionally. Splenocytes, CD4+CD25- and CD4+CD25+ T cells were sorted and cultured with IRBP or αCD3 Ab. T cell proliferation and cytokine production were assessed. FINDINGS The experimental approach resulted in remission of ocular inflammation and rescue of visual function in mice with established EAU. Mechanistically, the therapeutic effect was mediated by induction of antigen-specific Treg cells that inhibited IRBP-driven Th17 response in TGF-β and IL-10 dependent fashion. Importantly, the Ab-mediated immune tolerance could be achieved in EAU mice by administration of retinal autoantigens, arrestin but not limited to IRBP only, in an antigen-nonspecific bystander manner. Further, these EAU-suppressed tolerized mice did not compromise their anti-tumor T immunity in melanoma model. INTERPRETATION We successfully addressed a specific immunotherapy of EAU by in vivo induction of autoantigen-specific Treg cells without compromising host overall T cell immunity, which should have potential implication for patients with autoimmune uveitis. FUNDING This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province and the Fundamental Research Fund of the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center.
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16
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Wu S, Ma R, Zhong Y, Chen Z, Zhou H, Zhou M, Chong W, Chen J. Deficiency of IL-27 Signaling Exacerbates Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis with Elevated Uveitogenic Th1 and Th17 Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147517. [PMID: 34299138 PMCID: PMC8305313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Human uveitis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that is characterized by ocular inflammation with the involvement of uveitogenic Th1 and Th17 responses. In experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), the animal model for human uveitis, both responses are proven to be critical in disease development. Therefore, targeting both Th1 and Th17 cells has therapeutic implication for disease resolution. IL-27 is a multifunctional cytokine that can either promote or inhibit T cell responses and is implicated in both autoimmune and infectious diseases. The aim of this study is to characterize the role of IL-27/IL-27R signaling in regulating uveitogenic Th1/Th17 responses in EAU. By immunizing IL-27Rα-/- mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates for EAU, we demonstrated that IL-27 signaling deficiency exacerbated EAU with severe ocular inflammation and impairment of visual function. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the eye-infiltrating Th1 and Th17 cells in IL-27Rα-/- EAU mice compared to WT. Their retinal antigen-specific Th1 and Th17 responses were also significantly increased, as represented by the elevation of their signature cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-17A, respectively. We also observed the upregulation of another pathogenic cytokine, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), from effector T cells in IL-27Rα-/- EAU mice. Mechanistic studies confirmed that IL-27 inhibited GM-CSF production from Th17 cells. In addition, the induction of IL-10 producing type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells was impaired in IL-27Rα-/- EAU mice. These results identified that IL-27 signaling plays a suppressive role in EAU by regulating multiple CD4+ cell subsets, including the effector Th1 and Th17 cells and the regulatory Tr1 cells. Our findings provide new insights for therapeutic potential in controlling uveitis by enhancing IL-27 signaling.
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17
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Bradley LJ, Ward A, Hsue MCY, Liu J, Copland DA, Dick AD, Nicholson LB. Quantitative Assessment of Experimental Ocular Inflammatory Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:630022. [PMID: 34220797 PMCID: PMC8250853 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.630022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular inflammation imposes a high medical burden on patients and substantial costs on the health-care systems that mange these often chronic and debilitating diseases. Many clinical phenotypes are recognized and classifying the severity of inflammation in an eye with uveitis is an ongoing challenge. With the widespread application of optical coherence tomography in the clinic has come the impetus for more robust methods to compare disease between different patients and different treatment centers. Models can recapitulate many of the features seen in the clinic, but until recently the quality of imaging available has lagged that applied in humans. In the model experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), we highlight three linked clinical states that produce retinal vulnerability to inflammation, all different from healthy tissue, but distinct from each other. Deploying longitudinal, multimodal imaging approaches can be coupled to analysis in the tissue of changes in architecture, cell content and function. This can enrich our understanding of pathology, increase the sensitivity with which the impacts of therapeutic interventions are assessed and address questions of tissue regeneration and repair. Modern image processing, including the application of artificial intelligence, in the context of such models of disease can lay a foundation for new approaches to monitoring tissue health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia J Bradley
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Ward
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Madeleine C Y Hsue
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jian Liu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - David A Copland
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D Dick
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay B Nicholson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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18
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Srinivasan J, Lancaster JN, Singarapu N, Hale LP, Ehrlich LIR, Richie ER. Age-Related Changes in Thymic Central Tolerance. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676236. [PMID: 33968086 PMCID: PMC8100025 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and hematopoietic antigen presenting cells (HAPCs) in the thymus microenvironment provide essential signals to self-reactive thymocytes that induce either negative selection or generation of regulatory T cells (Treg), both of which are required to establish and maintain central tolerance throughout life. HAPCs and TECs are comprised of multiple subsets that play distinct and overlapping roles in central tolerance. Changes that occur in the composition and function of TEC and HAPC subsets across the lifespan have potential consequences for central tolerance. In keeping with this possibility, there are age-associated changes in the cellular composition and function of T cells and Treg. This review summarizes changes in T cell and Treg function during the perinatal to adult transition and in the course of normal aging, and relates these changes to age-associated alterations in thymic HAPC and TEC subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashree Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | | | - Nandini Singarapu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX, United States
| | - Laura P Hale
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Lauren I R Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Ellen R Richie
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX, United States
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19
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Mölzer C, Heissigerova J, Wilson HM, Kuffova L, Forrester JV. Immune Privilege: The Microbiome and Uveitis. Front Immunol 2021; 11:608377. [PMID: 33569055 PMCID: PMC7868421 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.608377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune privilege (IP), a term introduced to explain the unpredicted acceptance of allogeneic grafts by the eye and the brain, is considered a unique property of these tissues. However, immune responses are modified by the tissue in which they occur, most of which possess IP to some degree. The eye therefore displays a spectrum of IP because it comprises several tissues. IP as originally conceived can only apply to the retina as it contains few tissue-resident bone-marrow derived myeloid cells and is immunologically shielded by a sophisticated barrier – an inner vascular and an outer epithelial barrier at the retinal pigment epithelium. The vascular barrier comprises the vascular endothelium and the glia limitans. Immune cells do not cross the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) despite two-way transport of interstitial fluid, governed by tissue oncotic pressure. The BRB, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) mature in the neonatal period under signals from the expanding microbiome and by 18 months are fully established. However, the adult eye is susceptible to intraocular inflammation (uveitis; frequency ~200/100,000 population). Uveitis involving the retinal parenchyma (posterior uveitis, PU) breaches IP, while IP is essentially irrelevant in inflammation involving the ocular chambers, uveal tract and ocular coats (anterior/intermediate uveitis/sclerouveitis, AU). Infections cause ~50% cases of AU and PU but infection may also underlie the pathogenesis of immune-mediated “non-infectious” uveitis. Dysbiosis accompanies the commonest form, HLA-B27–associated AU, while latent infections underlie BRB breakdown in PU. This review considers the pathogenesis of uveitis in the context of IP, infection, environment, and the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Mölzer
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Jarmila Heissigerova
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Heather M Wilson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia Kuffova
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.,Eye Clinic, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - John V Forrester
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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20
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Xu B, Tang J, Lyu C, Wandu WS, Stumpo DJ, Mattapallil MJ, Horai R, Gery I, Blackshear PJ, Caspi RR. Regulated Tristetraprolin Overexpression Dampens the Development and Pathogenesis of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis. Front Immunol 2021; 11:583510. [PMID: 33569048 PMCID: PMC7868398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.583510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-infectious uveitis, a common cause of blindness in man, is often mediated by autoimmunity, a process in which cytokines play major roles. The biosynthesis and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines are regulated in part by tristetraprolin (TTP), an endogenous anti-inflammatory protein that acts by binding directly to specific sequence motifs in the 3'-untranslated regions of target mRNAs, promoting their turnover, and inhibiting synthesis of their encoded proteins. We recently developed a TTP-overexpressing mouse (TTPΔARE) by deleting an AU-rich element (ARE) instability motif from the TTP mRNA, resulting in increased accumulation of TTP mRNA and protein throughout the animal. Here, we show that homozygous TTPΔARE mice are resistant to the induction of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) induced by interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP), an established model for human autoimmune (noninfectious) uveitis. Lymphocytes from TTPΔARE mice produced lower levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-6, and TNFα than wild type (WT) mice. TTPΔARE mice also produced lower titers of antibodies against the uveitogenic protein. In contrast, TTPΔARE mice produced higher levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and had higher frequencies of regulatory T-cells, which, moreover, displayed a moderately higher per-cell regulatory ability. Heterozygous mice developed EAU and associated immunological responses at levels intermediate between homozygous TTPΔARE mice and WT controls. TTPΔARE mice were able, however, to develop EAU following adoptive transfer of activated WT T-cells specific to IRBP peptide 651-670, and naïve T-cells from TTPΔARE mice could be activated by antibodies to CD3/CD28. Importantly, TTPΔARE antigen presenting cells were significantly less efficient compared to WT in priming naïve T cells, suggesting that this feature plays a major role in the dampened immune responses of the TTPΔARE mice. Our observations demonstrate that elevated systemic levels of TTP can inhibit the pathogenic processes involved in EAU, and suggest the possible use of TTP-based treatments in humans with uveitis and other autoimmune conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biying Xu
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jihong Tang
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Cancan Lyu
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Wambui S Wandu
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Deborah J Stumpo
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Mary J Mattapallil
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Reiko Horai
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Igal Gery
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Perry J Blackshear
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.,Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Rachel R Caspi
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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21
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Degroote RL, Deeg CA. Immunological Insights in Equine Recurrent Uveitis. Front Immunol 2021; 11:609855. [PMID: 33488614 PMCID: PMC7821741 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.609855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Horses worldwide suffer from equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), an organ-specific, immune-mediated disease with painful, remitting-relapsing inflammatory attacks alternating with periods of quiescence, which ultimately leads to blindness. In course of disease, both eyes can eventually be affected and since blind horses pose a threat to themselves and their surroundings, these animals have to be killed. Therefore, this disease is highly relevant for veterinary medicine. Additionally, ERU shows strong clinical and pathological resemblance to autoimmune uveitis in man. The exact cause for the onset of ERU is unclear to date. T cells are believed to be the main effector cells in this disease, as they overcome the blood retinal barrier to invade the eye, an organ physiologically devoid of peripheral immune cells. These cells cause severe intraocular inflammation, especially in their primary target, the retina. With every inflammatory episode, retinal degeneration increases until eyesight is completely lost. In ERU, T cells show an activated phenotype, with enhanced deformability and migration ability, which is reflected in the composition of their proteome and downstream interaction pathways even in quiescent stage of disease. Besides the dysregulation of adaptive immune cells, emerging evidence suggests that cells of the innate immune system may also directly contribute to ERU pathogenesis. As investigations in both the target organ and the periphery have rapidly evolved in recent years, giving new insights on pathogenesis-associated processes on cellular and molecular level, this review summarizes latest developments in ERU research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane L Degroote
- Chair of Physiology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Cornelia A Deeg
- Chair of Physiology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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22
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Huang Z, Li W, Su W. Tregs in Autoimmune Uveitis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1278:205-227. [PMID: 33523450 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-6407-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Uveitis is a chronic disease with relapsing and remitting ocular attack, which requires corticosteroids and systemic immunosuppression to prevent severe vision loss. Classically, uveitis is referred to an autoimmune disease, mediated by pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and immunosuppressive CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T-regulatory cells (Tregs). More and more evidence indicates that Tregs are involved in development, resolution, and remission of uveitis. Clinically, many researchers have conducted quantitative and functional analyses of peripheral blood from patients with different subtypes of uveitis, in an attempt to find the changing rules of Tregs. Consistently, using the experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model, researchers have explored the development and resolution mechanism of uveitis in many aspects. In addition, many drug and Tregs therapy investigations have yielded encouraging results. In this chapter, we introduced the current understanding of Tregs, summarized the clinical changes in the number and function of patients with uveitis and the immune mechanism of Tregs involved in EAU model, as well as discussed the progress and shortcomings of Tregs-related drug therapy and Tregs therapy. Although the exact mechanism of Tregs-mediated uveitis protection remains to be elucidated, the strategy of Tregs regulation may provide a specific and meaningful way for the prevention and treatment of uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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23
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Chen YH, Eskandarpour M, Gondrand A, Zhang X, Gu R, Galatowicz G, Lightman SL, Calder VL. Functionally distinct IFN-γ + IL-17A + Th cells in experimental autoimmune uveitis: T-cell heterogeneity, migration, and steroid response. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1941-1951. [PMID: 32652562 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunopathogenic roles for both Th1 (CD4+ IFN-γ+ ) and Th17 (CD4+ IL-17A+ ) cells have been demonstrated in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). However, the role for Th17/Th1 (CD4+ T cells co-expressing IFN-γ and IL-17A) cells in EAU is not yet understood. Using interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein peptide-induced EAU in mice, we found increased levels of Th17/Th1 cells in EAU retinae (mean 9.6 ± 4.2%) and draining LNs (mean 8.4 ± 3.9%; p = 0.01) relative to controls. Topical dexamethasone treatment effectively reduced EAU severity and decreased retinal Th1 cells (p = 0.01), but had no impact on retinal Th17/Th1 or Th17 cells compared to saline controls. Using in vitro migration assays with mouse CNS endothelium, we demonstrated that Th17/Th1 cells were significantly increased within the migrated population relative to controls (mean 15.6 ± 9.5% vs. 1.9 ± 1.5%; p = 0.01). Chemokine receptor profiles of Th17/Th1 cells (CXCR3 and CCR6) did not change throughout the transendothelial migration process and were unaffected by dexamethasone treatment. These findings support a role for Th17/Th1 cells in EAU and their resistance to steroid inhibition suggests the importance of targeting both Th17 and Th17/Th1 cells for improving therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsing Chen
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | | | - Aurelia Gondrand
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Xiaozhe Zhang
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Renyang Gu
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sue L Lightman
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Virginia L Calder
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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Imbalance in PB IL-17-Secreting and Regulatory Cells in Pars Planitis Is Associated with Dysregulation of IFN- γ-Secreting Cells, Especially in Patients with Clinical Complications. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:9175083. [PMID: 32801998 PMCID: PMC7415078 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9175083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Results In patients, an increase in the population of Th17-secreting cells negatively correlated with the abundance of both IFN-γ-producing and T regulatory as well as suppressor cells, regarding all the phenotypes studied. Although a strong dependence of the PB Th1 cell compartment on the duration of the disease was observed, it was limited to the subgroup of patients with macular edema only. The frequency of B regulatory cells was unchanged compared to controls. Conclusions In pars planitis, the alterations in lymphocyte cell distribution affect primarily the T cell repertoire. The imbalance in PB Th1/Th17/Treg cells creates proinflammatory conditions, strengthening the suggestion that the immune background may play a role in pars planitis pathogenesis. Also, circulating Th1 level may be of potential clinical relevance in terms of prediction of a more severe course of the disease.
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25
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Recent advances in the management of non-infectious posterior uveitis. Int Ophthalmol 2020; 40:3187-3207. [PMID: 32617804 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-020-01496-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the current regimens and novel therapeutic modalities in various stages of research and development for the management of non-infectious posterior uveitis (NIPU). METHODS We performed a thorough review of current literature using PubMed, Google Scholar and Clinicaltrials.gov to identify the published literature about the available therapeutics and novel drugs/therapies in different stages of clinical trials. RESULTS The current management regimen for non-infectious posterior uveitis includes corticosteroids, immunomodulatory therapies and anti-metabolites. However, NIPU requires long-term management for efficacious remission of the disease and to prevent disease relapse. Long-term safety issues associated with steroids have led to efforts to develop novel therapeutic agents including biological response modulators and immunosuppressants. The current therapeutic agents in various stages of development include calcineurin inhibitors, biologic response modifiers and a more a comprehensive modalities like ocular gene therapy as well as novel drug delivery mechanisms for higher bioavailability to the target tissues, with minimal systemic effects. CONCLUSION Novel efficacious therapeutic modalities under development will help overcome the challenges associated with the traditional therapeutic agents.
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26
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Takeda A, Yanai R, Murakami Y, Arima M, Sonoda KH. New Insights Into Immunological Therapy for Retinal Disorders. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1431. [PMID: 32719682 PMCID: PMC7348236 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the twentieth century, a conspicuous lack of effective treatment strategies existed for managing several retinal disorders, including age-related macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy (DR); retinopathy of prematurity (ROP); retinitis pigmentosa (RP); uveitis, including Behçet's disease; and vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL). However, in the first decade of this century, advances in biomedicine have provided new treatment strategies in the field of ophthalmology, particularly biologics that target vascular endothelial growth factor or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Furthermore, clinical trials on gene therapy specifically for patients with autosomal recessive or X-linked RP have commenced. The overall survival rates of patients with VRL have improved, owing to earlier diagnoses and better treatment strategies. However, some unresolved problems remain such as primary or secondary non-response to biologics or chemotherapy, and the lack of adequate strategies for treating most RP patients. In this review, we provide an overview of the immunological mechanisms of the eye under normal conditions and in several retinal disorders, including uveitis, DR, ROP, RP, and VRL. In addition, we discuss recent studies that describe the inflammatory responses that occur during the course of these retinal disorders to provide new insights into their diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsunobu Takeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Research Institute, Kyushu Medical Center, National Hospital Organization, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryoji Yanai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yusuke Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Arima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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27
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Sato Y, Keino H, Nakayama M, Kano M, Okada AA. Effect of In Vivo Expansion of Regulatory T Cells with IL-2/anti-IL-2 Antibody Complex Plus Rapamycin on Experimental Autoimmune Uveoretinitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 29:1520-1529. [PMID: 32459545 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1757119] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the effect of injection of IL-2/anti-IL-2 antibody (IL-2 complex) together with rapamycin on the development of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU).Methods: C57BL/6J mice were immunized with human interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein peptide. The immunized mice were injected intraperitoneally with PBS, IL-2 complex, rapamycin, or IL-2 complex/rapamycin on days 1, 2, 3, and 4 (induction phase) or days 10, 11, 12, and 13 (effector phase) after immunization.Results: Expansion of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in draining lymph nodes was observed in IL-2 complex and IL-2 complex/rapamycin-treated mice. Although injection of IL-2 complex alone was not capable of decreasing the clinical score of EAU, injection of IL-2 complex/rapamycin significantly delayed the onset of EAU. In contrast, the treatment with IL-2 complex alone or IL-2 complex/rapamycin during effector phase failed to suppress EAU.Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential limitations of IL-2 complex or IL-2 complex/rapamycin during EAU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiko Sato
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Radioisotope Research, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Keino
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makiko Nakayama
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mirai Kano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Annabelle A Okada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
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28
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Muhammad F, Avalos PN, Mursalin MH, Ma JX, Callegan MC, Lee DJ. Kallistatin Attenuates Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis by Inhibiting Activation of T Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:975. [PMID: 32508841 PMCID: PMC7253575 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) is a mouse model of human autoimmune uveitis. EAU spontaneously resolves and is marked by ocular autoantigen-specific regulatory immunity in the spleen. Kallikrein binding protein (KBP) or kallistatin is a serine proteinase inhibitor that inhibits angiogenesis and inflammation, but its role in autoimmune uveitis has not been explored. We report that T cells activation is inhibited and EAU is attenuated in human KBP (HKBP) mice with no significant difference in the Treg population that we previously identified both before and after recovery from EAU. Moreover, following EAU immunization HKBP mice have potent ocular autoantigen specific regulatory immunity that is functionally suppressive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauziyya Muhammad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Priscilla N Avalos
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - M H Mursalin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Michelle C Callegan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.,Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Darren J Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.,Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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29
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Nicholson LB, Blyuss KB, Fatehi F. Quantifying the Role of Stochasticity in the Development of Autoimmune Disease. Cells 2020; 9:E860. [PMID: 32252308 PMCID: PMC7226790 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we propose and analyse a mathematical model for the onset and development of autoimmune disease, with particular attention to stochastic effects in the dynamics. Stability analysis yields parameter regions associated with normal cell homeostasis, or sustained periodic oscillations. Variance of these oscillations and the effects of stochastic amplification are also explored. Theoretical results are complemented by experiments, in which experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) was induced in B10.RIII and C57BL/6 mice. For both cases, we discuss peculiarities of disease development, the levels of variation in T cell populations in a population of genetically identical organisms, as well as a comparison with model outputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay B. Nicholson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine & School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - Farzad Fatehi
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK;
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30
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Muhammad F, Wang D, McDonald T, Walsh M, Drenen K, Montieth A, Foster CS, Lee DJ. TIGIT + A2Ar-Dependent anti-uveitic Treg cells are a novel subset of Tregs associated with resolution of autoimmune uveitis. J Autoimmun 2020; 111:102441. [PMID: 32201225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are necessary to prevent autoimmune disease. As such, stable FoxP3 expression is required for the proper function of Tregs in the control of autoimmune disease. Different Treg subsets that utilize different mechanisms of suppression have been identified. The T-cell immunoglobulin immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (TIGIT) is a relatively new Treg cell marker that has a suppressive function. We have previously identified the adenosine 2A receptor (A2Ar) as a requirement for the emergence of Tregs following resolution of autoimmune disease. Using a FoxP3-GFP-Cre reporter mouse, we identify FoxP3 and 'exFoxP3' cells, show FoxP3 and not exFoxP3 cells are suppressive. We further show FoxP3 cells express TIGIT, and are induced through A2Ar in healthy volunteers, but not patients with autoimmune disease. Furthermore, we show Tregs emerge in the target tissue at the onset of autoimmune disease in an A2Ar-dependent manner. In summary, we identify a novel subset of TIGIT+ Tregs that are induced through stimulation of the A2Ar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauziyya Muhammad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Dawei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Trisha McDonald
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Marisa Walsh
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institute, Waltham, MA, USA; Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Kayla Drenen
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institute, Waltham, MA, USA; Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Alyssa Montieth
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institute, Waltham, MA, USA; Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - C Stephen Foster
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institute, Waltham, MA, USA; Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Darren J Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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31
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Epps SJ, Coplin N, Luthert PJ, Dick AD, Coupland SE, Nicholson LB. Features of ectopic lymphoid-like structures in human uveitis. Exp Eye Res 2019; 191:107901. [PMID: 31877281 PMCID: PMC7029346 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Persistent non-infectious uveitis has a significant morbidity, but the extent to which this is accompanied by inflammation driven remodelling of the tissue is unclear. To address this question, we studied a series of samples selected from two ocular tissue repositories and identified 15 samples with focal infiltration. Eleven of fifteen contained lymphocytes, both B cells (CD20 positive) and T cells (CD3 positive). In 20% of the samples there was evidence of ectopic lymphoid like structures with focal aggregations of B cells and T cells, segregated into anatomically different adjacent zones. To investigate inflammation in the tissue, an analysis of 520 immune relevant transcripts was carried out and 24 genes were differentially upregulated, compared with control tissue. Two of these (CD14 and fibronectin) were increased in ocular inflammation compared to control immune tissue (tonsil). We demonstrate that in a significant minority of patients, chronic persistent uveitis leads to dysregulation of ocular immune surveillance, characterized by the development of areas of local ectopic lymphoid like structures, which may be a target for therapeutic intervention directed at antibody producing cells. Active inflammation continues in cases of persistent uveitis. Some patients develop ectopic lymphoid-like structure. In these cases targeting B cells may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Epps
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK.
| | - Natalie Coplin
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK.
| | | | - Andrew D Dick
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK; UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, UK; School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, UK.
| | - Sarah E Coupland
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK; Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Lindsay B Nicholson
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK; School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, UK.
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32
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Berlinberg EJ, Gonzales JA, Doan T, Acharya NR. Association Between Noninfectious Uveitis and Psychological Stress. JAMA Ophthalmol 2019; 137:199-205. [PMID: 30520957 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2018.5893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Importance Uveitis involves dysregulation of the ocular immune system. Stress has been shown to affect immune function, but it is unclear whether there is an association between stress and uveitis. Objective To determine whether having uveitis is associated with psychological stress. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional, case-control study including a self-administered survey, medical records review, and diurnal salivary cortisol test was conducted at a university-based uveitis clinic and comprehensive eye clinic. Participants included 146 consecutive adults with noninfectious uveitis and age-matched controls with no eye disease. The study was conducted from December 1, 2017, to March 14, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Participants completed the self-administered, Cohen 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), a demographics questionnaire. Responses to each question were categorized on a 5-point Likert scale, with total scores ranging from 0 (no stress) to 40 (high stress). In addition, participants submitted 3 salivary cortisol samples. Those with uveitis were classified as having recently active or controlled disease through medical records review. The prespecified primary analysis was a linear regression of PSS-10 score and uveitis correcting for age, sex, educational level, employment, and median income. Secondary analyses included comparing PSS-10 scores in patients with recently active and controlled uveitis, determining predictors of stress, and comparing diurnal salivary cortisol between uveitis and control groups. Results Of 146 eligible patients, 17 declined participation and 9 consented but were excluded because they did not complete both questionnaires, resulting in 120 patients (80 uveitis; 40 controls) in the final analysis. Eighty participants (66.7%) were women, and 70 (58.3%) were white. Median age was 40 years (interquartile range, 29-59 years). Having uveitis was associated with a 4.3-point increase in PSS-10 score (95% CI, 1.8 to 6.9; P = .002). There was no significant difference in PSS-10 scores between patients with recently active and controlled uveitis (1.0 point greater for patients with active uveitis; 95% CI, -2.0 to 3.9; P = .52). Factors associated with increased PSS-10 score in patients with uveitis included female sex (coefficient, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.6 to 6.5; P = .002), current immunomodulatory therapy (coefficient, 2.5; 95% CI, -0.3 to 5.2; P = .08), history of depression (coefficient, 3.8; 95% CI, 0.8 to 6.8; P = .02), and having posterior or panuveitis (coefficient, 2.6; 95% CI, 0.8 to 4.4; P = .006). Of the 70 participants (58.3%) who had testable samples for cortisol analysis, diurnal salivary cortisol levels did not significantly differ between uveitis and nonuveitis groups. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that patients with uveitis have higher levels of psychological stress compared with controls, yet no significant difference was identified in the stress of patients with active vs controlled uveitis. Consequently, comprehensive treatment for noninfectious uveitis may be able to address the psychological results of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John A Gonzales
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Thuy Doan
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Nisha R Acharya
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco.,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
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33
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Muhammad F, Wang D, Montieth A, Lee S, Preble J, Foster CS, Larson TA, Ding K, Dvorak JD, Lee DJ. PD-1 + melanocortin receptor dependent-Treg cells prevent autoimmune disease. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16941. [PMID: 31729418 PMCID: PMC6858311 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53297-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) is a mouse model of human autoimmune uveitis marked by ocular autoantigen-specific regulatory immunity in the spleen. The melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5r) and adenosine 2 A receptor (A2Ar) are required for induction of post-EAU regulatory T cells (Tregs) which provide resistance to EAU. We show that blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway prevented suppression of EAU by post-EAU Tregs. A2Ar induction of PD-1+FoxP3+ Tregs in uveitis patients was similar compared to healthy controls, but was significantly reduced with melanocortin stimulation. Further, lower body mass index correlated with responsiveness to stimulation of this pathway. These observations indicate an importance of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway to provide resistance to relapsing uveitis and shows a reduced capacity of uveitis patients to induce Tregs when stimulated through melanocortin receptors, but that it is possible to bypass this part of the pathway through direct stimulation of A2Ar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauziyya Muhammad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Dawei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Alyssa Montieth
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institute, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.,Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stacey Lee
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institute, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.,Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janine Preble
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institute, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.,Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - C Stephen Foster
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institute, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.,Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Theresa A Larson
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Kai Ding
- College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Justin D Dvorak
- College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Darren J Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
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34
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Abstract
Autoimmune uveitis is a sight-threatening, rare disease, potentially leading to blindness. Uveitis is a synonym for intraocular inflammation, presenting as various clinical phenotypes with different underlying immune responses in patients, whereas different animal models usually represent one certain clinical and immunological type of uveitis due to genetic uniformity and the method of disease induction. T cells recognizing intraocular antigens initiate the disease, recruiting inflammatory cells (granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages) to the eyes, which cause the damage of the tissue. The treatment of uveitis so far aims at downregulation of inflammation to protect the ocular tissues from damage, and at immunosuppression to stop fueling T cell reactivity. Uveitis is usually prevented by specific mechanisms of the ocular immune privilege and the blood-eye-barriers, but once the disease is induced, mechanisms of the immune privilege as well as a variety of novel regulatory features including new Treg cell populations and suppressive cytokines are induced to downregulate the ocular inflammation and T cell responses and to avoid relapses and chronicity. Here we describe mechanisms of regulation observed in experimental animal models as well as detected in studies with peripheral lymphocytes from patients.
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35
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Wang W, Chong WP, Li C, Chen Z, Wu S, Zhou H, Wan Y, Chen W, Gery I, Liu Y, Caspi RR, Chen J. Type I Interferon Therapy Limits CNS Autoimmunity by Inhibiting CXCR3-Mediated Trafficking of Pathogenic Effector T Cells. Cell Rep 2019; 28:486-497.e4. [PMID: 31291583 PMCID: PMC6748389 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) have therapeutic potential in CNS autoimmune diseases, such as uveitis, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Using a T cell-transfer model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), we found that IFN-α/β treatment inhibited the migration of IFN-γ-producing pathogenic CD4+ T cells to effector sites. IFN-α/β upregulated the expression of the cognate ligands CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, causing ligand-mediated downregulation of CXCR3 expression and effector T cell retention in the spleen. Accordingly, type I IFN did not alter EAU progression in CXCR3-/- mice. In uveitis patients, disease exacerbations correlated with reduced serum IFN-α concentrations. IFN-α/β reduced CXCR3 expression and migration by human effector T cells, and these parameters were associated with the therapeutic efficacy of IFN-α in uveitis patients. Our findings provide insight into the molecular basis of type I IFN therapy for CNS autoimmune diseases and identify CXCR3 as a biomarker for effective type I IFN immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wai Po Chong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), Guangzhou 510060, China; Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Chunmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zilin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Sihan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ying Wan
- Biomedical Analysis Center, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Wanjun Chen
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Igal Gery
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Rachel R Caspi
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), Guangzhou 510060, China; Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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36
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Gilbert R, Peto T, Lengyel I, Emri E. Zinc Nutrition and Inflammation in the Aging Retina. Mol Nutr Food Res 2019; 63:e1801049. [PMID: 31148351 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201801049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Zinc is an essential nutrient for human health. It plays key roles in maintaining protein structure and stability, serves as catalytic factor for many enzymes, and regulates diverse fundamental cellular processes. Zinc is important in affecting signal transduction and, in particular, in the development and integrity of the immune system, where it affects both innate and adaptive immune responses. The eye, especially the retina-choroid complex, has an unusually high concentration of zinc compared to other tissues. The highest amount of zinc is concentrated in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) (RPE-choroid, 292 ± 98.5 µg g-1 dry tissue), followed by the retina (123 ± 62.2 µg g-1 dry tissue). The interplay between zinc and inflammation has been explored in other parts of the body but, so far, has not been extensively researched in the eye. Several lines of evidence suggest that ocular zinc concentration decreases with age, especially in the context of age-related disease. Thus, a hypothesis that retinal function could be modulated by zinc nutrition is proposed, and subsequently trialled clinically. In this review, the distribution and the potential role of zinc in the retina-choroid complex is outlined, especially in relation to inflammation and immunity, and the clinical studies to date are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Gilbert
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Bath Street, London, EC1V 2EL, UK
| | - Tunde Peto
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Ireland
| | - Imre Lengyel
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Bath Street, London, EC1V 2EL, UK.,School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Ireland
| | - Eszter Emri
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Ireland
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Bing SJ, Shemesh I, Chong WP, Horai R, Jittayasothorn Y, Silver PB, Sredni B, Caspi RR. AS101 ameliorates experimental autoimmune uveitis by regulating Th1 and Th17 responses and inducing Treg cells. J Autoimmun 2019; 100:52-61. [PMID: 30853312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.02.006] [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: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
AS101 is an organotellurium compound with multifaceted immunoregulatory properties that is remarkable for its lack of toxicity. We tested the therapeutic effect of AS101 in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), a model for human autoimmune uveitis. Unexpectedly, treatment with AS101 elicited Treg generation in vivo in otherwise unmanipulated mice. Mice immunized for EAU with the retinal antigen IRBP and treated with AS101 developed attenuated disease, as did AS101-treated recipients of retina-specific T cells activated in vitro. In both settings, eye-infiltrating effector T cells were decreased, whereas regulatory T (Treg) cells in the spleen were increased. Mechanistic studies in vitro revealed that AS101 restricted polarization of retina-specific T cells towards Th1 or Th17 lineage by repressing activation of their respective lineage-specific transcription factors and downstream signals. Retina-specific T cells polarized in vitro towards Th1 or Th17 in the presence of AS101 had impaired ability to induce EAU in naïve recipients. Finally, AS101 promoted differentiation of retina-specific T cells to Tregs in vitro independently of TGF-β. We conclude that AS101 modulates autoimmune T cells by inhibiting acquisition and expression of effector function and by promoting Treg generation, and suggest that AS101 could be useful as a therapeutic approach for autoimmune uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Jin Bing
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Itay Shemesh
- C.A.I.R. Institute, Safdié AIDS and Immunology Research Center, Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Wai Po Chong
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Reiko Horai
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yingyos Jittayasothorn
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Phyllis B Silver
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Benjamin Sredni
- C.A.I.R. Institute, Safdié AIDS and Immunology Research Center, Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel.
| | - Rachel R Caspi
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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38
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Pepple KL, Wilson L, Van Gelder RN. Comparison of Aqueous and Vitreous Lymphocyte Populations From Two Rat Models of Experimental Uveitis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:2504-2511. [PMID: 29847657 PMCID: PMC5963002 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To compare lymphocyte populations present within inflamed eyes in two rat models of autoimmune uveitis. Methods Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) and primed mycobacterial uveitis (PMU) were initiated in Lewis rats. Aqueous and vitreous were collected at peak inflammation (PMU at day 2, EAU at day 14). The number of cells in the aqueous and vitreous was determined and compared for each eye and between the two models. Intraocular CD-19+ B cells, CD3+ T cells, and CD4+ or CD8+ T-cell subpopulations were identified by flow cytometry and compared between EAU and PMU. Results The median number of cells/mL collected from PMU aqueous (7.98 × 107 cells/mL), was not significantly different from the number of cells collected from EAU aqueous (1.61 × 107 cells/mL, P = 0.94). EAU aqueous contains a significantly larger mononuclear population (median 61%, interquartile range [IQR] 44%–67%) than PMU (median 9%, IQR 8%–10% [P < 0.0001]). Within the mononuclear population, EAU and PMU aqueous demonstrate similar proportions of CD3+, CD4+ T cells. However, EAU has a larger CD3+, CD8+, T-cell population than PMU, and this population also demonstrates co-expression of CD45R. B cells comprise a significantly larger median percentage of cells in EAU aqueous (median 18%, IQR 15%–20%) compared to PMU (median 13%, IQR 9%–15%, P = 0.006). Conclusions Flow cytometry analysis of intraocular lymphocytes from EAU and PMU identifies similarities and differences between the T-cell and B-cell populations present at peak inflammation. Complementary animal models that have well-defined mechanistic differences will improve our ability to test potential new therapies and bring meaningful advances into clinical practice for patients with uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Pepple
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Leslie Wilson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Russell N Van Gelder
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States.,Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
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Verhagen FH, Hiddingh S, Rijken R, Pandit A, Leijten E, Olde Nordkamp M, Ten Dam-van Loon NH, Nierkens S, Imhof SM, de Boer JH, Radstake TRDJ, Kuiper JJW. High-Dimensional Profiling Reveals Heterogeneity of the Th17 Subset and Its Association With Systemic Immunomodulatory Treatment in Non-infectious Uveitis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2519. [PMID: 30429855 PMCID: PMC6220365 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is a severe intra ocular inflammation, which frequently requires prompt systemic immunosuppressive therapy (IMT) to halt the development of vision-threatening complications. IMT is considered when NIU cannot be treated with corticosteroids alone, which is unpredictable in advance. Previous studies have linked blood cell subsets to glucocorticoid sensitivity, which suggests that the composition of blood leukocytes may early identify patients that will require IMT. Objective: To map the blood leukocyte composition of NIU and identify cell subsets that stratify patients that required IMT during follow-up. Methods: We performed controlled flow cytometry experiments measuring a total of 37 protein markers in the blood of 30 IMT free patients with active non-infectious anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis, and compared these to 15 age and sex matched healthy controls. Results from manual gating were validated by automatic unsupervised gating using FlowSOM. Results: Patients with uveitis displayed lower relative frequencies of Natural Killer cells and higher relative frequencies of memory T cells, in particular the CCR6+ lineages. These results were confirmed by automatic gating by unsupervised clustering using FlowSOM. We observed considerable heterogeneity in memory T cell subsets and abundance of CXCR3-CCR6+ (Th17) cells between the uveitis subtypes. Importantly, regardless of the uveitis subtype, patients that eventually required IMT in the course of the study follow-up exhibited increased CCR6+ T cell abundance before commencing therapy. Conclusion: High-dimensional immunoprofiling in NIU patients shows that clinically distinct forms of human NIU exhibit shared as well as unique immune cell perturbations in the peripheral blood and link CCR6+ T cell abundance to systemic immunomodulatory treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fleurieke H Verhagen
- Ophthalmo-Immunology Unit, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sanne Hiddingh
- Ophthalmo-Immunology Unit, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rianne Rijken
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Aridaman Pandit
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Emmerik Leijten
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Michel Olde Nordkamp
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ninette H Ten Dam-van Loon
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Saskia M Imhof
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Joke H de Boer
- Ophthalmo-Immunology Unit, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Timothy R D J Radstake
- Ophthalmo-Immunology Unit, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jonas J W Kuiper
- Ophthalmo-Immunology Unit, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Lundy SK, Nikoopour E, Karoukis AJ, Ohara R, Othman MI, Tagett R, Jayasundera KT, Heckenlively JR. T Helper 1 Cellular Immunity Toward Recoverin Is Enhanced in Patients With Active Autoimmune Retinopathy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:249. [PMID: 30271775 PMCID: PMC6146138 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) causes rapidly progressive vision loss that is treatable but often is confused with other forms of retinal degeneration including retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Measurement of anti-retinal antibodies (ARA) by Western blot is a commonly used laboratory assay that supports the diagnosis yet does not reflect current disease activity. To search for better diagnostic indicators, this study was designed to compare immune biomarkers and responses toward the retinal protein, recoverin, between newly diagnosed AIR patients, slow progressing RP patients and healthy controls. All individuals had measurable anti-recoverin IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA regardless of disease status or Western blot results. Many AIR patients had elevated anti-recoverin IgG1 levels and a strong cellular response toward recoverin dominated by IFNγ. RP patients and controls responded to recoverin with a lower IFNγ response that was balanced by IL-10 production. Both AIR and RP patients displayed lower levels of total peripheral blood mononuclear cells that were due to reductions of CD4+ TH cells. A comparison of messenger RNA (mRNA) for immune-related genes in whole blood of AIR patients versus RP patients or controls indicated lower expression of ATG5 and PTPN22 and higher expression of several genes involved in TH cell signaling/transcription and adhesion. These data indicate that an immune response toward recoverin is normal in humans, but that in AIR patients the balance shifts dramatically toward higher IFNγ production and cellular activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven K Lundy
- Department of Internal Medicine-Rheumatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Graduate Training Program in Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Enayat Nikoopour
- Department of Internal Medicine-Rheumatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences-Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Athanasios J Karoukis
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences-Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ray Ohara
- Department of Internal Medicine-Rheumatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Mohammad I Othman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences-Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Rebecca Tagett
- Biostatistics Core Facility, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - K Thiran Jayasundera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences-Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John R Heckenlively
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences-Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Immune Privilege and Eye-Derived T-Regulatory Cells. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:1679197. [PMID: 29888291 PMCID: PMC5985108 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1679197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Certain cellular components of the eye, such as neural retina, are unable to regenerate and replicate after destructive inflammation. Ocular immune privilege provides the eye with immune protection against intraocular inflammation in order to minimize the risk to vision integrity. The eye and immune system use strategies to maintain the ocular immune privilege by regulating the innate and adaptive immune response, which includes immunological ignorance, peripheral tolerance to eye-derived antigens, and intraocular immunosuppressive microenvironment. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism responsible for the development and maintenance of ocular immune privilege via regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are generated by the anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID), and ocular resident cells including corneal endothelial (CE) cells, ocular pigment epithelial (PE) cells, and aqueous humor. Furthermore, we examined the therapeutic potential of Tregs generated by RPE cells that express transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-2 alpha (CTLA-2α), and retinoic acid for autoimmune uveoretinitis and evaluated a new strategy using human RPE-induced Tregs for clinical application in inflammatory ocular disease. We believe that a better understanding of the ocular immune privilege associated with Tregs might offer a new approach with regard to therapeutic interventions for ocular autoimmunity.
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Gilbert RM, Zhang X, Sampson RD, Ehrenstein MR, Nguyen DX, Chaudhry M, Mein C, Mahmud N, Galatowicz G, Tomkins-Netzer O, Calder VL, Lightman S. Clinical Remission of Sight-Threatening Non-Infectious Uveitis Is Characterized by an Upregulation of Peripheral T-Regulatory Cell Polarized Towards T-bet and TIGIT. Front Immunol 2018; 9:907. [PMID: 29774027 PMCID: PMC5943505 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-infectious uveitis can cause chronic relapsing and remitting ocular inflammation, which may require high dose systemic immunosuppression to prevent severe sight loss. It has been classically described as an autoimmune disease, mediated by pro-inflammatory Th1 and Th17 T-cell subsets. Studies suggest that natural immunosuppressive CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T-regulatory cells (Tregs) are involved in resolution of inflammation and may be involved in the maintenance of clinical remission. Objective To investigate whether there is a peripheral blood immunoregulatory phenotype associated with clinical remission of sight-threatening non-infectious uveitis by comparing peripheral blood levels of Treg, Th1, and Th17, and associated DNA methylation and cytokine levels in patients with active uveitic disease, control subjects and patients (with previously active disease) in clinical remission induced by immunosuppressive drugs. Methods Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from peripheral blood samples from prospectively recruited subjects were analyzed by flow cytometry for CD3, CD4, FoxP3, TIGIT, T-bet, and related orphan receptor γt. Epigenetic DNA methylation levels of FOXP3 Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR), FOXP3 promoter, TBX21, RORC2, and TIGIT loci were determined in cryopreserved PBMC using a next-generation sequencing approach. Related cytokines were measured in blood sera. Functional suppressive capacity of Treg was assessed using T-cell proliferation assays. Results Fifty patients with uveitis (intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis) and 10 control subjects were recruited. The frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg, TIGIT+ Treg, and T-bet+ Treg and the ratio of Treg to Th1 were significantly higher in remission patients compared with patients with active uveitic disease; and TIGIT+ Tregs were a significant predictor of clinical remission. Treg from patients in clinical remission demonstrated a high level of in vitro suppressive function compared with Treg from control subjects and from patients with untreated active disease. PBMC from patients in clinical remission had significantly lower methylation levels at the FOXP3 TSDR, FOXP3 promoter, and TIGIT loci and higher levels at RORC loci than those with active disease. Clinical remission was also associated with significantly higher serum levels of transforming growth factor β and IL-10, which positively correlated with Treg levels, and lower serum levels of IFNγ, IL-17A, and IL-22 compared with patients with active disease. Conclusion Clinical remission of sight-threatening non-infectious uveitis has an immunoregulatory phenotype characterized by upregulation of peripheral Treg, polarized toward T-bet and TIGIT. These findings may assist with individualized therapy of uveitis, by informing whether drug therapy has induced phenotypically stable Treg associated with long-term clinical remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose M Gilbert
- Ocular Immunology, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaozhe Zhang
- Ocular Immunology, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D Sampson
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael R Ehrenstein
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Dao X Nguyen
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Mahid Chaudhry
- Ocular Immunology, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Mein
- Genome Centre, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nadiya Mahmud
- Genome Centre, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Grazyna Galatowicz
- Ocular Immunology, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Oren Tomkins-Netzer
- Ocular Immunology, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Virginia L Calder
- Ocular Immunology, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Lightman
- Ocular Immunology, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Forrester JV, Kuffova L, Dick AD. Autoimmunity, Autoinflammation, and Infection in Uveitis. Am J Ophthalmol 2018; 189:77-85. [PMID: 29505775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the pathogenesis of uveitis in light of recent advances in our understanding of innate and adaptive immune responses and their regulation. DESIGN Perspective. METHODS Methods included a review of prevailing views on the pathogenesis of uveitis and an analysis of developments in immunology that impact on its conceptual basis, particularly the concept of immunologic tolerance and its loss in autoimmunity. Importantly, the role of infection in the pathogenesis of uveitis is evaluated. RESULTS The results comprise a reappraisal of the pathogenesis of anterior vs posterior uveitis in the context of the blood-retinal barrier and its relation to autoimmune, autoinflammatory, and infectious uveitis. Autoimmunity is seen as a possible cause of certain forms of uveitis but definitive proof is lacking. Autoinflammatory disease, involving activated innate immune mechanisms, is considered causative in a second set of uveitis conditions. A place for infection in uveitis generally is proposed within a unifying concept for the pathogenesis of uveitis. CONCLUSION Infection may be implicated directly or indirectly in many forms of noninfectious or undifferentiated uveitis. In addition to the growing recognition that foreign antigen, including reactivatable infectious agents, might hide within ocular tissues, the possibility that a dysregulated microbiome might generate T cells that cause immune-mediated ocular inflammation has now been demonstrated experimentally. An uncontrolled, overexuberant host immune response may cause continuing irreversible tissue damage even after the infection has been cleared.
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Affiliation(s)
- John V Forrester
- Section of Immunology and Infection, Division of Applied Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Medical Science, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom; Ocular Immunology Program, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Lucia Kuffova
- Section of Immunology and Infection, Division of Applied Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Medical Science, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom; NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D Dick
- Translational Health Sciences (Ophthalmology), University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, and the National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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Zhu W, Chen X, Yu J, Xiao Y, Li Y, Wan S, Su W, Liang D. Baicalin modulates the Treg/Teff balance to alleviate uveitis by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 154:18-27. [PMID: 29656117 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune uveitis is a sight-threatening ocular inflammatory disorder. Immunological inflammation is regarded as the key to pathogenesis in autoimmune uveitis. Baicalin, the major bioactive component of Scutellaria baicalensis, possesses immunomodulatory properties. However, the role of baicalin in uveitis and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we found that baicalin treatment obviously inhibited the intraocular inflammatory process in mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis, along with clear declines in infiltrated inflammatory cells and inflammatory cytokine transcription in the retina and draining lymph nodes. Furthermore, baicalin treatment increased the frequency and number of regulatory T cells and decreased the frequency and number of effector T cells (Th1 and Th17 cells) in the draining lymph nodes of mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis. In vitro, baicalin treatment suppressed interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation and converted CD4+ T cell differentiation. Furthermore, the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor was activated by baicalin treatment. Baicalin-mediated modulation of CD4+ T cell differentiation was partially abrogated by the suppression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor. These findings suggest that baicalin modulates the Treg/Teff balance and CD4+ T cell proliferation to ameliorate experimental autoimmune uveitis by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yichen Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shangtao Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Dan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Gilger BC. Immune Relevant Models for Ocular Inflammatory Diseases. ILAR J 2018; 59:352-362. [DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ily002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Ocular inflammatory diseases, such as dry eye and uveitis, are common, painful, difficult to treat, and may result in vision loss or blindness. Ocular side effects from the use of antiinflammatory drugs (such as corticosteroids or nonsteroidal antiinflammatories) to treat ocular inflammation have prompted development of more specific and safer medications to treat inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases of the eye. To assess the efficacy and safety of these new therapeutics, appropriate immune-relevant animal models of ocular inflammation are needed. Both induced and naturally-occurring models have been described, but the most valuable for translating treatments to the human eye are the animal models of spontaneous, immunologic ocular disease, such as those with dry eye or uveitis. The purpose of this review is to describe common immune-relevant models of dry eye and uveitis with an overview of the immuno-pathogenesis of each disease and reported evaluation of models from small to large animals. We will also review a selected group of naturally-occurring large animal models, equine uveitis and canine dry eye, that have promise to translate into a better understanding and treatment of clinical immune-relevant ocular disease in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Gilger
- Professor of Ophthalmology, Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, USA
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46
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Ocular antigen does not cause disease unless presented in the context of inflammation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14226. [PMID: 29079770 PMCID: PMC5660195 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14618-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular antigens are sequestered behind the blood-retina barrier and the ocular environment protects ocular tissues from autoimmune attack. The signals required to activate autoreactive T cells and allow them to cause disease in the eye remain in part unclear. In particular, the consequences of peripheral presentation of ocular antigens are not fully understood. We examined peripheral expression and presentation of ocular neo-self-antigen in transgenic mice expressing hen egg lysozyme (HEL) under a retina-specific promoter. High levels of HEL were expressed in the eye compared to low expression throughout the lymphoid system. Adoptively transferred naïve HEL-specific CD4+ T cells proliferated in the eye draining lymph nodes, but did not induce uveitis. By contrast, systemic infection with a murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) engineered to express HEL induced extensive proliferation of transferred naïve CD4+ T cells, and significant uveoretinitis. In this model, wild-type MCMV, lacking HEL, did not induce overt uveitis, suggesting that disease is mediated by antigen-specific peripherally activated CD4+ T cells that infiltrate the retina. Our results demonstrate that retinal antigen is presented to T cells in the periphery under physiological conditions. However, when the same antigen is presented during viral infection, antigen-specific T cells access the retina and autoimmune uveitis ensues.
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47
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Sodium butyrate regulates Th17/Treg cell balance to ameliorate uveitis via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 142:111-119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.06.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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48
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Adair PR, Kim YC, Zhang AH, Yoon J, Scott DW. Human Tregs Made Antigen Specific by Gene Modification: The Power to Treat Autoimmunity and Antidrug Antibodies with Precision. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1117. [PMID: 28983300 PMCID: PMC5613123 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs) are potent immunosuppressive lymphocytes responsible for immune tolerance and homeostasis. Since the seminal reports identifying Tregs, vast research has been channeled into understanding their genesis, signature molecular markers, mechanisms of suppression, and role in disease. This research has opened the doors for Tregs as a potential therapeutic for diseases and disorders such as multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, transplantation, and immune responses to protein therapeutics, like factor VIII. Seminal clinical trials have used polyclonal Tregs, but the frequency of antigen-specific Tregs among polyclonal populations is low, and polyclonal Tregs may risk non-specific immunosuppression. Antigen-specific Treg therapy, which uses genetically modified Tregs expressing receptors specific for target antigens, greatly mitigates this risk. Building on the principles of T-cell receptor cloning, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), and a novel CAR derivative, called B-cell antibody receptors, our lab has developed different types of antigen-specific Tregs. This review discusses the current research and optimization of gene-modified antigen-specific human Tregs in our lab in several disease models. The preparations and considerations for clinical use of such Tregs also are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Adair
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yong Chan Kim
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ai-Hong Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jeongheon Yoon
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David W Scott
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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49
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Leonard JD, Gilmore DC, Dileepan T, Nawrocka WI, Chao JL, Schoenbach MH, Jenkins MK, Adams EJ, Savage PA. Identification of Natural Regulatory T Cell Epitopes Reveals Convergence on a Dominant Autoantigen. Immunity 2017; 47:107-117.e8. [PMID: 28709804 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2017.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 are critical for the prevention of autoimmunity and the suppression of anti-tumor immunity. The major self-antigens recognized by Treg cells remain undefined, representing a substantial barrier to the understanding of immune regulation. Here, we have identified natural Treg cell ligands in mice. We found that two recurrent Treg cell clones, one prevalent in prostate tumors and the other associated with prostatic autoimmune lesions, recognized distinct non-overlapping MHC-class-II-restricted peptides derived from the same prostate-specific protein. Notably, this protein is frequently targeted by autoantibodies in experimental models of prostatic autoimmunity. On the basis of these findings, we propose a model in which Treg cell responses at peripheral sites converge on those self-proteins that are most susceptible to autoimmune attack, and we suggest that this link could be exploited as a generalizable strategy for identifying the Treg cell antigens relevant to human autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Leonard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Dana C Gilmore
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Thamotharampillai Dileepan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Wioletta I Nawrocka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jaime L Chao
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mary H Schoenbach
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Marc K Jenkins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Erin J Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Peter A Savage
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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50
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CCR8 +FOXp3 + T reg cells as master drivers of immune regulation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:6086-6091. [PMID: 28533380 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1621280114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study identifies CCR8+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) as drivers of immunosuppression. We show that in human peripheral blood cells, more than 30% of Treg up-regulate CCR8 following activation in the presence of CCL1. This interaction induces STAT3-dependent up-regulation of FOXp3, CD39, IL-10, and granzyme B, resulting in enhanced suppressive activity of these cells. Of the four human CCR8 ligands, CCL1 is unique in potentiating Treg cells. The relevance of these observations has been extended using an experimental model of multiple sclerosis [experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, (EAE)] and a stabilized version of mouse CCL1 (CCL1-Ig). First, we identified a self-feeding mechanism by which CCL1 produced by Treg cells at an autoimmune site up-regulates the expression of its own receptor, CCR8, on these cells. Administration of CCL1-Ig during EAE enhanced the in vivo proliferation of these CCR8+ regulatory cells while inducing the expression of CD39, granzyme B, and IL-10, resulting in the efficacious suppression of ongoing EAE. The critical role of the CCL1-CCR8 axis in Treg cells was further dissected through adoptive transfer studies using CCR8-/- mice. Collectively, we demonstrate the pivotal role of CCR8+ Treg cells in restraining immunity and highlight the potential clinical implications of this discovery.
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