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Kundra S, Kaur R, Pasricha C, Kumari P, Gurjeet Singh T, Singh R. Pathological insights into activin A: Molecular underpinnings and therapeutic prospects in various diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112709. [PMID: 39032467 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Activin A (Act A) is a member of the TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) superfamily. It communicates via the Suppressor of Mothers against Decapentaplegic Homolog (SMAD2/3) proteins which govern processes such as cell proliferation, wound healing, apoptosis, and metabolism. Act A produces its action by attaching to activin receptor type IIA (ActRIIA) or activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB). Increasing circulating Act A increases ActRII signalling, which on phosphorylation initiates the ALK4 (activin receptor-like kinase 4) type 1 receptor which further turns on the SMAD pathway and hinders cell functioning. Once triggered, this route leads to gene transcription, differentiation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. Act A also governs the immunological and inflammatory responses of the body, as well as cell death. Moreover, Act A levels have been observed to elevate in several disorders like renal fibrosis, CKD, asthma, NAFLD, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, inflammatory conditions etc. Here, we provide an update on the recent studies relevant to the role of Act A in the modulation of various pathological disorders, giving an overview of the biology of Act A and its signalling pathways, and discuss the possibility of incorporating activin-A targeting as a novel therapeutic approach for the control of various disorders. Pathways such as SMAD signaling, in which SMAD moves to the nucleus by making a complex and leads to tissue fibrosis in CKD, STAT3, which drives renal fibroblast activity and the production of ECM, Kidney injury molecule (KIM-1) in the synthesis, deposition of ECM proteins, SERCA2a (sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase) in cardiac dysfunction, and NF-κB (Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) in inflammation are involved in Act A signaling, have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sejal Kundra
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Rupinder Kaur
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Chirag Pasricha
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Pratima Kumari
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | | | - Ravinder Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
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Sun CY, Lee WJ, Shen HC, Yu WK, Chen WC, Chen HM, Hsiao FY, Yang KY, Chen LK. Activin A as a potential biomarker for preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) and clinical outcomes in community-dwelling adults. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 126:105539. [PMID: 38954987 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study endeavors to decipher the association between Activin A and PRISm, thereby addressing the potential of Activin A as a serum biomarker for early detection and long-term clinical outcome prediction of PRISm and subsequent all-cause mortality. METHODS The study sample comprised middle-aged and older adults from the I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study. Pulmonary function including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured. Demographic data and laboratory data (including serum Activin A levels) were also collected. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify independent predictors of PRISm and all-cause mortality, respectively. RESULTS Among 711 eligible participants, 34 % had PRISm. The risk of PRISm elevated with Activin A levels in group quartiles (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), Q2: 1.606 [95 % CI 0.972-2.652], p = 0.064, Q3: 2.666 [1.635-4.348], p < 0.001, Q4: 3.225 [1.965-5.293], p < 0.001). On the other hand, lower hemoglobin (aOR: 1.122, p = 0.041) and higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (aOR: 1.033, p = 0.048) were associated with increased risk of PRISm. In addition, the PRISm group had a higher all-cause mortality rate (non-PRISm 4.5% vs. PRISm 8.3 %, p = 0.038). Multivariate Cox models also identify a higher level of Activin A as a risk factor of all-cause mortality (aHR: 1.001 [1.000-1.003], p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS Higher Activin A quartiles were linked to increased risk of PRISm, along with lower hemoglobin and higher BUN levels. Additonally, elevated Activin A was a significant risk factor of all-cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Yen Sun
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ju Lee
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital Yuanshan Branch, Yilan, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiao-Chin Shen
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Evidence-based Medicine, Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Kuang Yu
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chih Chen
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Min Chen
- Health Data Research Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fei-Yuan Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacy, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Yao Yang
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cancer and Immunology Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Liang-Kung Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital (Managed by Taipei Veterans General Hospital), Taipei, Taiwan
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Nieuwenhuizen NE, Nouailles G, Sutherland JS, Zyla J, Pasternack AH, Heyckendorf J, Frye BC, Höhne K, Zedler U, Bandermann S, Abu Abed U, Brinkmann V, Gutbier B, Witzenrath M, Suttorp N, Zissel G, Lange C, Ritvos O, Kaufmann SHE. Activin A levels are raised during human tuberculosis and blockade of the activin signaling axis influences murine responses to M. tuberculosis infection. mBio 2024; 15:e0340823. [PMID: 38376260 PMCID: PMC10936190 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03408-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Activin A strongly influences immune responses; yet, few studies have examined its role in infectious diseases. We measured serum activin A levels in two independent tuberculosis (TB) patient cohorts and in patients with pneumonia and sarcoidosis. Serum activin A levels were increased in TB patients compared to healthy controls, including those with positive tuberculin skin tests, and paralleled severity of disease, assessed by X-ray scores. In pneumonia patients, serum activin A levels were also raised, but in sarcoidosis patients, levels were lower. To determine whether blockade of the activin A signaling axis could play a functional role in TB, we harnessed a soluble activin type IIB receptor fused to human IgG1 Fc, ActRIIB-Fc, as a ligand trap in a murine TB model. The administration of ActRIIB-Fc to Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mice resulted in decreased bacterial loads and increased numbers of CD4 effector T cells and tissue-resident memory T cells in the lung. Increased frequencies of tissue-resident memory T cells corresponded with downregulated T-bet expression in lung CD4 and CD8 T cells. Altogether, the results suggest a disease-exacerbating role of ActRIIB signaling pathways. Serum activin A may be useful as a biomarker for diagnostic triage of active TB or monitoring of anti-tuberculosis therapy. IMPORTANCE Tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death by a bacterial pathogen. The etiologic agent of tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can remain dormant in the infected host for years before causing disease. Significant effort has been made to identify biomarkers that can discriminate between latently infected and actively diseased individuals. We found that serum levels of the cytokine activin A were associated with increased lung pathology and could discriminate between active tuberculosis and tuberculin skin-test-positive healthy controls. Activin A signals through the ActRIIB receptor, which can be blocked by administration of the ligand trap ActRIIB-Fc, a soluble activin type IIB receptor fused to human IgG1 Fc. In a murine model of tuberculosis, we found that ActRIIB-Fc treatment reduced mycobacterial loads. Strikingly, ActRIIB-Fc treatment significantly increased the number of tissue-resident memory T cells. These results suggest a role for ActRIIB signaling pathways in host responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and activin A as a biomarker of ongoing disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E. Nieuwenhuizen
- Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Geraldine Nouailles
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jayne S. Sutherland
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Joanna Zyla
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Arja H. Pasternack
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jan Heyckendorf
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Björn C. Frye
- Department of Pneumology, Clinic, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Höhne
- Department of Pneumology, Clinic, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Zedler
- Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke Bandermann
- Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Abu Abed
- Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Brinkmann
- Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgitt Gutbier
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- CAPNETZ STIFTUNG, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Suttorp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- CAPNETZ STIFTUNG, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Berlin, Germany
| | - Gernot Zissel
- Department of Pneumology, Clinic, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Lange
- Division of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Borstel, Germany
- Respiratory Medicine and International Health, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children´s Hospital, Global TB Program, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stefan H. E. Kaufmann
- Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Emeritus Group Systems Immunology, Göttingen, Germany
- Hagler Institute for Advanced Study, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - the CAPNETZ Study group
- Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Pneumology, Clinic, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
- CAPNETZ STIFTUNG, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Berlin, Germany
- Division of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Borstel, Germany
- Respiratory Medicine and International Health, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children´s Hospital, Global TB Program, Houston, Texas, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Emeritus Group Systems Immunology, Göttingen, Germany
- Hagler Institute for Advanced Study, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - the DZIF TB study group
- Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Pneumology, Clinic, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
- CAPNETZ STIFTUNG, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Berlin, Germany
- Division of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Borstel, Germany
- Respiratory Medicine and International Health, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children´s Hospital, Global TB Program, Houston, Texas, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Emeritus Group Systems Immunology, Göttingen, Germany
- Hagler Institute for Advanced Study, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Positive growth of smooth muscle in uterine horns of myostatin homozygous mutant gilt. Res Vet Sci 2022; 152:228-235. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Mulvaney EP, Reid HM, Bialesova L, Bouchard A, Salvail D, Kinsella BT. NTP42, a novel antagonist of the thromboxane receptor, attenuates experimentally induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. BMC Pulm Med 2020; 20:85. [PMID: 32252727 PMCID: PMC7132963 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-020-1113-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NTP42 is a novel antagonist of the thromboxane prostanoid receptor (TP), currently in development for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a devastating disease with multiple pathophysiological hallmarks including excessive pulmonary vasoconstriction, vascular remodelling, inflammation, fibrosis, in situ thrombosis and right ventricular hypertrophy. Signalling through the TP, thromboxane (TX) A2 is a potent vasoconstrictor and mediator of platelet aggregation. It is also a pro-mitogenic, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic agent. Moreover, the TP also mediates the adverse actions of the isoprostane 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, a free-radical-derived product of arachidonic acid produced in abundance during oxidative injury. Mechanistically, TP antagonists should treat most of the hallmarks of PAH, including inhibiting the excessive vasoconstriction and pulmonary artery remodelling, in situ thrombosis, inflammation and fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of NTP42 in the monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat model, alongside current standard-of-care drugs. METHODS PAH was induced by subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg MCT in male Wistar-Kyoto rats. Animals were assigned into groups: 1. 'No MCT'; 2. 'MCT Only'; 3. MCT + NTP42 (0.25 mg/kg BID); 4. MCT + Sildenafil (50 mg/kg BID), and 5. MCT + Selexipag (1 mg/kg BID), where 28-day drug treatment was initiated within 24 h post-MCT. RESULTS From haemodynamic assessments, NTP42 reduced the MCT-induced PAH, including mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and right systolic ventricular pressure (RSVP), being at least comparable to the standard-of-care drugs Sildenafil or Selexipag in bringing about these effects. Moreover, NTP42 was superior to Sildenafil and Selexipag in significantly reducing pulmonary vascular remodelling, inflammatory mast cell infiltration and fibrosis in MCT-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that NTP42 and antagonism of the TP signalling pathway have a relevant role in alleviating the pathophysiology of PAH, representing a novel therapeutic target with marked benefits over existing standard-of-care therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamon P Mulvaney
- ATXA Therapeutics Limited, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Helen M Reid
- ATXA Therapeutics Limited, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Lucia Bialesova
- ATXA Therapeutics Limited, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Annie Bouchard
- IPS Therapeutique Inc., 3035 Boulevard Industriel, Sherbrooke, QC, J1L 2T9, Canada
| | - Dany Salvail
- IPS Therapeutique Inc., 3035 Boulevard Industriel, Sherbrooke, QC, J1L 2T9, Canada
| | - B Therese Kinsella
- ATXA Therapeutics Limited, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. .,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Fernández AI, Yotti R, González-Mansilla A, Mombiela T, Gutiérrez-Ibanes E, Pérez del Villar C, Navas-Tejedor P, Chazo C, Martínez-Legazpi P, Fernández-Avilés F, Bermejo J. The Biological Bases of Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235884. [PMID: 31771195 PMCID: PMC6928720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a potentially fatal condition with a prevalence of around 1% in the world population and most commonly caused by left heart disease (PH-LHD). Usually, in PH-LHD, the increase of pulmonary pressure is only conditioned by the retrograde transmission of the left atrial pressure. However, in some cases, the long-term retrograde pressure overload may trigger complex and irreversible biomechanical and biological changes in the pulmonary vasculature. This latter clinical entity, designated as combined pre- and post-capillary PH, is associated with very poor outcomes. The underlying mechanisms of this progression are poorly understood, and most of the current knowledge comes from the field of Group 1-PAH. Treatment is also an unsolved issue in patients with PH-LHD. Targeting the molecular pathways that regulate pulmonary hemodynamics and vascular remodeling has provided excellent results in other forms of PH but has a neutral or detrimental result in patients with PH-LHD. Therefore, a deep and comprehensive biological characterization of PH-LHD is essential to improve the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of patients and, eventually, identify new therapeutic targets. Ongoing research is aimed at identify candidate genes, variants, non-coding RNAs, and other biomarkers with potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art cellular, molecular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms potentially involved in PH-LHD. Signaling and effective pathways are particularly emphasized, as well as the current knowledge on -omic biomarkers. Our final aim is to provide readers with the biological foundations on which to ground both clinical and pre-clinical research in the field of PH-LHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I. Fernández
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.F.); (R.Y.); (A.G.-M.); (T.M.); (E.G.-I.); (C.P.d.V.); (P.N.-T.); (C.C.); (P.M.-L.); (F.F.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28026 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Yotti
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.F.); (R.Y.); (A.G.-M.); (T.M.); (E.G.-I.); (C.P.d.V.); (P.N.-T.); (C.C.); (P.M.-L.); (F.F.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28026 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana González-Mansilla
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.F.); (R.Y.); (A.G.-M.); (T.M.); (E.G.-I.); (C.P.d.V.); (P.N.-T.); (C.C.); (P.M.-L.); (F.F.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28026 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Mombiela
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.F.); (R.Y.); (A.G.-M.); (T.M.); (E.G.-I.); (C.P.d.V.); (P.N.-T.); (C.C.); (P.M.-L.); (F.F.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28026 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Gutiérrez-Ibanes
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.F.); (R.Y.); (A.G.-M.); (T.M.); (E.G.-I.); (C.P.d.V.); (P.N.-T.); (C.C.); (P.M.-L.); (F.F.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28026 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Candelas Pérez del Villar
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.F.); (R.Y.); (A.G.-M.); (T.M.); (E.G.-I.); (C.P.d.V.); (P.N.-T.); (C.C.); (P.M.-L.); (F.F.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28026 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Navas-Tejedor
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.F.); (R.Y.); (A.G.-M.); (T.M.); (E.G.-I.); (C.P.d.V.); (P.N.-T.); (C.C.); (P.M.-L.); (F.F.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28026 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Chazo
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.F.); (R.Y.); (A.G.-M.); (T.M.); (E.G.-I.); (C.P.d.V.); (P.N.-T.); (C.C.); (P.M.-L.); (F.F.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28026 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Martínez-Legazpi
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.F.); (R.Y.); (A.G.-M.); (T.M.); (E.G.-I.); (C.P.d.V.); (P.N.-T.); (C.C.); (P.M.-L.); (F.F.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28026 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Fernández-Avilés
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.F.); (R.Y.); (A.G.-M.); (T.M.); (E.G.-I.); (C.P.d.V.); (P.N.-T.); (C.C.); (P.M.-L.); (F.F.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28026 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Bermejo
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.F.); (R.Y.); (A.G.-M.); (T.M.); (E.G.-I.); (C.P.d.V.); (P.N.-T.); (C.C.); (P.M.-L.); (F.F.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28026 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-586-8279
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7
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Kariyawasam HH, Gane SB. Allergen-induced asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis and transforming growth factor-β superfamily signaling: mechanisms and functional consequences. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:1155-1170. [PMID: 31549888 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1672538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Often co-associated, asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are complex heterogeneous disease syndromes. Severity in both is related to tissue inflammation and abnormal repair (termed remodeling). Understanding signaling factors that can modulate, integrate the activation, and regulation of such key processes together is increasingly important. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily of ligands comprise a versatile system of immunomodulatory molecules that are gaining recognition as having an essential function in the immunopathogenesis of asthma. Early data suggest an important role in CRS as well. Abnormal or dysregulated signaling may contribute to disease pathogenesis and severity.Areas covered: The essential biology of this complex family of growth factors in relation to the excess inflammation and remodeling that occurs in allergic asthma and CRS is reviewed. The need to understand the integration of signaling pathways together is highlighted. Studies in human airway tissue are evaluated and only selected key animal models relevant to human disease discussed given the highly context-dependent signaling and function of these ligands.Expert opinion: Abnormal or dysregulated TGF-β superfamily signaling may be central to the excess inflammation and tissue remodeling in asthma, and possibly CRS. Therefore, the TGF-β superfamily signaling pathways represent an emerging and attractive therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsha H Kariyawasam
- Department of Adult Specialist Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Royal National ENT Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Rhinology, Royal National ENT Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon B Gane
- Department of Rhinology, Royal National ENT Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,University College London, London, UK
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8
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Activin-A in the regulation of immunity in health and disease. J Autoimmun 2019; 104:102314. [PMID: 31416681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The TGF-β superfamily of cytokines plays pivotal roles in the regulation of immune responses protecting against or contributing to diseases, such as, allergy, autoimmunity and cancer. Activin-A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, was initially identified as an inducer of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion. Extensive research over the past decades illuminated fundamental roles for activin-A in essential biologic processes, including embryonic development, stem cell maintenance and differentiation, haematopoiesis, cell proliferation and tissue fibrosis. Activin-A signals through two type I and two type II receptors which, upon ligand binding, activate their kinase activity, phosphorylate the SMAD2 and 3 intracellular signaling mediators that form a complex with SMAD4, translocate to the nucleus and activate or silence gene expression. Most immune cell types, including macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), T and B lymphocytes and natural killer cells have the capacity to produce and respond to activin-A, although not in a similar manner. In innate immune cells, including macrophages, DCs and neutrophils, activin-A exerts a broad range of pro- or anti-inflammatory functions depending on the cell maturation and activation status and the spatiotemporal context. Activin-A also controls the differentiation and effector functions of Th cell subsets, including Th9 cells, TFH cells, Tr1 Treg cells and Foxp3+ Treg cells. Moreover, activin-A affects B cell responses, enhancing mucosal IgA secretion and inhibiting pathogenic autoantibody production. Interestingly, an array of preclinical and clinical studies has highlighted crucial functions of activin-A in the initiation, propagation and resolution of human diseases, including autoimmune diseases, such as, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, in allergic disorders, including allergic asthma and atopic dermatitis, in cancer and in microbial infections. Here, we provide an overview of the biology of activin-A and its signaling pathways, summarize recent studies pertinent to the role of activin-A in the modulation of inflammation and immunity, and discuss the potential of targeting activin-A as a novel therapeutic approach for the control of inflammatory diseases.
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9
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Activin A regulates activities of peripheral blood natural killer cells of mouse in an autocrine and paracrine manner. Exp Cell Res 2019; 374:114-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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10
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Bloise E, Ciarmela P, Dela Cruz C, Luisi S, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Activin A in Mammalian Physiology. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:739-780. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are dimeric glycoproteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and resulting from the assembly of two beta subunits, which may also be combined with alpha subunits to form inhibins. Activins were discovered in 1986 following the isolation of inhibins from porcine follicular fluid, and were characterized as ovarian hormones that stimulate follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release by the pituitary gland. In particular, activin A was shown to be the isoform of greater physiological importance in humans. The current understanding of activin A surpasses the reproductive system and allows its classification as a hormone, a growth factor, and a cytokine. In more than 30 yr of intense research, activin A was localized in female and male reproductive organs but also in other organs and systems as diverse as the brain, liver, lung, bone, and gut. Moreover, its roles include embryonic differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the uterine wall in early pregnancy, and fetal/neonate brain protection in hypoxic conditions. It is now recognized that activin A overexpression may be either cytostatic or mitogenic, depending on the cell type, with important implications for tumor biology. Activin A also regulates bone formation and regeneration, enhances joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and triggers pathogenic mechanisms in the respiratory system. In this 30-yr review, we analyze the evidence for physiological roles of activin A and the potential use of activin agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
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11
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Qi Y, Ge J, Ma C, Wu N, Cui X, Liu Z. Activin A regulates activation of mouse neutrophils by Smad3 signalling. Open Biol 2018; 7:rsob.160342. [PMID: 28515224 PMCID: PMC5451541 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.160342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, acts as a pro-inflammatory factor in acute phase response, and influences the pathological progress of neutrophil-mediated disease. However, whether activin A can exert an effect on the activities of neutrophils remains unclear. In this study, we found that the release of activin A was enhanced from neutrophils of mouse when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, neutrophils were not only the source of activin A but also the target cells in response to activin A, in which canonical activin signalling components existed, and levels of ACTRIIA, SMAD3 and p-SMAD3 proteins were elevated in activin A-treated neutrophils. Next, the role of activin A was determined in regulation of neutrophils activities. Our data revealed that activin A induced O2− release and reactive oxygen species production, promoted IL-6 release, and enhanced phagocytosis, but failed to attract neutrophils migrating across the trans-well membrane. Moreover, we found that effect of activin A on IL-6 release from the peritoneal neutrophils of mouse was significantly attenuated by in vivo Smad3 knockdown. In summary, these data demonstrate that activin A can exert an effect on neutrophils activation in an autocrine/paracrine manner through Smad3 signalling, suggesting that activin A is an important regulator of neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunhui Ma
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Wu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueling Cui
- Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhonghui Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China .,Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
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12
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Shi L, Resaul J, Owen S, Ye L, Jiang WG. Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of Follistatin in Solid Tumours. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2017; 13:425-435. [PMID: 27807065 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin (FST), as a single-chain glycosylated protein, has two major isoforms, FST288 and FST315. The FST315 isoform is the predominant form whilst the FST288 variant accounts for less than 5% of the encoded mRNA. FST is differentially expressed in human tissues and aberrant expression has been observed in a variety of solid tumours, including gonadal, gastric and lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Based on the current evidence, FST is an antagonist of transforming growth factor beta family members, such as activin and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). FST plays a role in tumourigenesis, metastasis and angiogenesis of solid tumours through its interaction with activin and BMPs, thus resulting in pathophysiological function. In terms of diagnosis, prognosis and therapy, FST has shown strong promise. Through a better understanding of its biological functions, potential clinical applications may yet emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- Urology Department, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong Province, P.R. China.,Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Jeyna Resaul
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Sioned Owen
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K.
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13
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14
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Hardy CL, Rolland JM, O'Hehir RE. The immunoregulatory and fibrotic roles of activin A in allergic asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 45:1510-22. [PMID: 25962695 PMCID: PMC4687413 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily of cytokines, was originally identified as an inducer of follicle stimulating hormone release, but has since been ascribed roles in normal physiological processes, as an immunoregulatory cytokine and as a driver of fibrosis. In the last 10–15 years, it has also become abundantly clear that activin A plays an important role in the regulation of asthmatic inflammation and airway remodelling. This review provides a brief introduction to the activin A/TGF-β superfamily, focussing on the regulation of receptors and signalling pathways. We examine the contradictory evidence for generalized pro- vs. anti-inflammatory effects of activin A in inflammation, before appraising its role in asthmatic inflammation and airway remodelling specifically by evaluating data from both murine models and clinical studies. We identify key issues to be addressed, paving the way for safe exploitation of modulation of activin A function for treatment of allergic asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Hardy
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
| | - J M Rolland
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
| | - R E O'Hehir
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
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15
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Human eosinophil activin A synthesis and mRNA stabilization are induced by the combination of IL-3 plus TNF. Immunol Cell Biol 2016; 94:701-8. [PMID: 27001469 PMCID: PMC4980187 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2016.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Eosinophils contribute to immune regulation and wound healing/fibrosis in various diseases including asthma. Growing appreciation for the role of activin A in such processes led us to hypothesize that eosinophils are a source of this TGF-β superfamily member. TNFα (TNF) induces activin A by other cell types and is often present at the site of allergic inflammation along with the eosinophil activating common β (βc) chain-signaling cytokines (IL-5, IL-3, GM-CSF). Previously, we established that the combination of TNF plus a βc chain-signaling cytokine synergistically induces eosinophil synthesis of the remodeling enzyme MMP-9. Therefore, eosinophils were stimulated ex vivo by these cytokines and in vivo through an allergen-induced airway inflammatory response. In contrast to IL-5+TNF or GM-CSF+TNF, the combination of IL-3+TNF synergistically induced activin A synthesis and release by human blood eosinophils. IL-3+TNF enhanced activin A mRNA stability, which required sustained signaling of pathways downstream of p38 and ERK MAP kinases. In vivo, following segmental airway allergen challenge of subjects with mild allergic asthma, activin A mRNA was upregulated in airway eosinophils compared to circulating eosinophils, and ex vivo, circulating eosinophils tended to release activin A in response to IL-3+TNF. These data provide evidence that eosinophils release activin A and that this function is enhanced when eosinophils are present in an allergen-induced inflammatory environment. Moreover, these data provide the first evidence for post-transcriptional control of activin A mRNA. We propose that, an environment rich in IL-3+TNF will lead to eosinophil–derived activin A, which plays an important role in regulating inflammation and/or fibrosis.
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16
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Breitling S, Ravindran K, Goldenberg NM, Kuebler WM. The pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension in left heart disease. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2015; 309:L924-41. [DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00146.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure leading to right-sided heart failure and can arise from a wide range of etiologies. The most common cause of PH, termed Group 2 PH, is left-sided heart failure and is commonly known as pulmonary hypertension with left heart disease (PH-LHD). Importantly, while sharing many clinical features with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), PH-LHD differs significantly at the cellular and physiological levels. These fundamental pathophysiological differences largely account for the poor response to PAH therapies experienced by PH-LHD patients. The relatively high prevalence of this disease, coupled with its unique features compared with PAH, signal the importance of an in-depth understanding of the mechanistic details of PH-LHD. The present review will focus on the current state of knowledge regarding the pathomechanisms of PH-LHD, highlighting work carried out both in human trials and in preclinical animal models. Adaptive processes at the alveolocapillary barrier and in the pulmonary circulation, including alterations in alveolar fluid transport, endothelial junctional integrity, and vasoactive mediator secretion will be discussed in detail, highlighting the aspects that impact the response to, and development of, novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siegfried Breitling
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Krishnan Ravindran
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neil M. Goldenberg
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wolfgang M. Kuebler
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
- Departments of Surgery and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
- German Heart Institute Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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17
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Snell JN, Westall GP, Snell GI. The potential role of activin and follistatin in lung transplant dysfunction. Expert Rev Respir Med 2015; 9:697-701. [DOI: 10.1586/17476348.2015.1098537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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Verhamme FM, Bracke KR, Joos GF, Brusselle GG. Transforming growth factor-β superfamily in obstructive lung diseases. more suspects than TGF-β alone. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2015; 52:653-62. [PMID: 25396302 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2014-0282rt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are respiratory disorders and a major global health problem with increasing incidence and severity. Genes originally associated with lung development could be relevant in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma, owing to either an early-life origin of adult complex diseases or their dysregulation in adulthood upon exposure to environmental stressors (e.g., smoking). The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily is conserved through evolution and is involved in a range of biological processes, both during development and in adult tissue homeostasis. TGF-β1 has emerged as an important regulator of lung and immune system development. However, considerable evidence has been presented for a role of many of the other ligands of the TGF-β superfamily in lung pathology, including activins, bone morphogenetic proteins, and growth differentiation factors. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms by which activin, bone morphogenetic protein, and growth differentiation factor signaling contribute to the pathogenesis of obstructive airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fien M Verhamme
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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da Silva Antunes R, Madge L, Soroosh P, Tocker J, Croft M. The TNF Family Molecules LIGHT and Lymphotoxin αβ Induce a Distinct Steroid-Resistant Inflammatory Phenotype in Human Lung Epithelial Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015. [PMID: 26209626 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lung epithelial cells are considered important sources of inflammatory molecules and extracellular matrix proteins that contribute to diseases such as asthma. Understanding the factors that stimulate epithelial cells may lead to new insights into controlling lung inflammation. This study sought to investigate the responsiveness of human lung epithelial cells to the TNF family molecules LIGHT and lymphotoxin αβ (LTαβ). Bronchial and alveolar epithelial cell lines, and primary human bronchial epithelial cells, were stimulated with LIGHT and LTαβ, and expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis/remodeling was measured. LTβ receptor, the receptor shared by LIGHT and LTαβ, was constitutively expressed on all epithelial cells. Correspondingly, LIGHT and LTαβ strongly induced a limited but highly distinct set of inflammatory genes in all epithelial cells tested, namely the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1; the chemokines CCL5, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL5, and CXCL11; the cytokines IL-6, activin A and GM-CSF; and metalloproteinases matrix metalloproteinase-9 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-8. Importantly, induction of the majority of these inflammatory molecules was insensitive to the suppressive effects of the corticosteroid budesonide. LIGHT and LTαβ also moderately downregulated E-cadherin, a protein associated with maintaining epithelial integrity, but did not significantly drive production of extracellular matrix proteins or α-smooth muscle actin. Thus, LIGHT and LTαβ induce a distinct steroid-resistant inflammatory signature in airway epithelial cells via constitutively expressed LTβ receptor. These findings support our prior murine studies that suggested the receptors for LIGHT and LTαβ contribute to development of lung inflammation characteristic of asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo da Silva Antunes
- Division of Immune Regulation, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Lisa Madge
- Janssen Research and Development, Immunology Discovery Research, Spring House, PA 19002; and
| | | | - Joel Tocker
- Janssen Research and Development, Immunology Discovery Research, Spring House, PA 19002; and
| | - Michael Croft
- Division of Immune Regulation, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037;
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Lilja-Maula L, Syrjä P, Laurila H, Sutinen E, Palviainen M, Ritvos O, Koli K, Rajamäki M, Myllärniemi M. Upregulation of Alveolar Levels of Activin B, but not Activin A, in Lungs of West Highland White Terriers with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Diffuse Alveolar Damage. J Comp Pathol 2015; 152:192-200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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21
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Loomans HA, Andl CD. Intertwining of Activin A and TGFβ Signaling: Dual Roles in Cancer Progression and Cancer Cell Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 7:70-91. [PMID: 25560921 PMCID: PMC4381251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a significant amount of research has examined the controversial role of activin A in cancer. Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, is best characterized for its function during embryogenesis in mesoderm cell fate differentiation and reproduction. During embryogenesis, TGFβ superfamily ligands, TGFβ, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) and activins, act as potent morphogens. Similar to TGFβs and BMPs, activin A is a protein that is highly systemically expressed during early embryogenesis; however, post-natal expression is overall reduced and remains under strict spatiotemporal regulation. Of importance, normal post-natal expression of activin A has been implicated in the migration and invasive properties of various immune cell types, as well as endometrial cells. Aberrant activin A signaling during development results in significant morphological defects and premature mortality. Interestingly, activin A has been found to have both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles in cancer. Investigations into the role of activin A in prostate and breast cancer has demonstrated tumor suppressive effects, while in lung and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, it has been consistently shown that activin A expression is correlated with increased proliferation, invasion and poor patient prognosis. Activin A signaling is highly context-dependent, which is demonstrated in studies of epithelial cell tumors and the microenvironment. This review discusses normal activin A signaling in comparison to TGFβ and highlights how its dysregulation contributes to cancer progression and cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holli A Loomans
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Claudia D Andl
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Placental trophoblast cell differentiation: Physiological regulation and pathological relevance to preeclampsia. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 34:981-1023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 12/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Seo JH, Yu JH, Suh H, Kim MS, Cho SR. Fibroblast growth factor-2 induced by enriched environment enhances angiogenesis and motor function in chronic hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74405. [PMID: 24098645 PMCID: PMC3787050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of enriched environment (EE) on promoting angiogenesis and neurobehavioral function in an animal model of chronic hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury. HI brain damage was induced in seven day-old CD-1® mice by unilateral carotid artery ligation and exposure to hypoxia (8% O2 for 90 min). At six weeks of age, the mice were randomly assigned to either EE or standard cages (SC) for two months. Rotarod, forelimb-use asymmetry, and grip strength tests were performed to evaluate neurobehavioral function. In order to identify angiogenic growth factors regulated by EE, an array-based multiplex ELISA assay was used to measure the expression in frontal cortex, striatum, and cerebellum. Among the growth factors, the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) was confirmed using western blotting. Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were also evaluated using immunohistochemistry. As a result, mice exposed to EE showed significant improvements in rotarod and ladder walking performances compared to SC controls. The level of FGF-2 was significantly higher in the frontal cortex of EE mice at 8 weeks after treatment in multiplex ELISA and western blot. On the other hand, FGF-2 in the striatum significantly increased at 2 weeks after exposure to EE earlier than in the frontal cortex. Expression of activin A was similarly upregulated as FGF-2 expression pattern. Particularly, all animals treated with FGF-2 neutralizing antibody abolished the beneficial effect of EE on motor performance relative to mice not given anti-FGF-2. Immunohistochemistry showed that densities of α-SMA+ and PECAM-1+ cells in frontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus were significantly increased following EE, suggesting the histological findings exhibit a similar pattern to the upregulation of FGF-2 in the brain. In conclusion, EE enhances endogenous angiogenesis and neurobehavioral functions mediated by upregulation of FGF-2 in chronic hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hwa Seo
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Hea Yu
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwal Suh
- Graduate Program of Nano Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung-Sun Kim
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering/College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Stem Cell Center, Avison Biomedical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Stem Cell Center, Avison Biomedical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
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VEGF in the crosstalk between human adipocytes and smooth muscle cells: depot-specific release from visceral and perivascular adipose tissue. Mediators Inflamm 2013; 2013:982458. [PMID: 23935253 PMCID: PMC3723083 DOI: 10.1155/2013/982458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue secrets adipokines and fatty acids, which may contribute to obesity-associated vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular risk. This study investigated which factors are responsible for the synergistic effect of adipokine and oleic acid- (OA-) induced proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Adipocyte-conditioned medium (CM) from human adipocytes induces proliferation of VSMC in correlation to its vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) content. CM increases VEGF-receptor (VEGF-R) 1 and 2 expression and VEGF secretion of VSMC, while OA only stimulates VEGF secretion. VEGF neutralization abrogates CM- and OA-induced proliferation and considerably reduces proliferation induced by CM and OA in combination. VEGF release is higher from visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of obese subjects compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and VAT from lean controls. Furthermore, VEGF release from VAT correlates with its proliferative effect. Perivascular adipose tissue (PAT) from type 2 diabetic patients releases significantly higher amounts of VEGF and induces stronger proliferation of VSMC as compared to SAT and SAT/PAT of nondiabetics. In conclusion, VEGF is mediating CM-induced proliferation of VSMC. As this adipokine is released in high amounts from VAT of obese patients and PAT of diabetic patients, VEGF might link adipose tissue inflammation to increased VSMC proliferation.
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Keum JH, Kang OH, Kim SB, Mun SH, Seo YS, Kim MR, Rho JR, Lee YS, Park CB, Kim YG, Kim YI, Han SH, Kwon DY. The anti-inflammatory effect of Cheongseoikki-tang ethanol extract on allergic reactions mediated by bone marrow-derived mast cells. Chin J Integr Med 2013; 19:380-6. [PMID: 23494327 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-013-1448-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cheongseoikki-tang (CIT, Korean), also called Qingshu Yiqi decoction () and Seisho-ekki-to (Japanese), is well known as an effective traditional combination of herbs for treating cardiovascular diseases. This study was to research its effects on bone marrow-derived mast cell (BMMC)-mediated allergy and inflammation mechanisms. METHODS In this study, the biological effect of Cheongseoikki-tang ethanol extract (CITE) was evaluated, focusing on its effects on the production of allergic mediators by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187 (A23187)-stimulated BMMCs. These allergic mediators included interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), leukotriene C4 (LTC4), and β-hexosaminidase (β-hex). RESULTS Our data revealed that CITE inhibited the production of IL-6, PGD2, LTC4, and β-hex induced by PMA plus A23187 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION These findings indicate that CITE has the potential for use in the treatment of allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon-Ho Keum
- College of Pharmacy and Wonkwang Oriental Medicines Research Institute, Wonkwang University, Jeonbuk 570-749, Republic of Korea
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Activin, neutrophils, and inflammation: just coincidence? Semin Immunopathol 2013; 35:481-99. [PMID: 23385857 PMCID: PMC7101603 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-013-0365-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
During the 26 years that have elapsed since its discovery, activin-A, a member of the transforming growth factor β super-family originally discovered from its capacity to stimulate follicle-stimulating hormone production by cultured pituitary gonadotropes, has been established as a key regulator of various fundamental biological processes, such as development, homeostasis, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. Deregulated expression of activin-A has been observed in several human diseases characterized by an immuno-inflammatory and/or tissue remodeling component in their pathophysiology. Various cell types have been recognized as sources of activin-A, and plentiful, occasionally contradicting, functions have been described mainly by in vitro studies. Not surprisingly, both harmful and protective roles have been postulated for activin-A in the context of several disorders. Recent findings have further expanded the functional repertoire of this molecule demonstrating that its ectopic overexpression in mouse airways can cause pathology that simulates faithfully human acute respiratory distress syndrome, a disorder characterized by strong involvement of neutrophils. This finding when considered together with the recent discovery that neutrophils constitute an important source of activin-A in vivo and earlier observations of upregulated activin-A expression in diseases characterized by strong activation of neutrophils may collectively imply a more intimate link between activin-A expression and neutrophil reactivity. In this review, we provide an outline of the functional repertoire of activin-A and suggest that this growth factor functions as a guardian of homeostasis, a modulator of immunity and an orchestrator of tissue repair activities. In this context, a relationship between activin-A and neutrophils may be anything but coincidental.
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de Kretser DM, O'Hehir RE, Hardy CL, Hedger MP. The roles of activin A and its binding protein, follistatin, in inflammation and tissue repair. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 359:101-6. [PMID: 22037168 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily of cytokines, is a critical controller of inflammation, immunity and fibrosis. It is rapidly released into the blood following a lipopolysaccharide challenge in experimental animals, through activation of the Toll-like receptor 4 signalling pathway. Blocking activin action by pre-treatment with its binding protein, follistatin, modifies the inflammatory cytokine cascade, and reduces the severity of the subsequent inflammatory response and mortality. Likewise, high serum levels of activin A are predictive of death in patients with septicaemia. However, activin A has complex immunomodulatory actions. It is produced by inflammatory macrophages, but can regulate either pro- or anti-inflammatory responses in these cells, depending on their prior activation status. Activin A is also produced by Th2 cells, and stimulates antibody production by B cells and the development of regulatory T cells. Production of activin A during inflammatory responses stimulates fibrosis and tissue remodelling, and follistatin inhibits these actions of activin A. The modulation of activin by follistatin may represent an important therapeutic target for the modulation and amelioration of inflammatory and fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M de Kretser
- Monash Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Clayton Victoria 3800, Australia.
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Budd DC, Holmes AM. Targeting TGFβ superfamily ligand accessory proteins as novel therapeutics for chronic lung disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 135:279-91. [PMID: 22722064 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathway has been implicated to underlie a number of disease indications including chronic lung disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial pneumonias, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Consequently, the pharmaceutical industry has devoted significant resources in the pursuit of TGFβ pathway inhibitors that target the cognate type I and II receptors and respective ligands. The progress of these approaches has been painfully slow, due in part to dose-limiting safety issues that result from the antagonism of a pathway that is responsible for regulating many fundamental biological processes including immune surveillance and cardiovascular responses. These disappointments have led many in the field to conclude that modulating the TGFβ pathway for chronic indications with a sufficient safety window using conventional approaches may be extremely difficult to achieve. Here we review the rationale and limitations of the use of TGFβ pathway inhibitors in chronic lung disorders and the possibility of targeting TGFβ superfamily ligand accessory proteins to allow rheostatic regulation of signaling to achieve efficacy while maintaining a sufficient therapeutic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Budd
- Respiratory Drug Discovery, Inflammation, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA.
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Molnár V, Érsek B, Wiener Z, Tömböl Z, Szabó PM, Igaz P, Falus A. MicroRNA-132 targets HB-EGF upon IgE-mediated activation in murine and human mast cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:793-808. [PMID: 21853268 PMCID: PMC11114963 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0786-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs provide an additional layer in the regulation of gene expression acting as repressors with several targets at the posttranscriptional level. This study describes microRNA expression patterns during differentiation and activation of mast cells. The expression levels of 567 different mouse miRNAs were compared by microarray between c-Kit+ committed progenitors, mucosal mast cells, resting and IgE-crosslinked BMMCs in vitro. The strongest upregulation of miR-132 upon IgE-mediated activation was validated in human cord blood-derived mast cells as well. HB-EGF growth factor also upregulated upon activation and was ranked high by more prediction algorithms. Co-transfection of miR-132 mimicking precursor and the 3'UTR of human Hbegf-containing luciferase vector proves that the predicted binding site is functional. In line with this, neutralization of miR-132 by anti-miR inhibitor leads to sustained production of HB-EGF protein in activated mast cells. Our data provide a novel example for negative regulation of a growth factor by an upregulated miRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Molnár
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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30
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Apostolou E, Stavropoulos A, Sountoulidis A, Xirakia C, Giaglis S, Protopapadakis E, Ritis K, Mentzelopoulos S, Pasternack A, Foster M, Ritvos O, Tzelepis GE, Andreakos E, Sideras P. Activin-A Overexpression in the Murine Lung Causes Pathology That Simulates Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2012; 185:382-91. [DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201105-0784oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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31
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Cho JY. Recent advances in mechanisms and treatments of airway remodeling in asthma: a message from the bench side to the clinic. Korean J Intern Med 2011; 26:367-83. [PMID: 22205837 PMCID: PMC3245385 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2011.26.4.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway remodeling in asthma is a result of persistent inflammation and epithelial damage in response to repetitive injury. Recent studies have identified several important mediators associated with airway remodeling in asthma, including transforming growth factor-β, interleukin (IL)-5, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, LIGHT, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, IL-33, and IL-25. In addition, the epithelium mesenchymal transformation (EMT) induced by environmental factors may play an important role in initiating this process. Diagnostic methods using sputum and blood biomarkers as well as radiological interventions have been developed to distinguish between asthma sub-phenotypes. Human clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate biological therapies that target individual inflammatory cells or mediators including anti IgE, anti IL-5, and anti TNF-α. Furthermore, new drugs such as c-kit/platelet-derived growth factor receptor kinase inhibitors, endothelin-1 receptor antagonists, calcium channel inhibitors, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have been developed to treat asthma-related symptoms. In addition to targeting specific inflammatory cells or mediators, preventing the initiation of EMT may be important for targeted treatment. Interestingly, bronchial thermoplasty reduces smooth muscle mass in patients with severe asthma and improves asthma-specific quality of life, particularly by reducing severe exacerbation and healthcare use. A wide range of different therapeutic approaches has been developed to address the immunological processes of asthma and to treat this complex chronic illness. An important future direction may be to investigate the role of mediators involved in the development of airway remodeling to enhance asthma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Youn Cho
- Division of Allergy/Immunology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093-0635, USA.
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Abstract
Activins are the members of transforming growth factor β superfamily and act as secreted proteins; they were originally identified with a reproductive function, acting as endocrine-derived regulators of pituitary follicular stimulating hormone. In recent years, additional functions of activins have been discovered, including a regulatory role during crucial phases of growth, differentiation, and development such as wound healing, tissue repair, and regulation of branching morphogenesis. The functions of activins through activin receptors are pleiotrophic, while involving in the etiology and pathogenesis of a variety of diseases and being cell type-specific, they have been identified as important players in cancer metastasis, immune responses, inflammation, and are most likely involved in cell migration. In this chapter, we highlight the current knowledge of activin signaling and discuss the potential physiological and pathological roles of activins acting on the migration of various cell types.
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Hedger MP, Winnall WR, Phillips DJ, de Kretser DM. The regulation and functions of activin and follistatin in inflammation and immunity. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2011; 85:255-97. [PMID: 21353885 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385961-7.00013-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The activins are members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily with broad and complex effects on cell growth and differentiation. Activin A has long been known to be a critical regulator of inflammation and immunity, and similar roles are now emerging for activin B, with which it shares 65% sequence homology. These molecules and their binding protein, follistatin, are widely expressed, and their production is increased in many acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Synthesis and release of the activins are stimulated by inflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptor ligands, and oxidative stress. The activins interact with heterodimeric serine/threonine kinase receptor complexes to activate SMAD transcription factors and the MAP kinase signaling pathways, which mediate inflammation, stress, and immunity. Follistatin binds to the activins with high affinity, thereby obstructing the activin receptor binding site, and targets them to cell surface proteoglycans and lysosomal degradation. Studies on transgenic mice and those with gene knockouts, together with blocking studies using exogenous follistatin, have established that activin A plays critical roles in the onset of cachexia, acute and chronic inflammatory responses such as septicemia, colitis and asthma, and fibrosis. However, activin A also directs the development of monocyte/macrophages, myeloid dendritic cells, and T cell subsets to promote type 2 and regulatory immune responses. The ability of both endogenous and exogenous follistatin to block the proinflammatory and profibrotic actions of activin A has led to interest in this binding protein as a potential therapeutic for limiting the severity of disease and to improve subsequent damage associated with inflammation and fibrosis. However, the ability of activin A to sculpt the subsequent immune response as well means that the full range of effects that might arise from blocking activin bioactivity will need to be considered in any therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Hedger
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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When versatility matters: activins/inhibins as key regulators of immunity. Immunol Cell Biol 2011; 90:137-48. [DOI: 10.1038/icb.2011.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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35
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Tumour necrosis factor‐α stimulates human neutrophils to release preformed activin A. Immunol Cell Biol 2011; 89:889-96. [DOI: 10.1038/icb.2011.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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36
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37
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Ebert S, Nau R, Michel U. Role of activin in bacterial infections: a potential target for immunointervention? Immunotherapy 2010; 2:673-84. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.10.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe bacterial infections such as sepsis and meningitis still kill or severely injure people despite the use of bactericidal antibiotics. Therefore, new strategies for a better therapy are needed. Activin A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily and its binding protein follistatin (FS) are released by various cell types during acute and chronic inflammatory processes. Until now, a clear definition of conditions in which activin A exerts either its pro- or anti-inflammatory functions is lacking. The activin/FS-system participates in the fine-tuning of the host’s inflammatory response upon infectious stimuli. This response is on the one hand necessary for fighting pathogens, but on the other hand can negatively affect the host. This article focuses on the role of activin A and FS in infection and after acute inflammatory stimuli. The therapeutic potentials of blocking or promoting activin actions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roland Nau
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Geriatrics, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Göttingen-Weende, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Michel
- Department of Neurology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Jackson DJ, Johnston SL. The role of viruses in acute exacerbations of asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010; 125:1178-87; quiz 1188-9. [PMID: 20513517 PMCID: PMC7172767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Viral respiratory infections are the most common cause of an acute asthma exacerbation in both children and adults and represent a significant global health burden. An increasing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that these infections cause a greater degree of morbidity in asthmatic subjects than in the healthy population, emphasizing a discrepancy in the antiviral response of asthmatics. In this review we discuss why such a discrepancy might exist, examining the role of the bronchial epithelium as well as the main inflammatory cells, mediators, and molecular pathways that are involved in the immune response. In addition, the potential impact of virus-induced asthma exacerbations on airway remodelling is reviewed and we explore which therapeutic options might be of benefit in preventing the deterioration of asthma control seen following viral infection.
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Key Words
- asthma
- acute exacerbation
- virus
- bal, bronchoalveolar lavage
- bec, bronchial epithelial cell
- fgf, fibroblast growth factor
- hrv, human rhinovirus
- icam-1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1
- ip-10, interferon-inducible protein 10
- irf, interferon regulatory factor
- nf-κb, nuclear factor kappa b
- prr, pattern-recognition receptor
- socs1, suppressor of cytokine signaling 1
- tlr, toll-like receptor
- vegf, vascular endothelial growth factor
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Jackson
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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IMAMURA T, ISHIZUKA O, YAMAMOTO T, GOTOH M, NISHIZAWA O. Bone Marrow-Derived Cells Implanted into Freeze-Injured Urinary Bladders Reconstruct Functional Smooth Muscle Layers. Low Urin Tract Symptoms 2010; 2:1-10. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1757-5672.2010.00066.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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40
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Imamura T, Yamamoto T, Ishizuka O, Gotoh M, Nishizawa O. The Microenvironment of Freeze-Injured Mouse Urinary Bladders Enables Successful Tissue Engineering. Tissue Eng Part A 2009; 15:3367-75. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2009.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Imamura
- Department of Urology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tokunori Yamamoto
- Department of Urology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Osamu Ishizuka
- Department of Urology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Momokazu Gotoh
- Department of Urology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Osamu Nishizawa
- Department of Urology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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41
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Saito H. [Role of mast cells in airway remodeling of asthma]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2009; 134:64-67. [PMID: 19671999 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.134.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
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Hardy CL, Lemasurier JS, Olsson F, Dang T, Yao J, Yang M, Plebanski M, Phillips DJ, Mollard R, Rolland JM, O'Hehir RE. Interleukin-13 regulates secretion of the tumor growth factor-{beta} superfamily cytokine activin A in allergic airway inflammation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2009; 42:667-75. [PMID: 19635933 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2008-0429oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily and plays a role in allergic inflammation and asthma pathogenesis. Recent evidence suggests that activin A regulates proinflammatory cytokine production and is regulated by inflammatory mediators. In a murine model of acute allergic airway inflammation, we observed previously that increased activin A concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid coincide with Th2 cytokine production in lung-draining lymph nodes and pronounced mucus metaplasia in bronchial epithelium. We therefore hypothesized that IL-13, the key cytokine for mucus production, regulates activin A secretion into BAL fluid in experimental asthma. IL-13 increased BAL fluid activin A concentrations in naive mice and dose dependently induced activin A secretion from cultured human airway epithelium. A key role for IL-13 in the secretion of activin A into the BAL fluid during allergic airway inflammation was confirmed in IL-13-deficient mice. Eosinophils were not involved in this response because there was no difference in BAL fluid activin A concentrations between wild-type and eosinophil-deficient mice. Our data highlight an important role for IL-13 in the regulation of activin A intraepithelially and in BAL fluid in naive mice and during allergic airway inflammation. Given the immunomodulatory and fibrogenic effects of activin A, our findings suggest an important role for IL-13 regulation of activin A in asthma pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles L Hardy
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia.
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Barna BP, Malur A, Dalrymple H, Karnekar R, Culver DA, Abraham S, Singh RJ, Brescia D, Kavuru MS, Thomassen MJ. A novel 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D–activin A pathway in human alveolar macrophages is dysfunctional in patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). Autoimmunity 2009; 42:56-62. [DOI: 10.1080/08916930802316277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
Activin was discovered in the 1980s as a gonadal protein that stimulated FSH release from pituitary gonadotropes and was thought of as a reproductive hormone. In the ensuing decades, many additional activities of activin were described and it was found to be produced in a wide variety of cell types at nearly all stages of development. Its signaling and actions are regulated intracellularly and by extracellular antagonists. Over the past 5 years, a number of important advances have been made that clarify our understanding of the structural basis for signaling and regulation, as well as the biological roles of activin in stem cells, embryonic development and in adults. These include the crystallization of activin in complex with the activin type II receptor ActRIIB, or with the binding proteins follistatin and follistatin-like 3, as well as identification of activin's roles in gonadal sex development, follicle development, luteolysis, beta-cell proliferation and function in the islet, stem cell pluripotency and differentiation into different cell types and in immune cells. These advances are reviewed to provide perspective for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Xia
- Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Huber S, Stahl FR, Schrader J, Lüth S, Presser K, Carambia A, Flavell RA, Werner S, Blessing M, Herkel J, Schramm C. Activin A Promotes the TGF-β-Induced Conversion of CD4+CD25− T Cells into Foxp3+ Induced Regulatory T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:4633-40. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0803143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Yndestad A, Larsen KO, Øie E, Ueland T, Smith C, Halvorsen B, Sjaastad I, Skjønsberg OH, Pedersen TM, Anfinsen OG, Damås JK, Christensen G, Aukrust P, Andreassen AK. Elevated levels of activin A in clinical and experimental pulmonary hypertension. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2009; 106:1356-64. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.90719.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, is involved in regulation of tissue remodeling and inflammation. Herein, we wanted to explore a role for activin A in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Circulating levels of activin A and its binding protein follistatin were measured in patients with PH ( n = 47) and control subjects ( n = 14). To investigate synthesis and localization of pulmonary activin A, we utilized an experimental model of hypoxia-induced PH. In mouse lungs, we also explored signaling pathways that can be activated by activin A, such as phosphorylation of Smads, which are mediators of TGF-β signaling. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms initiated by activin A were explored by exposing pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells in culture to this cytokine. Elevated levels of activin A and follistatin were found in patients with PH, and activin A levels were significantly related to mortality. Immunohistochemistry of lung autopsies from PH patients and lungs with experimental PH localized activin A primarily to alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells. Mice with PH exhibited increased pulmonary levels of mRNA for activin A and follistatin in the lungs, and also elevated pulmonary levels of phosphorylated Smad2. Finally, we found that activin A increased proliferation and induced gene expression of endothelin-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, mediators that could contribute to vascular remodeling. Our findings in both clinical and experimental studies suggest a role for activin A in the development of various types of PH.
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Phillips DJ, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP. Activin and related proteins in inflammation: not just interested bystanders. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2009; 20:153-64. [PMID: 19261538 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2009.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, is released rapidly into the circulation during inflammation. This review examines the evidence that activin is a critical mediator of inflammation and immunity. Activin modulates several aspects of the inflammatory response, including release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide production and immune cell activity. Crucially, inhibiting activin with follistatin, a high affinity binding protein, alters the pattern of cytokines released and improves survival in a mouse model of endotoxic shock. Serum and tissue concentrations of activin are elevated in a wide range of pathological conditions. The utility of activin as a diagnostic marker of clinical inflammation and the use of follistatin to block activin actions therapeutically are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Phillips
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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Tsuchiya K, Isogai S, Tamaoka M, Inase N, Akashi T, Martin JG, Yoshizawa Y. Depletion of CD8+ T cells enhances airway remodelling in a rodent model of asthma. Immunology 2009; 126:45-54. [PMID: 18564065 PMCID: PMC2632694 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2008.02876.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 05/06/2008] [Accepted: 05/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway remodelling is induced by persistent airway inflammation and may lead to severe asthma. T cells play a pivotal role in asthmatic airway inflammation but their role in remodelling is poorly understood. Although previous studies have revealed that CD8(+) T cells inhibit the late airway response and airway inflammation in a rat model of asthma, their effects on airway remodelling have not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine the role of CD8(+) T cells in airway remodelling. Brown Norway rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) on day 0. CD8(+) T cells in rats were depleted during the repeated challenges by treating them with a CD8alpha monoclonal antibody (OX-8). Control rats were treated with mouse ascites. Sensitized rats were challenged with OVA on days 14, 19 and 24 or were sham challenged with phosphate-buffered saline. On day 29, bronchoalveolar lavage and lung tissues were harvested. Repeated OVA inhalations evoked significant increases in the numbers of periodic acid-Schiff-positive epithelial cells and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive epithelial cells, and in airway smooth muscle mass compared to the control group. CD8-depleted rats had significant enhancement of these changes, principally affecting the large airways. These results suggest that endogenous CD8(+) T cells have inhibitory effects on airway remodelling in this model of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimitake Tsuchiya
- Department of Integrated Pulmonology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Nakayama M, Mitsuhashi T, Shimizu Y, Ishihara O, Shimizu M. Pathological evaluation of uterine leiomyomas treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) therapy: role of mast cells and a possible mechanism of GnRH-a resistance in leiomyomas. Pathol Int 2008; 58:268-74. [PMID: 18429824 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1827.2008.02222.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) therapy is frequently applied to reduce the volume of uterine leiomyomas (UL). In addition, the possible relationship between mast cells (MC) within UL and the development of UL has been suggested, but the role of MC in UL remains to be determined. UL with or without GnRH-a therapy in 121 premenopausal patients were reviewed. The number of MC was evaluated between the two groups, immunohistochemistry was done for insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and the association between the IGF-I immunoreactivity in UL and the GnRH-a therapy was analyzed. The number of MC significantly increased in UL in GnRH-a therapy, while IGF-I immunoreactivity was significantly reduced in smooth muscle cells of these UL. Furthermore, IGF-I immunoreactivity in MC was inversely correlated with the size reduction rate of UL in GnRH-a therapy. Although GnRH-a therapy is considered to reduce the size of UL transiently, the regression of UL was in part hampered by the increased IGF-I secretion from the increased MC after GnRH-a therapy. Therefore, the more the IGF-I secretion from MC in UL increases, the less effective the GnRH-a therapy is on the size reduction of UL. Thus, the present study may provide an explanation of the possible mechanism of GnRH-a resistance in UL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Nakayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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Human rhinovirus infection enhances airway epithelial cell production of growth factors involved in airway remodeling. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008; 121:1238-1245.e4. [PMID: 18355907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.01.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2007] [Revised: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood human rhinovirus (HRV) infections are associated with an increased risk of asthma. We reasoned that HRV infections might be important in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling, thereby providing a mechanism by which these children are at risk of asthma. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether HRV infection of airway epithelial cells regulates production of growth factors associated with airway remodeling and to determine whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was upregulated in airways during HRV-induced natural colds. METHODS Cultured human airway epithelial cells were infected with HRV. Amphiregulin, activin A, and VEGF protein levels were assayed by means of ELISA, and VEGF mRNA was quantified by using real-time RT-PCR. Pharmacologic inhibitors were used to assess the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappaB pathways. Nasal lavage samples from subjects with confirmed natural HRV infections were assayed for VEGF protein and compared with baseline levels and with control levels. RESULTS HRV infection upregulated amphiregulin, activin A, and VEGF protein levels compared with control media (P < .05). VEGF gene expression was maximally induced 3 hours after infection. HRV-induced generation of VEGF was regulated by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathways but did not depend on nuclear factor kappaB activation. In subjects with HRV infections, VEGF levels during peak cold symptoms were significantly higher than at baseline (P = .005) or in control subjects (P < .01). CONCLUSION HRV-16 infection upregulates amphiregulin, activin A, and VEGF in airway epithelial cells, and HRV infections in vivo upregulate airway VEGF production.
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