1
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Sun J, Luo J, Jiang F, Zhao J, Zhou S, Wang L, Zhang D, Ding Y, Li X. Exploring the cross-cancer effect of circulating proteins and discovering potential intervention targets for 13 site-specific cancers. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:565-573. [PMID: 38039160 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proteome is an important reservoir of potential therapeutic targets for cancer. This study aimed to examine the causal associations between plasma proteins and cancer risk and to identify proteins with cross-cancer effects. METHODS Genetic instruments for 3991 plasma proteins were extracted from a large-scale proteomic study. Summary-level data of 13 site-specific cancers were derived from publicly available datasets. Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization and colocalization analyses were used to investigate the causal effect of circulating proteins on cancers. Protein-protein interactions and druggability assessment were conducted to prioritize potential therapeutic targets. Finally, systematical Mendelian randomization analysis between healthy lifestyle factors and cancer-related proteins was conducted to identify which proteins could act as interventional targets by lifestyle changes. RESULTS Genetically determined circulating levels of 58 proteins were statistically significantly associated with 7 site-specific cancers. A total of 39 proteins were prioritized by colocalization, of them, 11 proteins (ADPGK, CD86, CLSTN3, CSF2RA, CXCL10, GZMM, IL6R, NCR3, SIGLEC5, SIGLEC14, and TAPBP) were observed to have cross-cancer effects. Notably, 5 of these identified proteins (CD86, CSF2RA, CXCL10, IL6R, and TAPBP) have been targeted for drug development in cancer therapy; 8 proteins (ADPGK, CD86, CXCL10, GZMM, IL6R, SIGLEC5, SIGLEC14, TAPBP) could be modulated by healthy lifestyles. CONCLUSION Our study identified 39 circulating protein biomarkers with convincing causal evidence for 7 site-specific cancers, with 11 proteins demonstrating cross-cancer effects, and prioritized the proteins as potential intervention targets by either drugs or lifestyle changes, which provided new insights into the etiology, prevention, and treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, and Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, the School of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fangyuan Jiang
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, and Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianhui Zhao
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, and Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siyun Zhou
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, and Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, the School of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuan Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, and Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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2
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Cigalotto L, Martinvalet D. Granzymes in health and diseases: the good, the bad and the ugly. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371743. [PMID: 38646541 PMCID: PMC11026543 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Granzymes are a family of serine proteases, composed of five human members: GA, B, H, M and K. They were first discovered in the 1980s within cytotoxic granules released during NK cell- and T cell-mediated killing. Through their various proteolytic activities, granzymes can trigger different pathways within cells, all of which ultimately lead to the same result, cell death. Over the years, the initial consideration of granzymes as mere cytotoxic mediators has changed due to surprising findings demonstrating their expression in cells other than immune effectors as well as new intracellular and extracellular activities. Additional roles have been identified in the extracellular milieu, following granzyme escape from the immunological synapse or their release by specific cell types. Outside the cell, granzyme activities mediate extracellular matrix alteration via the degradation of matrix proteins or surface receptors. In certain contexts, these processes are essential for tissue homeostasis; in others, excessive matrix degradation and extensive cell death contribute to the onset of chronic diseases, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Here, we provide an overview of both the physiological and pathological roles of granzymes, highlighting their utility while also recognizing how their unregulated presence can trigger the development and/or worsening of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Cigalotto
- Laboratory of Reactive Oxygen Species and Cytotoxic Immunity, Department Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute Of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Denis Martinvalet
- Laboratory of Reactive Oxygen Species and Cytotoxic Immunity, Department Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute Of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
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3
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Zheng Y, Zhao J, Shan Y, Guo S, Schrodi SJ, He D. Role of the granzyme family in rheumatoid arthritis: Current Insights and future perspectives. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1137918. [PMID: 36875082 PMCID: PMC9977805 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1137918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation that affects synovial tissues of multiple joints. Granzymes (Gzms) are serine proteases that are released into the immune synapse between cytotoxic lymphocytes and target cells. They enter target cells with the help of perforin to induce programmed cell death in inflammatory and tumor cells. Gzms may have a connection with RA. First, increased levels of Gzms have been found in the serum (GzmB), plasma (GzmA, GzmB), synovial fluid (GzmB, GzmM), and synovial tissue (GzmK) of patients with RA. Moreover, Gzms may contribute to inflammation by degrading the extracellular matrix and promoting cytokine release. They are thought to be involved in RA pathogenesis and have the potential to be used as biomarkers for RA diagnosis, although their exact role is yet to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current knowledge regarding the possible role of the granzyme family in RA, with the aim of providing a reference for future research on the mechanisms of RA and the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Shan
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shicheng Guo
- Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Steven J Schrodi
- Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dongyi He
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China
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4
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Goyal N, Barai A, Sen S, Kondabagil K. Amoebal Tubulin Cleavage Late during Infection Is a Characteristic Feature of Mimivirus but Not of Marseillevirus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0275322. [PMID: 36453900 PMCID: PMC9769910 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02753-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mimivirus and Marseillevirus infections of Acanthamoeba castellanii, like most other viral infections, induce cytopathic effects (CPE). The details of how they bring about CPE and to what extent and how they modify the host cytoskeletal network are unclear. In this study, we compared the rearrangement of the host cytoskeletal network induced by Mimivirus and Marseillevirus upon infection. We show that while both Mimivirus and Marseillevirus infections of A. castellanii cells cause retraction of acanthopodia and depolymerization of the host actin filament network, the Mimivirus infection also results in characteristic cleavage of the host tubulin, a phenomenon not previously reported with any intracellular pathogens. Furthermore, we show that the amoebal tubulin cleavage during Mimivirus infection is a post-replicative event. Because time-lapse microscopy showed that Mimivirus infection leads to the bursting of cells, releasing the virus, we hypothesize that tubulin cleavage together with actin depolymerization during the later stages of Mimivirus assembly is essential for cell lysis due to apoptotic/necrotic cell death. We also characterize the Mimivirus-encoded gp560, a Zn metalloprotease, however, the purified gp560 protein was unable to cleave the commercially available porcine brain tubulin. While protein synthesis is essential for causing the morphological changes in the case of Mimivirus, the proteins which are packaged in the viral capsid along with the genome are sufficient to induce CPE in the case of Marseillevirus. IMPORTANCE In general, intracellular pathogens target the cytoskeletal network to enable their life cycle inside the host. Pathogen-induced changes in the host cell morphology usually accompany global changes in the cytoskeleton resulting in cytopathic effects. While viruses have been shown to use the host actin cytoskeleton for entry and transport during early infection, the role of microtubules in the viral life cycle is only beginning to emerge. Here, we show that the giant viruses Mimivirus and Marseillevirus both induce depolymerization of the actin filament, Mimivirus also causes a characteristic cleavage of tubulin not previously reported for any intracellular pathogen. Because tubulin cleavage occurs late during infection, we hypothesize that tubulin cleavage aids in cell death and lysis rather than establishing infection. The different strategies used by viruses with similar host niches may help them survive in competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Goyal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Amlan Barai
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Shamik Sen
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Kiran Kondabagil
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
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5
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Richardson KC, Jung K, Pardo J, Turner CT, Granville DJ. Noncytotoxic Roles of Granzymes in Health and Disease. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022; 37:323-348. [PMID: 35820180 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00011.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Granzymes are serine proteases previously believed to play exclusive and somewhat redundant roles in lymphocyte-mediated target cell death. However, recent studies have challenged this paradigm. Distinct substrate profiles and functions have since emerged for each granzyme while their dysregulated proteolytic activities have been linked to diverse pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katlyn C Richardson
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen Jung
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julian Pardo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatrics and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Christopher T Turner
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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6
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de Jong LC, Crnko S, ten Broeke T, Bovenschen N. Noncytotoxic functions of killer cell granzymes in viral infections. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009818. [PMID: 34529743 PMCID: PMC8445437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic lymphocytes produce granules armed with a set of 5 serine proteases (granzymes (Gzms)), which, together with the pore-forming protein (perforin), serve as a major defense against viral infections in humans. This granule-exocytosis pathway subsumes a well-established mechanism in which target cell death is induced upon perforin-mediated entry of Gzms and subsequent activation of various (apoptosis) pathways. In the past decade, however, a growing body of evidence demonstrated that Gzms also inhibit viral replication and potential reactivation in cell death–independent manners. For example, Gzms can induce proteolysis of viral or host cell proteins necessary for the viral entry, release, or intracellular trafficking, as well as augment pro-inflammatory antiviral cytokine response. In this review, we summarize current evidence for the noncytotoxic mechanisms and roles by which killer cells can use Gzms to combat viral infections, and we discuss the potential thereof for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne C. de Jong
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Crnko
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Toine ten Broeke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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7
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Zhu Y, Xie J, Shi J. Rac1/ROCK-driven membrane dynamics promote natural killer cell cytotoxicity via granzyme-induced necroptosis. BMC Biol 2021; 19:140. [PMID: 34325694 PMCID: PMC8323222 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in cancer immunosurveillance and therapy. However, the target selectivity of NK cell activity is still poorly understood. RESULTS Here, we used live-cell reporters to unravel differential epithelial cancer target killing by primary human NK cells. We found highly variable fractions of killing by distinct NK cell cytotoxic modes that were not determined by NK ligand expression. Rather, epithelial plasma membrane dynamics driven by ROCK-mediated blebs and/or Rac1-mediated lamellipodia promoted necrotic mode in preference to the apoptotic mode of killing. Inhibition of granzyme B and key necroptosis regulators RIP1, RIP3, and MLKL significantly attenuated the necrotic killing, revealing a novel NK cell cytotoxic pathway by granzyme-induced necroptosis that conferred target selectivity. CONCLUSIONS Our results not only elucidate a new NK cell effector mechanism but also suggest that tissue microenvironment and oncogenic signaling pathways that promote membrane dynamics, e.g., Rac1 and Rho/ROCK, could be exploited to enhance proinflammatory NK cell killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Zhu
- Center for Quantitative Systems Biology, Department of Physics and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Xie
- Center for Quantitative Systems Biology, Department of Physics and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jue Shi
- Center for Quantitative Systems Biology, Department of Physics and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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8
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Cantoni C, Wurzer H, Thomas C, Vitale M. Escape of tumor cells from the NK cell cytotoxic activity. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1339-1360. [PMID: 32930468 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2mr0820-652r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, NK cells, initially identified as potent cytotoxic effector cells, have revealed an unexpected complexity, both at phenotypic and functional levels. The discovery of different NK cell subsets, characterized by distinct gene expression and phenotypes, was combined with the characterization of the diverse functions NK cells can exert, not only as circulating cells, but also as cells localized or recruited in lymphoid organs and in multiple tissues. Besides the elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells, these functions include the production of cytokines and chemokines, the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, the influence on tissue homeostasis. In addition, NK cells display a remarkable functional plasticity, being able to adapt to the environment and to develop a kind of memory. Nevertheless, the powerful cytotoxic activity of NK cells remains one of their most relevant properties, particularly in the antitumor response. In this review, the process of tumor cell recognition and killing mediated by NK cells, starting from the generation of cytolytic granules and recognition of target cell, to the establishment of the NK cell immunological synapse, the release of cytotoxic molecules, and consequent tumor cell death is described. Next, the review focuses on the heterogeneous mechanisms, either intrinsic to tumors or induced by the tumor microenvironment, by which cancer cells can escape the NK cell-mediated attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hannah Wurzer
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
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9
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Sordo-Bahamonde C, Lorenzo-Herrero S, Payer ÁR, Gonzalez S, López-Soto A. Mechanisms of Apoptosis Resistance to NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103726. [PMID: 32466293 PMCID: PMC7279491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are major contributors to immunosurveillance and control of tumor development by inducing apoptosis of malignant cells. Among the main mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, the death receptor pathway and the release of granules containing perforin/granzymes stand out due to their efficacy in eliminating tumor cells. However, accumulated evidence suggest a profound immune suppression in the context of tumor progression affecting effector cells, such as NK cells, leading to decreased cytotoxicity. This diminished capability, together with the development of resistance to apoptosis by cancer cells, favor the loss of immunogenicity and promote immunosuppression, thus partially inducing NK cell-mediated killing resistance. Altered expression patterns of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins along with genetic background comprise the main mechanisms of resistance to NK cell-related apoptosis. Herein, we summarize the main effector cytotoxic mechanisms against tumor cells, as well as the major resistance strategies acquired by tumor cells that hamper the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways related to NK cell-mediated killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sordo-Bahamonde
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.-B.); (A.L.-S.)
| | - Seila Lorenzo-Herrero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ángel R. Payer
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandro López-Soto
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.-B.); (A.L.-S.)
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10
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Shan L, Li S, Meeldijk J, Blijenberg B, Hendriks A, van Boxtel KJWM, van den Berg SPH, Groves IJ, Potts M, Svrlanska A, Stamminger T, Wills MR, Bovenschen N. Killer cell proteases can target viral immediate-early proteins to control human cytomegalovirus infection in a noncytotoxic manner. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008426. [PMID: 32282833 PMCID: PMC7179929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most frequent viral cause of congenital defects and can trigger devastating disease in immune-suppressed patients. Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells and NK cells) control HCMV infection by releasing interferon-γ and five granzymes (GrA, GrB, GrH, GrK, GrM), which are believed to kill infected host cells through cleavage of intracellular death substrates. However, it has recently been demonstrated that the in vivo killing capacity of cytotoxic T cells is limited and multiple T cell hits are required to kill a single virus-infected cell. This raises the question whether cytotoxic lymphocytes can use granzymes to control HCMV infection in a noncytotoxic manner. Here, we demonstrate that (primary) cytotoxic lymphocytes can block HCMV dissemination independent of host cell death, and interferon-α/β/γ. Prior to killing, cytotoxic lymphocytes induce the degradation of viral immediate-early (IE) proteins IE1 and IE2 in HCMV-infected cells. Intriguingly, both IE1 and/or IE2 are directly proteolyzed by all human granzymes, with GrB and GrM being most efficient. GrB and GrM cleave IE1 after Asp398 and Leu414, respectively, likely resulting in IE1 aberrant cellular localization, IE1 instability, and functional impairment of IE1 to interfere with the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Furthermore, GrB and GrM cleave IE2 after Asp184 and Leu173, respectively, resulting in IE2 aberrant cellular localization and functional abolishment of IE2 to transactivate the HCMV UL112 early promoter. Taken together, our data indicate that cytotoxic lymphocytes can also employ noncytotoxic ways to control HCMV infection, which may be explained by granzyme-mediated targeting of indispensable viral proteins during lytic infection. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading viral cause of congenital defects, can trigger disease in immune-compromised patients, and plays roles in cancer development. Cytotoxic lymphocytes kill HCMV-infected cells via releasing a set of five cytotoxic serine proteases called granzymes. However, the killing capacity of cytotoxic cells is limited and multiple T cell hits are required to kill a single virus-infected cell. This raises the question whether cytotoxic lymphocytes can use granzymes to control HCMV infection in a noncytotoxic manner. Here, we show that cytotoxic lymphocytes can also use granzymes to inhibit HCMV replication in absence of cell death. All five granzymes cleave and inactivate both viral immediate-early (IE1/2) proteins, which are essential players for initiating HCMV infection. Our data support the model that cytotoxic cells employ granzymes to dampen HCMV replication prior to accumulation of sufficient hits to kill the infected cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Shan
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Meeldijk
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bernadet Blijenberg
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid Hendriks
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ian J. Groves
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Potts
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Adriana Svrlanska
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Mark R. Wills
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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11
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Granzyme B Is an Essential Mediator in CD8 + T Cell Killing of Theileria parva-Infected Cells. Infect Immun 2018; 87:IAI.00386-18. [PMID: 30323022 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00386-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is established evidence that cytotoxic CD8+ T cells are important mediators of immunity against the bovine intracellular protozoan parasite Theileria parva However, the mechanism by which the specific CD8+ T cells kill parasitized cells is not understood. Although the predominant pathway used by human and murine CD8+ T cells to kill pathogen-infected cells is granule exocytosis, involving the release of perforin and granzyme B, there is to date a lack of published information on the biological activities of bovine granzyme B. The present study set out to define the functional activities of bovine granzyme B and determine its role in mediating the killing of T. parva-parasitized cells. DNA constructs encoding functional and nonfunctional forms of bovine granzyme B were produced, and the proteins expressed in Cos-7 cells were used to establish an enzymatic assay to detect and quantify the expression of functional granzyme B protein. Using this assay, the levels of killing of different T. parva-specific CD8+ T cell clones were found to be significantly correlated with the levels of granzyme B protein but not the levels of mRNA transcript expression. Experiments using inhibitors specific for perforin and granzyme B confirmed that CD8+ T cell killing of parasitized cells is dependent on granule exocytosis and, specifically, granzyme B. Further studies showed that the granzyme B-mediated death of parasitized cells is independent of caspases and that granzyme B activates the proapoptotic molecule Bid.
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Voigt J, Malone DFG, Dias J, Leeansyah E, Björkström NK, Ljunggren HG, Gröbe L, Klawonn F, Heyner M, Sandberg JK, Jänsch L. Proteome analysis of human CD56 neg NK cells reveals a homogeneous phenotype surprisingly similar to CD56 dim NK cells. Eur J Immunol 2018; 48:1456-1469. [PMID: 29999523 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201747450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
NK cells lacking CD56 (CD56neg ) were first identified in chronic HIV-1 infection. However, CD56neg NK cells also exist in healthy individuals, albeit in significantly lower numbers. Here, we provide an extensive proteomic characterisation of human CD56neg peripheral blood NK cells of healthy donors and compare them to their CD56dim and CD56bright counterparts. Unbiased large-scale surface receptor profiling clustered CD56neg cells as part of the main NK cell compartment and indicated an overall CD56dim -like phenotype. Total proteome analyses of CD56neg NK cells further confirmed their similarity with CD56dim NK cells, and revealed a complete cytolytic inventory with high levels of perforin and granzyme H and M. In the present study, twelve proteins discriminated CD56neg NK cells from CD56dim NK cells with nine up-regulated and three down-regulated proteins in the CD56neg NK cell population. Those proteins were functionally related to lytic granule composition and transport, interaction with the extracellular matrix, DNA transcription or repair, and proliferation. Corroborating these results, CD56neg NK cells showed modest cytotoxicity, degranulation, and IFN-ɣ secretion as compared to CD56dim NK cells. In conclusion, CD56neg NK cells constitute functionally competent cells sharing many features of bona fide CD56dim NK cells in healthy individuals, but with some distinct characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Voigt
- Cellular Proteomics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - David F G Malone
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joana Dias
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Edwin Leeansyah
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Niklas K Björkström
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lothar Gröbe
- Cellular Proteomics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Frank Klawonn
- Cellular Proteomics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Computer Science, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, Wolfenbuettel, Germany
| | - Maxi Heyner
- Cellular Proteomics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Johan K Sandberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lothar Jänsch
- Cellular Proteomics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
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van der Burgh R, Meeldijk J, Jongeneel L, Frenkel J, Bovenschen N, van Gijn M, Boes M. Reduced serpinB9-mediated caspase-1 inhibition can contribute to autoinflammatory disease. Oncotarget 2017; 7:19265-71. [PMID: 26992230 PMCID: PMC4991381 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients who suffer from autoinflammatory disease (AID) exhibit seemingly uncontrolled release of interleukin (IL)-1β. The presence of this inflammatory cytokine triggers immune activation in absence of pathogens and foreign material. The mechanisms that contribute to ‘sterile inflammation’ episodes in AID patients are not fully understood, although for some AIDs underlying genetic causes have been identified. We show that the serine protease inhibitor B9 (serpinB9) regulates IL-1β release in human monocytes. SerpinB9 function is more commonly known for its role in control of granzyme B. SerpinB9 however also serves to restrain IL-1β maturation through caspase-1 inhibition. We here describe an autoinflammatory disease-associated serpinB9 (c.985G>T, A329S) variant, which we discovered in a patient with unknown AID. Using patient cells and serpinB9 overexpressing monocytic cells, we show the A329S variant of serpinB9 exhibits unobstructed granzyme B inhibition, but compromised caspase-1 inhibition. SerpinB9 gene variants might contribute to AID development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert van der Burgh
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht, EA, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, CX, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Meeldijk
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, CX, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, CX, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lieneke Jongeneel
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht, EA, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, CX, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Joost Frenkel
- Department of General Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht, EA, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, CX, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, CX, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mariëlle van Gijn
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, EA, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marianne Boes
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht, EA, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, CX, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Granzymes A and K differentially potentiate LPS-induced cytokine response. Cell Death Discov 2016; 2:16084. [PMID: 28028441 PMCID: PMC5149580 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2016.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Granzymes are serine proteases that, upon release from cytotoxic cells, induce apoptosis in tumor cells and virally infected cells. In addition, a role of granzymes in inflammation is emerging. Recently, we have demonstrated that extracellular granzyme K (GrK) potentiates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine response from monocytes. GrK interacts with LPS, disaggregates LPS micelles, and stimulates LPS-CD14 binding and Toll-like receptor signaling. Here we show that human GrA also potentiates cytokine responses in human monocytes initiated by LPS or Gram-negative bacteria. Similar to GrK, this effect is independent of GrA catalytic activity. Unlike GrK, however, GrA does not bind to LPS, has little influence on LPS micelle disaggregation, and does not augment LPS-CD14 complex formation. We conclude that GrA and GrK differentially modulate LPS-Toll-like receptor signaling in monocytes, suggesting functional redundancy among cytotoxic lymphocyte proteases in the anti-bacterial innate immune response.
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Thorpe M, Akula S, Hellman L. Channel catfish granzyme-like I is a highly specific serine protease with metase activity that is expressed by fish NK-like cells. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 63:84-95. [PMID: 27216028 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Here we present the extended cleavage specificity of catfish granzyme-like I, previously identified in fish NK-like cells. This protease has been characterised using substrate phage display and further validated by using a panel of recombinant substrates. A strict preference for Met in the P1 (cleavage) position, indicating metase specificity was observed. A screening of potential in vivo substrates was performed based on the derived P5-P3' consensus: Arg-Val-Thr-Gly-Met(↓)Ser-Leu-Val. Channel catfish caspase 6 was one very interesting potential target identified. This site was present in an adjacent position to the classic caspase activation site (Asp179 in human caspase 6). Cleavage of this site (hence potential activation) by the catfish granzyme-like I could reveal a novel mechanism of caspase 6 activation. This poses an interesting idea that the role of granzyme-like proteases in the activation of caspase dependent apoptosis mechanisms has been conserved for over 400 million years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Thorpe
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Srinivas Akula
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Hellman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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16
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Wang H, Sun Q, Wu Y, Wang L, Zhou C, Ma W, Zhang Y, Wang S, Zhang S. Granzyme M expressed by tumor cells promotes chemoresistance and EMT in vitro and metastasis in vivo associated with STAT3 activation. Oncotarget 2016; 6:5818-31. [PMID: 25788270 PMCID: PMC4467404 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Granzyme M is a serine protease known to be often expressed by natural killer cells and induce target cells apoptosis in combination with perforin. However, we detected granzyme M expression in murine and human cancer cell lines and human tumor samples in our study. Granzyme M increased chemoresistance, colony-formation, cytokine secretion and invasiveness in vitro. Most importantly, granzyme M facilitated tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Granzyme M induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells associated with STAT3 activation. Our study revealed the role of granzyme M expressed by tumor in chemoresistance, invasion, metastasis and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiru Wang
- Department of Immunology, Cancer Hospital & Cancer Institute, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Sun
- Department of Parasitology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhong Wu
- Department of Immunology, Cancer Hospital & Cancer Institute, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital & Cancer Institute, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunxia Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Cancer Hospital & Cancer Institute, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenbo Ma
- Department of Immunology, Cancer Hospital & Cancer Institute, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Youhui Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Cancer Hospital & Cancer Institute, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengdian Wang
- Center of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuren Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Cancer Hospital & Cancer Institute, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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17
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Bioluminescent reporters to monitor killer cell-mediated delivery of granzymes inside target cells. Blood 2015; 126:2893-5. [PMID: 26567157 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-07-657841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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19
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Plasman K, Demol H, Bird PI, Gevaert K, Van Damme P. Substrate specificities of the granzyme tryptases A and K. J Proteome Res 2014; 13:6067-77. [PMID: 25383893 DOI: 10.1021/pr500968d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The physiological roles of the granzymes A and K have been debated, especially concerning their involvement in cytotoxic and inflammatory processes. By performing N-terminal COFRADIC assisted N-terminomics on the homologous human granzymes A and K, we here provide detailed data on their substrate repertoires, their specificities, and differences in efficiency by which they cleave their substrates, all of which may aid in elucidating their key substrates. In addition, the so far uncharacterized mouse granzyme K was profiled alongside its human orthologue. While the global primary specificity profiles of these granzymes appear quite similar as they revealed only subtle differences and pointed to substrate occupancies in the P1, P1', and P2' position as the main determinants for substrate recognition, differential analyses unveiled distinguishing substrate subsite features, some of which were confirmed by the more selective cleavage of specifically designed probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Plasman
- Department of Medical Protein Research, VIB , B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Granzyme K synergistically potentiates LPS-induced cytokine responses in human monocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:5974-9. [PMID: 24711407 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1317347111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Granzymes are serine proteases released by cytotoxic lymphocytes to induce apoptosis in virus-infected cells and tumor cells. Evidence is emerging that granzymes also play a role in controlling inflammation. Granzyme serum levels are elevated in patients with autoimmune diseases and infections, including sepsis. However, the function of extracellular granzymes in inflammation largely remains unknown. Here, we show that granzyme K (GrK) binds to Gram-negative bacteria and their cell-wall component lipopolysaccharide (LPS). GrK synergistically enhances LPS-induced cytokine release in vitro from primary human monocytes and in vivo in a mouse model of LPS challenge. Intriguingly, these extracellular effects are independent of GrK catalytic activity. GrK disaggregates LPS from micelles and augments LPS-CD14 complex formation, thereby likely boosting monocyte activation by LPS. We conclude that extracellular GrK is an unexpected direct modulator of LPS-TLR4 signaling during the antimicrobial innate immune response.
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21
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Joeckel LT, Bird PI. Are all granzymes cytotoxic in vivo? Biol Chem 2014; 395:181-202. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2013-0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Granzymes are serine proteases mainly found in cytotoxic lymphocytes. The most-studied member of this group is granzyme B, which is a potent cytotoxin that has set the paradigm that all granzymes are cyototoxic. In the last 5 years, this paradigm has become controversial. On one hand, there is a plethora of sometimes contradictory publications showing mainly caspase-independent cytotoxic effects of granzyme A and the so-called orphan granzymes in vitro. On the other hand, there are increasing numbers of reports of granzymes failing to induce cell death in vitro unless very high (potentially supra-physiological) concentrations are used. Furthermore, experiments with granzyme A or granzyme M knock-out mice reveal little or no deficit in their cytotoxic lymphocytes’ killing ability ex vivo, but indicate impairment in the inflammatory response. These findings of non-cytotoxic effects of granzymes challenge dogma, and thus require alternative or additional explanations to be developed of the role of granzymes in defeating pathogens. Here we review evidence for granzyme cytotoxicity, give an overview of their non-cytotoxic functions, and suggest technical improvements for future investigations.
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22
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Granzyme M: behind enemy lines. Cell Death Differ 2014; 21:359-68. [PMID: 24413154 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2013.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The granule-exocytosis pathway is the major mechanism via which cytotoxic lymphocytes eliminate virus-infected and tumor cells. In this pathway, cytotoxic lymphocytes release granules containing the pore-forming protein perforin and a family of serine proteases known as granzymes into the immunological synapse. Pore-formation by perforin facilitates entry of granzymes into the target cell, where they can activate various (death) pathways. Humans express five different granzymes, of which granzymes A and B have been most extensively characterized. However, much less is known about granzyme M (GrM). Recently, structural analysis and advanced proteomics approaches have determined the primary and extended specificity of GrM. GrM functions have expanded over the past few years: not only can GrM efficiently induce cell death in tumor cells, it can also inhibit cytomegalovirus replication in a noncytotoxic manner. Finally, a role for GrM in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses has been proposed. In this review, we recapitulate the current status of GrM expression, substrate specificity, functions, and inhibitors.
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van Domselaar R, de Poot SAH, Bovenschen N. Proteomic profiling of proteases: tools for granzyme degradomics. Expert Rev Proteomics 2014; 7:347-59. [DOI: 10.1586/epr.10.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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de Poot SAH, Lai KW, van der Wal L, Plasman K, Van Damme P, Porter AC, Gevaert K, Bovenschen N. Granzyme M targets topoisomerase II alpha to trigger cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Cell Death Differ 2013; 21:416-26. [PMID: 24185622 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2013.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic lymphocyte protease granzyme M (GrM) is a potent inducer of tumor cell death. The apoptotic phenotype and mechanism by which it induces cell death, however, remain poorly understood and controversial. Here, we show that GrM-induced cell death was largely caspase-dependent with various hallmarks of classical apoptosis, coinciding with caspase-independent G2/M cell cycle arrest. Using positional proteomics in human tumor cells, we identified the nuclear enzyme topoisomerase II alpha (topoIIα) as a physiological substrate of GrM. Cleavage of topoIIα by GrM at Leu(1280) separated topoIIα functional domains from the nuclear localization signals, leading to nuclear exit of topoIIα catalytic activity, thereby rendering it nonfunctional. Similar to the apoptotic phenotype of GrM, topoIIα depletion in tumor cells led to cell cycle arrest in G2/M, mitochondrial perturbations, caspase activation, and apoptosis. We conclude that cytotoxic lymphocyte protease GrM targets topoIIα to trigger cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A H de Poot
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K W Lai
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L van der Wal
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K Plasman
- 1] Department of Medical Protein Research,VIB, Ghent, B-9000, Belgium [2] Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - P Van Damme
- 1] Department of Medical Protein Research,VIB, Ghent, B-9000, Belgium [2] Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - A C Porter
- Centre for Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - K Gevaert
- 1] Department of Medical Protein Research,VIB, Ghent, B-9000, Belgium [2] Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - N Bovenschen
- 1] Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands [2] Laboratory for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Schiffer S, Letzian S, Jost E, Mladenov R, Hristodorov D, Huhn M, Fischer R, Barth S, Thepen T. Granzyme M as a novel effector molecule for human cytolytic fusion proteins: CD64-specific cytotoxicity of Gm-H22(scFv) against leukemic cells. Cancer Lett 2013; 341:178-85. [PMID: 23973499 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Immunotoxins are promising targeted therapeutic agents comprising an antibody-based ligand that specifically binds to diseased cells, and a pro-apoptotic protein. Toxic components from bacteria or plants can trigger a neutralizing immune response, so that human effector molecules are more suitable. In this context, the protease granzyme B has been successfully tested in cytotoxicity assays against different cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Our aim here was to introduce granzyme M as an alternative and novel component of human cytolytic fusion proteins. We fused it to the humanized single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) H22 which specifically binds to CD64, an FcγRI receptor overexpressed on activated myeloid cells and leukemic cells. We show that the humanized cytolytic fusion protein Gm-H22(scFv) specifically targets the acute myeloid leukemia cell line HL60 in vitro and is cytotoxic with an IC50 between 1.2 and 6.4 nM. These findings were confirmed ex vivo using leukemic primary cells from patients, which were killed by granzyme M despite the presence of the granzyme B inhibitor serpin B9. In conclusion, granzyme M is a promising new cell-death inducing component for hCFPs because it specifically and efficiently kills target cells when fused to a targeting component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Schiffer
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapy, RWTH Aachen, Institute for Applied Medical Engineering, Aachen, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Product Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Aachen, Germany
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Ewen CL, Kane KP, Bleackley RC. Granzyme H induces cell death primarily via a Bcl-2-sensitive mitochondrial cell death pathway that does not require direct Bid activation. Mol Immunol 2013; 54:309-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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27
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van Domselaar R, de Poot SAH, Remmerswaal EBM, Lai KW, ten Berge IJM, Bovenschen N. Granzyme M targets host cell hnRNP K that is essential for human cytomegalovirus replication. Cell Death Differ 2013; 20:419-29. [PMID: 23099853 PMCID: PMC3569982 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2012.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most frequent viral cause of congenital defects and HCMV infection in immunocompromised patients may trigger devastating disease. Cytotoxic lymphocytes control HCMV by releasing granzymes towards virus-infected cells. In mice, granzyme M (GrM) has a physiological role in controlling murine CMV infection. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we showed that human GrM was expressed by HCMV-specific CD8(+) T cells both in latently infected healthy individuals and in transplant patients during primary HCMV infection. We identified host cell heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) as a physiological GrM substrate. GrM most efficiently cleaved hnRNP K in the presence of RNA at multiple sites, thereby likely destroying hnRNP K function. Host cell hnRNP K was essential for HCMV replication not only by promoting viability of HCMV-infected cells but predominantly by regulating viral immediate-early 2 (IE2) protein levels. Furthermore, hnRNP K interacted with IE2 mRNA. Finally, GrM decreased IE2 protein expression in HCMV-infected cells. Our data suggest that targeting of hnRNP K by GrM contributes to the mechanism by which cytotoxic lymphocytes inhibit HCMV replication. This is the first evidence that cytotoxic lymphocytes target host cell proteins to control HCMV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- R van Domselaar
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S A H de Poot
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E B M Remmerswaal
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Renal Transplant Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K W Lai
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - I J M ten Berge
- Renal Transplant Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Transfection of siRNAs can alter miRNA levels and trigger non-specific protein degradation in mammalian cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2013; 1829:455-68. [PMID: 23403288 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2013.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2012] [Revised: 01/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sequence-non-specific effects of siRNAs that alter the expression of non-targeted genes have been reported, including competition of siRNAs with endogenous RISC components. However, the detailed mechanisms and subsequent effects of such competition are not well documented. Here we analyze the competition of miRNAs in mammalian cells with low concentrations of siRNAs, and found that: 1) transfection of different siRNAs in the low nanomolar range used to deplete target RNAs can reduce the levels of miRNAs in different cell types, 2) siRNA transfection results in rapid reduction of Ago2-associated miRNAs concurrent with accumulation of Ago2-bound siRNAs and a significant change in the expression levels of many miRNAs, 3) competition largely depends on Ago2 and not Dicer, 4) microarray analysis showed that the majority of highly expressed miRNAs are reduced, in a siRNA concentration dependent manner, and low abundant miRNAs may be unchanged or repressed and a few miRNAs appear to have increased levels, and 5) consistent with previous studies, the expression levels of mRNAs that are targeted by highly repressed miRNAs are preferentially increased. As a consequence of such competition, we observed that α-tubulin, a substrate of two up-regulated proteases, granzyme B and granzyme M, was rapidly degraded at the protein level upon siRNA transfection. Our results support a model in which transfection of siRNAs can change the levels of many miRNAs by competition for Ago2, leading to altered expression of many miRNA target genes, which can in turn affect downstream gene expression even at the protein level.
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Susanto O, Trapani JA, Brasacchio D. Controversies in granzyme biology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 80:477-87. [DOI: 10.1111/tan.12014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- O. Susanto
- Cancer Cell Death Laboratory; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne; Australia
| | | | - D. Brasacchio
- Cancer Cell Death Laboratory; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne; Australia
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Krzewski K, Coligan JE. Human NK cell lytic granules and regulation of their exocytosis. Front Immunol 2012; 3:335. [PMID: 23162553 PMCID: PMC3494098 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells form a subset of lymphocytes that play a key role in immuno-surveillance and host defense against cancer and viral infections. They recognize stressed cells through a variety of germline-encoded activating cell surface receptors and utilize their cytotoxic ability to eliminate abnormal cells. Killing of target cells is a complex, multi-stage process that concludes in the directed secretion of lytic granules, containing perforin and granzymes, at the immunological synapse. Upon delivery to a target cell, perforin mediates generation of pores in membranes of target cells, allowing granzymes to access target cell cytoplasm and induce apoptosis. Therefore, lytic granules of NK cells are indispensable for normal NK cell cytolytic function. Indeed, defects in lytic granule secretion lead or are related to serious and often fatal diseases, such as familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) type 2–5 or Griscelli syndrome type 2. A number of reports highlight the role of several proteins involved in lytic granule release and NK cell-mediated killing of tumor cells. This review focuses on lytic granules of human NK cells and the advancements in understanding the mechanisms controlling their exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Krzewski
- Receptor Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health Rockville, MD, USA
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van Domselaar R, Quadir R, van der Made AM, Broekhuizen R, Bovenschen N. All human granzymes target hnRNP K that is essential for tumor cell viability. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:22854-64. [PMID: 22582387 PMCID: PMC3391115 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.365692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Revised: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Granule exocytosis by cytotoxic lymphocytes is the key mechanism to eliminate virus-infected cells and tumor cells. These lytic granules contain the pore-forming protein perforin and a set of five serine proteases called granzymes. All human granzymes display distinct substrate specificities and induce cell death by cleaving critical intracellular death substrates. In the present study, we show that all human granzymes directly cleaved the DNA/RNA-binding protein heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K), designating hnRNP K as the first known pan-granzyme substrate. Cleavage of hnRNP K was more efficient in the presence of RNA and occurred in two apparent proteolysis-sensitive amino acid regions, thereby dissecting the functional DNA/RNA-binding hnRNP K domains. HnRNP K was cleaved under physiological conditions when purified granzymes were delivered into living tumor cells and during lymphokine-activated killer cell-mediated attack. HnRNP K is essential for tumor cell viability, since knockdown of hnRNP K resulted in spontaneous tumor cell apoptosis with caspase activation and reactive oxygen species production. This apoptosis was more pronounced at low tumor cell density where hnRNP K knockdown also triggered a caspase-independent apoptotic pathway. This suggests that hnRNP K promotes tumor cell survival in the absence of cell-cell contact. Silencing of hnRNP K protein expression rendered tumor cells more susceptible to cellular cytotoxicity. We conclude that hnRNP K is indispensable for tumor cell viability and our data suggest that targeting of hnRNP K by granzymes contributes to or reinforces the cell death mechanisms by which cytotoxic lymphocytes eliminate tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert van Domselaar
- From the Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Razi Quadir
- From the Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid M. van der Made
- From the Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Broekhuizen
- From the Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- From the Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Wang LS, Xia L, Shen SM, Zheng Y, Yu Y, Chen GQ. Dissecting cell death with proteomic scalpels. Proteomics 2012; 12:597-606. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201100353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Abstract
Granzymes (Grs) were discovered just over a quarter century ago. They are produced by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells and are released upon interaction with target cells. Intensive biochemical, genetic, and biological studies have been performed in order to study their roles in immunity and inflammation. This review summarizes research on the family of Grs.
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Abstract
Granzyme-mediated cell death is the main pathway for cytotoxic lymphocytes to kill virus-infected and tumour cells. A major player in this process is GrB (granzyme B), which triggers apoptosis in both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways. A caspase-independent substrate of GrB is the highly conserved transmembrane receptor Notch1. The GrB cleavage sites in Notch1 and functional consequences of Notch1 cleavage by GrB were unknown. In the present study, we confirmed that Notch1 is a direct and caspase-independent substrate of GrB. We demonstrate that GrB cleaved the intracellular Notch1 domain at least twice at two distinct aspartic acids, Asp1860 and Asp1961. GrB cleavage of Notch1 can occur in all subcellular compartments, during maturation of the receptor, at the membrane, and in the nucleus. GrB also displayed perforin-independent functions by cleaving the extracellular domain of Notch1. Overall, cleavage of Notch1 by GrB resulted in a loss of transcriptional activity, independent of Notch1 activation. We conclude that GrB disables Notch1 function, probably resulting in anti-cellular proliferation and cell death signals.
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Hollestelle MJ, Lai KW, van Deuren M, Lenting PJ, de Groot PG, Sprong T, Bovenschen N. Cleavage of von Willebrand factor by granzyme M destroys its factor VIII binding capacity. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24216. [PMID: 21909423 PMCID: PMC3164717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a pro-hemostatic multimeric plasma protein that promotes platelet aggregation and stabilizes coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) in plasma. The metalloproteinase ADAMTS13 regulates the platelet aggregation function of VWF via proteolysis. Severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 is associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, but does not always correlate with its clinical course. Therefore, other proteases could also be important in regulating VWF activity. In the present study, we demonstrate that VWF is cleaved by the cytotoxic lymphocyte granule component granzyme M (GrM). GrM cleaved both denaturated and soluble plasma-derived VWF after Leu at position 276 in the D3 domain. GrM is unique in that it did not affect the multimeric size and pro-hemostatic platelet aggregation ability of VWF, but instead destroyed the binding of VWF to FVIII in vitro. In meningococcal sepsis patients, we found increased plasma GrM levels that positively correlated with an increased plasma VWF/FVIII ratio in vivo. We conclude that, next to its intracellular role in triggering apoptosis, GrM also exists extracellularly in plasma where it could play a physiological role in controlling blood coagulation by determining plasma FVIII levels via proteolytic processing of its carrier VWF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine J Hollestelle
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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de Koning PJA, Kummer JA, de Poot SAH, Quadir R, Broekhuizen R, McGettrick AF, Higgins WJ, Devreese B, Worrall DM, Bovenschen N. Intracellular serine protease inhibitor SERPINB4 inhibits granzyme M-induced cell death. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22645. [PMID: 21857942 PMCID: PMC3152296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Granzyme-mediated cell death is the major pathway for cytotoxic lymphocytes to kill virus-infected and tumor cells. In humans, five different granzymes (i.e. GrA, GrB, GrH, GrK, and GrM) are known that all induce cell death. Expression of intracellular serine protease inhibitors (serpins) is one of the mechanisms by which tumor cells evade cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated killing. Intracellular expression of SERPINB9 by tumor cells renders them resistant to GrB-induced apoptosis. In contrast to GrB, however, no physiological intracellular inhibitors are known for the other four human granzymes. In the present study, we show that SERPINB4 formed a typical serpin-protease SDS-stable complex with both recombinant and native human GrM. Mutation of the P2-P1-P1′ triplet in the SERPINB4 reactive center loop completely abolished complex formation with GrM and N-terminal sequencing revealed that GrM cleaves SERPINB4 after P1-Leu. SERPINB4 inhibited GrM activity with a stoichiometry of inhibition of 1.6 and an apparent second order rate constant of 1.3×104 M−1s−1. SERPINB4 abolished cleavage of the macromolecular GrM substrates α-tubulin and nucleophosmin. Overexpression of SERPINB4 in tumor cells inhibited recombinant GrM-induced as well as NK cell-mediated cell death and this inhibition depended on the reactive center loop of the serpin. As SERPINB4 is highly expressed by squamous cell carcinomas, our results may represent a novel mechanism by which these tumor cells evade cytotoxic lymphocyte-induced GrM-mediated cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J. Alain Kummer
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Razi Quadir
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Broekhuizen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne F. McGettrick
- School of Biomolecular and Biochemical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wayne J. Higgins
- School of Biomolecular and Biochemical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bart Devreese
- Laboratory for Protein Biochemistry and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - D. Margaret Worrall
- School of Biomolecular and Biochemical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Human and mouse granzyme M display divergent and species-specific substrate specificities. Biochem J 2011; 437:431-42. [DOI: 10.1042/bj20110210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxic lymphocyte protease GrM (granzyme M) is a potent inducer of tumour cell death and a key regulator of inflammation. Although hGrM (human GrM) and mGrM (mouse GrM) display extensive sequence homology, the substrate specificity of mGrM remains unknown. In the present study, we show that hGrM and mGrM have diverged during evolution. Positional scanning libraries of tetrapeptide substrates revealed that mGrM is preferred to cleave after a methionine residue, whereas hGrM clearly favours a leucine residue at the P1 position. The kinetic optimal non-prime subsites of both granzymes were also distinct. Gel-based and complementary positional proteomics showed that hGrM and mGrM have a partially overlapping set of natural substrates and a diverged prime and non-prime consensus cleavage motif with leucine and methionine residues being major P1 determinants. Consistent with positional scanning libraries of tetrapeptide substrates, P1 methionine was more frequently used by mGrM as compared with hGrM. Both hGrM and mGrM cleaved α-tubulin with similar kinetics. Strikingly, neither hGrM nor mGrM hydrolysed mouse NPM (nucleophosmin), whereas human NPM was hydrolysed efficiently by GrM from both species. Replacement of the putative P1′–P2′ residues in mouse NPM with the corresponding residues of human NPM restored cleavage of mouse NPM by both granzymes. This further demonstrates the importance of prime sites as structural determinants for GrM substrate specificity. GrM from both species efficiently triggered apoptosis in human but not in mouse tumour cells. These results indicate that hGrM and mGrM not only exhibit divergent specificities but also trigger species-specific functions.
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van Domselaar R, Bovenschen N. Cell death-independent functions of granzymes: hit viruses where it hurts. Rev Med Virol 2011; 21:301-14. [PMID: 21714121 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Granule exocytosis by cytotoxic lymphocytes is the key mechanism of our immune response to eliminate virus-infected cells. These lytic granules contain the pore-forming protein perforin and a set of five serine proteases called granzymes (GrA, GrB, GrH, GrK, GrM) that display distinct substrate specificities. Granzymes have mostly been studied for their ability to induce cell death. However, viruses have evolved many inhibitors to effectively block apoptosis. Evidence is emerging that granzymes also use noncytotoxic strategies to inhibit viral replication and potential viral reactivation from latency. Granzymes directly cleave viral or host cell proteins that are required in the viral life cycle. Furthermore, granzymes induce a pro-inflammatory cytokine response to create an antiviral environment. In this review, we summarize and discuss these novel strategies by which the immune system counteracts viral infections, and we will address the potential therapeutic applications that could emerge from this intriguing mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert van Domselaar
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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39
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van Domselaar R, Philippen LE, Quadir R, Wiertz EJHJ, Kummer JA, Bovenschen N. Noncytotoxic inhibition of cytomegalovirus replication through NK cell protease granzyme M-mediated cleavage of viral phosphoprotein 71. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:7605-13. [PMID: 21059895 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1001503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Granzyme M (GrM) is highly expressed in cytotoxic granules of NK cells, which provide the first line of defense against viral pathogens. GrM knockout mice show increased susceptibility toward murine CMV infection. Although GrM is a potent inducer of cell death, the mechanism by which GrM eliminates viruses remains elusive. In this paper, we show that purified human GrM in combination with the perforin-analog streptolysin O (SLO) strongly inhibited human CMV (HCMV) replication in fibroblasts in the absence of host cell death. In a proteomic approach, GrM was highly specific toward the HCMV proteome and most efficiently cleaved phosphoprotein 71 (pp71), an HCMV tegument protein that is critical for viral replication. Cleavage of pp71 occurred when viral lysates were incubated with purified GrM, when intact cells expressing recombinant pp71 were challenged with living cytotoxic effector cells, and when HCMV-infected fibroblasts were incubated with SLO and purified GrM. GrM directly cleaved pp71 after Leu(439), which coincided with aberrant cellular localization of both pp71 cleavage fragments as determined by confocal immunofluorescence. In a luciferase reporter assay, cleavage of pp71 after Leu(439) by GrM completely abolished the ability of pp71 to transactivate the HCMV major immediate-early promoter, which is indispensable for effective HCMV replication. Finally, GrM decreased immediate-early 1 protein expression in HCMV-infected fibroblasts. These results indicate that the NK cell protease GrM mediates cell death-independent antiviral activity by direct cleavage of a viral substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert van Domselaar
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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40
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Abstract
Cytotoxic lymphocytes are armed with granules that are released in the granule-exocytosis pathway to kill tumor cells and virus-infected cells. Cytotoxic granules contain the pore-forming protein perforin and a family of structurally homologues serine proteases called granzymes. While perforin facilitates the entry of granzymes into a target cell, the latter initiate distinct apoptotic routes. Granzymes are also implicated in extracellular functions such as extracellular matrix degradation, immune regulation, and inflammation. The family of human granzymes consists of five members, of which granzyme A and B have been studied most extensively. Recently, elucidation of the specific characteristics of the other three human granzymes H, K, and M, also referred to as orphan granzymes, have started. In this review, we summarize and discuss what is currently known about the biology of the human orphan granzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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41
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Serine proteases of the human immune system in health and disease. Mol Immunol 2010; 47:1943-55. [PMID: 20537709 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2010.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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42
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Hollestelle MJ, Sprong T, Bovenschen N, de Mast Q, van der Ven AJ, Joosten LAB, Neeleman C, Hyseni A, Lenting PJ, de Groot PG, van Deuren M. von Willebrand factor activation, granzyme-B and thrombocytopenia in meningococcal disease. J Thromb Haemost 2010; 8:1098-106. [PMID: 20158601 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2010.03811.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY BACKGROUND During invasive meningococcal disease, severe thrombocytopenia is strongly associated with a poor outcome. OBJECTIVES In order to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanism behind the development of thrombocytopenia, we studied the role of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in meningococcal disease. PATIENTS/METHODS Thirty-two children with severe meningococcal disease admitted to our university hospital were included in this study. VWF and related parameters were measured and results were correlated with the development of shock and thrombocytopenia. RESULTS At admission, all patients had increased levels of (active) VWF and VWF propeptide. The highest VWF propeptide levels were observed in patients with shock, indicating acute endothelial activation. Although VWF propeptide levels in patients with shock, with or without thrombocytopenia, were similar, increased active VWF was significantly lower in patients with thrombocytopenia as compared with patients without thrombocytopenia. ADAMTS13 was moderately decreased. However, the VWF multimeric pattern was minimally increased. We assume that these findings are explained by VWF consumption and perhaps by granzyme B (GrB). In vitro experiments showed that GrB is able to cleave VWF multimers in plasma, whereas GrB was high in patients with shock, who developed thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that consumption of VWF, derived from endothelial cells, could be a key feature of meningococcal disease and primary to the development of thrombocytopenia during shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Hollestelle
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Andrade F. Non-cytotoxic antiviral activities of granzymes in the context of the immune antiviral state. Immunol Rev 2010; 235:128-46. [DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2010.00909.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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44
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Anthony DA, Andrews DM, Watt SV, Trapani JA, Smyth MJ. Functional dissection of the granzyme family: cell death and inflammation. Immunol Rev 2010; 235:73-92. [DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2010.00907.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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45
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Vermijlen D, Brouwer M, Donner C, Liesnard C, Tackoen M, Van Rysselberge M, Twité N, Goldman M, Marchant A, Willems F. Human cytomegalovirus elicits fetal gammadelta T cell responses in utero. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 207:807-21. [PMID: 20368575 PMCID: PMC2856038 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20090348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The fetus and infant are highly susceptible to viral infections. Several viruses, including human cytomegalovirus (CMV), cause more severe disease in early life compared with later life. It is generally accepted that this is a result of the immaturity of the immune system. gammadelta T cells are unconventional T cells that can react rapidly upon activation and show major histocompatibility complex-unrestricted activity. We show that upon CMV infection in utero, fetal gammadelta T cells expand and become differentiated. The expansion was restricted to Vgamma9-negative gammadelta T cells, irrespective of their Vdelta chain expression. Differentiated gammadelta T cells expressed high levels of IFN-gamma, transcription factors T-bet and eomes, natural killer receptors, and cytotoxic mediators. CMV infection induced a striking enrichment of a public Vgamma8Vdelta1-TCR, containing the germline-encoded complementary-determining-region-3 (CDR3) delta1-CALGELGDDKLIF/CDR3gamma8-CATWDTTGWFKIF. Public Vgamma8Vdelta1-TCR-expressing cell clones produced IFN-gamma upon coincubation with CMV-infected target cells in a TCR/CD3-dependent manner and showed antiviral activity. Differentiated gammadelta T cells and public Vgamma8Vdelta1-TCR were detected as early as after 21 wk of gestation. Our results indicate that functional fetal gammadelta T cell responses can be generated during development in utero and suggest that this T cell subset could participate in antiviral defense in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Vermijlen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium.
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46
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Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells are indispensable factors in the body's ongoing defence against viral infection and tumor development. CTL/NK cells recognize and kill infected or aberrant target cells by two major pathways: either through introduction of a battery of proteases - called granzymes - to the target cell cytosol, or through TNF superfamily-dependent killing. During granzyme-dependent killing, target cell death is quick and efficient and is mediated by multiple granzymes, acting via redundant cell death pathways. Although granzyme-mediated cell death has been intensively studied, recent work has also hinted at an alternative, proinflammatory role for these enzymes. Thus, in addition to their well-established role as intracellular effectors of target cell death, recent data suggest that granzymes may have an extracellular role in the propagation of immune signals. In this study, we discuss the role of granzymes as central factors in antitumor immunity, as well possible roles for these proteases as instigators of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Cullen
- Department of Genetics, Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin D2, Ireland
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47
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de Koning PJ, Tesselaar K, Bovenschen N, Çolak S, Quadir R, Volman TJ, Kummer JA. The cytotoxic protease granzyme M is expressed by lymphocytes of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Mol Immunol 2010; 47:903-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Revised: 10/05/2009] [Accepted: 10/06/2009] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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48
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Butler GS, Overall CM. Updated biological roles for matrix metalloproteinases and new "intracellular" substrates revealed by degradomics. Biochemistry 2009; 48:10830-45. [PMID: 19817485 DOI: 10.1021/bi901656f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Shotgun proteomics techniques are conceptually unbiased, but data interpretation and follow-up experiments are often constrained by dogma, established beliefs that are accepted without question, that can dilute the power of proteomics and hinder scientific progress. Proteomics and degradomics, the characterization of all proteases, inhibitors, and protease substrates by genomic and proteomic techniques, have exponentially expanded the known substrate repertoire of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), even to include intracellular proteins with newly recognized extracellular functions. Thus, the dogma that MMPs are dowdy degraders of extracellular matrix has been resolutely overturned, and the metamorphosis of MMPs into modulators of multiple signaling pathways has been facilitated. Here we review progress made in the field of degradomics and present a current view of the MMP degradome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina S Butler
- Centre for Blood Research, Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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49
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Hoves S, Trapani JA, Voskoboinik I. The battlefield of perforin/granzyme cell death pathways. J Leukoc Biol 2009; 87:237-43. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0909608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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50
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Wu L, Wang L, Hua G, Liu K, Yang X, Zhai Y, Bartlam M, Sun F, Fan Z. Structural basis for proteolytic specificity of the human apoptosis-inducing granzyme M. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 183:421-9. [PMID: 19542453 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0803088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Granzyme M (GzmM), a unique serine protease constitutively expressed in NK cells, is important for granule-mediated cytolysis and can induce rapid caspase-dependent apoptosis of tumor cells. However, few substrates of GzmM have been reported to date, and the mechanism by which this enzyme recognizes and hydrolyzes substrates is unknown. To provide structural insights into the proteolytic specificity of human GzmM (hGzmM), crystal structures of wild-type hGzmM, the inactive D86N-GzmM mutant with bound peptide substrate, and the complexes with a catalytic product and with a tetrapeptide chloromethylketone inhibitor were solved to 1.96 A, 2.30 A, 2.17 A and 2.70 A, respectively. Structure-based mutagenesis revealed that the N terminus and catalytic triad of hGzmM are most essential for proteolytic function. In particular, D86N-GzmM was found to be an ideal inactive enzyme for functional studies. Structural comparisons indicated a large conformational change of the L3 loop upon substrate binding, and suggest this loop mediates the substrate specificity of hGzmM. Based on the complex structure of GzmM with its catalytic product, a tetrapeptide chloromethylketone inhibitor was designed and found to specifically block the catalytic activity of hGzmM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianfeng Wu
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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