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Zhao J, Hu R, Lai KC, Zhang Z, Lai L. Recombinant FOXN1 fusion protein increases T cell generation in old mice. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1423488. [PMID: 39072332 PMCID: PMC11272594 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1423488] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell development in the thymus is dependent on the thymic microenvironment, in which thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the major component. However, TECs undergo both a qualitative and quantitative loss during aging, which is believed to be the major factor responsible for age-dependent thymic atrophy. FOXN1 plays a critical role in TEC development and adult TECs maintenance. We have previously reported that intrathymic injection of a recombinant (r) protein containing murine FOXN1 and a protein transduction domain increases the number of TECs in mice, leading to enhanced thymopoiesis. However, intrathymic injection may not be an ideal choice for clinical applications. In this study, we produced a rFOXN1 fusion protein containing the N-terminal of CCR9, human FOXN1 and a protein transduction domain. When injected intravenously into 14-month-old mice, the rFOXN1 fusion protein enters the thymus and TECs, and enhances thymopoiesis, resulting in increased T cell generation in the thymus and increased number of T cells in peripheral lymphoid organ. Our results suggest that the rFOXN1 fusion protein has the potential to be used in preventing and treating T cell immunodeficiency in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhao
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Kuan Chen Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Laijun Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Zhang Z, Zhao J, Lai KC, Lai L. Administration of Recombinant TAPBPL Protein Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13772. [PMID: 37762076 PMCID: PMC10530323 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease distinguished by synovial hyperplasia and a progressive destruction of joints. T cells are critical players in the pathogenesis of RA. We have previously identified a novel immune checkpoint molecule, TAPBPL, that inhibits T cell functions in vitro. As a model for human RA, we investigated the ability of the TAPBPL protein to ameliorate collagen type II (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice that were injected with recombinant TAPBPL or a control protein. The mice were analyzed for CIA development, immune cells, and their responses. We found that TAPBPL protein significantly decreased CIA incidence and reduced clinical and pathological arthritis scores, which were related to a lower number of activated CD4 T cells but a greater number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the spleen, and a reduction of Th1/Th17 inflammatory cytokines in the joints and serum. Importantly, TAPBPL protein inhibited CII-specific T cell growth and Th1 and Th17 cytokine expression and reduced the production of CII autoantibodies in the serum. Our results suggest that TAPBPL protein can ameliorate CIA in mice and has the potential to be used in the treatment of patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Jin Zhao
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Kuan Chen Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Laijun Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Yadav D, Kwak M, Chauhan PS, Puranik N, Lee PCW, Jin JO. Cancer immunotherapy by immune checkpoint blockade and its advanced application using bio-nanomaterials. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:909-922. [PMID: 35181474 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Traditional approaches, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have been the main cancer therapeutic modalities in recent years. Cancer immunotherapy is a novel therapeutic modality that potentiates the immune responses of patients against malignancy. Immune checkpoint proteins expressed on T cells or tumor cells serve as a target for inhibiting T cell overactivation, maintaining the balance between self-reactivity and autoimmunity. Tumors essentially hijack the immune checkpoint pathway in order to survive and spread. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are being developed as a result to reactivate the anti-tumor immune response. Recent advances in nanotechnology have contributed to the development of successful, safe, and efficient anticancer drug systems based on nanoparticles. Nanoparticle-based cancer immunotherapy overcomes numerous challenges and offers novel strategies for improving conventional immunotherapies. The fundamental and physiochemical properties of nanoparticles depend on various cancer therapeutic strategies, such as chemotherapeutics, nucleic acid-based treatments, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic agents. The review discusses the use of nanoparticles as carriers for delivering immune checkpoint inhibitors and their efficacy in cancer combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhananjay Yadav
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
| | - Minseok Kwak
- Department of Chemistry and Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | | | - Nidhi Puranik
- Biological Sciences Department, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Peter C W Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Jun-O Jin
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea.
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BTN2A2 protein negatively regulates T cells to ameliorate collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19375. [PMID: 34588505 PMCID: PMC8481265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98443-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent inflammatory responses in target tissues and organs, resulting in the destruction of joints. Collagen type II (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) is the most used animal model for human RA. Although BTN2A2 protein has been previously shown to inhibit T cell functions in vitro, its effect on autoimmune arthritis has not been reported. In this study, we investigate the ability of a recombinant BTN2A2-IgG2a Fc (BTN2A2-Ig) fusion protein to treat CIA. We show here that administration of BTN2A2-Ig attenuates established CIA, as compared with control Ig protein treatment. This is associated with reduced activation, proliferation and Th1/Th17 cytokine production of T cells in BTN2A2-Ig-treated CIA mice. BTN2A2-Ig also inhibits CII-specific T cell proliferation and Th1/Th17 cytokine production. Although the percentage of effector T cells is decreased in BTN2A2-Ig-treated CIA mice, the proportions of naive T cells and regulatory T cells is increased. Furthermore, BTN2A2-Ig reduces the percentage of proinflammatory M1 macrophages but increases the percentage of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages in the CIA mice. Our results suggest that BTN2A2-Ig protein has the potential to be used in the treatment of collagen-induced arthritis models.
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Su M, Lin Y, Cui C, Tian X, Lai L. ERMAP is a B7 family-related molecule that negatively regulates T cell and macrophage responses. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:1920-1933. [PMID: 32620788 PMCID: PMC8322165 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0494-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell activation and tolerance are tightly regulated by costimulatory and coinhibitory molecules. B7 family members play a crucial role in regulating immune responses. In this study, we identified erythroid membrane-associated protein (ERMAP) as a novel T cell inhibitory molecule. ERMAP shares significant sequence and structural homology with existing B7 family members in its extracellular domain. The ERMAP protein is expressed on the cell surface of resting and activated antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and in some tumor tissues. The putative ERMAP receptor is expressed on activated CD4 and CD8 T cells and macrophages. Both mouse and human ERMAP-IgG2a Fc (ERMAP-Ig) fusion proteins inhibit T cell functions in vitro. Administration of ERMAP-Ig protein ameliorates autoimmune diseases, including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and type 1 diabetes, in mice. Anti-ERMAP antibody enhances macrophage phagocytosis of cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, administration of an anti-ERMAP antibody inhibits tumor growth in mice likely by blocking the inhibitory effects of ERMAP on T cells and macrophages. Our results suggest that therapeutic interaction with the ERMAP inhibitory pathway may represent a novel strategy for treating patients with autoimmune disease or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Su
- Department of Human Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Centre, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Yujun Lin
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Cheng Cui
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Xiaohong Tian
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Laijun Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
- University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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Liu H, Zhao J, Su M, Tian X, Lai L. Recombinant CD300c-Fc fusion protein attenuates collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:1255-1264. [PMID: 34021311 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and tissue destruction. Immune responses mediated by T cells and autoantibodies are known to play critical roles in RA. Collagen type II (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) is a commonly used animal model of human RA. We have previously reported the identification of a new T cell inhibitory molecule CD300c. Here we investigate the ability of recombinant CD300c-IgG2a Fc (CD300c-Ig) fusion protein to prevent and treat CIA. METHODS Mice were induced to develop CIA by CII and injected with CD300c-Ig or control Ig protein before or after CIA symptoms occur. The mice were examined for CIA clinical and pathological scores, and analyzed for the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, the percentage and activation of CD4 T cells and regulatory T cells, CII-specific T cell proliferation and cytokine production, and CII-specific autoantibody production. RESULTS In a prevention model, CD300c-Ig significantly decreases CIA incidence, and reduces clinical and pathological arthritis scores. In the treatment model, CD300c-Ig ameliorates established CIA. The beneficial effects of CD300c-Ig are related to decreased expansion and activation of T cells in the spleen and reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the joints. CD300c-Ig also inhibits CII-specific T cell proliferation and Th1 and Th17 cytokine production. In addition, CD300c-Ig treatment reduced the production of CII autoantibodies in the serum. Furthermore, CD300c-Ig inhibits the proliferation and activation of T cells from RA patients in vitro. CONCLUSION CD300c-Ig protein has the potential to be used in the treatment of patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Liu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, ChinaAffiliated to.,Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, U.S.A
| | - Jin Zhao
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, U.S.A
| | - Min Su
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, U.S.A.,Department of Human Histology and Embryology, Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Xiaohong Tian
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Fundamental Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Laijun Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, U.S.A.,University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, U.S.A
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Jiang X, Liu G, Li Y, Pan Y. Immune checkpoint: The novel target for antitumor therapy. Genes Dis 2021; 8:25-37. [PMID: 33569511 PMCID: PMC7859424 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory checkpoint molecules include programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), human endogenous retrovirus-H Long terminal repeat-associating 2 (HHLA2), B7 homolog 4 protein (B7-H4), T cell membrane protein-3 (TIM-3) and Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), which are up-regulated during tumorigenesis. These pathways are essential to down-regulate the immune system by blocking the activation of T cells. In recent years, immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) against PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4 or TIM-3 has made remarkable progress in the clinical application, revolutionizing the treatment of malignant tumors and improving patients' overall survival. However, the efficacy of ICBs in some patients does not seem to be good enough, and more immune-related adverse events (irAEs) will inevitably occur. Therefore, biomarkers research provides practical guidance for clinicians to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from or exhibit resistance to particular types of immune checkpoint therapy. There are two points in general. On the one hand, given the spatial and temporal differential expression of immune checkpoint molecules during immunosuppression process, it is essential to understand their mechanisms to design the most effective individualized therapy. On the other hand, due to the lack of potent immune checkpoints, it is necessary to combine them with novel biomarkers (such as exosomes and ctDNA) and other anticancer modalities (such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghu Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, PR China
| | - Guohong Liu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, PR China
| | - Yirong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, PR China
| | - Yunbao Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, PR China
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