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Lin L, Ren R, Xiong Q, Zheng C, Yang B, Wang H. Remodeling of T-cell mitochondrial metabolism to treat autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103583. [PMID: 39084278 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
T cells are key drivers of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases by producing cytokines, stimulating the generation of autoantibodies, and mediating tissue and cell damage. Distinct mitochondrial metabolic pathways govern the direction of T-cell differentiation and function and rely on specific nutrients and metabolic enzymes. Metabolic substrate uptake and mitochondrial metabolism form the foundational elements for T-cell activation, proliferation, differentiation, and effector function, contributing to the dynamic interplay between immunological signals and mitochondrial metabolism in coordinating adaptive immunity. Perturbations in substrate availability and enzyme activity may impair T-cell immunosuppressive function, fostering autoreactive responses and disrupting immune homeostasis, ultimately contributing to autoimmune disease pathogenesis. A growing body of studies has explored how metabolic processes regulate the function of diverse T-cell subsets in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and psoriasis. This review describes the coordination of T-cell biology by mitochondrial metabolism, including the electron transport chain (ETC), oxidative phosphorylation, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and one‑carbon metabolism. This study elucidated the intricate crosstalk between mitochondrial metabolic programs, signal transduction pathways, and transcription factors. This review summarizes potential therapeutic targets for T-cell mitochondrial metabolism and signaling in autoimmune diseases, providing insights for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu 610041, China; Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ruyu Ren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu 610041, China; Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiao Xiong
- Department of Infectious Disease, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Infection Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu 610041, China; Laboratory Medicine Research Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Huiqing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Lu J, Chen S, Bai X, Liao M, Qiu Y, Zheng LL, Yu H. Targeting cholesterol metabolism in Cancer: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic implications. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115907. [PMID: 37931664 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential component of cell membranes and helps to maintain their structure and function. Abnormal cholesterol metabolism has been linked to the development and progression of tumors. Changes in cholesterol metabolism triggered by internal or external stimuli can promote tumor growth. During metastasis, tumor cells require large amounts of cholesterol to support their growth and colonization of new organs. Recent research has shown that cholesterol metabolism is reprogrammed during tumor development, and this can also affect the anti-tumor activity of immune cells in the surrounding environment. However, identifying the specific targets in cholesterol metabolism that regulate cancer progression and the tumor microenvironment is still a challenge. Additionally, exploring the potential of combining statin drugs with other therapies for different types of cancer could be a worthwhile avenue for future drug development. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms of cholesterol and its derivatives in cell metabolism and the tumor microenvironment, and discuss specific targets and relevant therapeutic agents that inhibit aspects of cholesterol homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Siwei Chen
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xuejiao Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Minru Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuling Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Ling-Li Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China.
| | - Haiyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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Fu X, Xu M, Yu Z, Gu W, Zhang Z, Zhang B, Wang X, Su Z, Zhang C. Staphylococcal Enterotoxin C2 Mutant-Induced Antitumor Immune Response Is Controlled by CDC42/MLC2-Mediated Tumor Cell Stiffness. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11796. [PMID: 37511553 PMCID: PMC10380429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
As a biological macromolecule, the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin C2 (SEC2) is one of the most potent known T-cell activators, and it induces massive cytotoxic granule production. With this property, SEC2 and its mutants are widely regarded as immunomodulating agents for cancer therapy. In a previous study, we constructed an MHC-II-independent mutant of SEC2, named ST-4, which exhibits enhanced immunocyte stimulation and antitumor activity. However, tumor cells have different degrees of sensitivity to SEC2/ST-4. The mechanisms of immune resistance to SEs in cancer cells have not been investigated. Herein, we show that ST-4 could activate more powerful human lymphocyte granule-based cytotoxicity than SEC2. The results of RNA-seq and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis showed that, compared with SKOV3 cells, the softer ES-2 cells could escape from SEC2/ST-4-induced cytotoxic T-cell-mediated apoptosis by regulating cell softness through the CDC42/MLC2 pathway. Conversely, after enhancing the stiffness of cancer cells by a nonmuscle myosin-II-specific inhibitor, SEC2/ST-4 exhibited a significant antitumor effect against ES-2 cells by promoting perforin-dependent apoptosis and the S-phase arrest. Taken together, these data suggest that cell stiffness could be a key factor of resistance to SEs in ovarian cancer, and our findings may provide new insight for SE-based tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanhe Fu
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
- Department of Immunology, Shenyang Medical College, No. 146 Huanghe North Street, Shenyang 110034, China
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research of Liao Ning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Mingkai Xu
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research of Liao Ning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhixiong Yu
- Department of Immunology, Shenyang Medical College, No. 146 Huanghe North Street, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Wu Gu
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhichun Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bowen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiujuan Wang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research of Liao Ning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhencheng Su
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research of Liao Ning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Chenggang Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research of Liao Ning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
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Liang M, Meng X, Zhou B, Gao Y. RASAL3 predicts overall survival and CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:6056-6065. [PMID: 36420686 PMCID: PMC9753442 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17625] [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: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS-activating protein-like 3 (RASAL3) is a synaptic Ras GTPase-activating protein (SynGAP) and a potential novel biomarker of CD8+ T cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This study explored RASAL3 expression in LUAD, the prognostic impact of RASAL3 and the relationship with immune cell infiltration. RASAL3 expression in LUAD tissues was considerably low, with high RASAL3 expression associated with better overall survival, whereas the low expression was linked to advanced T, N, M classifications, TNM stage and lower grade. Furthermore, RASAL3 expression positively correlated with CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration. In conclusion, RASAL3 expression is a potential prognostic and immunological biomarker of LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Xiangzhi Meng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Boxuan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yushun Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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Wei Y, Sandhu E, Yang X, Yang J, Ren Y, Gao X. Bidirectional Functional Effects of Staphylococcus on Carcinogenesis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122353. [PMID: 36557606 PMCID: PMC9783839 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As a Gram-positive cocci existing in nature, Staphylococcus has a variety of species, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, etc. Growing evidence reveals that Staphylococcus is closely related to the occurrence and development of various cancers. On the one hand, cancer patients are more likely to suffer from bacterial infection and antibiotic-resistant strain infection compared to healthy controls. On the other hand, there exists an association between staphylococcal infection and carcinogenesis. Staphylococcus often plays a pathogenic role and evades the host immune system through surface adhesion molecules, α-hemolysin, PVL (Panton-Valentine leukocidin), SEs (staphylococcal enterotoxins), SpA (staphylococcal protein A), TSST-1 (Toxic shock syndrom toxin-1) and other factors. Staphylococcal nucleases (SNases) are extracellular nucleases that serve as genomic markers for Staphylococcus aureus. Interestingly, a human homologue of SNases, SND1 (staphylococcal nuclease and Tudor domain-containing 1), has been recognized as an oncoprotein. This review is the first to summarize the reported basic and clinical evidence on staphylococci and neoplasms. Investigations on the correlation between Staphylococcus and the occurrence, development, diagnosis and treatment of breast, skin, oral, colon and other cancers, are made from the perspectives of various virulence factors and SND1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuannan Wei
- Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Esha Sandhu
- Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology in Tianjin, Excellent Talent Project, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology in Tianjin, Excellent Talent Project, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Correspondence: (Y.R.); (X.G.); Tel./Fax: +86-022-83336806 (X.G.)
| | - Xingjie Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology in Tianjin, Excellent Talent Project, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No. 22, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
- Correspondence: (Y.R.); (X.G.); Tel./Fax: +86-022-83336806 (X.G.)
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Zheng K, Zheng X, Yang W. The Role of Metabolic Dysfunction in T-Cell Exhaustion During Chronic Viral Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:843242. [PMID: 35432304 PMCID: PMC9008220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.843242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are important components of adaptive immunity that protect the host against invading pathogens during infection. Upon recognizing the activation signals, naïve and/or memory T cells will initiate clonal expansion, trigger differentiation into effector populations and traffic to the inflamed sites to eliminate pathogens. However, in chronic viral infections, such as those caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV), T cells exhibit impaired function and become difficult to clear pathogens in a state known as T-cell exhaustion. The activation and function persistence of T cells demand for dynamic changes in cellular metabolism to meet their bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands, especially the augmentation of aerobic glycolysis, which not only provide efficient energy generation, but also fuel multiple biochemical intermediates that are essential for nucleotide, amino acid, fatty acid synthesis and mitochondria function. Changes in cellular metabolism also affect the function of effectors T cells through modifying epigenetic signatures. It is widely accepted that the dysfunction of T cell metabolism contributes greatly to T-cell exhaustion. Here, we reviewed recent findings on T cells metabolism under chronic viral infection, seeking to reveal the role of metabolic dysfunction played in T-cell exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehong Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Zheng
- Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Li Y, Xu M, Li Y, Gu W, Halimu G, Li Y, Zhang Z, Zhou L, Liao H, Yao S, Zhang H, Zhang C. A recombinant protein containing influenza viral conserved epitopes and superantigen induces broad-spectrum protection. eLife 2021; 10:e71725. [PMID: 34783655 PMCID: PMC8635977 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza pandemics pose public health threats annually for lacking vaccine that provides cross-protection against novel and emerging influenza viruses. Combining conserved antigens that induce cross-protective antibody responses with epitopes that activate cross-protective T cell responses might be an attractive strategy for developing a universal vaccine. In this study, we constructed a recombinant protein named NMHC that consists of influenza viral conserved epitopes and a superantigen fragment. NMHC promoted the maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and induced CD4+ T cells to differentiate into Th1, Th2, and Th17 subtypes. Mice vaccinated with NMHC produced high levels of immunoglobulins that cross-bound to HA fragments from six influenza virus subtypes with high antibody titers. Anti-NMHC serum showed potent hemagglutinin inhibition effects to highly divergent group 1 (H1 subtype) and group 2 (H3 subtype) influenza virus strains. Furthermore, purified anti-NMHC antibodies bound to multiple HAs with high affinities. NMHC vaccination effectively protected mice from infection and lung damage when exposed to two subtypes of H1N1 influenza virus. Moreover, NMHC vaccination elicited CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses that cleared the virus from infected tissues and prevented virus spread. In conclusion, this study provides proof of concept that NMHC vaccination triggers B and T cell immune responses against multiple influenza virus infections. Therefore, NMHC might be a candidate universal broad-spectrum vaccine for the prevention and treatment of multiple influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Li
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenyangChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research, Shenyang Bureau of Science and TechnologyShenyangChina
| | - Mingkai Xu
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research, Shenyang Bureau of Science and TechnologyShenyangChina
| | - Yongqiang Li
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenyangChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research, Shenyang Bureau of Science and TechnologyShenyangChina
| | - Wu Gu
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research, Shenyang Bureau of Science and TechnologyShenyangChina
| | - Gulinare Halimu
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenyangChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research, Shenyang Bureau of Science and TechnologyShenyangChina
| | - Yuqi Li
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenyangChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research, Shenyang Bureau of Science and TechnologyShenyangChina
| | - Zhichun Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenyangChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research, Shenyang Bureau of Science and TechnologyShenyangChina
| | - Libao Zhou
- Chengda Biotechnology Co. LtdLiaoningChina
| | - Hui Liao
- Chengda Biotechnology Co. LtdLiaoningChina
| | | | - Huiwen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research, Shenyang Bureau of Science and TechnologyShenyangChina
| | - Chenggang Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Superantigen Research, Shenyang Bureau of Science and TechnologyShenyangChina
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Zhang G, Zheng G, Jiang F, Wu T, Wu L. Granzyme B and perforin produced by SEC2 mutant-activated human CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells induce apoptosis of K562 leukemic cells by the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 190:284-290. [PMID: 34492245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.08.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcal enterotoxin C2 (SEC2), a classical representative of superantigens, activates T cells that produce massive cytokines. This characteristic makes SEC2 a promising candidate drug for cancer immunotherapy. Previous study showed that ST-4, a SEC2 mutant, enhanced recognition of mouse T-cell receptor Vβ regions, and activated the increased number of T cells that produced more cytokines. However, the underlying molecular mechanism for stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and antitumor effect on human tumor cells remains unknown. Herein, we showed that ST-4 significantly activated TCR Vβ 12, 13A, 14, 15, 17, and 20 CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which produced substantial amounts of granzyme B and perforin. These cytokines exhibited antitumor effect on K562 cells by promoting apoptosis and inducing S-phase cell cycle arrest. Conversely, the granzyme B inhibitor or perforin inhibitor significantly weakened antitumor effect of ST-4, accompanied by a decrease of cleaved proapoptotic BAX and cytochrome c, and an increase of antiapoptotic BCL2. Taken together, these data suggest that granzyme B and perforin produced by ST-4-activated CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells play a pivotal role in inducing K562 cell apoptosis by the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and support ST-4 as a potential candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojun Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area District, 110122 Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoliang Zheng
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University (Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute), No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenhe District, 110042 Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengli Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area District, 110122 Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyi Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area District, 110122 Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Lizhao Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area District, 110122 Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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Du M, Liang Y, Liu Z, Li X, Liang M, Zhou B, Gao Y. Identification of Key Genes Related to CD8+ T-Cell Infiltration as Prognostic Biomarkers for Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:693353. [PMID: 34650911 PMCID: PMC8505972 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.693353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background CD8+ T cells are one of the central effector cells in the immune microenvironment. CD8+ T cells play a vital role in the development and progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This study aimed to explore the key genes related to CD8+ T-cell infiltration in LUAD and to develop a novel prognosis model based on these genes. Methods With the use of the LUAD dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed, and a co-expression network was constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Combined with the CIBERSORT algorithm, the gene module in WGCNA, which was the most significantly correlated with CD8+ T cells, was selected for the subsequent analyses. Key genes were then identified by co-expression network analysis, protein–protein interactions network analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso)-penalized Cox regression analysis. A risk assessment model was built based on these key genes and then validated by the dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and multiple fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments of a tissue microarray. Results Five key genes (MZT2A, ALG3, ATIC, GPI, and GAPDH) related to prognosis and CD8+ T-cell infiltration were identified, and a risk assessment model was established based on them. We found that the risk score could well predict the prognosis of LUAD, and the risk score was negatively related to CD8+ T-cell infiltration and correlated with the advanced tumor stage. The results of the GEO database and tissue microarray were consistent with those of TCGA. Furthermore, the risk score was higher significantly in tumor tissues than in adjacent lung tissues and was correlated with the advanced tumor stage. Conclusions This study may provide a novel risk assessment model for prognosis prediction and a new perspective to explore the mechanism of tumor immune microenvironment related to CD8+ T-cell infiltration in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjun Du
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yicheng Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zixu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xingkai Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Boxuan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yushun Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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