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Kottom TJ, Stelzig KE, Pellegrino MR, Bindzus M, Yi ES, Limper AH. Preclinical and Toxicology Assessment of ALW-II-41-27, an Inhibitor of the Eph Receptor A2 (EphA2). Drugs R D 2024:10.1007/s40268-024-00483-5. [PMID: 39105996 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-024-00483-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The EphA2 receptor inhibitor ALW-II-41-27 has proven to be an effective in vitro antagonist of Pneumocystis β-glucan-induced proinflammatory signaling. This suggests its potential as a candidate for initial anti-inflammatory drug testing in the rodent model of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). METHODS Initially, single-dose intraperitoneal (IP) injections of ALW-II-41-27 were administered at concentrations of 0, 10, 15, 20, and 30 mg/kg over a 24-h treatment period. Pharmacokinetics were assessed in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and epithelial lining fluid (ELF). Following these assessments, a final single mg/kg dosing was determined. Mice received daily IP injections of either vehicle or 20.0 mg/kg of ALW-II-41-27 for 10 days, with their weights recorded daily. On day 11, mice were weighed and euthanized. Lungs, liver, and kidneys were harvested for H&E staining and pathology scoring. Lung samples were further analyzed for proinflammatory cytokines using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and extracellular matrix production using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Postmortem blood collection was conducted for complete blood count (CBC) blood chemistry analysis. Lastly, ALW-II-41-27 was administered to mice prior to fungal β-glucans challenge to determine in vivo effects on lung inflammation. RESULTS This report describes the PK assessment of ALW-II-41-27 given via IP in C57BL/6 mice. After PK data were generated, we tested ALW-II-41-27 at 20 mg/kg IP in mice and noted no significant changes in daily or final weight gain. ELISA results of proinflammatory cytokines from lung tissues showed no major differences in the respective groups. qPCR analysis of extracellular matrix transcripts were statistically similar. Examination and pathology scoring of H&E slides from lung, liver, and kidney in all groups and subsequent pathology scoring showed no significant toxicity. Blood chemistry and CBC analyses revealed no major abnormalities. Additionally, administering ALW-II-41-27 before intratracheal inoculation of fungal β-glucans, known to induce a strong proinflammatory response in the lungs, significantly reduced lung tissue IL-1β levels. CONCLUSIONS In our initial general safety and toxicology assessments, ALW-II-41-27 displayed no inherent safety concerns in the analyzed parameters. These data support broader in vivo testing of the inhibitor as a timed adjunct therapy to the deleterious proinflammatory host immune response often associated with anti-Pneumocystis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore J Kottom
- Thoracic Diseases Research Unit, Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, Mayo Clinic, 8-23 Stabile, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Kimberly E Stelzig
- Thoracic Diseases Research Unit, Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, Mayo Clinic, 8-23 Stabile, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Madeline R Pellegrino
- Thoracic Diseases Research Unit, Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, Mayo Clinic, 8-23 Stabile, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Marc Bindzus
- Thoracic Diseases Research Unit, Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, Mayo Clinic, 8-23 Stabile, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Eunhee S Yi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Andrew H Limper
- Thoracic Diseases Research Unit, Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, Mayo Clinic, 8-23 Stabile, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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Katsipoulaki M, Stappers MHT, Malavia-Jones D, Brunke S, Hube B, Gow NAR. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata: global priority pathogens. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0002123. [PMID: 38832801 PMCID: PMC11332356 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00021-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYA significant increase in the incidence of Candida-mediated infections has been observed in the last decade, mainly due to rising numbers of susceptible individuals. Recently, the World Health Organization published its first fungal pathogen priority list, with Candida species listed in medium, high, and critical priority categories. This review is a synthesis of information and recent advances in our understanding of two of these species-Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Of these, C. albicans is the most common cause of candidemia around the world and is categorized as a critical priority pathogen. C. glabrata is considered a high-priority pathogen and has become an increasingly important cause of candidemia in recent years. It is now the second most common causative agent of candidemia in many geographical regions. Despite their differences and phylogenetic divergence, they are successful as pathogens and commensals of humans. Both species can cause a broad variety of infections, ranging from superficial to potentially lethal systemic infections. While they share similarities in certain infection strategies, including tissue adhesion and invasion, they differ significantly in key aspects of their biology, interaction with immune cells, host damage strategies, and metabolic adaptations. Here we provide insights on key aspects of their biology, epidemiology, commensal and pathogenic lifestyles, interactions with the immune system, and antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Katsipoulaki
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark H. T. Stappers
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Dhara Malavia-Jones
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Liu Z, Zhang L, Liang Y, Lu L. Pathology and molecular mechanisms of Schistosoma japonicum-associated liver fibrosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1035765. [PMID: 36389166 PMCID: PMC9650140 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1035765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis has been widely disseminated around the world, and poses a significant threat to human health. Schistosoma eggs and soluble egg antigen (SEA) mediated inflammatory responses promote the formation of egg granulomas and liver fibrosis. With continuous liver injuries and inflammatory stimulation, liver fibrosis can develop into liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Therefore, anti-fibrotic therapy is crucial to increase the survival rate of patients. However, current research on antifibrotic treatments for schistosomiasis requires further exploration. In the complicated microenvironment of schistosome infections, it is important to understand the mechanism and pathology of schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis(SSLF). In this review, we discuss the role of SEA in inhibiting liver fibrosis, describe its mechanism, and comprehensively explore the role of host-derived and schistosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) in SSLF. Inflammasomes and cytokines are significant factors in promoting SSLF, and we discuss the mechanisms of some critical inflammatory signals and pro-fibrotic cytokines. Natural killer(NK) cells and Natural killer T(NKT) cells can inhibit SSLF but are rarely described, therefore, we highlight their significance. This summarizes and provides insights into the mechanisms of key molecules involved in SSLF development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilong Liu
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lichen Zhang
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yinming Liang
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Yinming Liang, ; Liaoxun Lu,
| | - Liaoxun Lu
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Yinming Liang, ; Liaoxun Lu,
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Millet N, Solis NV, Aguilar D, Lionakis MS, Wheeler RT, Jendzjowsky N, Swidergall M. IL-23 signaling prevents ferroptosis-driven renal immunopathology during candidiasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5545. [PMID: 36138043 PMCID: PMC9500047 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33327-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During infection the host relies on pattern-recognition receptors to sense invading fungal pathogens to launch immune defense mechanisms. While fungal recognition and immune effector responses are organ and cell type specific, during disseminated candidiasis myeloid cells exacerbate collateral tissue damage. The β-glucan receptor ephrin type-A 2 receptor (EphA2) is required to initiate mucosal inflammatory responses during oral Candida infection. Here we report that EphA2 promotes renal immunopathology during disseminated candidiasis. EphA2 deficiency leads to reduced renal inflammation and injury. Comprehensive analyses reveal that EphA2 restrains IL-23 secretion from and migration of dendritic cells. IL-23 signaling prevents ferroptotic host cell death during infection to limit inflammation and immunopathology. Further, host cell ferroptosis limits antifungal effector functions via releasing the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal to induce various forms of cell death. Thus, we identify ferroptotic cell death as a critical pathway of Candida-mediated renal immunopathology that opens a new avenue to tackle Candida infection and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Millet
- grid.239844.00000 0001 0157 6501Division of Infectious Diseases, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA USA ,grid.513199.6The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA USA
| | - Norma V. Solis
- grid.239844.00000 0001 0157 6501Division of Infectious Diseases, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA USA ,grid.513199.6The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA USA
| | - Diane Aguilar
- grid.513199.6The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA USA
| | - Michail S. Lionakis
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Robert T. Wheeler
- grid.21106.340000000121820794Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME USA
| | - Nicholas Jendzjowsky
- grid.513199.6The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Marc Swidergall
- grid.239844.00000 0001 0157 6501Division of Infectious Diseases, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA USA ,grid.513199.6The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA
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Ma X, Tan X, Yu B, Sun W, Wang H, Hu H, Du Y, He R, Gao R, Peng Q, Cui Z, Pan T, Feng X, Wang J, Xu C, Zhu B, Liu W, Wang C. DOCK2 regulates antifungal immunity by regulating RAC GTPase activity. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:602-618. [PMID: 35079145 PMCID: PMC8787451 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections cause ~1.5 million deaths each year worldwide, and the mortality rate of disseminated candidiasis currently exceeds that of breast cancer and malaria. The major reasons for the high mortality of candidiasis are the limited number of antifungal drugs and the emergence of drug-resistant species. Therefore, a better understanding of antifungal host defense mechanisms is crucial for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Here, we report that DOCK2 (dedicator of cytokinesis 2) promotes indispensable antifungal innate immune signaling and proinflammatory gene expression in macrophages. DOCK2-deficient macrophages exhibit decreased RAC GTPase (Rac family small GTPase) activation and ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, which in turn attenuates the killing of intracellular fungi and the activation of downstream signaling pathways. Mechanistically, after fungal stimulation, activated SYK (spleen-associated tyrosine kinase) phosphorylates DOCK2 at tyrosine 985 and 1405, which promotes the recruitment and activation of RAC GTPases and then increases ROS production and downstream signaling activation. Importantly, nanoparticle-mediated delivery of in vitro transcribed (IVT) Rac1 mRNA promotes the activity of Rac1 and helps to eliminate fungal infection in vivo. Taken together, this study not only identifies a critical role of DOCK2 in antifungal immunity via regulation of RAC GTPase activity but also provides proof of concept for the treatment of invasive fungal infections by using IVT mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xi Tan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bingbing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Shenzhen College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wanwei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Heping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Huijun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yanyun Du
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Ruirui He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ru Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Qianwen Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zhihui Cui
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Ting Pan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xiong Feng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Junhan Wang
- University-Affiliated Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Shenzhen College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Chenhui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China.
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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