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Blinova VG, Gladilina YA, Abramova AA, Eliseeva DD, Vtorushina VV, Shishparenok AN, Zhdanov DD. Modulation of Suppressive Activity and Proliferation of Human Regulatory T Cells by Splice-Switching Oligonucleotides Targeting FoxP3 Pre-mRNA. Cells 2023; 13:77. [PMID: 38201281 PMCID: PMC10777989 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010077] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The maturation, development, and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are under the control of the crucial transcription factor Forkhead Box Protein 3 (FoxP3). Through alternative splicing, the human FoxP3 gene produces four different splice variants: a full-length variant (FL) and truncated variants with deletions of each of exons 2 (∆2 variant) or 7 (∆7 variant) or a deletion of both exons (∆2∆7 variant). Their involvement in the biology of Tregs as well as their association with autoimmune diseases remains to be clarified. The aim of this work was to induce a single FoxP3 splice variant in human Tregs by splice switching oligonucleotides and to monitor their phenotype and proliferative and suppressive activity. We demonstrated that Tregs from peripheral blood from patients with multiple sclerosis preferentially expressed truncated splice variants, while the FL variant was the major variant in healthy donors. Tregs with induced expression of truncated FoxP3 splice variants demonstrated lower suppressive activity than those expressing FL variants. Reduced suppression was associated with the decreased expression of Treg-associated suppressive surface molecules and the production of cytokines. The deletion of exons 2 and/or 7 also reduced the cell proliferation rate. The results of this study show an association between FoxP3 splice variants and Treg function and proliferation. The modulation of Treg suppressive activity by the induction of the FoxP3 FL variant can become a promising strategy for regenerative immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara G. Blinova
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.B.); (Y.A.G.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Yulia A. Gladilina
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.B.); (Y.A.G.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Anna A. Abramova
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.B.); (Y.A.G.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, 125367 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Daria D. Eliseeva
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, 125367 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Valentina V. Vtorushina
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Academician Oparin st. 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anastasia N. Shishparenok
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.B.); (Y.A.G.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.B.); (Y.A.G.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, People’s Friendship University of Russia Named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya st. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
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Hefazi M, Bolivar-Wagers S, Blazar BR. Regulatory T Cell Therapy of Graft-versus-Host Disease: Advances and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9676. [PMID: 34575843 PMCID: PMC8469916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Immunomodulation using regulatory T cells (Tregs) offers an exciting option to prevent and/or treat GVHD as these cells naturally function to maintain immune homeostasis, can induce tolerance following HSCT, and have a tissue reparative function. Studies to date have established a clinical safety profile for polyclonal Tregs. Functional enhancement through genetic engineering offers the possibility of improved potency, specificity, and persistence. In this review, we provide the most up to date preclinical and clinical data on Treg cell therapy with a particular focus on GVHD. We discuss the different Treg subtypes and highlight the pharmacological and genetic approaches under investigation to enhance the application of Tregs in allo-HSCT. Lastly, we discuss the remaining challenges for optimal clinical translation and provide insights as to future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hefazi
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Sara Bolivar-Wagers
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA;
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA;
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Follicular Regulatory T Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:9943743. [PMID: 34337086 PMCID: PMC8294974 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9943743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells are the regulatory T cell subset mainly localized in the germinal center (GC), acting as modulators of GC responses. They can disrupt Tfh cell- and B cell-linked recognition, induce Tfh apoptosis, and suppress B cell function. Evidences show that dysregulated Tfr cells are associated with the disease activity index and serum autoantibody levels, influencing the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This review focuses on the interaction among Tfr, Tfh, and B cells, summarizes the characterization and function of Tfr cells, concludes the imbalance of CD4+T subsets in SLE, and presents potential therapies for SLE. In general, we discuss the roles of Tfr cells in the progress of SLE and provide potential treatments.
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Dudreuilh C, Basu S, Scottà C, Dorling A, Lombardi G. Potential Application of T-Follicular Regulatory Cell Therapy in Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 11:612848. [PMID: 33603742 PMCID: PMC7884443 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.612848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitute a small proportion of circulating CD4+ T cells that function to maintain homeostasis and prevent autoimmunity. In light of their powerful immunosuppressive and tolerance-promoting properties, Tregs have become an interesting potential candidate for therapeutic use in conditions such as solid organ transplant or to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Clinical studies have demonstrated the safety of polyclonally expanded Tregs in graft-versus-host disease, type 1 diabetes, and more recently in renal and liver transplantation. However, Tregs are heterogenous. Recent insights indicate that only a small proportion of Tregs, called T follicular regulatory cells (Tfr) regulate interactions between B cells and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells within the germinal center. Tfr have been mainly described in mouse models due to the challenges of sampling secondary lymphoid organs in humans. However, emerging human studies, characterize Tfr as being CD4+CD25+FOXP3+CXCR5+ cells with different levels of PD-1 and ICOS expression depending on their localization, in the blood or the germinal center. The exact role they play in transplantation remains to be elucidated. However, given the potential ability of these cells to modulate antibody responses to allo-antigens, there is great interest in exploring translational applications in situations where B cell responses need to be regulated. Here, we review the current knowledge of Tfr and the role they play focusing on human diseases and transplantation. We also discuss the potential future applications of Tfr therapy in transplantation and examine the evidence for a role of Tfr in antibody production, acute and chronic rejection and tertiary lymphoid organs. Furthermore, the potential impact of immunosuppression on Tfr will be explored. Based on preclinical research, we will analyse the rationale of Tfr therapy in solid organ transplantation and summarize the different challenges to be overcome before Tfr therapy can be implemented into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Dudreuilh
- Department of Inflammation Biology, King's College London (KCL), Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sumoyee Basu
- Department of Inflammation Biology, King's College London (KCL), Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristiano Scottà
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, King's College London (KCL), Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Dorling
- Department of Inflammation Biology, King's College London (KCL), Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanna Lombardi
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, King's College London (KCL), Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Piccirillo CA. Transcriptional and translational control of Foxp3+ regulatory T cell functional adaptation to inflammation. Curr Opin Immunol 2020; 67:27-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Liu XK, Zhao HM, Wang HY, Ge W, Zhong YB, Long J, Liu DY. Regulatory Effect of Sishen Pill on Tfh Cells in Mice With Experimental Colitis. Front Physiol 2020; 11:589. [PMID: 32581849 PMCID: PMC7290041 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The T follicular helper T (Tfh) cells play a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is regulated by the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway. Some studies have suggested that regulating activation of the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway should be an effective method to treat IBD. Sishen Pill (SSP) has been used frequently to treat chronic colitis. Its mechanism is related to the downstream proteins in the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway. However, it is unknown whether SSP regulates the function and differentiation of Tfh cells to treat IBD. In the present study, chronic colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulfate and treated with SSP for 7 days. SSP effectively treated chronic colitis, regulated the balance between Tfh10, Tfh17 and T follicular regulatory cells, while SSP increased the Blimp-1 level, inhibited expressions of Bcl-6, T-cell costimulator, programmed death (PD)-1 and PD-ligand 1 on the surface of Tfh cells. SSP inhibited activation of BcL-6, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (p-STAT)3, signal lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM)-associated protein but improved Blimp-1 and STAT3 expression in colonic tissues. The results indicated that SSP regulated the differentiation and function of Tfh cells to treat IBD, which was potentially related with inhibiting the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ke Liu
- Department of Postgraduate, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Hai-Mei Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Hai-Yan Wang
- Party and School Office, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Proctology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - You-Bao Zhong
- Department of Postgraduate, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Jian Long
- Department of Postgraduate, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Duan-Yong Liu
- Science and Technology College, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China.,Pharmacology Office, Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Jiangxi, Nanchang, China
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Irekeola AA, E. A. R. ENS, Mat Lazim N, Mohamud R, Yean CY, Shueb RH. Technical Considerations in Ex Vivo Human Regulatory T Cell Migration and Suppression Assays. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020487. [PMID: 32093265 PMCID: PMC7072784 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are renowned for maintaining homeostasis and self-tolerance through their ability to suppress immune responses. For over two decades, Tregs have been the subject of intensive research. The immunosuppressive and migratory potentials of Tregs have been exploited, especially in the areas of cancer, autoimmunity and vaccine development, and many assay protocols have since been developed. However, variations in assay conditions in different studies, as well as covert experimental factors, pose a great challenge to the reproducibility of results. Here, we focus on human Tregs derived from clinical samples and highlighted caveats that should be heeded when conducting Tregs suppression and migration assays. We particularly delineated how factors such as sample processing, choice of reagents and equipment, optimization and other experimental conditions could introduce bias into the assay, and we subsequently proffer recommendations to enhance reliability and reproducibility of results. It is hoped that prioritizing these factors will reduce the tendencies of generating false and misleading results, and thus, help improve our understanding and interpretation of Tregs functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Adebayo Irekeola
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (A.A.I.); (E.N.S.E.A.R.); (C.Y.Y.)
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Summit University Offa, Offa PMB 4412, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Engku Nur Syafirah E. A. R.
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (A.A.I.); (E.N.S.E.A.R.); (C.Y.Y.)
| | - Norhafiza Mat Lazim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia;
| | - Rohimah Mohamud
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia;
| | - Chan Yean Yean
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (A.A.I.); (E.N.S.E.A.R.); (C.Y.Y.)
| | - Rafidah Hanim Shueb
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (A.A.I.); (E.N.S.E.A.R.); (C.Y.Y.)
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Adoptive cell therapy using CD4FOXP3 regulatory T cells (Treg) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to treat autoimmunity and alloimmunity. Preclinical studies suggest that the efficacy of Treg therapy can be improved by modifying the antigen specificity, stability and function of therapeutic Tregs. We review recent innovations that considerably enhance the possibilities of controlling these parameters. RECENT FINDINGS Antigen-specific Tregs can be generated by genetically modifying polyclonal Tregs to express designated T-cell receptors or single-chain chimeric antigen receptors. The benefits of this approach can be further extended by using novel strategies to fine-tune the antigen-specificity and affinity of Treg in vivo. CRISPR/Cas 9 technology now enables the modification of therapeutic Tregs so they are safer, more stable and long lived. The differentiation and homing properties of Tregs can also be modulated by gene editing or modifying ex-vivo stimulation conditions. SUMMARY A new wave of innovation has considerably increased the number of strategies that could be used to increase the therapeutic potential of Treg therapy. However, the increased complexity of these approaches may limit their wide accessibility. Third-party therapy with off-the-shelf Treg products could be a solution.
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Mukhin VE, Polyakova YV, Kaabak MM, Babenko NN, Bryzgalina EV, V'yunkova YN. [Control and prevention of kidney transplant rejection: the role and possibilities for the clinical use of regulatory T-cells in transplantation]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) 2019:80-85. [PMID: 31532171 DOI: 10.17116/hirurgia201909180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This article discusses the need to implement effective methods for monitoring immune status and rehabilitation of patients after kidney transplantation. Induction of immunological tolerance which allows minimizing or even completely canceling supportive immunosuppressive therapy is one of the key tasks in the field of organ transplantation. Regulatory T-cells (TREGs) play an important role in maintaining immunological homeostasis, including limiting kidney transplant rejection, and potentially contribute to the development of immunological tolerance. At the same time, for the introduction of TREG therapy into clinical practice, it is necessary to overcome a number of unsolved problems, such as induction and cultivation of a sufficient number of TREG cells for therapeutic action as well as reducing the risks associated with TREG conversion to effector lymphocytes or an undesirable non-specific immunosuppressive effect. This review examines both the impact of common post-transplant pharmacological immunosuppression approaches on TREGs and the therapeutic potential of TREG cell cultures in prevention of kidney transplant rejection. The questions of ex vivo TREG manufacturing process and possible threats of applying cell technologies in this branch of transplantology were considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- V E Mukhin
- Petrovsky Russian Research Center for Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu V Polyakova
- Petrovsky Russian Research Center for Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - M M Kaabak
- Petrovsky Russian Research Center for Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - N N Babenko
- Petrovsky Russian Research Center for Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Bryzgalina
- Moscow State University im. M.V. Lomonosov, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu N V'yunkova
- Petrovsky Russian Research Center for Surgery, Moscow, Russia
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