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Siracusano M, Dante C, Sarnataro R, Arturi L, Riccioni A, Carloni E, Cicala M, Gialloreti LE, Galasso C, Conteduca G, Coviello D, Mazzone L. A longitudinal characterization of the adaptive and behavioral profile in Sotos syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:e63553. [PMID: 38318994 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Delineation of a developmental and behavioral trajectory is a key-topic in the context of a genetic syndrome. Short- and long-term implications concerning school outcome, independent living, and working opportunities are strictly linked to the cognitive and behavioral profile of an individual. For the first time, we present a longitudinal characterization of the adaptive and behavioral profile of a pediatric sample of 32 individuals with Sotos Syndrome (SoS) (18 males, 14 females; mean age 9.7 ± 4 years, eight carrying the NSD1 5q35 microdeletion and 24 with an intragenic mutation). We performed two clinical assessments: at baseline (T0) and at distance evaluation (T1) of adaptive and behavioral skills with a mean distance of 1.56 ± 0.95 years among timepoints. Our study reports a stability over the years-meant as lack of statistically significant clinical worsening or improvement-of both adaptive and behavioral skills investigated, regardless the level of Intellectual Quotient and chronological age at baseline. However, participants who did not discontinue intervention among T0 and T1, were characterized by a better clinical profile in terms of adaptive skills and behavioral profile at distance, emphasizing that uninterrupted intervention positively contributes to the developmental trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Siracusano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Dante
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Sarnataro
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Arturi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Assia Riccioni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Carloni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Cicala
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Galasso
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Coviello
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luigi Mazzone
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Conteduca G, Baldo C, Arado A, da Silva JSM, Testa B, Baldassari S, Zara F, Filaci G, Coviello D, Malacarne M. Generation of IGGi003-A induced pluripotent stem cell line from a patient with Sotos Syndrome carrying c.1633delA NSD1 variant in exon 5. Stem Cell Res 2024; 76:103324. [PMID: 38301425 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2024.103324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Sotos syndrome (SoS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from NSD1 mutations that cause haploinsufficiency of NSD1. Here, we generated an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line from fibroblasts of a SoS patient carrying the pathogenic variant (c.1633delA). The cell line shows typical iPSC morphology, high expression of pluripotent markers, normal karyotype, and it differentiates into three germ layers in vitro. This line is a valuable resource for studying pathological pathways involved in SoS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Baldo
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessia Arado
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Testa
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Baldassari
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- Biotherapy Unit, IRCCS San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Department of internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Domenico Coviello
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.
| | - Michela Malacarne
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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Frattale I, Sarnataro R, Siracusano M, Riccioni A, Galasso C, Valeriani M, Conteduca G, Coviello D, Mazzone L, Moavero R. Sleep disturbances and behavioral symptoms in pediatric Sotos syndrome. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1360055. [PMID: 38434199 PMCID: PMC10904657 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1360055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sotos syndrome (SoS) is a rare overgrowth genetic disease caused by intragenic mutations or microdeletions of the NSD1 gene located on chromosome 5q35. SoS population might present cognitive impairment and a spectrum of behavioral characteristics, with a worse profile in patients with microdeletion. Although patients with SoS are known to have impaired sleep habits, very little data are available. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders (SDs) in a pediatric cohort of patients with SoS and their correlation with neuropsychiatric profiles. Methods We included patients with a SoS diagnosis and age < 18 years; all patients underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, including evaluation of cognition, adaptive functions through the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-Second Edition (ABAS-II), and behavioral problems using the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised (CPRS-R:L) questionnaire. To investigate the presence of SD parents, the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) was completed. Results Thirty-eight patients (M 61%, F 39%, mean age 11.1 ± 4.65 years) were included in the study. Although only two had a prior SD diagnosis, 71.1% (N = 27) exhibited pathological scores on SDSC. No statistically significant associations were found between positive SDSC results and genetic microdeletion, intellectual disability (ID), or other medical conditions/treatments. However, a positive correlation emerged between SDSC scores and Conners' Global Index (p = 0.048) and Restless/Impulsive (p = 0.01) scores, CBCL externalizing (p = 0.02), internalizing (p = 0.01), and total scores (p = 0.05). Conversely, a negative linear relationship was observed between the SDSC score and the ABAS GAC and ABAS CAD scores (p = 0.025). Conclusion We detected an SD in 71.1% of our sample, with a positive relation between SD and internalizing and externalizing symptom levels, especially hyperactivity and impulsivity. Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of SD in pediatric patients with SoS, highlighting that all patients should be screened for this problem, which has a great impact on the quality of life of patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Frattale
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Sarnataro
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Siracusano
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Assia Riccioni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Galasso
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Valeriani
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Developmental Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Domenico Coviello
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luigi Mazzone
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Wellbeing of Mental and Neurological, Dental and Sensory Organ Health, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Moavero
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Developmental Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Siracusano M, Riccioni A, Frattale I, Arturi L, Dante C, Galasso C, Gialloreti LE, Conteduca G, Testa B, Malacarne M, Coviello D, Mazzone L. Cognitive, adaptive and behavioral profile in Sotos syndrome children with 5q35 microdeletion or intragenic variants. Am J Med Genet A 2023. [PMID: 37066965 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Sotos syndrome (SoS) is a congenital overgrowth syndrome with variable degree of intellectual disability caused in the 90% of cases by pathogenetic variants of the Nuclear receptor binding SET Domain protein1 (NSD1) gene. NSD1 gene functions can be abrogated by different genetic alterations (i.e., small intragenic pathogenic variants like deletions/insertions, nonsense/missense pathogenic variants, partial gene deletions and whole deletions or microdeletion of 5q35 chromosomal region). Therefore, correlation of the genotype-phenotype with a possible contribution of more implicated genes to the medical, cognitive and behavioral profile is a topic of great interest. Although a more severe learning disability has been described in individuals with 5q35 microdeletion when compared to individuals with NSD1 intragenic pathogenic variants a fully delineated cognitive and behavioral phenotype has not been described yet. The importance of providing clinical characterization in relation to the genotype comes from the necessity to early identify children more at risk of developing psychopathological disorders. We characterize the cognitive, adaptive and behavioral phenotype of a pediatric sample of 64 individuals affected by SoS, performing a standardized neuropsychological evaluation. Secondly, we compare cognitive-behavioral profiles of SoS individuals carrying and not carrying the 5q35 microdeletion. SoS participants were characterized by a mild cognitive impairment of both Intellectual Quotient and adaptive skills in association to borderline symptoms of attention deficit. Our results suggest that the 5q35 microdeletion is associated with lower scores specifically concerning the cognitive, adaptive functioning and behavioral domains. However, longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm these findings and delineate a developmental trajectory of SoS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Siracusano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Assia Riccioni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Frattale
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Arturi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Dante
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Galasso
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Barbara Testa
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Malacarne
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Domenico Coviello
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luigi Mazzone
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Cabrita Pinto RL, Viaggi S, Canale E, Martinez Popple M, Capra V, Conteduca G, Testa B, Coviello D, Covone AE. Exome Analysis Reveals Novel Missense and Deletion Variants in the CC2D2A Gene as Causative of Joubert Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040810. [PMID: 37107568 PMCID: PMC10137517 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The CC2D2A gene is essential for primary cilia formation, and its disruption has been associated with Joubert Syndrome-9 (JBTS9), a ciliopathy with typical neurodevelopmental features. Here, we describe an Italian pediatric patient with typical features of Joubert Syndrome (JBTS): “Molar Tooth Sign”, global developmental delay, nystagmus, mild hypotonia, and oculomotor apraxia. Whole exome sequencing and segregation analysis identified in our infant patient a novel heterozygous germline missense variant c.3626C > T; p.(Pro1209Leu) inherited from the father and a novel 7.16 kb deletion inherited from the mother. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing a novel missense and deletion variant involving exon 30 of the CC2D2A gene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Viaggi
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Edoardo Canale
- Infantile Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Capra
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Conteduca
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Testa
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Domenico Coviello
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-5636-3977
| | - Angela Elvira Covone
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
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Conteduca G, Baldo C, Arado A, Traverso M, Testa B, Malacarne M, Coviello D, Zara F, Baldassari S. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cell lines from a patient with Sotos syndrome carrying 5q35 microdeletion. Stem Cell Res 2023; 66:103007. [PMID: 36580887 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.103007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sotos syndrome (SoS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by haploinsufficiency of the NSD1 gene located on chromosome 5 region q35.3. In order to understand the pathogenesis of Sotos syndrome and in view of future therapeutic approaches for its efficient treatment, we generated two human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) lines from one SoS patient carrying a 5q35 microdeletion. The established iPSCs expressed pluripotency markers, showing the capacity to differentiate into the three germ layers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Baldo
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessia Arado
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Traverso
- Unit of Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Barbara Testa
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Michela Malacarne
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Domenico Coviello
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.
| | - Federico Zara
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Baldassari
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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Conteduca G, Cangelosi D, Coco S, Malacarne M, Baldo C, Arado A, Pinto R, Testa B, Coviello DA. NSD1 Mutations in Sotos Syndrome Induce Differential Expression of Long Noncoding RNAs, miR646 and Genes Controlling the G2/M Checkpoint. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12070988. [PMID: 35888078 PMCID: PMC9324496 DOI: 10.3390/life12070988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing amount of evidence indicates the critical role of the NSD1 gene in Sotos syndrome (SoS), a rare genetic disease, and in tumors. Molecular mechanisms affected by NSD1 mutations are largely uncharacterized. In order to assess the impact of NSD1 haploinsufficiency in the pathogenesis of SoS, we analyzed the gene expression profile of fibroblasts isolated from the skin samples of 15 SoS patients and of 5 healthy parents. We identified seven differentially expressed genes and five differentially expressed noncoding RNAs. The most upregulated mRNA was stratifin (SFN) (fold change, 3.9, Benjamini−Hochberg corrected p < 0.05), and the most downregulated mRNA was goosecoid homeobox (GSC) (fold change, 3.9, Benjamini−Hochberg corrected p < 0.05). The most upregulated lncRNA was lnc-C2orf84-1 (fold change, 4.28, Benjamini−Hochberg corrected p < 0.001), and the most downregulated lncRNA was Inc-C15orf57 (fold change, −0.7, Benjamini−Hochberg corrected p < 0.05). A gene set enrichment analysis reported the enrichment of genes involved in the KRAS and E2F signaling pathways, splicing regulation and cell cycle G2/M checkpoints. Our results suggest that NSD1 is involved in cell cycle regulation and that its mutation can induce the down-expression of genes involved in tumoral and neoplastic differentiation. The results contribute to defining the role of NSD1 in fibroblasts for the prevention, diagnosis and control of SoS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Conteduca
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.A.); (R.P.); (B.T.)
| | - Davide Cangelosi
- Clinical Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Simona Coco
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Michela Malacarne
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.A.); (R.P.); (B.T.)
| | - Chiara Baldo
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.A.); (R.P.); (B.T.)
| | - Alessia Arado
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.A.); (R.P.); (B.T.)
| | - Rute Pinto
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.A.); (R.P.); (B.T.)
| | - Barbara Testa
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.A.); (R.P.); (B.T.)
| | - Domenico A. Coviello
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (A.A.); (R.P.); (B.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-5636-3977
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Conteduca G, Rossi A, Megiorni F, Parodi A, Ferrera F, Tardito S, Altosole T, Fausti V, Occella C, Kalli F, Negrini S, Pizzuti A, Marchese C, Rizza E, Indiveri F, Coviello D, Fenoglio D, Filaci G. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 3'-untranslated region inducible costimulator gene and the important roles of miRNA in alopecia areata. Skin Health Dis 2021; 1:e34. [PMID: 35664973 PMCID: PMC9060044 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Alopecia areata (AA) spares the stem cell compartment and attacks only the base of the hair follicle, which is surrounded by infiltrating lymphocytes. AA is associated with polymorphisms in immune-related genes and with decreased function of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (Treg) cells. Treg function is modulated by the costimulatory molecules, like inducible costimulator (ICOS) that are crucial in orienting T cell differentiation and function so that they strongly impact on the immunologic decision between tolerance or autoimmunity development. Objective The aim of our study was to investigate the possible association of AA with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) present in the ICOS 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) region and to elucidate how SNPs modulate ICOS gene expression by affecting miRNA binding sites. Methods This is a case-control study performed in 184 patients with AA and 200 controls. ICOS gene and miRNA expression were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The genotype carrying the rs4404254(C) [p = 0.012, OR (95% CI): 0.5 (0.3-0.8)] and rs4675379(C) [p = 0.015, OR (95% CI): 0.3 (0.1-0.8)] 3' UTR alleles was more frequently observed in AA patients than in controls and correlated with a reduced ICOS expression. miR-1276 significantly suppressed ICOS expression by binding to the 3'UTR of ICOS mRNA. Also, we observed that, miR-101 and miR-27b are upregulated, while miR-103 and miR-2355-3p are downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AA patients compared to controls. Conclusion Our data show that rs4404254 and rs4675379 SNPs of ICOS gene are associated with AA and also reveal that the presence of rs4404254 polymorphism correlates with ICOS post-transcriptional repression by microRNA binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Conteduca
- Laboratory of Human Genetics IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini Genoa Italy
| | - A Rossi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Clinical Internal Sciences "Sapienza" University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - F Megiorni
- Department of Experimental Medicine "Sapienza" University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - A Parodi
- Biotherapies Unit IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - F Ferrera
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine University of Genoa Genoa Italy
| | - S Tardito
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine University of Genoa Genoa Italy
| | - T Altosole
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine University of Genoa Genoa Italy
| | - V Fausti
- Dermatology Unit IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini Genoa Italy
| | - C Occella
- Dermatology Unit IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini Genoa Italy
| | - F Kalli
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine University of Genoa Genoa Italy
| | - S Negrini
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine University of Genoa Genoa Italy
| | - A Pizzuti
- Department of Experimental Medicine "Sapienza" University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - C Marchese
- Department of Experimental Medicine "Sapienza" University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - E Rizza
- Associazione Nazionale Alopecia Areata Genoa Italy
| | - F Indiveri
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine University of Genoa Genoa Italy
| | - D Coviello
- Laboratory of Human Genetics IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini Genoa Italy
| | - D Fenoglio
- Biotherapies Unit IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine University of Genoa Genoa Italy
| | - G Filaci
- Biotherapies Unit IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine University of Genoa Genoa Italy
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Favoino E, Prete M, Catacchio G, Conteduca G, Perosa F. CD20-Mimotope Peptides: A Model to Define the Molecular Basis of Epitope Spreading. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081920. [PMID: 31003532 PMCID: PMC6515264 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Antigen-mimicking peptide (mimotope)-based vaccines are one of the most promising forms of active-immunotherapy. The main drawback of this approach is that it induces antibodies that react poorly with the nominal antigen. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular basis underlying the weak antibody response induced against the naïve protein after peptide vaccination. For this purpose, we analyzed the fine specificity of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) elicited with a 13-mer linear peptide, complementary to theantigen-combining site of the anti-CD20 mAb, Rituximab, in BALB/c mice. Anti-peptide mAb competed with Rituximab for peptide binding. Even so, they recognized a different antigenic motif from the one recognized by Rituximab. This explains their lack of reactivity with membrane (naïve) CD20. These data indicate that even on a short peptide the immunogenic and antigenic motifs may be different. These findings highlight an additional mechanism for epitope spreading and should be taken into account when designing peptides for vaccine purposes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/immunology
- Antigens, CD20/genetics
- Antigens, CD20/immunology
- Binding Sites, Antibody/genetics
- Epitopes/genetics
- Epitopes/immunology
- Humans
- Mice
- Peptide Library
- Peptides/genetics
- Peptides/immunology
- Rituximab/genetics
- Rituximab/immunology
- Vaccination/methods
- Vaccines, Subunit/genetics
- Vaccines, Subunit/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Favoino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), Rheumatologic and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, University of Bari Medical School, I-70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Marcella Prete
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), Rheumatologic and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, University of Bari Medical School, I-70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Catacchio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), Rheumatologic and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, University of Bari Medical School, I-70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Conteduca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), Rheumatologic and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, University of Bari Medical School, I-70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Federico Perosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), Rheumatologic and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, University of Bari Medical School, I-70124 Bari, Italy.
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10
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Conteduca G, Indiveri F, Filaci G, Negrini S. Beyond APECED: An update on the role of the autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE) in physiology and disease. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:325-330. [PMID: 29427825 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE) is a transcription factor expressed both in the thymus, by medullary thymic epithelial cells, and in secondary lymphoid organs. AIRE controls the local transcription of organ- specific proteins typically expressed in peripheral tissues, thus allowing the negative selection of self- reactive T cells. The crucial role played by AIRE in central immune tolerance emerged in the studies on the pathogenesis of Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy, a rare inherited polyendocrine/autoimmune disease. Thereafter, several studies found evidences indicating that AIRE impairment might be pathogenically involved in several autoimmune diseases and in tumorigenesis. In this review, we focus on recent advances relative to AIRE's effect on T cell development in physiology and disease. In particular, we address the following issues: 1) AIRE function and mTECs biology, 2) the impact of AIRE gene mutations in autoimmune diseases, and 3) the role of AIRE gene in anti-tumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Conteduca
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Francesco Indiveri
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Simone Negrini
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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11
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Parodi A, Traverso P, Kalli F, Conteduca G, Tardito S, Curto M, Grillo F, Mastracci L, Bernardi C, Nasi G, Minaglia F, Simonato A, Carmignani G, Ferrera F, Fenoglio D, Filaci G. Residual tumor micro-foci and overwhelming regulatory T lymphocyte infiltration are the causes of bladder cancer recurrence. Oncotarget 2016; 7:6424-35. [PMID: 26824503 PMCID: PMC4872724 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer has an unexplained, high recurrence rate. Causes of recurrence might include the presence of sporadic tumor micro-foci in the residual urothelial tissue after surgery associated with an inverted ratio between intratumoral effector and regulatory T cell subsets. Hence, surgical specimens of both tumors and autologous, macroscopically/histologically free-of-tumor tissues were collected from 28 and 20 patients affected by bladder or renal cancer, respectively. The frequencies of effector (IFNγ+ and IL17+ T cells) and regulatory (CD4+CD25hiCD127lo and CD8+CD28-CD127loCD39+ Treg) T cell subpopulations among tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were analyzed by immunofluorescence, while the gene expression of MAGE-A1 and MAGE-A2 tumor-associated antigens was studied by RT-PCR. The results show that both the T cell infiltrate and the frequency of MAGE-A1/A2 gene expression were comparable in tumors and in autologous free-of-tumor tissues in bladder cancer, while the autologous free-of-tumor renal tissues showed reduced T cell infiltrate and frequency of MAGE gene expression as compared to the autologous tumors. Importantly, the intra-tumor T effector/Treg cell ratio was consistently <1 in bladder cancer patients (n. 7) who relapsed within two years, while it was always >1 in patients (n. 6) without recurrence (regardless of tumor stage) (P = 0.0006, Odds ratio = 195). These unprecedented findings clarify the pathogenic mechanism of bladder cancer recurrence and suggest that microscopically undetectable micro-foci of tumor may predispose to recurrence when associated with an inverted intratumoral T effector/Treg cell ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Parodi
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Traverso
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Martino - IST - Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Kalli
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Samuele Tardito
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Curto
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Martino - IST - Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Martino - IST - Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cinzia Bernardi
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Nasi
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Minaglia
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Martino - IST - Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alchiede Simonato
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Martino - IST - Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Carmignani
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Martino - IST - Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrera
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Fenoglio
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Martino - IST - Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Martino - IST - Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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12
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Conteduca G, Fenoglio D, Parodi A, Battaglia F, Kalli F, Negrini S, Tardito S, Ferrera F, Salis A, Millo E, Pasquale G, Barra G, Damonte G, Indiveri F, Ferrone S, Filaci G. AIRE polymorphism, melanoma antigen-specific T cell immunity, and susceptibility to melanoma. Oncotarget 2016; 7:60872-60884. [PMID: 27563821 PMCID: PMC5308622 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIRE is involved in susceptibility to melanoma perhaps regulating T cell immunity against melanoma antigens (MA). To address this issue, AIRE and MAGEB2 expressions were measured by real time PCR in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) from two strains of C57BL/6 mice bearing either T or C allelic variant of the rs1800522 AIRE SNP. Moreover, the extent of apoptosis induced by mTECs in MAGEB2-specific T cells and the susceptibility to in vivo melanoma B16F10 cell challenge were compared in the two mouse strains.The C allelic variant, protective in humans against melanoma, induced lower AIRE and MAGEB2 expression in C57BL/6 mouse mTECs than the T allele. Moreover, mTECs expressing the C allelic variant induced lower extent of apoptosis in MAGEB2-specific syngeneic T cells than mTECs bearing the T allelic variant (p < 0.05). Vaccination against MAGEB2 induced higher frequency of MAGEB2-specific CTL and exerted higher protective effect against melanoma development in mice bearing the CC AIRE genotype than in those bearing the TT one (p < 0.05). These findings show that allelic variants of one AIRE SNP may differentially shape the MA-specific T cell repertoire potentially influencing susceptibility to melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Fenoglio
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS AOU San Martino – IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessia Parodi
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Florinda Battaglia
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Kalli
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Samuele Tardito
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrera
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Salis
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Millo
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pasquale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giusi Barra
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Damonte
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Indiveri
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS AOU San Martino – IST, Genoa, Italy
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13
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Fransolet G, Ehx G, Somja J, Delens L, Hannon M, Muller J, Dubois S, Drion P, Caers J, Humblet-Baron S, Delvenne P, Beguin Y, Conteduca G, Baron F. Azacytidine mitigates experimental sclerodermic chronic graft-versus-host disease. J Hematol Oncol 2016; 9:53. [PMID: 27377819 PMCID: PMC4932697 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-016-0281-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated that regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a protective role in the pathogenesis of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Tregs constitutively express the gene of the transcription factor Foxp3 whose CNS2 region is heavily methylated in conventional CD4(+) T cells (CD4(+)Tconvs) but demethylated in Tregs. METHODS Here, we assessed the impact of azacytidine (AZA) on cGVHD in a well-established murine model of sclerodermic cGVHD (B10.D2 (H-2d) → BALB/cJ (H-2d)). RESULTS The administration of AZA every 48 h from day +10 to day +30 at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg mitigated chronic GVHD. Further, AZA-treated mice exhibited higher blood and thymic Treg frequencies on day +35, as well as higher demethylation levels of the Foxp3 enhancer and the IL-2 promoter in splenocytes at day +52. Interestingly, Tregs from AZA-treated mice expressed more frequently the activation marker CD103 on day +52. AZA-treated mice had also lower counts of CD4(+)Tconvs and CD8(+) T cells from day +21 to day +35 after transplantation, as well as a lower proportion of CD4(+)Tconvs expressing the Ki67 antigen on day +21 demonstrating an anti-proliferating effect of the drug on T cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that AZA prevented sclerodermic cGVHD in a well-established murine model of cGVHD. These data might serve as the basis for a pilot study of AZA administration for cGVHD prevention in patients at high risk for cGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Fransolet
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Grégory Ehx
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Joan Somja
- GIGA-R, Department of Pathology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Loïc Delens
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Muriel Hannon
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Joséphine Muller
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Sophie Dubois
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Drion
- GIGA-R, Animal care unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jo Caers
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Hematology, University of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Humblet-Baron
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe Delvenne
- GIGA-R, Department of Pathology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Yves Beguin
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Hematology, University of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Giuseppina Conteduca
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Baron
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium. .,Department of Hematology, University of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
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14
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Fenoglio D, Traverso P, Parodi A, Kalli F, Conteduca G, Tardito S, Curto M, Ferrera F, Grillo F, Mastracci L, Minaglia F, Simonato A, Carmignani G, Filaci G. Abstract A020: The analyses of immune infiltrate and gene expression of MAGE antigens in bladder cancer allow to explain and predict recurrence. Cancer Immunol Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6074.cricimteatiaacr15-a020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Bladder cancer is characterized by a high rate of recurrence following surgical treatments. This phenomenon, not observed in other urogenital malignancies such as renal cancer, is still unexplained. Moreover, there are not markers allowing to predict recurrence in bladder cancer patients after the treatment. We faced these problems hypothesizing that: 1) recurrence in bladder cancer could be related to the existence of sporadic micro-foci of tumor in the residual (after surgery), macroscopically healthy urothelial tissue; 2) the ratio between intratumoral effector and regulatory T cell subsets could represent an efficient biomarker of bladder cancer recurrence. Hence, surgical specimens of both the tumor and the autologous, macroscopically healthy tissue were collected from 24 and 20 patients affected with bladder or renal cancer, respectively. The composition of the intratumoral T cell infiltrate, in terms of effector (IFNγ+ and IL17+ T cells) and regulatory (CD4+CD25hiCD127low and CD8+CD28-CD127lowCD39+ Treg) T cell subpopulations, was analyzed by immunofluorescence, while the gene expression of MAGE-A1 and MAGE-A2 tumor associated antigens was studied by RT-PCR. The T cell infiltrate of bladder and renal cancers were comparable in terms of frequencies of IFNγ+ and IL17+ T cells and CD8+CD28-CD127lowCD39+ Treg, while the CD4+CD25hiCD127low Treg predominated in bladder cancers (P = 0.0006). Importantly, the macroscopically healthy bladder tissue showed a T cell subset composition comparable with that of the autologous tumor, as if a similar immune reaction were at play. Instead, significantly lower frequencies of each of the tested T cell subsets were present in the macroscopically healthy renal tissue than in the autologous tumor. When the molecular gene expression of two tumor associated antigens, MAGE-A1 and MAGE-A2 (frequently expressed by both bladder and renal cancers), was analyzed, similar frequencies of expression were found in both tumors. On the contrary, the macroscopically healthy bladder tissue showed a frequency of MAGE gene expression remarkably higher (and almost comparable to that of the autologous tumor) than the macroscopically renal healthy tissue (P = 0.03) (where MAGE gene expression was almost negligible), supporting for the presence of sporadic micro-foci of tumor in the apparently healthy bladder tissue at the time of surgical intervention.
In order to identify a reliable marker for recurrence, the Teff/Treg intratumoral T cell ratio was analyzed in 13 bladder cancer patients showing (6 patients) or not (7 patients) recurrence after a 2 year follow up. The Teff/Treg intratumoral T cell ratio demonstrated to be a consistent biomarker for recurrence in bladder cancer since a ratio <1 and a ratio >1 were invariably (100% of patients in each group) associated with recurrence and not recurrence, respectively.
These unprecedented findings unveil the possible pathogenic mechanism for recurrence in bladder cancer and suggest that the Teff/Treg intratumoral T cell ratio is a reliable biomarker of recurrence in this disease. If confirmed, they may impact on both prognostic and the therapeutic approaches for bladder cancer.
Citation Format: Daniela Fenoglio, Paolo Traverso, Alessia Parodi, Francesca Kalli, Giuseppina Conteduca, Samuele Tardito, Monica Curto, Francesca Ferrera, Federica Grillo, Luca Mastracci, Francesco Minaglia, Alchiede Simonato, Giorgio Carmignani, Gilberto Filaci. The analyses of immune infiltrate and gene expression of MAGE antigens in bladder cancer allow to explain and predict recurrence. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A020.
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15
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Kalli F, Machiorlatti R, Battaglia F, Parodi A, Conteduca G, Ferrera F, Proietti M, Tardito S, Sanguineti M, Millo E, Fenoglio D, De Palma R, Inghirami G, Filaci G. Comparative analysis of cancer vaccine settings for the selection of an effective protocol in mice. J Transl Med 2013; 11:120. [PMID: 23663506 PMCID: PMC3659084 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-11-120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer vaccines are considered a promising therapeutic approach. However, their clinical results are not yet satisfactory. This may be due to the the difficulty of selection of an efficient tumor associated antigen (TAA) and immunization protocol. Indeed, the weak antigenicity of many TAA impairs the design of robust procedures, therefore a systematic analysis to identify the most efficient TAA is mandatory. Here, we performed a study to compare different gp100 vaccination strategies to identify the best strategy to provide a 100% protection against experimental melanoma in a reproducible manner. Methods C57BL/6J mice were challenged subcutaneously with B16F10 melanoma cells, after vaccination with: a) mouse or human gp10025-33 peptide plus CpG adjuvant; b) mouse or human gp100 gene; c) mouse or human gp10025-33 peptide-pulsed dendritic cells (DC). Alternatively, a neutralizing anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibody (mAb) was subcutaneously administered at the site of tumor challenge to counteract regulatory cells. Finally, combinatorial treatment was performed associating human gp10025-33 peptide-pulsed DC vaccination with administration of the anti-IL-10 mAb. Results Vaccination with human gp10025-33 peptide-pulsed DC was the most effective immunization protocol, although not achieving a full protection. Administration of the anti-IL-10 mAb showed also a remarkable protective effect, replicated in mice challenged with a different tumor, Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. When immunization with gp10025-33 peptide-pulsed DC was associated with IL-10 counteraction, a 100% protective effect was consistently achieved. The analysis on the T-cell tumor infiltrates showed an increase of CD4+granzyme+ T-cells and a decreased number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg elements from mice treated with either gp10025-33 peptide-pulsed DC vaccination or anti-IL-10 mAb administration. These data suggest that processes of intratumoral re-balance between effector and regulatory T cell subpopulations may play a critical protective role in immunotherapy protocols. Conclusions Here we demonstrate that, in the setting of a cancer vaccine strategy, a comparative analysis of different personalized approaches may favour the unveiling of the most effective protocol. Moreover, our findings suggest that counteraction of IL-10 activity may be critical to revert the intratumoral environment promoting Treg polarization, thus increasing the effects of a vaccination against selected TAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Kalli
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132, Genoa, Italy
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16
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Parodi A, Battaglia F, Kalli F, Ferrera F, Conteduca G, Tardito S, Stringara S, Ivaldi F, Negrini S, Borgonovo G, Simonato A, Traverso P, Carmignani G, Fenoglio D, Filaci G. CD39 is highly involved in mediating the suppression activity of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T regulatory lymphocytes. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 62:851-62. [PMID: 23359087 PMCID: PMC11029015 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1392-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CD39 is an ectoenzyme, present on different immune cell subsets, which mediates immunosuppressive functions catalyzing ATP degradation. It is not known whether CD39 is expressed and implicated in the activity of CD8+ regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg). In this study, CD39 expression and function was analyzed in both CD8+ and CD4+CD25(hi) Treg from the peripheral blood of healthy donors as well as from tumor specimens. CD39 was found expressed by both CD8+ (from the majority of healthy donors and tumor patients) and CD4+CD25(hi) Treg, and CD39 expression correlated with suppression activity mediated by CD8+ Treg. Importantly, CD39 counteraction remarkably inhibited the suppression activity of CD8+ Treg (both from peripheral blood and tumor microenvironment) suggesting that CD39-mediated inhibition constitutes a prevalent hallmark of their function. Collectively, these findings, unveiling a new mechanism of action for CD8+ Treg, provide new knowledge on intratumoral molecular pathways related to tumor immune escape, which could be exploited in the future for designing new biological tools for anticancer immune intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Parodi
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Florinda Battaglia
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Kalli
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrera
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Conteduca
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Samuele Tardito
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Stringara
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Ivaldi
- Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, DINOGMI, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Martino IST, Genoa, Italy
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Traverso
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Fenoglio
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 161322 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 161322 Genoa, Italy
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17
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Tardito S, Negrini S, Conteduca G, Ferrera F, Parodi A, Battaglia F, Kalli F, Fenoglio D, Cutolo M, Filaci G. Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase gene polymorphisms correlate with CD8+ Treg impairment in systemic sclerosis. Hum Immunol 2012. [PMID: 23200754 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2012.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by tissue fibrosis, vasculopathy and autoimmunity. Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) plays a pivotal role in immunological tolerance modulating regulatory T cell (Treg) generation and function. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IDO gene could impact on Treg function and predispose to autoimmunity. Here, the existence of an association between specific IDO SNPs and SSc was analyzed. Five specific SNPs in IDO gene were searched in 31 SSc patients and 37 healthy controls by gene sequencing or restriction fragment length polymorphism. The function of both CD4+CD25+ and CD8+ Treg from SSc patients was analyzed by proliferation suppression assay. SNP rs7820268 was statistically more frequent in SSc patients than in controls. Notably, SSc patients bearing the T allelic variant of the rs7820268 SNP showed impaired CD8+ Treg function. Our unprecedented data show that a specific IDO gene SNP is associated with an autoimmune disease such as SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Tardito
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa 16132, Italy.
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18
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Traverso I, Fenoglio D, Negrini S, Parodi A, Battaglia F, Kalli F, Conteduca G, Tardito S, Traverso P, Indiveri F, Filaci G. Cyclophosphamide inhibits the generation and function of CD8(+) regulatory T cells. Hum Immunol 2012; 73:207-13. [PMID: 22285846 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2011.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
CD8(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) and CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg infiltrate human cancers, thus favoring tumor immune escape. Therefore, in the setting of antitumor therapeutic protocols, it is important to associate antitumor treatment with agents that are able to inhibit Treg function. Cyclophosphamide (CY) has been demonstrated to be effective in counteracting CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg activity. Hence, we tested its inhibitory efficacy on human CD8(+) Treg. Because CY is a prodrug, 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC), a derivative of CY that in aqueous solution is converted to 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide, an active metabolite of CY, was used. 4-HC significantly inhibited CD8(+) Treg generation and function but only at the higher tested concentration (0.5 μg/mL), that is, in the therapeutic range of the drug. The lower 4-HC concentration tested (0.1 μg/mL) was almost ineffective. 4-HC inhibitory effects were related to apoptosis/necrosis induction. When CD8(+)CD28(+) non-Treg were analyzed for comparative purposes, significantly lower cytotoxic rates among these cells were observed than among CD8(+) Treg, which were differentiated because they did not express the CD28 molecule. These data demonstrate that CD8(+) Treg are inhibited through cytotoxic phenomena by CY, thus supporting the use of this drug at adequate concentrations and schedules of administration as a Treg inhibitor in combinatorial chemo- or immunotherapeutic anticancer protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Traverso
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa 16132, Italy
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19
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Conteduca G, Ferrera F, Pastorino L, Fenoglio D, Negrini S, Sormani MP, Indiveri F, Scarrà GB, Filaci G. The role of AIRE polymorphisms in melanoma. Clin Immunol 2010; 136:96-104. [PMID: 20363194 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Revised: 02/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphisms of AIRE, a transcription factor that up-regulates intrathymic expression of tissue-specific antigens including melanoma-associated antigens (MAAs), may variably affect the selection of MAAs-specific thymocytes, generating T-cell repertoires protecting or predisposing individuals to melanoma. We found that AIRE single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1055311, rs1800520 and rs1800522 were significantly more frequent in healthy subjects than in melanoma patients, independently from sex, age and stages of melanoma. The presence of these SNPs was associated with increased frequency of two T-cell clonotypes specific for MAGE-1 linking their protective effect to selection/expansion of MAA-specific T cells. Interestingly, mRNA transcribed on the rs1800520 SNP showed increased free energy than the wild type suggesting that its reduced stability may be responsible for the different activity of the polymorphic AIRE molecule. This finding may contribute at identifying subjects with increased risk of developing melanoma or patients with melanoma that may take benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Conteduca
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Italy
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