1
|
Saito S, Bozorgmehr N, Sligl W, Osman M, Elahi S. The Role of Coinhibitory Receptors in B Cell Dysregulation in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Individuals with Severe Disease. J Immunol 2024; 212:1540-1552. [PMID: 38517295 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300783] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with significant immune dysregulation involving different immune cell subsets. In this study, when analyzing critically ill COVID-19 patients versus those with mild disease, we observed a significant reduction in total and memory B cell subsets but an increase in naive B cells. Moreover, B cells from COVID-19 patients displayed impaired effector functions, evidenced by diminished proliferative capacity, reduced cytokine, and Ab production. This functional impairment was accompanied by an increased apoptotic potential upon stimulation in B cells from severely ill COVID-19 patients. Our further studies revealed the expansion of B cells expressing coinhibitory molecules (PD-1, PD-L1, TIM-1, VISTA, CTLA-4, and Gal-9) in intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted patients but not in those with mild disease. The coinhibitory receptor expression was linked to altered IgA and IgG expression and increased the apoptotic capacity of B cells. Also, we found a reduced frequency of CD24hiCD38hi regulatory B cells with impaired IL-10 production. Our mechanistic studies revealed that the upregulation of PD-L1 was linked to elevated plasma IL-6 levels in COVID-19 patients. This implies a connection between the cytokine storm and altered B cell phenotype and function. Finally, our metabolomic analysis showed a significant reduction in tryptophan but elevation of kynurenine in ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients. We found that kynurenine promotes PD-L1 expression in B cells, correlating with increased IL-6R expression and STAT1/STAT3 activation. Our observations provide novel insights into the complex interplay of B cell dysregulation, implicating coinhibitory receptors, IL-6, and kynurenine in impaired B cell effector functions, potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suguru Saito
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Najmeh Bozorgmehr
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Wendy Sligl
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children Health Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bozorgmehr N, Syed H, Mashhouri S, Walker J, Elahi S. Transcriptomic profiling of peripheral blood cells in HPV-associated carcinoma patients receiving combined valproic acid and avelumab. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1209-1230. [PMID: 37681284 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13519] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancer continues to evade the immune system by promoting a suppressive tumor microenvironment. Therefore, immunotherapy appears to be a promising approach for targeting HPV-associated tumors. We hypothesized that valproic acid (VA) as an epigenetic agent combined with avelumab may enhance the antitumor immunity in HPV-associated solid tumors. We performed bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) on total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of seven nonresponders (NRs) and four responders (Rs). A total of 39 samples (e.g., pretreatment, post-VA, postavelumab, and endpoint) were analyzed. Also, we quantified plasma analytes and performed flow cytometry. We observed a differential pattern in immune response following treatment with VA and/or avelumab in NRs vs. Rs. A significant upregulation of transcripts associated with NETosis [the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)] and neutrophil degranulation pathways was linked to the presence of a myeloid-derived suppressor cell signature in NRs. We noted the elevation of IL-8/IL-18 cytokines and a distinct transcriptome signature at the baseline and endpoint in NRs. By using the receiver operator characteristics, we identified a cutoff value for the plasma IL-8/IL-18 to discriminate NRs from Rs. We found differential therapeutic effects for VA and avelumab in NRs vs. Rs. Thus, our results imply that measuring the plasma IL-8/IL-18 and bulk RNA-Seq of PBMCs may serve as valuable biomarkers to predict immunotherapy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Bozorgmehr
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Hussain Syed
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Siavash Mashhouri
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - John Walker
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Flamant R, Tibi K, Chingan A, Guillon-Rolf R, Elahi S, Grise-Dulac A, Gatinel D. A case series of acute anterior capsular contraction syndrome (capsular phimosis) after cataract surgery. J Fr Ophtalmol 2024:104167. [PMID: 38575422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2024.104167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- R Flamant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, 29, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France
| | - K Tibi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, 29, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France
| | - A Chingan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, 29, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France
| | - R Guillon-Rolf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, 29, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France.
| | - S Elahi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, 29, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France
| | - A Grise-Dulac
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, 29, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France
| | - D Gatinel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, 29, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bijon J, Elahi S, Dubois M, Ghazal W, Courtin R, Panthier C, Gatinel D, Saad A. Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty rejection after SARS-COV2 infection or vaccination: 2-year retrospective study. J Fr Ophtalmol 2024; 47:104117. [PMID: 38696860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2024.104117] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the incidence of Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) rejection potentially associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection or vaccination, and its association with known rejection risk factors during the first two years of the pandemic. METHODS This retrospective study included patients with DMEK rejection between January 2020 and December 2021. Diagnostic criteria were based on symptoms, visual acuity, and other clinical assessments. Risk factors for graft rejection were considered, and a telephone survey was conducted to identify possible preceding COVID-19 infection or vaccination. RESULTS Of 58 patients, 44 were included. Six patients (14%) reported COVID-19 infection, with one immediate endothelial graft rejection (EGR) post-infection. After vaccine availability, 13 of 36 patients had EGR at an average of 2.7 months post-vaccination. Five (38%) had immediate EGR following vaccination, four of which had concomitant risk factors for rejection. CONCLUSION Although the risk of endothelial graft rejection (EGR) associated with COVID-19 infection or vaccination appears to be extremely low, there may be a causative relationship, especially in patients with pre-existing risk factors for EGR. A temporary increase in anti-rejection treatment following COVID-19 infection or vaccination is recommended, especially in patients with pre-existing risk factors, along with closer monitoring during the subsequent 4 to 8 weeks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Bijon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France
| | - S Elahi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France
| | - M Dubois
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France
| | - W Ghazal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France
| | - R Courtin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France
| | - C Panthier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France
| | - D Gatinel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France
| | - A Saad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Saito S, Shahbaz S, Luo X, Osman M, Redmond D, Cohen Tervaert JW, Li L, Elahi S. Metabolomic and immune alterations in long COVID patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1341843. [PMID: 38304426 PMCID: PMC10830702 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1341843] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction A group of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals present lingering symptoms, defined as long COVID (LC), that may last months or years post the onset of acute disease. A portion of LC patients have symptoms similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), which results in a substantial reduction in their quality of life. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of LC, in particular, ME/CFS is urgently needed. Methods We identified and studied metabolites and soluble biomarkers in plasma from LC individuals mainly exhibiting ME/CFS compared to age-sex-matched recovered individuals (R) without LC, acute COVID-19 patients (A), and to SARS-CoV-2 unexposed healthy individuals (HC). Results Through these analyses, we identified alterations in several metabolomic pathways in LC vs other groups. Plasma metabolomics analysis showed that LC differed from the R and HC groups. Of note, the R group also exhibited a different metabolomic profile than HC. Moreover, we observed a significant elevation in the plasma pro-inflammatory biomarkers (e.g. IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α, Flt-1, and sCD14) but the reduction in ATP in LC patients. Our results demonstrate that LC patients exhibit persistent metabolomic abnormalities 12 months after the acute COVID-19 disease. Of note, such metabolomic alterations can be observed in the R group 12 months after the acute disease. Hence, the metabolomic recovery period for infected individuals with SARS-CoV-2 might be long-lasting. In particular, we found a significant reduction in sarcosine and serine concentrations in LC patients, which was inversely correlated with depression, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction scores. Conclusion Our study findings provide a comprehensive metabolomic knowledge base and other soluble biomarkers for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of LC and suggests sarcosine and serine supplementations might have potential therapeutic implications in LC patients. Finally, our study reveals that LC disproportionally affects females more than males, as evidenced by nearly 70% of our LC patients being female.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suguru Saito
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Xian Luo
- The Metabolomics Innovation Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Desiree Redmond
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Liang Li
- The Metabolomics Innovation Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Di Felici F, Elahi S, Gatinel D. Unilateral keratoconus with normal tomographic and biomechanical indices in the fellow eye: Three-year follow-up. J Fr Ophtalmol 2023; 46:e384-e392. [PMID: 37620200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F Di Felici
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, 25, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France.
| | - S Elahi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, 25, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France
| | - D Gatinel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, 25, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tabana Y, Lin CH, Babu D, Siva‐Piragasam R, Ponich AA, Moon TC, Siraki AG, Elahi S, Fahlman R, West FG, Barakat K. Proof of concept: Pull down assay using bovine serum albumin and an immunomodulator small molecule. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21408. [PMID: 38027705 PMCID: PMC10651465 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21408] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, there has been increasing interest in use of small molecules for immunomodulation. The affinity-based pull-down purification is an essential tool for target identification of small molecules and drug discovery. This study presents our recent efforts to investigate the cellular target(s) of Compound A, a small molecule with demonstrated immunomodulatory properties in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). While we have previously observed the immunomodulatory activity of Compound A in PBMCs, the specific molecular targets underlying its effects remains elusive. To address this challenge, we synthesized a trifluoromethyl phenyl diazirine (TPD)-bearing trifunctional Probe 1 based on the chemical structure of Compound A, which could be used in a pull-down assay to efficiently bind to putative cellular targets via photoaffinity labelling. In this report, we utilized bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein to establish a proof-of-concept in order to assess the suitability of Probe 1 for binding to an endogenous target. By the successful synthesis of Probe 1 and demonstrating the efficient binding of Probe 1 to BSA, we propose that this method can be used as a tool for further identification of potential protein targets of small molecules in living cells. Our findings provide a valuable starting point for further investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of Compound A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Tabana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Chih-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Dinesh Babu
- Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | | | - Ashley A. Ponich
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Tae Chul Moon
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada
| | - Arno G. Siraki
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Richard Fahlman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Frederick G. West
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shahbaz S, Sligl W, Osman M, Elahi S. Immunological responses in SARS-CoV-2 and HIV co-infection versus SARS-CoV-2 mono-infection: case report of the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and HIV. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2023; 19:91. [PMID: 37848967 PMCID: PMC10583436 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-023-00846-8] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an urgent need to understand the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and HIV to inform risk-mitigation approaches for HIV-infected individuals. OBJECTIVES We conclude that people living with HIV (PLWH) who are antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve could be at a greater risk of morbidity or mortality once co-infected with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS Here, we performed extensive immune phenotyping using flow cytometry. Moreover, to compare the range of values observed in the co-infected case, we have included a larger number of mono-infected cases with SARS-CoV-2. We also quantified soluble co-inhibitory/co-stimulatory molecules in the plasma of our patients. RESULTS We noted a robust immune activation characterized by the expansion of CD8+ T cells expressing co-inhibitory/stimulatory molecules (e.g. PD-1, TIM-3, 2B4, TIGIT, CD39, and ICOS) and activation markers (CD38, CD71, and HLA-DR) in the co-infected case. We further found that neutrophilia was more pronounced at the expense of lymphopenia in the co-infected case. In particular, naïve and central memory CD8+ T cells were scarce as a result of switching to effector and effector memory in the co-infected case. CD8+ T cell effector functions such as cytokine production (e.g. TNF-α and IFN-γ) and cytolytic molecules expression (granzyme B and perforin) following anti-CD3/CD28 or the Spike peptide pool stimulation were more prominent in the co-infected case versus the mono-infected case. We also observed that SARS-CoV-2 alters T cell exhaustion commonly observed in PLWH. CONCLUSION These findings imply that inadequate immune reconstitution and/or lack of access to ART could dysregulate immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection, which can result in poor clinical outcomes in PLWH. Our study has implications for prioritizing PLWH in the vaccination program/access to ART in resource-constrained settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Wendy Sligl
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shahbaz S, Bozorgmehr N, Lu J, Osman M, Sligl W, Tyrrell DL, Elahi S. Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 isolates, namely the Wuhan strain, Delta variant, and Omicron variant, identifies differential immune profiles. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0125623. [PMID: 37676005 PMCID: PMC10581158 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01256-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to better understand the impact of different severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants on immune response and disease dynamics to facilitate better intervention strategies. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 variants differentially affect host immune responses. The magnitude and quantity of cytokines and chemokines were comparable in those infected with the Wuhan strain and the Delta variant. However, individuals infected with the Omicron variant had significantly lower levels of these mediators. We also found an elevation of plasma galectins (Gal-3, Gal-8, and Gal-9) in infected individuals, in particular, in those with the original strain. Soluble galectins exert a proinflammatory role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. This was illustrated by their correlation with the plasma levels of sCD14, sCD163, enhanced TNF-α/IL-6 secretion, and increased SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in vitro. Moreover, we observed enhanced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation in Wuhan strain-infected individuals. Surprisingly, there was a more pronounced T cell activation in those infected with the Omicron in comparison to the Delta variant. In line with T cell activation status, we observed a more pronounced expansion of T cells expressing different co-inhibitory receptors in patients infected with the Wuhan strain, followed by the Omicron and Delta variants. Individuals infected with the Wuhan strain or the Omicron variant had a similar pattern of plasma soluble immune checkpoints. Our results imply that a milder innate immune response might be beneficial and protective in those infected with the Omicron variant. Our results provide a novel insight into the differential impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on host immunity. IMPORTANCE There is a need to better understand how different SARS-CoV-2 variants influence the immune system and disease dynamics to facilitate the development of better vaccines and therapies. We compared immune responses in 140 SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals with the Wuhan strain, the Delta variant, or the Omicron variant. All these patients were admitted to the intensive care unit and were SARS-CoV-2 vaccination naïve. We found that SARS-CoV-2 variants differentially affect the host immune response. This was done by measuring soluble biomarkers in their plasma and examining different immune cells. Overall, we found that the magnitude of cytokine storm in individuals infected with the Wuhan strain or the Delta variant was greater than in those infected with the Omicron variant. In light of enhanced cytokine release syndrome in individuals infected with the Wuhan strain or the Delta variant, we believe that a milder innate immune response might be beneficial and protective in those infected with the Omicron variant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahbaz
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Najmeh Bozorgmehr
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia Lu
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wendy Sligl
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - D. Lorne Tyrrell
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Women and Children Health Research Institute (WCHRI), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Glycomics Institute of Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Transplant Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bozorgmehr N, Okoye I, Mashhouri S, Lu J, Koleva P, Walker J, Elahi S. CD71 + erythroid cells suppress T-cell effector functions and predict immunotherapy outcomes in patients with virus-associated solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006595. [PMID: 37236637 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006595] [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] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. However, only a portion of patients respond to such treatments. Therefore, it remains a prevailing clinical need to identify factors associated with acquired resistance or lack of response to ICIs. We hypothesized that the immunosuppressive CD71+ erythroid cells (CECs) within the tumor and/or distant 'out-of-field' may impair antitumor response. METHODS We studied 38 patients with cancer through a phase II clinical trial investigating the effects of oral valproate combined with avelumab (anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)) in virus-associated solid tumors (VASTs). We quantified the frequency/functionality of CECs in blood and biopsies of patients. Also, we established an animal model of melanoma (B16-F10) to investigate the possible effects of erythropoietin (EPO) treatment on anti-PD-L1 therapy. RESULTS We found a substantial expansion of CECs in the blood of patients with VAST compared with healthy controls. We noted that the frequency of CECs in circulation was significantly higher at the baseline and throughout the study in non-responders versus responders to PD-L1 therapy. Moreover, we observed that CECs in a dose-dependent manner suppress effector functions of autologous T cells in vitro. The subpopulation of CD45+CECs appears to have a more robust immunosuppressive property compared with their CD45- counterparts. This was illustrated by a stronger expression of reactive oxygen species, PD-L1/PD-L2, and V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation in this subpopulation. Lastly, we found a higher frequency of CECs in the blood circulation at the later cancer stage and their abundance was associated with anemia, and a poor response to immunotherapy. Finally, we report the expansion of CECs in the spleen and tumor microenvironment of mice with melanoma. We found that although CECs in tumor-bearing mice secret artemin, this was not the case for VAST-derived CECs in humans. Notably, our results imply that EPO, a frequently used drug for anemia treatment in patients with cancer, may promote the generation of CECs and subsequently abrogates the therapeutic effects of ICIs (eg, anti-PD-L1). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that anemia by the expansion of CECs may enhance cancer progression. Notably, measuring the frequency of CECs may serve as a valuable biomarker to predict immunotherapy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Bozorgmehr
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Isobel Okoye
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Siavash Mashhouri
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia Lu
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Petya Koleva
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John Walker
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen S, Arutyunova E, Lu J, Khan MB, Rut W, Zmudzinski M, Shahbaz S, Iyyathurai J, Moussa EW, Turner Z, Bai B, Lamer T, Nieman JA, Vederas JC, Julien O, Drag M, Elahi S, Young HS, Lemieux MJ. SARS-CoV-2 M pro Protease Variants of Concern Display Altered Viral Substrate and Cell Host Target Galectin-8 Processing but Retain Sensitivity toward Antivirals. ACS Cent Sci 2023; 9:696-708. [PMID: 37122453 PMCID: PMC10042146 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) is the most promising drug target against coronaviruses due to its essential role in virus replication. With newly emerging variants there is a concern that mutations in Mpro may alter the structural and functional properties of protease and subsequently the potency of existing and potential antivirals. We explored the effect of 31 mutations belonging to 5 variants of concern (VOCs) on catalytic parameters and substrate specificity, which revealed changes in substrate binding and the rate of cleavage of a viral peptide. Crystal structures of 11 Mpro mutants provided structural insight into their altered functionality. Additionally, we show Mpro mutations influence proteolysis of an immunomodulatory host protein Galectin-8 (Gal-8) and a subsequent significant decrease in cytokine secretion, providing evidence for alterations in the escape of host-antiviral mechanisms. Accordingly, mutations associated with the Gamma VOC and highly virulent Delta VOC resulted in a significant increase in Gal-8 cleavage. Importantly, IC50s of nirmatrelvir (Pfizer) and our irreversible inhibitor AVI-8053 demonstrated no changes in potency for both drugs for all mutants, suggesting Mpro will remain a high-priority antiviral drug candidate as SARS-CoV-2 evolves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sizhu
Amelia Chen
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
- Li
Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Elena Arutyunova
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
- Li
Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Jimmy Lu
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
- Li
Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Muhammad Bashir Khan
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Wioletta Rut
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw
University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, 50-370, Poland
| | - Mikolaj Zmudzinski
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw
University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, 50-370, Poland
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- Department
of Dentistry & Dental Hygiene, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Jegan Iyyathurai
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
- Li
Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Eman W. Moussa
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Zoe Turner
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Bing Bai
- Li
Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
- Department
of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Tess Lamer
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - James A. Nieman
- Li
Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
- Department
of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - John C. Vederas
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Olivier Julien
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Marcin Drag
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw
University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, 50-370, Poland
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department
of Dentistry & Dental Hygiene, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Howard S. Young
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - M. Joanne Lemieux
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
- Li
Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rahmati A, Bigam S, Elahi S. Galectin-9 promotes natural killer cells activity via interaction with CD44. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1131379. [PMID: 37006235 PMCID: PMC10060867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1131379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a potent innate source of cytokines and cytoplasmic granules. Their effector functions are tightly synchronized by the balance between the stimulatory and inhibitory receptors. Here, we quantified the proportion of NK cells and the surface presence of Galectin-9 (Gal-9) from the bone marrow, blood, liver, spleen, and lungs of adult and neonatal mice. We also examined the effector functions of Gal-9+NK cells compared with their Gal-9- counterparts. Our results revealed that Gal-9+NK cells are more abundant in tissues, in particular, in the liver than in the blood and bone marrow. We found Gal-9 presence was associated with enhanced cytotoxic effector molecules granzyme B (GzmB) and perforin expression. Likewise, Gal-9 expressing NK cells displayed greater IFN-γ and TNF-α expression than their negative counterparts under hemostatic circumstances. Notably, the expansion of Gal-9+NK cells in the spleen of mice infected with E. coli implies that Gal-9+NK cells may provide a protective role against infection. Similarly, we found the expansion of Gal-9+NK cells in the spleen and tumor tissues of melanoma B16-F10 mice. Mechanistically, our results revealed the interaction of Gal-9 with CD44 as noted by their co-expression/co-localization. Subsequently, this interaction resulted in enhanced expression of Phospho-LCK, ERK, Akt, MAPK, and mTOR in NK cells. Moreover, we found Gal-9+NK cells exhibited an activated phenotype as evidenced by increased CD69, CD25, and Sca-1 but reduced KLRG1 expression. Likewise, we found Gal-9 preferentially interacts with CD44high in human NK cells. Despite this interaction, we noted a dichotomy in terms of effector functions in NK cells from COVID-19 patients. We observed that the presence of Gal-9 on NK cells resulted in a greater IFN-γ expression without any changes in cytolytic molecule expression in these patients. These observations suggest differences in Gal-9+NK cell effector functions between mice and humans that should be considered in different physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, our results highlight the important role of Gal-9 via CD44 in NK cell activation, which suggests Gal-9 is a potential new avenue for the development of therapeutic approaches to modulate NK cell effector functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Rahmati
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Steven Bigam
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Shokrollah Elahi,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bozorgmehr N, Hnatiuk M, Peters AC, Elahi S. Depletion of polyfunctional CD26 highCD8 + T cells repertoire in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:13. [PMID: 36707896 PMCID: PMC9881277 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00375-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD8+ T cells play an essential role against tumors but the role of human CD8+CD26+ T cell subset against tumors, in particular, haematological cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains unknown. Although CD4+CD26high T cells are considered for adoptive cancer immunotherapy, the role of CD8+CD26+ T cells is ill-defined. Therefore, further studies are required to better determine the role of CD8+CD26+ T cells in solid tumors and haematological cancers. METHODS We studied 55 CLL and 44 age-sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). The expression of CD26 on different T cell subsets (e.g. naïve, memory, effector, and etc.) was analyzed. Also, functional properties of CD8+CD26+ and CD8+CD26- T cells were evaluated. Finally, the plasma cytokine/chemokine and Galectin-9 (Gal-9) levels were examined. RESULTS CD26 expression identifies three CD8+ T cell subsets with distinct immunological properties. While CD26negCD8+ T cells are mainly transitional, effector memory and effectors, CD26lowCD8+ T cells are mainly naïve, stem cell, and central memory but CD26high T cells are differentiated to transitional and effector memory. CD26+CD8+ T cells are significantly reduced in CLL patients versus HCs. CD26high cells are enriched with Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells co-expressing CD161TVα7.2 and IL-18Rα. Also, CD26high cells have a rich chemokine receptor profile (e.g. CCR5 and CCR6), profound cytokine (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2), and cytolytic molecules (Granzyme B, K, and perforin) expression upon stimulation. CD26high and CD26low T cells exhibit significantly lower frequencies of CD160, 2B4, TIGIT, ICOS, CD39, and PD-1 but higher levels of CD27, CD28, and CD73 versus CD26neg cells. To understand the mechanism linked to CD26high depletion, we found that malignant B cells by shedding Galectin-9 (Gal-9) contribute to the elevation of plasma Gal-9 in CLL patients. In turn, Gal-9 and the inflammatory milieu (IL-18, IL-12, and IL-15) in CLL patients contribute to increased apoptosis of CD26high T cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that CD26+ T cells possess a natural polyfunctionality to traffic and exhibit effector functions and resist exhaustion. Therefore, they can be proposed for adoptive cancer immunotherapy. Finally, neutralizing and/or inhibiting Gal-9 may preserve CD26highCD8+ T cells in CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Bozorgmehr
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XSchool of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Mark Hnatiuk
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepatment of Medicine Division of Hematology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Anthea C. Peters
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepartment of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XSchool of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada ,grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepartment of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada ,grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XLi Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Omar M, Alexiou M, Rekhi UR, Lehmann K, Bhardwaj A, Delyea C, Elahi S, Febbraio M. DNA methylation changes underlie the long-term association between periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1164499. [PMID: 37153468 PMCID: PMC10160482 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1164499] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Periodontitis, the leading cause of adult tooth loss, has been identified as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies suggest that periodontitis, like other CVD risk factors, shows the persistence of increased CVD risk even after mitigation. We hypothesized that periodontitis induces epigenetic changes in hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow (BM), and such changes persist after the clinical elimination of the disease and underlie the increased CVD risk. We used a BM transplant approach to simulate the clinical elimination of periodontitis and the persistence of the hypothesized epigenetic reprogramming. Using the low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLRo ) atherosclerosis mouse model, BM donor mice were fed a high-fat diet to induce atherosclerosis and orally inoculated with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a keystone periodontal pathogen; the second group was sham-inoculated. Naïve LDLR o mice were irradiated and transplanted with BM from one of the two donor groups. Recipients of BM from Pg-inoculated donors developed significantly more atherosclerosis, accompanied by cytokine/chemokines that suggested BM progenitor cell mobilization and were associated with atherosclerosis and/or PD. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, 375 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and global hypomethylation in recipients of BM from Pg-inoculated donors were observed. Some DMRs pointed to the involvement of enzymes with major roles in DNA methylation and demethylation. In validation assays, we found a significant increase in the activity of ten-eleven translocase-2 and a decrease in the activity of DNA methyltransferases. Plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine levels were significantly higher, and the S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio was decreased, both of which have been associated with CVD. These changes may be related to increased oxidative stress as a result of Pg infection. These data suggest a novel and paradigm-shifting mechanism in the long-term association between periodontitis and atherosclerotic CVD.
Collapse
|
15
|
Shahbaz S, Oyegbami O, Saito S, Osman M, Sligl W, Elahi S. Differential effects of age, sex and dexamethasone therapy on ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1021928. [PMID: 36405732 PMCID: PMC9671168 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1021928] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are crucial for SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cell. Although ACE2 facilitates viral entry, its loss leads to promoting the devastating clinical symptoms of COVID-19 disease. Thus, enhanced ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression is likely to increase predisposition of target cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, little evidence existed about the biological kinetics of these two enzymes and whether dexamethasone treatment modulates their expression. Here, we show that the expression of ACE2 at the protein and mRNA levels was significantly higher in the lung and heart tissues of neonatal compared to adult mice. However, the expression of TMPRSS2 was developmentally regulated. Our results may introduce a novel concept for the reduced susceptibility of the young to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, ACE2 expression but not TMPRSS2 was upregulated in adult female lungs compared to their male counterparts. Interestingly, the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expressions were upregulated by dexamethasone treatment in the lung and heart tissues in both neonatal and adult mice. Furthermore, our findings provide a novel mechanism for the observed differential therapeutic effects of dexamethasone in COVID-19 patients. As such, dexamethasone exhibits different therapeutic effects depending on the disease stage. This was supported by increased ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression and subsequently enhanced infection of normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) and Vero E6 cells with SARS-CoV-2 once pre-treated with dexamethasone. Therefore, our results suggest that individuals who take dexamethasone for other clinical conditions may become more prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahbaz
- Department of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Olaide Oyegbami
- Department of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Suguru Saito
- Department of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Wendy Sligl
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children Health Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wu RY, Xiao K, Hotte N, Tandon P, Elloumi Y, Ambrosio L, Dunsmore G, Elahi S, Kroeker KI, Dieleman LA, Madsen KL, Huang V. Elevated IL-6 and IL-22 in Early Pregnancy Are Associated with Worse Disease Course in Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810281. [PMID: 36142193 PMCID: PMC9499187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810281] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), are inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract that affect women in their reproductive years. Pregnancy affects Th1- and Th2-cytokines, but how these changes occur during pregnancy in IBD is unclear. We performed a longitudinal profiling of serum cytokines in a cohort of 11 healthy pregnant women and 76 pregnant women with IBD from the first trimester of pregnancy to the first 12 months post-partum. Participants were monitored for biochemical disease activity (C-reactive protein [CRP] and fecal calprotectin [FCP]) and clinical activities. Maternal cytokines were measured using ELISA. We identified changes in Th1 and Th17 cytokines throughout pregnancy in healthy pregnant women. During pregnancy, maternal serum cytokine expressions were influenced by IBD, disease activity, and medications. Active UC was associated with an elevation in IL-21, whereas active CD was associated with elevated IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-21. Interestingly, T1 serum cytokine levels of IL-22 (>0.624 pg/mL) and IL-6 (>0.648 pg/mL) were associated with worse IBD disease activity throughout pregnancy in women with UC and CD, respectively. This shows serum cytokines in pregnancy differ by IBD, disease activity, and medications. We show for the first time that T1 IL-22 and IL-6 correlate with IBD disease course throughout pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Y. Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Karren Xiao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Naomi Hotte
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Parul Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Yesmine Elloumi
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Lindsy Ambrosio
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Garett Dunsmore
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Karen I. Kroeker
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Levinus A. Dieleman
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Karen L. Madsen
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Vivian Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-586-4800 (ext. 2475)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sarker H, Panigrahi R, Hardy E, Glover JNM, Elahi S, Fernandez-Patron C. Glucocorticoids Bind to SARS-CoV-2 S1 at Multiple Sites Causing Cooperative Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 S1 Interaction With ACE2. Front Immunol 2022; 13:906687. [PMID: 35784352 PMCID: PMC9242398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.906687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dexamethasone may reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients. Whether dexamethasone or endogenous glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, biochemically interact with SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 protein (S1), or its cellular receptor ACE2, is unknown. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding energy calculations, we identified 162 druggable pockets in various conformational states of S1 and all possible binding pockets for cortisol and dexamethasone. Through biochemical binding studies, we confirmed that cortisol and dexamethasone bind to S1. Limited proteolysis and mass spectrometry analyses validated several MD identified binding pockets for cortisol and dexamethasone on S1. Interaction assays indicated that cortisol and dexamethasone separately and cooperatively disrupt S1 interaction with ACE2, through direct binding to S1, without affecting ACE2 catalytic activity. Cortisol disrupted the binding of the mutant S1 Beta variant (E484K, K417N, N501Y) to ACE2. Delta and Omicron variants are mutated in or near identified cortisol-binding pockets in S1, which may affect cortisol binding to them. In the presence of cortisol, we find increased inhibition of S1 binding to ACE2 by an anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 human chimeric monoclonal antibody against the receptor binding domain. Whether glucocorticoid/S1 direct interaction is an innate defence mechanism that may have contributed to mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection deserves further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Sarker
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rashmi Panigrahi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - J. N. Mark Glover
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Carlos Fernandez-Patron
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Carlos Fernandez-Patron,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shahbaz S, Okoye I, Blevins G, Elahi S. Elevated ATP via enhanced miRNA-30b, 30c, and 30e downregulates the expression of CD73 in CD8+ T cells of HIV-infected individuals. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010378. [PMID: 35325005 PMCID: PMC8947394 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010378] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells play a crucial role against chronic viral infections, however, their effector functions are influenced by the expression of co-stimulatory/inhibitory receptors. For example, CD73 works with CD39 to convert highly inflammatory ATP to adenosine. However, its expression on T cells in the context of viral infections has not been well defined. Here, we analyzed the expression of CD73 on human T cells in a cohort of 102 HIV-infected individuals including those on antiretroviral therapy (ART), ART-naïve, and long-term non-progressors who were not on ART. We found that the frequency of CD73+ T cells was markedly lower among T cell subsets (e.g. naïve, effector or memory) in the peripheral blood of all HIV-infected individuals. Notably, CD73 was decreased at the cell surface, intracellular and gene levels. Functionally, CD8+CD73+ T cells exhibited decreased cytokine expression (TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-2) upon global or antigen-specific stimulation and impaired expression of cytolytic molecules at the gene and protein levels. In contrast, CD8+CD73+ T cells expressed elevated levels of homing receptors such as CCR7, α4β7 integrin, which suggests a migratory advantage for these cells as observed in vitro. We also observed significant migration of CD73+CD8+ T cells into the cerebrospinal fluids of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients at the time of disease relapse. Moreover, we found that elevated levels of ATP in the plasma of HIV-infected individuals upregulates the expression of miRNA30b-e in T cells in vitro. In turn, inhibition of miRNAs (30b, 30c and 30e) resulted in significant upregulation of CD73 mRNA in CD8+ T cells. Therefore, we provide a novel mechanism for the downregulation of CD73 via ATP-induced upregulation of miRNA30b, 30c and 30e in HIV infection. Finally, these observations imply that ATP-mediated downregulation of CD73 mainly occurs via its receptor, P2X1/P2RX1. Our results may in part explain why HIV-infected individuals have reduced risk of developing MS considering the role of CD73 for efficient T cell entry into the central nervous system. CD8+ T cells (killer T cells) play an important role against chronic viral infections, however, their functional properties get compromised during the course of HIV infection. CD73, is one of molecules that influences T cell functions, however, its role in the context of viral infections has not been well defined. Here, we analyzed the expression of CD73 on T cells in a cohort of 102 HIV-infected individuals including those on antiretroviral therapy (ART), ART-naïve, and long-term non-progressors who were not on ART. We found that the frequency of T cells expressing this molecule was markedly lower among different T cell subsets obtained from the blood of HIV-infected individuals. Notably, CD73 was decreased at the intracellular protein and gene levels. Furthermore, we found that T cells expressing this molecule (CD73) had impaired functional properties. In contrast, we observed that T cells expressing CD73 had elevated levels of homing receptors, which suggests a migratory advantage for these cells. This was also supported by increased CD73+ T cells in the cerebrospinal fluids of multiple sclerosis patients when they experienced disease replace. Moreover, we found that the elevated level of ATP in the plasma of HIV-infected individuals is responsible for the upregulation of miRNA30b, 30c and 30e, resulting in reduced expression of CD73.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Isobel Okoye
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Gregg Blevins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wu RY, Tandon P, Ambrosio L, Dunsmore G, Wang G, Hotte N, Dieleman LA, Elahi S, Madsen K, Huang V. A175 DISEASE ACTIVITY IN FIRST TRIMESTER IS ASSOCIATED WITH REDUCED GROWTH IN INFANTS BORN TO WOMEN WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2022. [PMCID: PMC8859139 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab049.174] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that affect a significant portion of women in childbearing years. It is known that disease activity in early pregnancy negatively impacts obstetrical and perinatal outcomes, but the impact on infant growth is largely unknown. Aims The objective of this study was to compare the growth of infants born to women with active IBD during pregnancy versus those born to women with IBD in remission during pregnancy. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study in a Canadian tertiary centre comprised of 98 pregnant women with IBD (63 with UC and 35 with CD) and 13 healthy pregnant women. We collected maternal demographic at trimester 1 and assessed disease activity at each trimester using clinical disease scores and fecal calprotectin. We then collected perinatal outcomes at delivery and followed the infants’ growth and feeding habits up to 12 months of age. Results A total of 103 mother-infant pairs were included in the study, of which 88 infants were born to women with IBD, and 15 born to women with active disease at trimester 1. Active disease at trimester 1 was associated with more adverse obstetrical outcomes, reduced 1-minute and 5-minute APGAR scores and more frequent NICU admissions. Infants born to women with active trimester 1 disease had reduced weight-for-age and length-for-age Z scores up to 6 months of age, in the absence of difference in feeding patterns. In addition, women with active disease at trimester 1 had increased expression of IL-8 and IFN-γ compared to those with trimester 1 remission. Conclusions Active IBD during first trimester is correlated with decreased infant weight and height up to 6 months of age, suggesting that strict disease control during first trimester, or even preconception, is essential for optimizing infant growth and perinatal outcomes. ![]()
Funding Agencies None
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Y Wu
- University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - P Tandon
- University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L Ambrosio
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - G Dunsmore
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - G Wang
- University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - N Hotte
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - S Elahi
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - K Madsen
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - V Huang
- University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jovel J, Nimaga A, Jordan T, O’Keefe S, Patterson J, Thiesen A, Hotte N, Bording-Jorgensen M, Subedi S, Hamilton J, Carpenter EJ, Lauga B, Elahi S, Madsen KL, Wong GKS, Mason AL. Metagenomics Versus Metatranscriptomics of the Murine Gut Microbiome for Assessing Microbial Metabolism During Inflammation. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:829378. [PMID: 35185850 PMCID: PMC8851394 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.829378] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Shotgun metagenomics studies have improved our understanding of microbial population dynamics and have revealed significant contributions of microbes to gut homeostasis. They also allow in silico inference of the metagenome. While they link the microbiome with metabolic abnormalities associated with disease phenotypes, they do not capture microbial gene expression patterns that occur in response to the multitude of stimuli that constantly ambush the gut environment. Metatranscriptomics closes that gap, but its implementation is more expensive and tedious. We assessed the metabolic perturbations associated with gut inflammation using shotgun metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. Shotgun metagenomics detected changes in abundance of bacterial taxa known to be SCFA producers, which favors gut homeostasis. Bacteria in the phylum Firmicutes were found at decreased abundance, while those in phyla Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were found at increased abundance. Surprisingly, inferring the coding capacity of the microbiome from shotgun metagenomics data did not result in any statistically significant difference, suggesting functional redundancy in the microbiome or poor resolution of shotgun metagenomics data to profile bacterial pathways, especially when sequencing is not very deep. Obviously, the ability of metatranscriptomics libraries to detect transcripts expressed at basal (or simply low) levels is also dependent on sequencing depth. Nevertheless, metatranscriptomics informed about contrasting roles of bacteria during inflammation. Functions involved in nutrient transport, immune suppression and regulation of tissue damage were dramatically upregulated, perhaps contributed by homeostasis-promoting bacteria. Functions ostensibly increasing bacteria pathogenesis were also found upregulated, perhaps as a consequence of increased abundance of Proteobacteria. Bacterial protein synthesis appeared downregulated. In summary, shotgun metagenomics was useful to profile bacterial population composition and taxa relative abundance, but did not inform about differential gene content associated with inflammation. Metatranscriptomics was more robust for capturing bacterial metabolism in real time. Although both approaches are complementary, it is often not possible to apply them in parallel. We hope our data will help researchers to decide which approach is more appropriate for the study of different aspects of the microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Jovel
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Office of Research, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Juan Jovel,
| | - Aissata Nimaga
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Pau, France
| | - Tracy Jordan
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sandra O’Keefe
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jordan Patterson
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Aducio Thiesen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Naomi Hotte
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Sudip Subedi
- Office of Research, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica Hamilton
- Office of Research, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eric J. Carpenter
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Béatrice Lauga
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Pau, France
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Karen L. Madsen
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gane Ka-Shu Wong
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, China
| | - Andrew L. Mason
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Andrew L. Mason,
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Under physiological conditions, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow niches are responsible for the highly regulated and interconnected hematopoiesis process. At the same time, they must recognize potential threats and respond promptly to protect the host. A wide spectrum of microbial agents/products and the consequences of infection-induced mediators (e.g. cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors) can have prominent impact on HSPCs. While COVID-19 starts as a respiratory tract infection, it is considered a systemic disease which profoundly alters the hematopoietic system. Lymphopenia, neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and stress erythropoiesis are the hallmark of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, thrombocytopenia and blood hypercoagulability are common among COVID-19 patients with severe disease. Notably, the invasion of erythroid precursors and progenitors by SARS-CoV-2 is a cardinal feature of COVID-19 disease which may in part explain the mechanism underlying hypoxia. These pieces of evidence support the notion of skewed steady-state hematopoiesis to stress hematopoiesis following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The functional consequences of these alterations depend on the magnitude of the effect, which launches a unique hematopoietic response that is associated with increased myeloid at the expense of decreased lymphoid cells. This article reviews some of the key pathways including the infectious and inflammatory processes that control hematopoiesis, followed by a comprehensive review that summarizes the latest evidence and discusses how SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts hematopoiesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shokrollah Elahi
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Department of Oncology, and Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, 7020 Katz Group Centre, 11361-87th Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mohanna S, Elahi S, Panthier C, Gatinel D. Surgical approaches to autologous limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) following severe corneal chemical burns. J Fr Ophtalmol 2022; 45:352-357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
23
|
Rekhi UR, Omar M, Alexiou M, Delyea C, Immaraj L, Elahi S, Febbraio M. Endothelial Cell CD36 Reduces Atherosclerosis and Controls Systemic Metabolism. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:768481. [PMID: 34888367 PMCID: PMC8650007 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.768481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
High-fat Western diets contribute to tissue dysregulation of fatty acid and glucose intake, resulting in obesity and insulin resistance and their sequelae, including atherosclerosis. New therapies are desperately needed to interrupt this epidemic. The significant idea driving this research is that the understudied regulation of fatty acid entry into tissues at the endothelial cell (EC) interface can provide novel therapeutic targets that will greatly modify health outcomes and advance health-related knowledge. Dysfunctional endothelium, defined as activated, pro-inflammatory, and pro-thrombotic, is critical in atherosclerosis initiation, in modulating thrombotic events that could result in myocardial infarction and stroke, and is a hallmark of insulin resistance. Dyslipidemia from high-fat diets overwhelmingly contributes to the development of dysfunctional endothelium. CD36 acts as a receptor for pathological ligands generated by high-fat diets and in fatty acid uptake, and therefore, it may additionally contribute to EC dysfunction. We created EC CD36 knockout (CD36°) mice using cre-lox technology and a cre-promoter that does not eliminate CD36 in hematopoietic cells (Tie2e cre). These mice were studied on different diets, and crossed to the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) knockout for atherosclerosis assessment. Our data show that EC CD36° and EC CD36°/LDLR° mice have metabolic changes suggestive of an uncompensated role for EC CD36 in fatty acid uptake. The mice lacking expression of EC CD36 had increased glucose clearance compared with controls when fed with multiple diets. EC CD36° male mice showed increased carbohydrate utilization and decreased energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry. Female EC CD36°/LDLR° mice have reduced atherosclerosis. Taken together, these data support a significant role for EC CD36 in systemic metabolism and reveal sex-specific impact on atherosclerosis and energy substrate use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Umar R Rekhi
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mohamed Omar
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Maria Alexiou
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cole Delyea
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Linnet Immaraj
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Maria Febbraio
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Perez Rosero E, Heron S, Jovel J, O'Neil CR, Turvey SL, Parashar P, Elahi S. Differential Signature of the Microbiome and Neutrophils in the Oral Cavity of HIV-Infected Individuals. Front Immunol 2021; 12:780910. [PMID: 34858437 PMCID: PMC8630784 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.780910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV infection is associated with a wide range of changes in microbial communities and immune cell components of the oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral microbiome in relationship to oral neutrophils in HIV-infected compared to healthy individuals. We evaluated oral washes and saliva samples from HIV-infected individuals (n=52) and healthy controls (n=43). Using 16S-rRNA gene sequencing, we found differential β-diversity using Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) with Bray-Curtis distances. The α-diversity analysis by Faith’s, Shannon, and observed OTUs indexes indicated that the saliva samples from HIV-infected individuals harbored significantly richer bacterial communities compared to the saliva samples from healthy individuals. Notably, we observed that five species of Spirochaeta including Spirochaetaceae, Spirochaeta, Treponema, Treponema amylovorum, and Treponema azotonutricum were significantly abundant. In contrast, Helicobacter species were significantly reduced in the saliva of HIV-infected individuals. Moreover, we found a significant reduction in the frequency of oral neutrophils in the oral cavity of HIV-infected individuals, which was positively related to their CD4+ T cell count. In particular, we noted a significant decline in CD44 expressing neutrophils and the intensity of CD44 expression on oral neutrophils of HIV-infected individuals. This observation was supported by the elevation of soluble CD44 in the saliva of HIV-infected individuals. Overall, the core oral microbiome was distinguishable between HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy compared to the HIV-negative group. The observed reduction in oral neutrophils might likely be related to the low surface expression of CD44, resulting in a higher bacterial diversity and richness in HIV-infected individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Samantha Heron
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Juan Jovel
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Conar R O'Neil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shannon Lee Turvey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Pallavi Parashar
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Payne A, Elahi S. 600 Bilateral Upper Limb Compartment Syndrome After Massive Postpartum Haemorrhage. Br J Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab259.702] [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: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Case Summary
Upper limb compartment syndrome (ULCS) is an uncommon limb-threatening emergency occurring as a result of increased interstitial pressure within osteofascial compartments. The overwhelming majority of causes occur in one limb, with frequent causes including fractures, reperfusion injury and burns. We report the unusual case of bilateral upper limb CS in a previously well 35-year-old female secondary to massive resuscitation following postpartum haemorrhage. The patient received 7 litres of blood products and 4 litres of crystalloid over a period of 8 hours. One hour postoperatively both hands became painful and swollen. Symptoms worsened over the following hour: both forearms were tense to palpate with demonstrable pain on passive extension of bilateral wrists and digits of the left hand, and capillary refill to all digits was brisk. Creatinine kinase was measured at 4,600U/L and bilateral forearm and left-hand fasciotomies were performed. The presence of bulging muscles in both forearms and the left hand confirmed the diagnosis of compartment syndrome, and perfusion was restored to all digits after release of the compartments. The patient later underwent split thickness skin grafting to both forearms and left-hand fasciotomy wounds. After 5 weeks of hand therapy, she regained good function of both hands. Bilateral ULCS is extremely uncommon but has been reported secondary to massive resuscitation, particularly in trauma patients, and we suspect that this was the cause in our patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Payne
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Elahi
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Dunsmore G, Rosero EP, Shahbaz S, Santer DM, Jovel J, Lacy P, Houston S, Elahi S. Neutrophils promote T-cell activation through the regulated release of CD44-bound Galectin-9 from the cell surface during HIV infection. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001387. [PMID: 34411088 PMCID: PMC8407585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of neutrophils with T cells has been the subject of debate and controversies. Previous studies have suggested that neutrophils may suppress or activate T cells. Despite these studies, the interaction between neutrophils and T cells has remained a largely unexplored field. Here, based on our RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, we found that neutrophils have differential transcriptional and functional profiling depending on the CD4 T-cell count of the HIV-infected individual. In particular, we identified that neutrophils in healthy individuals express surface Galectin-9 (Gal-9), which is down-regulated upon activation, and is consistently down-regulated in HIV-infected individuals. However, down-regulation of Gal-9 was associated with CD4 T-cell count of patients. Unstimulated neutrophils express high levels of surface Gal-9 that is bound to CD44, and, upon stimulation, neutrophils depalmitoylate CD44 and induce its movement out of the lipid raft. This process causes the release of Gal-9 from the surface of neutrophils. In addition, we found that neutrophil-derived exogenous Gal-9 binds to cell surface CD44 on T cells, which promotes LCK activation and subsequently enhances T-cell activation. Furthermore, this process was regulated by glycolysis and can be inhibited by interleukin (IL)-10. Together, our data reveal a novel mechanism of Gal-9 shedding from the surface of neutrophils. This could explain elevated plasma Gal-9 levels in HIV-infected individuals as an underlying mechanism of the well-characterized chronic immune activation in HIV infection. This study provides a novel role for the Gal-9 shedding from neutrophils. We anticipate that our results will spark renewed investigation into the role of neutrophils in T-cell activation in other acute and chronic conditions, as well as improved strategies for modulating Gal-9 shedding. This study shows that HIV-infected individuals have different neutrophil profiles depending on their CD4 T cell count. In particular, neutrophils express high levels of surface Gal-9 but this is shed upon stimulation; this exogenous Gal-9 binds to CD44 on T cells, which promotes LCK activation and subsequently enhances T cell activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Garett Dunsmore
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Eliana Perez Rosero
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Deanna M. Santer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Juan Jovel
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Paige Lacy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Stan Houston
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lee K, Elahi S, Mashhouri S, Ye C. Gout Presenting as a Chronic Inflammatory Arthritis from Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Case Series. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:e441-e443. [PMID: 34320630 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lee
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G2E1, Canada
| | - Siavash Mashhouri
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Carrie Ye
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Shahbaz S, Xu L, Sligl W, Osman M, Bozorgmehr N, Mashhouri S, Redmond D, Perez Rosero E, Walker J, Elahi S. The Quality of SARS-CoV-2-Specific T Cell Functions Differs in Patients with Mild/Moderate versus Severe Disease, and T Cells Expressing Coinhibitory Receptors Are Highly Activated. J Immunol 2021; 207:1099-1111. [PMID: 34312258 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the function of SARS-CoV-2 Ag-specific T cells is crucial for the monitoring of antiviral immunity and vaccine design. Currently, both impaired and robust T cell immunity is described in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we explored and compared the effector functions of SARS-CoV-2-reactive T cells expressing coinhibitory receptors and examine the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 S, M, and N peptide pools in regard to specific effector T cell responses, Th1/Th2/Th17, in COVID-19 patients. Analyzing a cohort of 108 COVID-19 patients with mild, moderate, and severe disease, we observed that coinhibitory receptors (e.g., PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, VISTA, CD39, CD160, 2B4, TIGIT, Gal-9, and NKG2A) were upregulated on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Importantly, the expression of coinhibitory receptors on T cells recognizing SARS-CoV-2 peptide pools (M/N/S) was associated with increased frequencies of cytokine-producing T cells. Thus, our data refute the concept of pathological T cell exhaustion in COVID-19 patients. Despite interindividual variations in the T cell response to viral peptide pools, a Th2 phenotype was associated with asymptomatic and milder disease, whereas a robust Th17 was associated with severe disease, which may potentiate the hyperinflammatory response in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Our data demonstrate that T cells may either play a protective or detrimental role in COVID-19 patients. This finding could have important implications for immune correlates of protection, diagnostic, and prophylaxis with respect to COVID-19 management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lai Xu
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wendy Sligl
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Najmeh Bozorgmehr
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Siavash Mashhouri
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Desiree Redmond
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eliana Perez Rosero
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John Walker
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; .,Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mashhouri S, Koleva P, Huynh M, Okoye I, Shahbaz S, Elahi S. Sex Matters: Physiological Abundance of Immuno-Regulatory CD71+ Erythroid Cells Impair Immunity in Females. Front Immunol 2021; 12:705197. [PMID: 34367164 PMCID: PMC8334724 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.705197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mature erythrocytes are the major metabolic regulators by transporting oxygen throughout the body. However, their precursors and progenitors defined as CD71+ Erythroid Cells (CECs) exhibit a wide range of immunomodulatory properties. Here, we uncover pronounced sexual dimorphism in CECs. We found female but not male mice, both BALB/c and C57BL/6, and human females were enriched with CECs. CECs, mainly their progenitors defined as CD45+CECs expressed higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), PDL-1, VISTA, Arginase II and Arginase I compared to their CD45- counterparts. Consequently, CECs by the depletion of L-arginine suppress T cell activation and proliferation. Expansion of CECs in anemic mice and also post-menstrual cycle in women can result in L-arginine depletion in different microenvironments in vivo (e.g. spleen) resulting in T cell suppression. As proof of concept, we found that anemic female mice and mice adoptively transferred with CECs from anemic mice became more susceptible to Bordetella pertussis infection. These observations highlight the role of sex and anemia-mediated immune suppression in females. Notably, enriched CD45+CECs may explain their higher immunosuppressive properties in female BALB/c mice. Finally, we observed significantly more splenic central macrophages in female mice, which can explain greater extramedullary erythropoiesis and subsequently abundance of CECs in the periphery. Thus, sex-specific differences frequency in the frequency of CECs might be imprinted by differential erythropoiesis niches and hormone-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Mashhouri
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Petya Koleva
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mai Huynh
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Isobel Okoye
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Baddam P, Young D, Dunsmore G, Nie C, Eaton F, Elahi S, Jovel J, Adesida AB, Dufour A, Graf D. Nasal Septum Deviation as the Consequence of BMP-Controlled Changes to Cartilage Properties. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:696545. [PMID: 34249945 PMCID: PMC8265824 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.696545] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The nasal septum cartilage is a specialized hyaline cartilage important for normal midfacial growth. Abnormal midfacial growth is associated with midfacial hypoplasia and nasal septum deviation (NSD). However, the underlying genetics and associated functional consequences of these two anomalies are poorly understood. We have previously shown that loss of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP7) from neural crest (BMP7 ncko ) leads to midfacial hypoplasia and subsequent septum deviation. In this study we elucidate the cellular and molecular abnormalities underlying NSD using comparative gene expression, quantitative proteomics, and immunofluorescence analysis. We show that reduced cartilage growth and septum deviation are associated with acquisition of elastic cartilage markers and share similarities with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The genetic reduction of BMP2 in BMP7 ncko mice was sufficient to rescue NSD and suppress elastic cartilage markers. To our knowledge this investigation provides the first genetic example of an in vivo cartilage fate switch showing that this is controlled by the relative balance of BMP2 and BMP7. Cellular and molecular changes similar between NSD and knee OA suggest a related etiology underlying these cartilage abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pranidhi Baddam
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Young
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Garett Dunsmore
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Chunpeng Nie
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Farah Eaton
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Juan Jovel
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Antoine Dufour
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Graf
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Okoye I, Xu L, Oyegbami O, Shahbaz S, Pink D, Gao P, Sun X, Elahi S. Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Enhance HIV-1 Infection of Activated CD4 + T Cells and Promote the Activation of Latently Infected J-Lat10.6 Cells via miR-139-5p Transfer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:697604. [PMID: 34249000 PMCID: PMC8264662 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.697604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV latency is a challenge to the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Hence patients may benefit from interventions that efficiently reactivate the latent virus to be eliminated by ARTs. Here we show that plasma extracellular vesicles (pEVs) can enhance HIV infection of activated CD4+ T cells and reactivate the virus in latently infected J-Lat 10.6 cells. Evaluation of the extravesicular miRNA cargo by a PCR array revealed that pEVs from HIV patients express miR-139-5p. Furthermore, we found that increased levels of miR-139-5p in J-Lat 10.6 cells incubated with pEVs corresponded with reduced expression of the transcription factor, FOXO1. pEV treatment also corresponded with increased miR-139-5p expression in stimulated PD1+ Jurkat cells, but with concomitant upregulation of FOXO1, Fos, Jun, PD-1 and PD-L1. However, J-Lat 10.6 cells incubated with miR-139-5p inhibitor-transfected pEVs from HIV ART-naïve and on-ART patients expressed reduced levels of miR-139-5p than cells treated with pEVs from healthy controls (HC). Collectively, our results indicate that pEV miR-139-5p belongs to a network of miRNAs that can promote cell activation, including latent HIV-infected cells by regulating the expression of FOXO1 and the PD1/PD-L1 promoters, Fos and Jun.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isobel Okoye
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lai Xu
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Olaide Oyegbami
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Desmond Pink
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Priscilla Gao
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Xuejun Sun
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Division of Foundational Sciences, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Tabana Y, Moon TC, Siraki A, Elahi S, Barakat K. Reversing T-cell exhaustion in immunotherapy: a review on current approaches and limitations. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:347-363. [PMID: 34056985 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1937123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction:T cell functions are altered during chronic viral infections and tumor development. This is mainly manifested by significant changes in T cells' epigenetic and metabolic landscapes, pushing them into an 'exhausted' state. Reversing this T cell exhaustion has been emerging as a 'game-changing' therapeutic approach against cancer and chronic viral infection.Areas covered:This review discusses the cellular pathways related to T cell exhaustion, and the clinical development and possible cellular targets that can be exploited therapeutically to reverse this exhaustion. We searched various databases (e.g. Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, and other scientific database sites) using the keywords T cell exhaustion, T cell activation, co-inhibitory receptors, and reversing T cell exhaustion.Expert opinion:The discovery of the immune checkpoints pathways represents a significant milestone toward understanding and reversing T cell exhaustion. Antibodies that target these pathways have already demonstrated promising activities in reversing T cell exhaustion. Nevertheless, there are still many associated limitations. In this context, next-generation alternatives are on the horizon. This includes the use of small molecules to block the immune checkpoints' receptors, combining them with other treatments, and identifying novel, safer and more effective immunotherapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Tabana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tae Chul Moon
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Arno Siraki
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Shahbaz S, Jovel J, Elahi S. Differential transcriptional and functional properties of regulatory T cells in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy and long-term non-progressors. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1289. [PMID: 34094548 PMCID: PMC8155695 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are widely recognised as a subset of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cells that have a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis. The impact of HIV‐1 infection on immunological properties and effector functions of Tregs has remained the topic of debate and controversy. In the present study, we investigated transcriptional profile and functional properties of Tregs in HIV‐1‐infected individuals either receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART, n = 50) or long‐term non‐progressors (LTNPs, n = 24) compared to healthy controls (HCs, n = 38). Methods RNA sequencing (RNAseq), flow cytometry‐based immunophenotyping and functional assays were performed to study Tregs in different HIV cohorts. Results Our RNAseq analysis revealed that Tregs exhibit different transcriptional profiles in HIV‐infected individuals. While Tregs from patients on ART upregulate pathways associated with a more suppressive (activated) phenotype, Tregs in LTNPs exhibit upregulation of pathways associated with impaired suppressive properties. These observations may explain a higher propensity for autoimmune diseases in LTNPs. Also, we found substantial upregulation of HLA‐F mRNA and HLA‐F protein in Tregs from HIV‐infected subjects compared to healthy individuals. These observations highlight a potential role for this non‐classical HLA in Tregs in the context of HIV infection, which should be investigated further in other chronic viral infections and cancer. Conclusion Our study has provided a novel insight into Tregs at the transcriptional and functional levels in different HIV‐infected groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Juan Jovel
- School of Dentistry Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada.,Department of Oncology Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Shahbaz S, Xu L, Osman M, Sligl W, Shields J, Joyce M, Tyrrell DL, Oyegbami O, Elahi S. Erythroid precursors and progenitors suppress adaptive immunity and get invaded by SARS-CoV-2. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1165-1181. [PMID: 33979601 PMCID: PMC8111797 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with lower blood oxygen levels, even in patients without hypoxia requiring hospitalization. This discordance illustrates the need for a more unifying explanation as to whether SARS-CoV-2 directly or indirectly affects erythropoiesis. Here, we show significantly enriched CD71+ erythroid precursors/progenitors in the blood circulation of COVID-19 patients. We found that these cells have distinctive immunosuppressive properties. In agreement, we observed a strong negative correlation between the frequency of these cells with T and B cell proportions in COVID-19 patients. The expansion of these CD71+ erythroid precursors/progenitors was negatively correlated with the hemoglobin levels. A subpopulation of abundant erythroid cells, CD45+ CD71+ cells, co-express ACE2, TMPRSS2, CD147, and CD26, and these can be infected with SARS-CoV-2. In turn, pre-treatment of erythroid cells with dexamethasone significantly diminished ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression and subsequently reduced their infectivity with SARS-CoV-2. This provides a novel insight into the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on erythropoiesis and hypoxia seen in COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Lai Xu
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Wendy Sligl
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Justin Shields
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Joyce
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - D Lorne Tyrrell
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Olaide Oyegbami
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G2E1, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Bozorgmehr N, Okoye I, Oyegbami O, Xu L, Fontaine A, Cox-Kennett N, Larratt LM, Hnatiuk M, Fagarasanu A, Brandwein J, Peters AC, Elahi S. Expanded antigen-experienced CD160 +CD8 +effector T cells exhibit impaired effector functions in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002189. [PMID: 33931471 PMCID: PMC8098955 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background T cell exhaustion compromises antitumor immunity, and a sustained elevation of co-inhibitory receptors is a hallmark of T cell exhaustion in solid tumors. Similarly, upregulation of co-inhibitory receptors has been reported in T cells in hematological cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, the role of CD160, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein, as one of these co-inhibitory receptors has been contradictory in T cell function. Therefore, we decided to elucidate how CD160 expression and/or co-expression with other co-inhibitory receptors influence T cell effector functions in patients with CLL. Methods We studied 56 patients with CLL and 25 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls in this study. The expression of different co-inhibitory receptors was analyzed in T cells obtained from the peripheral blood or the bone marrow. Also, we quantified the properties of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the plasma of patients with CLL versus healthy controls. Finally, we measured 29 different cytokines, chemokines or other biomarkers in the plasma specimens of patients with CLL and healthy controls. Results We found that CD160 was the most upregulated co-inhibitory receptor in patients with CLL. Its expression was associated with an exhausted T cell phenotype. CD160+CD8+ T cells were highly antigen-experienced/effector T cells, while CD160+CD4+ T cells were more heterogeneous. In particular, we identified EVs as a source of CD160 in the plasma of patients with CLL that can be taken up by T cells. Moreover, we observed a dominantly proinflammatory cytokine profile in the plasma of patients with CLL. In particular, interleukin-16 (IL-16) was highly elevated and correlated with the advanced clinical stage (Rai). Furthermore, we observed that the incubation of T cells with IL-16 results in the upregulation of CD160. Conclusions Our study provides a novel insight into the influence of CD160 expression/co-expression with other co-inhibitory receptors in T cell effector functions in patients with CLL. Besides, IL-16-mediated upregulation of CD160 expression in T cells highlights the importance of IL-16/CD160 as potential immunotherapy targets in patients with CLL. Therefore, our findings propose a significant role for CD160 in T cell exhaustion in patients with CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Bozorgmehr
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Isobel Okoye
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Olaide Oyegbami
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lai Xu
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amelie Fontaine
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nanette Cox-Kennett
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Loree M Larratt
- Division of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mark Hnatiuk
- Division of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrei Fagarasanu
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joseph Brandwein
- Division of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anthea C Peters
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada .,Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tabana Y, Okoye IS, Siraki A, Elahi S, Barakat KH. Tackling Immune Targets for Breast Cancer: Beyond PD-1/PD-L1 Axis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:628138. [PMID: 33747948 PMCID: PMC7973280 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.628138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of breast cancer is imposing a huge global problem. Drug discovery research and novel approaches to treat breast cancer have been carried out extensively over the last decades. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are showing promising preclinical and clinical results in treating breast cancer, they are facing multiple limitations. From an immunological perspective, a recent report highlighted breast cancer as an "inflamed tumor" with an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Consequently, researchers have been focusing on identifying novel immunological targets that can tune up the tumor immune microenvironment. In this context, several novel non-classical immune targets have been targeted to determine their ability to uncouple immunoregulatory pathways at play in the tumor microenvironment. This article will highlight strategies designed to increase the immunogenicity of the breast tumor microenvironment. It also addresses the latest studies on targets which can enhance immune responses to breast cancer and discusses examples of preclinical and clinical trial landscapes that utilize these targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Tabana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Isobel S. Okoye
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Arno Siraki
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Khaled H. Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Okoye I, Xu L, Motamedi M, Parashar P, Walker JW, Elahi S. Galectin-9 expression defines exhausted T cells and impaired cytotoxic NK cells in patients with virus-associated solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:e001849. [PMID: 33310773 PMCID: PMC7735134 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [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] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously reported that the upregulation of galectin-9 (Gal-9) on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in HIV patients was associated with impaired T cell effector functions. Gal-9 is a ligand for T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3, and its expression on T cells in cancer has not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression level and effects of Gal-9 on T cell functions in patients with virus-associated solid tumors (VASTs). METHODS 40 patients with VASTs through a non-randomized and biomarker-driven phase II LATENT trial were investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor biopsies were obtained and subjected to immunophenotyping. In this trial, the effects of oral valproate and avelumab (anti-PD-L1) was investigated in regards to the expression of Gal-9 on T cells. RESULTS We report the upregulation of Gal-9 expression by peripheral and tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with VASTs. Our results indicate that Gal-9 expression is associated with dysfunctional T cell effector functions in the periphery and tumor microenvironment (TME). Coexpression of Gal-9 with PD-1 or T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) exhibited a synergistic inhibitory effect and enhanced an exhausted T cell phenotype. Besides, responding patients to treatment had lower Gal-9 mRNA expression in the TME. Translocation of Gal-9 from the cytosol to the cell membrane of T cells following stimulation suggests persistent T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation as a potential contributing factor in Gal-9 upregulation in patients with VASTs. Moreover, partial colocalization of Gal-9 with CD3 on T cells likely impacts the initiation of signal transduction via TCR as shown by the upregulation of ZAP70 in Gal-9+ T cells. Also, we found an expansion of Gal-9+ but not TIGIT+ NK cells in patients with VASTs; however, dichotomous to TIGIT+ NK cells, Gal-9+ NK cells exhibited impaired cytotoxic molecules but higher Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) expression. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that higher Gal-9-expressing CD8+ T cells were associated with poor prognosis following immunotherapy with anti-Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (avelumab) in our patients' cohort. Therefore, for the very first time to our knowledge, we report Gal-9 as a novel marker of T cell exhaustion and the potential target of immunotherapy in patients with VASTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isobel Okoye
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistrty, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lai Xu
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistrty, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Melika Motamedi
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Pallavi Parashar
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistrty, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - John W Walker
- Medical Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistrty, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Medical Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Elahi S, Vega-López MA, Herman-Miguel V, Ramírez-Estudillo C, Mancilla-Ramírez J, Motyka B, West L, Oyegbami O. CD71 + Erythroid Cells in Human Neonates Exhibit Immunosuppressive Properties and Compromise Immune Response Against Systemic Infection in Neonatal Mice. Front Immunol 2020; 11:597433. [PMID: 33329589 PMCID: PMC7732591 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.597433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Newborns are highly susceptible to infectious diseases. The underlying mechanism of neonatal infection susceptibility has generally been related to their under-developed immune system. Nevertheless, this notion has recently been challenged by the discovery of the physiological abundance of immunosuppressive erythroid precursors CD71+ erythroid cells (CECs) in newborn mice and human cord blood. Here, as proof of concept, we show that these cells are also abundant in the peripheral blood of human newborns. Although their frequency appears to be more variable compared to their counterparts in mice, they rapidly decline by 4 weeks of age. However, their proportion remains significantly higher in infants up to six months of age compared to older infants. We found CD45 expressing CECs, as erythroid progenitors, were the prominent source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in both humans and mice. Interestingly, a higher proportion of CD45+CECs was observed in the spleen versus bone marrow of neonatal mice, which was associated with a higher ROS production by splenic CECs compared to their siblings in the bone marrow. CECs from human newborns suppressed cytokine production by CD14 monocytes and T cells, which was partially abrogated by apocynin in vitro. Moreover, the depletion of CECs in neonatal mice increased the number of activated effector immune cells in their spleen and liver, which rendered them more resistant to Listeria monocytogenes infection. This was evident by a significant reduction in the bacteria load in the spleen, liver and brain of treated-mice compared to the control group, which enhanced their survival rate. Our finding highlights the immunoregulatory processes mediated by CECs in newborns. Thus, such tightly regulated immune system in newborns/infants may explain one potential mechanism for the asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infection in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marco Antonio Vega-López
- Dept. Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vladimir Herman-Miguel
- Dept. Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carmen Ramírez-Estudillo
- Dept. Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Javier Mancilla-Ramírez
- Escuela Superior deMedicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Hospital de la Mujer, Secretaria de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Bruce Motyka
- Alberta Transplant Institute and the Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lori West
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada.,Alberta Transplant Institute and the Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Olaide Oyegbami
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Elahi S. Neonatal and Children’s Immune System and COVID-19: Biased Immune Tolerance versus Resistance Strategy. The Journal of Immunology 2020; 205:1990-1997. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has emerged as a major global health concern. Although susceptible to infection, recent evidence indicates mostly asymptomatic or mild presentation of the disease in infants, children, and adolescents. Similar observations were made for acute respiratory infections caused by other coronaviruses (severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome). These observations suggest that the immune system behaves differently in children than adults. Recent developments in the field demonstrated fundamental differences in the neonatal immune system as compared with adults, whereby infants respond to microorganisms through biased immune tolerance rather than resistance strategies. Similarly, more frequent/recent vaccinations in children and younger populations may result in trained immunity. Therefore, the physiological abundance of certain immunosuppressive cells, a tightly regulated immune system, and/or exposure to attenuated vaccines may enhance trained immunity to limit excessive immune reaction to COVID-19 in the young.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G2E1, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G1Z2, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G2E1, Canada; and
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G2E1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Elahi S, Shahbaz S, Houston S. Selective Upregulation of CTLA-4 on CD8+ T Cells Restricted by HLA-B*35Px Renders them to an Exhausted Phenotype in HIV-1 infection. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008696. [PMID: 32760139 PMCID: PMC7410205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-B*35Px is associated with HIV-1 disease rapid progression to AIDS. However, the mechanism(s) underlying this deleterious effect of this HLA allele on HIV-1 infection outcome has not fully understood. CD8+ T cells play a crucial role to control the viral replication but impaired CD8+ T cells represent a major hallmark of HIV-1 infection. Here, we examined the effector functions of CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px (HLA-B*35:03 and HLA-B*35:02), HLA-B*27/B57 and non-HLA-B*27/B57 (e.g. HLA-A*01, A*02, A*03, A*11, A*24, A*26, B*40, B*08, B*38, B*44). CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px exhibited an impaired phenotype compared with those restricted by HLA-B*27/B57 and even non-HLA-B*27/B57. CD8+ T cells restricted by non-HLA-B*27/B57 when encountered their cognate epitopes upregulated TIM-3 and thus became suppressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs) via TIM-3: Galectin-9 (Gal-9). Strikingly, CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px expressed fewer TIM-3 and therefore did not get suppressed by Tregs, which was similar to CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*27/B57. Instead, CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px upon recognition of their cognate epitopes upregulated CTLA-4. The transcriptional and impaired phenotype (e.g. poor effector functions) of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35 was related to persistent CTLA-4, elevated Eomes and blimp-1 but poor T-bet expression. As such, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, Ipilimumab, reversed the impaired proliferative capacity of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px but not others. This study supports the concept that CD8+ T resistance to Tregs-mediated suppression is related to allele restriction rather than the epitope specificity. Our results aid to explain a novel mechanism for the inability of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px to control viral replication. A rare group of HIV-infected individuals with HLA-B*35Px rapidly progress to AIDS but those with HLA-B*27 and HLA-B*57 spare disease progression. Previous studies have suggested that viral mutation may prevent a robust immune response against the virus in these with HLA-B*35Px. However, the functionality of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that HIV-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px (HLA-B*35:03 and HLA-B*35:02) exhibit an impaired phenotype (e.g. low proliferative capacity, poor cytotoxic molecules expression and, poor cytokine production ability). Interestingly, CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*27/B*57 evade regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppression but not those restricted by non-HLA-B*27/B*57. CD8+ T cells restricted by non-HLA-B*27/B*57 when encountering their epitopes upregulate TIM-3 but not those restricted by HLA-B*27/B*57 and HLA-B*35Px. As a result, CD8+ T cells restricted by non-HLA-B*27/B*57 become suppressed by Tregs via TIM-3: Galectin-9 interactions. Strikingly, CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px upregulate CTLA-4 when encountering their epitopes, which render them to an exhausted phenotype. This differential response is linked to the up-regulation of Eomes, Blimp-1 but low T-bet expression in CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-B*35Px. These results implicate that reinvigoration of these cells might be feasible using an anti-CTLA-4 antibody.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Stan Houston
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Santer DM, Minty GES, Golec D, Lu J, May J, Namdar A, Shah J, Elahi S, Proud D, Joyce M, Tyrrell DL, Houghton M. IFN-lambda 3 directly induces antiviral responses in human B and T cells leading to inhibition of HIV-1 infection of CD4+ T cells. The Journal of Immunology 2020. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.204.supp.247.25] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Type III interferons (IFN-lambdas(λ)) are the most recently discovered interferon cytokine family that inhibit viruses by signaling through a unique IFN-λR1/IL-10RB heterodimeric receptor. Until now, IFN-λs were thought to primarily act on anatomical barrier epithelial cells, neutrophils and a subset of dendritic cells, although the majority of studies have been performed in mice. Here, we examine regulation of IFN-λR1 expression and downstream effects of IFN-λ3 stimulation of primary human blood immune cells and compare them to lung or liver epithelial cells. IFN-λ3 directly bound and upregulated IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression in freshly purified human B cells and CD8+ T cells, but not monocytes, neutrophils, natural killer cells and CD4+ T cells. Despite similar IFNLR1 transcript levels in B cells and lung epithelial cells, lung epithelial cells bound more IFN-λ3, which resulted in a 50-fold greater ISG induction when compared to B cells. The reduced response of B cells could be explained by the higher expression of the soluble splice variant of IFN-λR1, which inhibited ISG induction when added with IFN-λ3 to peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Human CD4+ T cells gained responsiveness to IFN-λ3 upon T-cell receptor stimulation since activation signals potently, and specifically upregulated membrane-bound IFN-λR1 expression. Importantly, IFN-λ3 treatment of activated CD4+ T cells caused a significant decrease in human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. Collectively, our data demonstrate that IFN-λ3 directly interacts with the human adaptive immune system, and thus can promote antiviral immunity at mucosal and peripheral sites, unlike what has been previously shown in published mouse models.
Collapse
|
42
|
Elahi S, Mashhouri S. Immunological consequences of extramedullary erythropoiesis: immunoregulatory functions of CD71 + erythroid cells. Haematologica 2020; 105:1478-1483. [PMID: 32354873 PMCID: PMC7271582 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.243063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Alberta .,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Alberta.,Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Alberta.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Santer DM, Minty GES, Golec DP, Lu J, May J, Namdar A, Shah J, Elahi S, Proud D, Joyce M, Tyrrell DL, Houghton M. Differential expression of interferon-lambda receptor 1 splice variants determines the magnitude of the antiviral response induced by interferon-lambda 3 in human immune cells. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008515. [PMID: 32353085 PMCID: PMC7217487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Type III interferons (IFN-lambdas(λ)) are important cytokines that inhibit viruses and modulate immune responses by acting through a unique IFN-λR1/IL-10RB heterodimeric receptor. Until now, the primary antiviral function of IFN-λs has been proposed to be at anatomical barrier sites. Here, we examine the regulation of IFN-λR1 expression and measure the downstream effects of IFN-λ3 stimulation in primary human blood immune cells, compared with lung or liver epithelial cells. IFN-λ3 directly bound and upregulated IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression in freshly purified human B cells and CD8+ T cells, but not monocytes, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and CD4+ T cells. Despite similar IFNLR1 transcript levels in B cells and lung epithelial cells, lung epithelial cells bound more IFN-λ3, which resulted in a 50-fold greater ISG induction when compared to B cells. The reduced response of B cells could be explained by higher expression of the soluble variant of IFN-λR1 (sIFN-λR1), which significantly reduced ISG induction when added with IFN-λ3 to peripheral blood mononuclear cells or liver epithelial cells. T-cell receptor stimulation potently, and specifically, upregulated membrane-bound IFNLR1 expression in CD4+ T cells, leading to greater antiviral gene induction, and inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. Collectively, our data demonstrate IFN-λ3 directly interacts with the human adaptive immune system, unlike what has been previously shown in published mouse models, and that type III IFNs could be potentially utilized to suppress both mucosal and blood-borne viral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deanna M. Santer
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gillian E. S. Minty
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dominic P. Golec
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia Lu
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia May
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Afshin Namdar
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Juhi Shah
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - David Proud
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Joyce
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - D. Lorne Tyrrell
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Houghton
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Shahbaz S, Dunsmore G, Koleva P, Xu L, Houston S, Elahi S. Galectin-9 and VISTA Expression Define Terminally Exhausted T Cells in HIV-1 Infection. J Immunol 2020; 204:2474-2491. [PMID: 32205423 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We report significant upregulation of Galectin-9 (Gal-9) and VISTA on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in HIV-infected human patients. Gal-9 and VISTA expression was associated with impaired T cells effector functions. Although Gal-9 was coexpressed with other coinhibitory receptors such as TIGIT, CD160, CD39, and VISTA, it was simultaneously coexpressed with PD-1. Coexpression of Gal-9 with PD-1 was associated with a more terminally exhausted T cell phenotype in HIV-1 patients. This was marked by higher expression of EOMES, blimp1, and Glut1 in Gal-9+ versus Gal-9- T cells, which is consistent with an exhausted T cell phenotype. Gal-9+ T cells exhibited the phenotype characteristics of effector T cells (CD45RA+, CD45RO-/lo, CD62L-, CD27lo) with higher T-bet expression. A positive correlation between the plasma viral load with the plasma Gal-9 levels in treatment-naive HIV patients and an inverse correlation between CD4 count with the frequency of CD4+Gal-9+ T cells were observed. Increased percentages of Gal-9+ T cells was evident in HIV-treated patients. Enhanced expression of Gal-9 on T cells following PMA stimulation via protein kinase C suggests persistent TCR stimulation as a potential contributing factor in Gal-9 upregulation in HIV patients. This was supported by the constant degranulation of Gal-9+ T cells. Moreover, CD44 clustering by Gal-9 may influence cytoskeleton rearrangement and coclustering of CD3, which likely impact initiation of signal transduction via TCR. Our preliminary data also confirm upregulation of Gal-9 on T cells in hepatitis B virus and HPV infections. These results demonstrate a novel role for Gal-9 and VISTA in HIV pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahbaz
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Garett Dunsmore
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Petya Koleva
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Lai Xu
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Stan Houston
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada; .,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada; and.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chen R, Ganesan A, Okoye I, Arutyunova E, Elahi S, Lemieux MJ, Barakat K. Targeting B7‐1 in immunotherapy. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:654-682. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Aravindhan Ganesan
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Isobel Okoye
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Elena Arutyunova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton Alberta Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of VirologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton Alberta Canada
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton Alberta Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton Alberta Canada
| | - M. Joanne Lemieux
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton Alberta Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of VirologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton Alberta Canada
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Motamedi M, Shahbaz S, Fu L, Dunsmore G, Xu L, Harrington R, Houston S, Elahi S. Galectin-9 Expression Defines a Subpopulation of NK Cells with Impaired Cytotoxic Effector Molecules but Enhanced IFN-γ Production, Dichotomous to TIGIT, in HIV-1 Infection. Immunohorizons 2019; 3:531-546. [PMID: 31732662 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.1900087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cell functions are tightly regulated by the balance between the inhibitory and stimulatory surface receptors. We investigated the surface expression of galectin-9 (Gal-9) and its function in NK cells from HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy, long-term nonprogressors, and progressors compared with healthy controls. We also measured the expression of TIGIT and TIM-3 on different NK cell subpopulations and compared their functionality to Gal-9 + NK cells. Our data demonstrated significant upregulation of Gal-9 on NK cells in HIV-infected groups versus healthy controls. Gal-9 expression was associated with impaired expression of cytotoxic effector molecules granzyme B, perforin, and granulysin. In contrast, Gal-9 expression significantly enhanced IFN-γ expression in NK cells of HIV-1-infected individuals. We also found an expansion of TIGIT + NK cells in HIV-infected individuals; however, dichotomous to Gal-9 + NK cells, TIGIT + NK cells expressed significantly higher amounts of cytotoxic molecules but lower IFN-γ. Moreover, lower expression of cytotoxic effector molecules in Gal-9+ NK cells was associated with higher CD107a expression, which suggests indiscriminate degranulation. Importantly, a positive correlation between the plasma viral load and Gal-9+ NK cells was observed in progressors. Finally, we found that a cytokine mixture (IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18) can improve effector functions of Gal-9+ NK cells in HIV-infected individuals, although, such an effect was observed for Gal-9- NK cells, as well. Overall, our data highlight the important role of Gal-9 in dysfunctional NK cells and, more importantly, a dichotomy for the role of Gal-9 versus TIGIT and suggest a potential new avenue for the development of therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melika Motamedi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Li Fu
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Garett Dunsmore
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Lai Xu
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Robert Harrington
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Stan Houston
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada; .,Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada; and.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Scott F, Elahi S, Adebibe M, Parampalli U, Mannur K, Góralczyk A, Sanger GJ. Farnesoid X receptor - a molecular predictor of weight loss after vertical sleeve gastrectomy? Obes Sci Pract 2019; 5:273-280. [PMID: 31275601 PMCID: PMC6587316 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the expression of the bile acid receptor, farnesoid X (FXR), in human gastric mucosa and investigate correlations between expression and body-mass index (BMI) and in patients with obesity, with changes in weight and BMI following vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). METHODS Human gastric mucosa was obtained from normal/overweight individuals (macroscopically-normal tissue following surgery for malignancy) or from patients with obesity (VSG). The expression of FXR and its isoforms (FXRα, FXRβ) were examined by quantitative PCR and compared with the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor, GPBA. In patients with obesity, changes in BMI and weight loss were determined following VSG. RESULTS FXRα was the predominant isoform in normal/overweight individuals. FXR expression was higher in patients with obesity but GPBA receptor expression was unchanged. For those with obesity (n = 19), no correlation was found between FXR expression and change in Body-Mass Index (BMI)/month or weight loss/month, taken 3 ± 1 months after surgery, or in BMI or weight at surgery. CONCLUSIONS Obesity is associated with increased FXR expression in the gastric mucosa. The findings are preliminary but suggest that this increase in FXR expression is a consequence of obesity, rather than its cause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. Scott
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of London
| | - S. Elahi
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of London
| | - M. Adebibe
- Bariatric Surgery DepartmentHomerton University HospitalLondon
| | - U. Parampalli
- Bariatric Surgery DepartmentHomerton University HospitalLondon
- Royal Sussex County HospitalBrighton
| | - K. Mannur
- Bariatric Surgery DepartmentHomerton University HospitalLondon
| | - A. Góralczyk
- Bariatric Surgery DepartmentHomerton University HospitalLondon
| | - G. J. Sanger
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of London
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Elahi S, Shahbaz S, Koleva P. CD71+erythroid cells promote Tregs and via ectonucleotides CD39 and CD73 modulate T cell responses. The Journal of Immunology 2019. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.202.supp.57.5] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
CD71+erythroid cells are abundant in newborns with immunomodulatory properties. Recently, we showed a subset of neonatal CD71+erythroid cells express significant levels of V-domain Ig Suppressor of T Cell Activation (VISTA) and via TGF-β play a pivotal role in promotion of naïve CD4+T cells into regulatory T cells (PLOS Biology Dec. 2018). Here, we have demonstrated another novel immunomodulatory mechanism for CD71+erythroid cells. A subset of CD71+erythroid cells express significant levels of ectonucleotides CD39 and CD73, which culminating in the formation of adenosine. Extracellular adenosine has a marked dampening effects on the immune cells, suppressing effector T cells and assisting regulatory T cells. In addition, we found that CD71+erythroid cells express adenosine receptor (A2A) and constitutively produce TGF-β. Interestingly, exogenous or endogenous TGF-β upregulates expression of CD73 on CD71+erythroid cells. Collectively, these studies provide a novel insight into the crosstalk between CD71+ erythroid cells and regulatory T cells. Our results highlight the important biological role of CD71+erythroid cells in immune homeostasis.
Collapse
|
49
|
Dunsmore GJ, Shahbaz S, Houston S, Elahi S. Neutrophils contribute to T cell activation via reactive oxygen species production in HIV infection. The Journal of Immunology 2019. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.202.supp.120.2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes in the human immune system contributing to 50–80% of all the white blood cells in the peripheral blood. Interestingly, the role of neutrophils in HIV infection has been poorly investigated. Previous studies have demonstrated that during HIV infection neutrophils are capable of both activating T cells and suppressing T cells. Our preliminary findings suggest that T cell activation could be modulated by neutrophils through various mechanisms. Galectin-9 has been demonstrated to play an integral role in HIV pathogenesis by suppressing CD8+ T cell function through the engagement with TIM-3. Interestingly, we have observed neutrophils have high expression of galectin-9, which is reduced after prolonged activation. In confirmation with previous studies demonstrating that HIV infected patients have hyperimmune activation, galectin-9 expression is decreased on neutrophils from HIV infected individuals, while the expression of the neutrophil activation marker CD32 is increased. Additionally, galectin-9 expression on neutrophils could be involved in suppressing T cell responses via. galectin-9:TIM-3 engagement.
We found that neutrophils from HIV patients enhance T cells activation when co-cultured, whereas this was not the case for healthy controls. Interestingly, these effects could be reversed by inhibiting neutrophil reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These findings suggest that HIV infection results in hyperimmune activation of neutrophils contributing to T cell activation.
Collapse
|
50
|
Motamedi M, Elahi S. Investigating the immunological role of galectin-9 on natural killer (NK) cells in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The Journal of Immunology 2019. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.202.supp.76.18] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
NK cells play an integral role in mediating immune responses to viral infections; however, their function is compromised during chronic diseases such as HIV, partly due to an increase expression of inhibitory receptors. Thus, the reduced immune responses elicited by NK cells in HIV can be the result of the engagement of inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules with their respective ligands. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a tandem-repeat type galectin that possess a wide range of immunomodulatory properties such as interacting with Tim-3, which is upregulated on T cells during chronic conditions. Previously, our group has shown that interaction of Gal-9 on regulatory T cells with Tim-3 on CD8+T cells, renders these T cells more permissible to immunosuppression and subsequently leads to their exhaustion. We aimed to further study the role of Gal-9 on NK cell function in HIV patients. As a comparison, we also analyzed another inhibitory receptor known as TIGIT. Our preliminary data indicates upregulation of surface Gal-9 on NK cells in HIV infected individuals when compared to healthy controls. We observed two effector NK cell populations with dichotomous functionality. TIGIT+NK cells expressed more cytotoxic molecules (GzmB and perforin) and less IFNγ. Conversely, Gal-9+NK cells expressed less cytotoxic molecules, but more IFNγ. Additionally, Gal-9+NK cells, in contrast to Gal-9−NK cells, co-express negligible amounts of GzmB and perforin, which is detrimental to their cytotoxic abilities. We believe that understanding the underlying biochemical pathway associated with Gal-9+NK cell dysfunction can pave the way for potential therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|