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Li Y, Lai S, Kan X. Causal relationship between immune cells and telomere length: mendelian randomization analysis. BMC Immunol 2024; 25:19. [PMID: 38459464 PMCID: PMC10924351 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-024-00610-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causal relationship between immune cells and telomere length remains controversial. METHODS Data on the immune cells were obtained from a previous study with 3,757 participants. Data on telomere length were obtained from the OpenGWAS database. Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) data were obtained and screened for eligible instrumental variables (IVs) using the TwoSampleMR package and the Phenoscanner database. To investigate the genetic causality between immune cells and telomere length, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization (BWMR) analysis were used. RESULTS MR analysis showed that there is indeed a genetic causal relationship between immune cells and telomere length. A total of 16 immune cells were successfully validated. A positive correlation was found between telomere length and immune cells such as CD28 + CD45RA + CD8br %CD8br (OR = 1.002, 95%CI: 1.000-1.003). A negative correlation was found between telomere length and immune cells such as Transitional AC (OR = 0.991, 95%CI: 0.984-0.997) (P < 0.05). Reverse MR analysis similarly confirmed that telomere length can affect four types of immune cells, including CD25 on IgD + CD24- (OR = 1.291, 95%CI: 1.060-1.571), at the genetic level. CONCLUSION There is indeed a mutual genetic causality between immune cells and telomere length, which will provide theoretical basis and support for more subsequent clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujian Li
- Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, No.154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Shenglin Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, No.154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xuan Kan
- Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, No.154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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Enhanced Suppressive Activity of Regulatory T Cells in the Microenvironment of Malignant Pleural Effusions. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:9876014. [PMID: 29785404 PMCID: PMC5896249 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9876014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastatic spread to serous cavity causes malignant pleural effusions (MPEs), indicating dismal prognosis. Tumor microenvironment can implement suppressive activity on host immune responses. Thus, we investigated the prevalence of Tregs and the relationship between them and TGF-β and IL-10 concentrations and measured expression of FOXP3, CTLA-4, CD28, and GITR genes, as well as protein expression of selected genes in benign effusions and MPEs. The percentage of Tregs was determined by means of multicolor flow cytometry system. TGF-β and IL-10 concentrations were measured using human TGF-β1 and IL-10 ELISA kit. Relative mRNA expression of studied genes was analyzed by real-time PCR. The frequency of Tregs was significantly higher in MPEs compared to benign effusions; however, the level of TGF-β and IL-10 in analyzed groups was comparable, and no correlation between concentrations of TGF-β and IL-10 and percentage of Tregs was observed. Relative mRNA expression of all the genes was higher in CD4+CD25+ compared to CD4+CD25− cells. In CD4+CD25+ cells from MPEs, relative mRNA expression of FOXP3, CTLA-4, and CD28 genes was significantly higher than in benign effusions; however, the level of CD4+CD25+CTLA-4+ cells in analyzed groups showed no significant differences. We found numerous genes correlations in an entire CD4+CD25+ cell subset and CD4+CD25+ cells from MPEs. Enhanced suppressive activity of Tregs is observed in the microenvironment of MPEs. Understanding of relations between cellular and cytokine immunosuppressive factors in tumor microenvironment may determine success of anticancer response.
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Kindlund B, Sjöling Å, Yakkala C, Adamsson J, Janzon A, Hansson LE, Hermansson M, Janson P, Winqvist O, Lundin SB. CD4 + regulatory T cells in gastric cancer mucosa are proliferating and express high levels of IL-10 but little TGF-β. Gastric Cancer 2017; 20:116-125. [PMID: 26782287 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-015-0591-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increase of regulatory T cells, defined as CD25high- and/or FOXP3+-expressing CD4+ T cells, within tumors has been reported in several studies. Tregs promote tumor growth by modulating the antitumor immune response, mainly through inhibition of T-cell-mediated tumor cell killing: this has been suggested to be dependent on IL-10 and/or TGF-β. In stomach cancer, the mechanisms behind the accumulation of Tregs in tumor tissue has not been fully elucidated, and neither has Treg gene expression in situ. MATERIALS AND METHODS Stomach tissue from gastric cancer patients undergoing gastric resection was analyzed using flow cytometry and cell sorting, followed by RT-PCR. RESULTS We observed that stomach CD4+ FOXP3+ T cells proliferated to a higher degree than CD4+ FOXP3- T cells, which may contribute to Treg accumulation in the mucosa. By analyzing DNA methylation, we demonstrated that both proliferating and nonproliferating FOXP3+ T cells exhibited complete demethylation of the FOXP3 gene, indicating a stable FOXP3 expression in both cell populations. Furthermore, analysis of T-cell populations isolated directly from the tumor and tumor-free mucosa demonstrated that CD4+ CD25high T cells have a higher IL-10/IFN-γ gene expression ratio but express lower levels of TGF-β than CD4+ CD25low/- T cells. CONCLUSION We demonstrate strong proliferation among regulatory CD4+ FOXP3+ CD25high T cells in the gastric cancer mucosa. These local Treg express a suppressive cytokine profile characterized by high IL-10 and low TGF-β and IFN-γ production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Kindlund
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 435, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Åsa Sjöling
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 435, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Chakradhar Yakkala
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 435, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jenni Adamsson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 435, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Janzon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 435, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars-Erik Hansson
- Department of Gastro-Research, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Hermansson
- Department of Gastro-Research, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Janson
- Clinical Allergy Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ola Winqvist
- Clinical Allergy Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Samuel B Lundin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 435, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Melicher D, Buzas EI, Falus A. Genetic and epigenetic trends in telomere research: a novel way in immunoepigenetics. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:4095-109. [PMID: 26190020 PMCID: PMC11113282 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1991-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are protective heterochromatic structures that cap the end of linear chromosomes and play a key role in preserving genomic stability. Telomere length represents a balance between processes that shorten telomeres during cell divisions with incomplete DNA replication and the ones that lengthen telomeres by the action of telomerase, an RNA-protein complex with reverse transcriptase activity which adds telomeric repeats to DNA molecule ends. Telomerase activity and telomere length have a crucial role in cellular ageing and in the pathobiology of several human diseases attracting intense research. The last few decades have witnessed remarkable advances in our understanding about telomeres, telomere-associated proteins, and the biogenesis and regulation of the telomerase holoenzyme complex, as well as about telomerase activation and the telomere-independent functions of telomerase. Emerging data have revealed that telomere length can be modified by genetic and epigenetic factors, sex hormones, reactive oxygen species and inflammatory reactions. It has become clear that, in order to find out more about the factors influencing the rate of telomere attrition in vivo, it is crucial to explore both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Since the telomere/telomerase assembly is under the control of multiple epigenetic influences, the unique design of twin studies could help disentangle genetic and environmental factors in the functioning of the telomere/telomerase system. It is surprising that the literature on twin studies investigating this topic is rather scarce. This review aims to provide an overview of some important immune response- and epigenetics-related aspects of the telomere/telomerase system demanding more research, while presenting the available twin data published in connection with telomere research so far. By emphasising what we know and what we still do not know in these areas, another purpose of this review is to urge more twin studies in telomere research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Melicher
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edit I Buzas
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andras Falus
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Ribero S, Davies JR, Requena C, Carrera C, Glass D, Rull R, Vidal‐Sicart S, Vilalta A, Alos L, Soriano V, Quaglino P, Traves V, Newton‐Bishop JA, Nagore E, Malvehy J, Puig S, Bataille V. High nevus counts confer a favorable prognosis in melanoma patients. Int J Cancer 2015; 137:1691-8. [PMID: 25809795 PMCID: PMC4503475 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A high number of nevi is the most significant phenotypic risk factor for melanoma and is in part genetically determined. The number of nevi decreases from middle age onward but this senescence can be delayed in patients with melanoma. We investigated the effects of nevus number count on sentinel node status and melanoma survival in a large cohort of melanoma cases. Out of 2,184 melanoma cases, 684 (31.3%) had a high nevus count (>50). High nevus counts were associated with favorable prognostic factors such as lower Breslow thickness, less ulceration and lower mitotic rate, despite adjustment for age. Nevus count was not predictive of sentinel node status. The crude 5- and 10-year melanoma-specific survival rate was higher in melanomas cases with a high nevus count compared to those with a low nevus count (91.2 vs. 86.4% and 87.2 vs. 79%, respectively). The difference in survival remained significant after adjusting for all known melanoma prognostic factors (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.43, confidence interval [CI] = 0.21-0.89). The favorable prognostic value of a high nevus count was also seen within the positive sentinel node subgroup of patients (HR = 0.22, CI = 0.08-0.60). High nevus count is associated with a better melanoma survival, even in the subgroup of patients with positive sentinel lymph node. This suggests a different biological behavior of melanoma tumors in patients with an excess of nevi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Ribero
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic EpidemiologyKing's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of DermatologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- Department of DermatologyLondon North West Healthcare NHS Trust Northwick Park HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom
- Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - John R. Davies
- Section of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsLICAP, University of LeedsLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Celia Requena
- Department of DermatologyInstituto Valenciano De OncologıaValenciaSpain
| | - Cristina Carrera
- Department of DermatologyMelanoma Unit, Hospital Clinic & IDIBAPS, University of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Daniel Glass
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic EpidemiologyKing's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of DermatologyLondon North West Healthcare NHS Trust Northwick Park HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom
- Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Ramon Rull
- Department of SurgeryMelanoma UnitHospital Clinic & IDIBAPS, University of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Sergi Vidal‐Sicart
- Department of Nuclear Medicine ServiceMelanoma Unit, Hospital Clinic & IDIBAPS, University of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Antonio Vilalta
- Department of DermatologyMelanoma Unit, Hospital Clinic & IDIBAPS, University of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Lucia Alos
- Department of Pathology ServiceMelanoma Unit, Hospital Clinic & IDIBAPS, University of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Virtudes Soriano
- Department of OncologyInstituto Valenciano De OncologıaValenciaSpain
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of DermatologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Victor Traves
- Department of PathologyInstituto Valenciano De OncologıaValenciaSpain
| | | | - Eduardo Nagore
- Department of DermatologyInstituto Valenciano De OncologıaValenciaSpain
| | - Josep Malvehy
- Department of DermatologyMelanoma Unit, Hospital Clinic & IDIBAPS, University of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos IIICIBER on Rare DiseasesBarcelonaSpain
| | - Susana Puig
- Department of DermatologyMelanoma Unit, Hospital Clinic & IDIBAPS, University of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos IIICIBER on Rare DiseasesBarcelonaSpain
| | - Veronique Bataille
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic EpidemiologyKing's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of DermatologyWest Herts NHS TrustHertfordshireUnited Kingdom
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Gutsol AA, Sokhonevich NA, Yurova KA, Khaziakhmatova OG, Shupletsova VV, Litvinova LS. Dose-dependent effects of dexamethasone on functional activity of T-lymphocytes with different grades of differentiation. Mol Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893314060065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Qian Y, Yang L, Cao S. Telomeres and telomerase in T cells of tumor immunity. Cell Immunol 2014; 289:63-9. [PMID: 24727158 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2014.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are specific nucleoprotein structures at the end of a eukaryotic chromosomes characterized by repeats of the sequence TTAGGG and regulated by the enzyme telomerase which prevents their degradation, loss, rearrangement and end-to-end fusion. During activation, T lymphocytes actively divide, albeit through only a finite number of cell divisions due to shortening of telomeres. However, studies have demonstrated that human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), thought to be the major component regulating telomerase activity, can enhance the proliferation of T cells when overexpressed. There are many treatments for cancers, most of which are targeting the telomere and telomerase of tumor cells. However, the hTERT-transduced T cells improve their potential for proliferation, making them an appropriate cell resource for tumor adoptive immunotherapy, a procedure whereby T cells are isolated from patients, expanded ex vivo and eventually delivered back into the patients, provides a new approach for tumor therapy through improved overall survival rates in cancer patients. In this review, we will focus on the telomerase activity in T cells, the regulation of telomerase activity, and hTERT-transduced T cells used in adoptive immunotherapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Qian
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China; Research Center of Lung Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China; Research Center of Lung Cancer, Tianjin, China.
| | - Shui Cao
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China; Research Center of Lung Cancer, Tianjin, China.
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8
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Barsov EV. Telomerase and primary T cells: biology and immortalization for adoptive immunotherapy. Immunotherapy 2012; 3:407-21. [PMID: 21395382 DOI: 10.2217/imt.10.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are specialized repeats, present at the end of chromosomes, whose loss during cell division is followed by growth arrest, a central mechanism of replicative senescence in human cells. Telomere length in stem cells is maintained by telomerase, a specialized reverse transcriptase, whose function is to restore shortening telomeres. Unlike most somatic cell types, human T lymphocytes are capable of briefly reactivating telomerase expression at the time of stimulation. Telomerase expression in T lymphocytes is modulated by a variety of external stimuli and by viral infections. However, telomerase reactivation in stimulated, proliferating human T lymphocytes is limited and cannot prevent the ultimate onset of senescence. Ectopic telomerase expression can rescue human and macaque antigen-specific T cells from senescence. Primary T cells have been engineered with telomerase to have substantially extended replicative lifespans without the loss of primary cell functions or malignant transformation. 'Immortal' antigen-specific T-cell lines and clones overexpressing telomerase are an invaluable source of well-characterized quasi-primary T cells for research of T-cell biology and are potentially useful for immunotherapy of cancer and AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene V Barsov
- SAIC-Frederick, Inc., National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Low telomerase activity in CD4+ regulatory T cells in patients with severe chronic GVHD after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Blood 2011; 118:5021-30. [PMID: 21900196 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-06-362137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) play an important role in the control of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). In this study, we examined telomere length and telomerase activity of Treg and conventional CD4(+) T cells (Tcon) in 61 patients who survived more than 2 years after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cell proliferation and expression of Bcl-2 were also measured in each subset. Treg telomere length was shorter and Treg telomerase activity was increased compared with Tcon (P < .0001). After transplantation, Treg were also more highly proliferative than Tcon (P < .0001). Treg number, telomerase activity, and expression of Bcl-2 were each inversely associated with severity of cGVHD. These data indicate that activation of telomerase is not sufficient to prevent telomere shortening in highly proliferative Treg. However, telomerase activation is associated with increased Bcl-2 expression and higher Treg numbers in patients with no or mild cGVHD. In contrast, patients with moderate or severe cGVHD have fewer Treg with lower levels of telomerase activity and Bcl-2 expression. These results suggest that failure to activate Treg telomerase may restrict proliferative capacity and increase apoptotic susceptibility, resulting in the loss of peripheral tolerance and the development of cGVHD.
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Mougiakakos D. Regulatory T cells in colorectal cancer: from biology to prognostic relevance. Cancers (Basel) 2011; 3:1708-31. [PMID: 24212779 PMCID: PMC3757386 DOI: 10.3390/cancers3021708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Revised: 03/13/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) were initially described as "suppressive" lymphocytes in the 1980s. However, it took almost 20 years until the concept of Treg-mediated immune control in its present form was finally established. Tregs are obligatory for self-tolerance and defects within their population lead to severe autoimmune disorders. On the other hand Tregs may promote tolerance for tumor antigens and even hamper efforts to overcome it. Intratumoral and systemic accumulation of Tregs has been observed in various types of cancer and is often linked to worse disease course and outcome. Increase of circulating Tregs, as well as their presence in mesenteric lymph nodes and tumor tissue of patients with colorectal cancer de facto suggests a strong involvement of Tregs in the antitumor control. This review will focus on the Treg biology in view of colorectal cancer, means of Treg accumulation and the controversies regarding their prognostic significance. In addition, a concise overview will be given on how Tregs and their function can be targeted in cancer patients in order to bolster an inherent immune response and/or increase the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Immune and Gene Therapy Unit, Cancer Centre Karolinska, CCK R8:01, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Brimnes MK, Vangsted AJ, Knudsen LM, Gimsing P, Gang AO, Johnsen HE, Svane IM. Increased level of both CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells and CD14+HLA-DR⁻/low myeloid-derived suppressor cells and decreased level of dendritic cells in patients with multiple myeloma. Scand J Immunol 2011; 72:540-7. [PMID: 21044128 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2010.02463.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) suffer from a general impaired immunity comprising deficiencies in humoral responses, T-cell responses as well as dendritic cell (DC) function. Thus, to achieve control of tumour growth through immune therapy constitutes a challenge. Careful evaluation of the immune status in patients with MM seems crucial prior to active immune therapy. We evaluated the proportion of both, DC, Treg cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in peripheral blood from patients with MM at diagnosis and in remission as well as patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). We found that the proportion of both myeloid (m) DC and plasmacytoid (p) DC in patients at diagnosis was lowered compared to control donors, while only the proportion of pDC in patients in remission and with MGUS was significantly lower than in controls. The proportion of CD4+FOXP3+ Treg cells was increased in patients at diagnosis and not in patients in remission or with MGUS. Also, Treg cells from patients with MM were functionally intact as they were able to inhibit proliferation of both CD4 and CD8 T cells. Finally, we observed an increase in the proportion of CD14+HLA-DR⁻/low MDSC in patients with MM at diagnosis, illustrating that this cell fraction is also distorted in patients with MM. Taken together, our results illustrate that, both mDC, pDC, Treg cells and MDSC are affected in patients with MM underlining the fact that the immune system is dysregulated as a consequence of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Brimnes
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Haematology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark.
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Wang F, Lv HM, Han T, Wang P, Wang FM, Zhu ZY, Xiang HL. Correlation between two different methods in detecting CD4 +CD25 hi-int T regulatory cells in peripheral blood of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2010; 18:1384-1389. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v18.i13.1384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To explore the correlation between CD127low and Foxp3+ cell labeling-based methods in detecting CD4+CD25hi-int T regulatory cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to establish a regression equation based on the percentages of CD4+CD25hi-intTregs in total CD4+ T cells obtained with the two methods.
METHODS: The levels of CD4+CD25hi-intTregs were detected by flow cytometry using CD127low and Foxp3+ markers in peripheral blood of 31 HCC patients. The levels of CD4+CD25hi-int Foxp3+Tregs were measured in 32 healthy controls.
RESULTS: The percentage of CD4+CD25hi-int Foxp3+ Tregs in total CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood of HCC patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (10.33% ± 4.47% vs 7.34% ± 1.76%, P < 0.01). The percentage of CD4+CD25hi-intCD127lowTregs in peripheral blood of HCC patients (10.51% ± 4.78%) is positively correlated with that of Foxp3+ Tregs (r = 0.889, P < 0.01). Curve fitting showed that power model is the optimal model. According to the power model, the following regression equation was established: Y = 1.236 × (x0.899)(Y and x represent the percentages of Foxp3+Tregs and CD127lowTregs, respectively).
CONCLUSION: Treg level is significantly elevated in peripheral blood of HCC patients. There is a positive correlation between the percentage of CD4+CD25hi-intFoxp3+Tregs and that of CD4+CD25hi-intCD127lowTregs in peripheral blood of HCC patients. The conversion between the percentage of CD4+CD25hi-intFoxp3+Tregs and that of CD4+CD25hi-intCD127lowTregs can be achieved using a regression equation.
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Sharabi A, Ghera NH. Breaking tolerance in a mouse model of multiple myeloma by chemoimmunotherapy. Adv Cancer Res 2010; 107:1-37. [PMID: 20399959 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-230x(10)07001-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A unique mouse model of multiple myeloma (MM), namely 5T2MM-bearing mouse, was useful for elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease. Increased accumulation of suppressive CD4(+)CD25(High)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) was observed in the thymus and lymphoid peripheral organs during disease progression. Adoptive transfer of Tregs, but not other thymocytes, from 5T2MM-bearing mice led to increased progression of disease manifestations in young syngeneic mice. Depletion of Tregs, a proposed strategy in cancer immunotherapy, was tested using cyclophosphamide (CYC), an alkylating agent with selective cytotoxicity. Both low- and high-dose CYC, administered to sick mice with hind limb paralysis, caused the paralysis to disappear, the plasma tumor cells in the bone marrow (BM) cavity to be replaced by normal cell populations, and the survival of the mice to be significantly prolonged. Low-dose CYC, which selectively depletes Tregs, decreased MM incidence, in contrast to high-dose CYC, which was generally cytotoxic, and did not reduce MM incidence. In contrast, low-dose CYC induced Tregs to become susceptible to apoptosis by downregulating Bcl-xL and CTLA-4 in these cells, and by decreasing the production of IL-2 by effector CD4 cells. This treatment consequently triggered the recovery of IFN-gamma-producing natural killer T cells and the maturation of dendritic cells. Transient gradual depletion of Tregs in low-dose CYC-treated 5T2MM mice was maintained beyond 45 days. Thus, less frequent injections of low-dose CYC enabled us to recruit compatible immune-derived cells that would reduce tumor load and delay or prevent tumor recurrence, hence breaking immune tolerance toward MM tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Sharabi
- Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Mougiakakos D, Choudhury A, Lladser A, Kiessling R, Johansson CC. Regulatory T cells in cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2010; 107:57-117. [PMID: 20399961 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-230x(10)07003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
At the present time, regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an integral part of immunology but the route from discovery of "suppressive" lymphocytes in the 1980s to the current established concept of Tregs almost 20 years later has been a rollercoaster ride. Tregs are essential for maintaining self-tolerance as defects in their compartment lead to severe autoimmune diseases. This vitally important function exists alongside the detrimental effects on tumor immunosurveillance and antitumor immunity. Beginning with the identification of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs in 1995, the list of Treg subsets, suppressive mechanisms, and knowledge about their various origins is steadily growing. Increase in Tregs within tumors and circulation of cancer patients, observed in early studies, implied their involvement in pathogenesis and disease progression. Several mechanisms, ranging from proliferation to specific trafficking networks, have been identified to account for their systemic and/or local accumulation. Since various immunotherapeutic approaches are being utilized for cancer therapy, various strategies to overcome the antagonistic effects exerted by Tregs are being currently explored. An overview on the biology of Tregs present in cancer patients, their clinical impact, and methods for modulating them is given in this review. Despite the extensive studies on Tregs in cancer many questions still remain unanswered. Even the paradigm that Tregs generally are disadvantageous for the control of malignancies is now under scrutiny. Insight into the specific role of Tregs in different types of neoplasias is the key for targeting them in a way that is beneficial for the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, Cancer Center Karolinska R8:01, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ha TY. The role of regulatory T cells in cancer. Immune Netw 2009; 9:209-35. [PMID: 20157609 PMCID: PMC2816955 DOI: 10.4110/in.2009.9.6.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Accepted: 11/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been an explosion of literature focusing on the role of regulatory T (Treg) cells in cancer immunity. It is becoming increasingly clear that Treg cells play an active and significant role in the progression of cancer, and have an important role in suppressing tumor-specific immunity. Thus, there is a clear rationale for developing clinical strategies to diminish their regulatory influences, with the ultimate goal of augmenting antitimor immunity. Therefore, manipulation of Treg cells represent new strategies for cancer treatment. In this Review, I will summarize and review the explosive recent studies demonstrating that Treg cells are increased in patients with malignancies and restoration of antitumor immunity in mice and humans by depletion or reduction of Treg cells. In addition, I will discuss both the prognostic value of Treg cells in tumor progression in tumor-bearing hosts and the rationale for strategies for therapeutic vaccination and immunotherapeutic targeting of Treg cells with drugs and microRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-You Ha
- Department of Immunology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Chonju, Chonbuk, Korea
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16
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Yu H, Zhao C, Chen Y, Fu M, Ren J, Qu X. DNA Loop Sequence as the Determinant for Chiral Supramolecular Compound G-Quadruplex Selectivity. J Med Chem 2009; 53:492-8. [DOI: 10.1021/jm9014795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haijia Yu
- Division of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Chuanqi Zhao
- Division of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Yong Chen
- College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, China
| | - Manliang Fu
- Division of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Jinsong Ren
- Division of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Xiaogang Qu
- Division of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
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17
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Pang YL, Zhang HG, Peng JR, Pang XW, Yu S, Xing Q, Yu X, Gong L, Yin YH, Zhang Y, Chen WF. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2009; 58:877-86. [PMID: 18941744 PMCID: PMC11030619 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-008-0603-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates the immunosuppressive nature of the local environment in tumor. The present study was focused on analyzing the immune status within hepatocellular carcinoma. In contrast to the increasing number of CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+), CD3(-)CD56(+), CD3(+)CD56(+), and gammadeltaT cells were all found to be under-represented in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Notably, the relative abundance of CD3(+)CD56(+) cells appeared to be correlated with patient survival. Functional analysis demonstrated that CD4(+) cells in the tumor tended to produce more IL-10 but less IFN-gamma, whereas CD8(+) cells showed impaired capacity for the production of both IFN-gamma and perforin. Consistent with previous reports, we observed a significant increase of Foxp3(+) cells in the tumor tissue. Intriguingly, although over 90% of CD4(+)CD25(high) cells were found to be Foxp3(+), the majority of Foxp3(+) cells were identified in the CD4(+)CD25(medium) and CD4(+)CD25(-) subsets. In support of its role as a negative regulator, CD4(+)CD25(high) cells suppressed the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) cells isolated from the same tissues in an APC dependent manner. In conclusion, the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma is featured by the presence of multiple immunosuppressive factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Li Pang
- Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xue Yuan Road, 100191 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua-Gang Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xue Yuan Road, 100191 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji-Run Peng
- Center of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, 42 Beilishilu, 100044 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue-Wen Pang
- Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xue Yuan Road, 100191 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu Yu
- Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xue Yuan Road, 100191 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao Xing
- Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xue Yuan Road, 100191 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Yu
- Center of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, 42 Beilishilu, 100044 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Gong
- Center of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, 42 Beilishilu, 100044 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Hui Yin
- Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xue Yuan Road, 100191 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xue Yuan Road, 100191 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Feng Chen
- Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xue Yuan Road, 100191 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Gobert M, Treilleux I, Bendriss-Vermare N, Bachelot T, Goddard-Leon S, Arfi V, Biota C, Doffin AC, Durand I, Olive D, Perez S, Pasqual N, Faure C, Ray-Coquard I, Puisieux A, Caux C, Blay JY, Ménétrier-Caux C. Regulatory T cells recruited through CCL22/CCR4 are selectively activated in lymphoid infiltrates surrounding primary breast tumors and lead to an adverse clinical outcome. Cancer Res 2009; 69:2000-9. [PMID: 19244125 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-2360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 522] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunohistochemical analysis of FOXP3 in primary breast tumors showed that a high number of tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Ti-Treg) within lymphoid infiltrates surrounding the tumor was predictive of relapse and death, in contrast to those present within the tumor bed. Ex vivo analysis showed that these tumor-infiltrating FOXP3(+) T cells are typical Treg based on their CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127(low)FOXP3(+) phenotype, their anergic state on in vitro stimulation, and their suppressive functions. These Ti-Treg could be selectively recruited through CCR4 as illustrated by (a) selective blood Treg CCR4 expression and migration to CCR4 ligands, (b) CCR4 down-regulation on Ti-Treg, and (c) correlation between Ti-Treg in lymphoid infiltrates and intratumoral CCL22 expression. Importantly, in contrast to other T cells, Ti-Treg are selectively activated locally and proliferate in situ, showing T-cell receptor engagement and suggesting specific recognition of tumor-associated antigens (TAA). Immunohistochemical stainings for ICOS, Ki67, and DC-LAMP show that Ti-Treg were close to mature DC-LAMP(+) dendritic cells (DC) in lymphoid infiltrates but not in tumor bed and were activated and proliferating. Furthermore, proximity between Ti-Treg, CD3(+), and CD8(+) T cells was documented within lymphoid infiltrates. Altogether, these results show that Treg are selectively recruited within lymphoid infiltrates and activated by mature DC likely through TAA presentation, resulting in the prevention of effector T-cell activation, immune escape, and ultimately tumor progression. This study sheds new light on Treg physiology and validates CCR4/CCL22 and ICOS as therapeutic targets in breast tumors, which represent a major health problem.
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Trzonkowski P, Szaryńska M, Myśliwska J, Myśliwski A. Ex vivo expansion of CD4+CD25+T regulatory cells for immunosuppressive therapy. Cytometry A 2009; 75:175-88. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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20
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O'Callaghan N, Dhillon V, Thomas P, Fenech M. A quantitative real-time PCR method for absolute telomere length. Biotechniques 2008; 44:807-9. [PMID: 18476834 DOI: 10.2144/000112761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere shortening is an important risk factor for cancer and accelerated aging. Here we describe the development of a simple and reproducible method to measure absolute telomere length. Based on Cawthon's quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay, our method uses an oligomer standard that can be used to generate absolute telomere length values rather than relative quantification. We demonstrate a strong correlation between this improved method and the "gold standard" of telomere length measurement-terminal restriction fragment analysis (TRF) by Southern hybridization. The capability to generate absolute telomere length values should allow a more direct comparison of results between experiments within and between laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan O'Callaghan
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)-Human Nutrition, Adelaide, Australia. nathan.o'
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21
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Yokokawa J, Cereda V, Remondo C, Gulley JL, Arlen PM, Schlom J, Tsang KY. Enhanced functionality of CD4+CD25(high)FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood of patients with prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:1032-40. [PMID: 18281535 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE CD4+CD25(high)FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) have been shown to inhibit the activation and function of T cells that participate in antigen-specific immune responses. Higher levels of Tregs have been reported in the peripheral blood of patients with several types of tumors. In this study, we investigated the number and functionality of CD4+CD25(high)FoxP3+ Tregs in patients with prostate cancer (PCa), and their potential role in inhibiting antitumor immune responses. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Levels of Tregs in the peripheral blood of healthy donors and patients with biochemically progressive, localized, and metastatic PCa were each measured by flow cytometry. The functional activity of Tregs was determined by their ability to suppress the proliferation of CD4+CD25- T cells. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank sum test and unpaired Student's t test. RESULTS Although levels of Tregs in the peripheral blood of patients with PCa were not significantly higher than those in healthy donors, Tregs in patients with PCa had significantly greater suppressive functionality than Tregs from healthy donors (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a direct correlation between the serum levels of prostaglandin E(2) and Treg functionality in patients with localized PCa, using Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient (R). CONCLUSIONS These findings further show the potential importance of Tregs in modifying immune responses in patients with PCa. Although longer studies are necessary to confirm these findings, these studies also show for the first time the differences in Treg populations in patients with various stages of PCa, and thus, provide a basis for determining which PCa patient populations are best suited for immunotherapy trials involving the inhibition of Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Yokokawa
- Authors' Affiliation: Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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22
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Zheng MH, Gu DN, Braddock M, Leishman AJ, Jin C, Wen JS, Gong YW, Chen YP. CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells: a therapeutic target for liver diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2008; 12:313-26. [PMID: 18269341 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.12.3.313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to play an important role in maintaining peripheral immune homeostasis by suppressing autoreactive and allergen-specific T cells and turning off the immune response after the pathogen has been cleared. However, in certain situations Tregs can impair effective immunity to some pathogens and tumour cells. OBJECTIVE To review the role of Tregs in liver pathology and to assess the potential to enhance or inhibit their function as applied to the treatment of liver disease. METHODS The literature was reviewed using standard indexing terms and incorporating publications up to and including those published in 2007. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS Tregs are therapeutic targets for modulation in autoimmune disease and may provide new opportunities for application to human liver conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hua Zheng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Department of Infection and Liver Diseases, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
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23
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Mao C, Wang S, Jiang Q, Tong J, Ma J, Yang M, Xu X, Qiu G, Shao Q, Li L, Xu H. Increased CD4 +CD25 +FOXP3 + Regulatory T Cells in Cancer Patients from Conversion of CD4 +CD25 – T Cells through Tumor-Derived Factors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 31:243-8. [DOI: 10.1159/000121360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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24
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Gjerdrum LM, Woetmann A, Odum N, Burton CM, Rossen K, Skovgaard GL, Ryder LP, Ralfkiaer E. FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas: association with disease stage and survival. Leukemia 2007; 21:2512-8. [PMID: 17713545 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2404913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
FOXP3 is a unique marker for CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). In solid tumours, high numbers of Tregs are associated with a poor prognosis. Knowledge about the implications of Tregs for the behaviour of haematological malignancies is limited. In this study, skin biopsies from 86 patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) unspecified were analysed for the expression of FOXP3 on tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating Tregs. Labelling of above 10% of the neoplastic cells was seen in one case classified as an aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ cytotoxic CTCL. In the remaining 85 cases, the atypical neoplastic infiltrate was either FOXP3 negative (n=80) or contained only very occasional weakly positive cells (n=5). By contrast, all biopsies showed varying numbers of strongly FOXP3+ tumour-infiltrating Tregs. MF with early or infiltrated plaques had significantly higher numbers of FOXP3+ Tregs than CTCL unspecified or advanced MF with tumours or transformation to large cell lymphoma. An analysis of all patients demonstrated that increasing numbers of FOXP3+ Tregs were associated with improved survival in both MF and CTCL unspecified. In conclusion, our data indicate that the presence of FOXP3+ Tregs in CTCL is associated with disease stage and patient survival.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Female
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/analysis
- Humans
- Jurkat Cells/chemistry
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/chemistry
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/pathology
- Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/immunology
- Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/mortality
- Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mycosis Fungoides/mortality
- Mycosis Fungoides/pathology
- Neoplasm Staging
- Prognosis
- Proportional Hazards Models
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/analysis
- Skin Neoplasms/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/mortality
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Survival Analysis
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/chemistry
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Gjerdrum
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Abstract
The improvements of socio-environmental conditions, medical care and quality of life have caused a general improvement in the health status of the population and a consequent reduction of morbidity and mortality, resulting in an overall increased life-expectancy. The role of immunosenescence was negligible in the past, when the human lifespan was 40–50 years, and its impact on morbidity and mortality has emerged in combination with the extension of lifespan. Immunosenescence results from multifactorial processes that act on all components of the immune system. The changes associated with immunosenescence are playing an increasingly important role in the emergence of a series of age-related pathologies, conditioning the present epidemiology of old people.
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Abstract
Increasing evidence supports the existence of elevated numbers of regulatory T cells (T(reg) cells) in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Whereas the biology of CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) T(reg) cells in murine models seems to be rather straightforward, studies in human diseases are more difficult to interpret due to expression of CD25 on activated effector T cells as well as T(reg) cells. More importantly, early studies in human tumors were mainly focused on CD4(+)CD25(+) T(reg) cells lacking interrogation of more specific markers such as FOXP3 expression. Although the increase of T(reg) cells seems to be a characteristic feature in most tumors, little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the increase and maintenance of elevated levels of T(reg) cells in cancer. We will discuss earlier data in the context of recent findings in T(reg)-cell biology with a particular emphasis on CD4(+)CD25(high)FOXP3(+) T(reg) cells in human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Beyer
- Molecular Tumor Biology and Tumor Immunology Clinic I for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann Str 9/Haus 16, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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Levings MK, Allan S, d'Hennezel E, Piccirillo CA. Functional Dynamics of Naturally Occurring Regulatory T Cells in Health and Autoimmunity. Adv Immunol 2006; 92:119-55. [PMID: 17145303 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2776(06)92003-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A network of regulatory T (Treg) cells exists to downregulate immune responses in various inflammatory circumstances and ultimately assure peripheral T cell tolerance. Naturally occurring CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cell represents a major lymphocyte population engaged in the dominant control of self-reactive T responses and maintenance of tolerance within this network. CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells differentiate in the normal thymus as a functionally distinct subpopulation of T cells bearing a broad T cell receptor repertoire endowing these cells with the capacity to recognize a wide spectrum of self-Ag and non-self-Ag specificities. The development of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells is genetically determined, influenced by Ag-specific and nonspecific signals, costimulation, and cytokines that control their activation, expansion, and suppressive activity. Functional abrogation of these cells in vivo, or genetic defects that affect their development or function, unequivocally predisposes animals and humans to the onset of autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases. Studies have shed light in our understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cell-mediated immune regulation. In this chapter, we discuss the contribution of naturally occurring CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells in the induction of immunologic self-tolerance in animal models and humans and attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of recent findings regarding the phenotype, functional dynamics, and effector mechanism of these cells in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Levings
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia and Immunity and Infection Research Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver V6H 3Z6, Canada
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