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Shuai H, Wang Z, Xiao Y, Ge Y, Mao H, Gao J. Genetically supported causality between gut microbiota, immune cells, and ischemic stroke: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1402718. [PMID: 38894965 PMCID: PMC11185428 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1402718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have highlighted a robust correlation between gut microbiota/immune cells and ischemic stroke (IS). However, the precise nature of their causal relationship remains uncertain. To address this gap, our study aims to meticulously investigate the causal association between gut microbiota/immune cells and the likelihood of developing IS, employing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods Our comprehensive analysis utilized summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on gut microbiota, immune cells, and IS. The primary MR method employed was the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) approach. To address potential pleiotropy and identify outlier genetic variants, we incorporated the Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) technique, along with MR-Egger regression. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q-test. Additionally, leave-one-out analysis was conducted to pinpoint any individual genetic variant influencing the observed causal associations. Finally, a reverse MR analysis was performed to explore the potential of reverse causation. Results Our investigation revealed four gut microbial taxa and 16 immune cells with a significant causal relationship with IS (p < 0.05). Notably, two bacterial features and five immunophenotypes were strongly associated with a lower IS risk: genus.Barnesiella.id.944 (OR: 0.907, 95% CI: 0.836-0.983, p = 0.018), genus.LachnospiraceaeNK4A136group.id.11319 (OR: 0.918, 95% CI: 0.853-0.983, p = 0.988), Activated & resting Treg % CD4++ (OR: 0.977, 95% CI: 0.956-0.998, p = 0.028). Additionally, significant associations between IS risk and two bacterial features along with eleven immunophenotypes were observed: genus.Paraprevotella.id.962 (OR: 1.106, 95% CI: 1.043-1.172, p < 0.001), genus.Streptococcus.id.1853 (OR: 1.119, 95% CI: 1.034-1.210, p = 0.005), CD127 on granulocyte (OR: 1.039, 95% CI: 1.009-1.070, p = 0.011). Our analyses did not reveal heterogeneity based on the Cochrane's Q-test (p > 0.05) nor indicate instances of horizontal pleiotropy according to MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO analyses (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the robustness of our MR results was confirmed through leave-one-out analysis. Conclusion Our study provides further evidence supporting the potential association between gut microbiota and immune cells in relation to IS, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to this condition. These findings lay a solid foundation for future investigations into targeted prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Shuai
- Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zi Wang
- Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yinggang Xiao
- Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yali Ge
- Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hua Mao
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ju Gao
- Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Hu H, Zhou M, Zhao Y, Mao J, Yang X. Effects of immune cells on ischemic stroke and the mediating roles of metabolites. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1405108. [PMID: 38863512 PMCID: PMC11165215 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1405108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Previous studies have not shown an association between IgD-CD24-B-cell absolute count (IgD-CD24-AC) and ischemic stroke (IS). Our study aimed to assess the causal effect of IgD-CD24-AC on IS and to explore the role of ascorbic acid 2-sulfate (AA2S) as a potential mediator. Methods Our study was based on the largest available genome-wide association study (GWAS). Inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median (WMN), simple mode, and weighted mode methods were used to assess causal effects, with IVW as the primary outcome. Subsequently, we further performed a two-step MR analysis to evaluate whether AA2S mediated this causal effect. In addition, several sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate heterogeneity, including Cochran's Q test, the MR-Egger intercept test, the MR-PRESSO global test, and the leave-one-out analysis. Results Using the IVW approach, the risk ratio of IgD-CD24-AC to IS was estimated to be 1.216 (95% CI = 1.079-1.371, p = 0.001). This result was supported by the WMN method (OR = 1.204, 95% CI = 1.020-1.421, p = 0.028) and the MR-Egger method (OR = 1.177, 95% CI = 0.962-1.442, p = 0.133). We also observed the same trend with the simple model and weighted model. Furthermore, the proportion of genetically predicted IgD-CD24-AC mediated through AA2S levels was 3.73%. Conclusion Our study revealed a causal relationship between IgD-CD24-AC and IS, a small part of which was mediated by AA2S. These findings offer critical insights for developing immune-targeted therapies in the future and lay a strong foundation for advancements in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaokai Yang
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Third Afffliated Hospital of Shanghai University (Wenzhou People’s Hospital), Wenzhou, China
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Deng X, Hou S, Wang Y, Yang H, Wang C. Genetic insights into the relationship between immune cell characteristics and ischemic stroke: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16226. [PMID: 38323746 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16226] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ischemic stroke, a major contributor to global disability and mortality, is underpinned by intricate pathophysiological mechanisms, notably neuroinflammation and immune cell dynamics. Prior research has identified a nuanced and often paradoxical link between immune cell phenotypes and ischemic stroke susceptibility. The aim of this study was to elucidate the potential causal links between the median fluorescence intensity (MFI) and morphological parameters (MP) of 731 immune cell types and ischemic stroke risk. METHODS By analyzing extensive genetic datasets, we conducted comprehensive Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to discern the genetic correlations between diverse immune cell attributes (MFI and MP) and ischemic stroke risk. RESULTS Our study identified key immune cell signatures linked to ischemic stroke risk. Both B cells and T cells, among other immune cell types, have a bidirectional influence on stroke risk. Notably, the regulatory T-cell phenotype demonstrates significant neuroprotective properties, with all odds ratio (OR) values and confidence intervals (CIs) being less than 1. Furthermore, CD39 phenotype immune cells, particularly CD39+ CD8+ T cells (inverse variance weighting [IVW] OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.97; p = 0.002) and CD39+ activated CD4 regulatory T cells (IVW OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.90-0.97; p < 0.001), show notable neuroprotection against ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION This investigation provides new genetic insights into the interplay between various immune cells and ischemic stroke, underscoring the complex role of immune processes in stroke pathogenesis. These findings lay a foundation for future research, which may confirm and expand upon these links, potentially leading to innovative immune-targeted therapies for stroke prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Deng
- Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shuai Hou
- Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yanqiang Wang
- Department II of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Emergency Department, Yantaishan hospital, Yantai, China
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Engler-Chiurazzi E. B cells and the stressed brain: emerging evidence of neuroimmune interactions in the context of psychosocial stress and major depression. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1360242. [PMID: 38650657 PMCID: PMC11033448 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1360242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system has emerged as a key regulator of central nervous system (CNS) function in health and in disease. Importantly, improved understanding of immune contributions to mood disorders has provided novel opportunities for the treatment of debilitating stress-related mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD). Yet, the impact to, and involvement of, B lymphocytes in the response to stress is not well-understood, leaving a fundamental gap in our knowledge underlying the immune theory of depression. Several emerging clinical and preclinical findings highlight pronounced consequences for B cells in stress and MDD and may indicate key roles for B cells in modulating mood. This review will describe the clinical and foundational observations implicating B cell-psychological stress interactions, discuss potential mechanisms by which B cells may impact brain function in the context of stress and mood disorders, describe research tools that support the investigation of their neurobiological impacts, and highlight remaining research questions. The goal here is for this discussion to illuminate both the scope and limitations of our current understanding regarding the role of B cells, stress, mood, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Engler-Chiurazzi
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Ge P, Tao C, Wang W, He Q, Liu C, Zheng Z, Mou S, Zhang B, Liu X, Zhang Q, Wang R, Li H, Zhang D, Zhao J. Circulating immune cell landscape and T-cell abnormalities in patients with moyamoya disease. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1647. [PMID: 38566524 PMCID: PMC10988118 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1647] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moyamoya disease (MMD) stands as a prominent cause of stroke among children and adolescents in East Asian populations. Although a growing body of evidence suggests that dysregulated inflammation and autoimmune responses might contribute to the development of MMD, a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the alterations in circulating immune cells associated with MMD remains elusive. METHODS In this study, we employed a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), mass cytometry and RNA-sequencing techniques to compare immune cell profiles in peripheral blood samples obtained from patients with MMD and age-matched healthy controls. RESULTS Our investigation unveiled immune dysfunction in MMD patients, primarily characterized by perturbations in T-cell (TC) subpopulations, including a reduction in effector TCs and an increase in regulatory TCs (Tregs). Additionally, we observed diminished natural killer cells and dendritic cells alongside heightened B cells and monocytes in MMD patients. Notably, within the MMD group, there was an augmented proportion of fragile Tregs, whereas the stable Treg fraction decreased. MMD was also linked to heightened immune activation, as evidenced by elevated expression levels of HLA-DR and p-STAT3. CONCLUSIONS Our findings offer a comprehensive view of the circulating immune cell landscape in MMD patients. Immune dysregulation in patients with MMD was characterized by alterations in T-cell populations, including a decrease in effector T-cells and an increase in regulatory T-cells (Tregs), suggest a potential role for disrupted circulating immunity in the aetiology of MMD.
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Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Zou Y, Fan Y, Feng P, Fu X, Li K, Zhang J, Dong Y, Yan S, Zhang Y. Peripheral blood CD19 positive B lymphocytes increase after ischemic stroke and correlate with carotid atherosclerosis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1308041. [PMID: 38221996 PMCID: PMC10784375 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1308041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Atherosclerosis is the primary pathological basis of ischemic stroke, and dyslipidemia is one of its major etiological factors. Acute ischemic stroke patients exhibit imbalances in lymphocyte subpopulations, yet the correlation between these dynamic changes in lymphocyte subpopulations and lipid metabolism disorders, as well as carotid atherosclerosis in stroke patients remains poorly understood. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the demographic data, risk factors of cerebrovascular disease, laboratory examination (lymphocyte subsets, lipid indexes, etc.), clinical features and c;/]-sity from December 2017 to September 2019 and non-stroke patients with dizziness/vertigo during the same period. Results The results showed that peripheral B lymphocyte proportions are elevated in acute ischemic stroke patients compared with those of the control group (13.6 ± 5.3 vs. 11.7 ± 4.4%, p = 0.006). Higher B lymphocyte proportions are associated with concurrent dyslipidemia, increased levels of vascular risk factors including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), as well as decreased levels of the protective factor high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Elevated B lymphocyte proportions are independently correlated with carotid atherosclerosis in stroke patients. Discussion We found CD19 positive B Lymphocytes increase after ischemic stroke and correlate with Carotid Atherosclerosis. Lymphocyte subpopulations should be highlighted in stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yutian Zou
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, Afflliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, Changshu, China
| | - Yinyin Fan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ping Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiang Fu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Keru Li
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinru Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yunlei Dong
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuying Yan
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanlin Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Abou-El-Hassan H, Bernstock JD, Chalif JI, Yahya T, Rezende RM, Weiner HL, Izzy S. Elucidating the neuroimmunology of traumatic brain injury: methodological approaches to unravel intercellular communication and function. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1322325. [PMID: 38162004 PMCID: PMC10756680 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1322325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The neuroimmunology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has recently gained recognition as a crucial element in the secondary pathophysiological consequences that occur following neurotrauma. Both immune cells residing within the central nervous system (CNS) and those migrating from the periphery play significant roles in the development of secondary brain injury. However, the precise mechanisms governing communication between innate and adaptive immune cells remain incompletely understood, partly due to a limited utilization of relevant experimental models and techniques. Therefore, in this discussion, we outline current methodologies that can aid in the exploration of TBI neuroimmunology, with a particular emphasis on the interactions between resident neuroglial cells and recruited lymphocytes. These techniques encompass adoptive cell transfer, intra-CNS injection(s), selective cellular depletion, genetic manipulation, molecular neuroimaging, as well as in vitro co-culture systems and the utilization of organoid models. By incorporating key elements of both innate and adaptive immunity, these methods facilitate the examination of clinically relevant interactions. In addition to these preclinical approaches, we also detail an emerging avenue of research that seeks to leverage human biofluids. This approach enables the investigation of how resident and infiltrating immune cells modulate neuroglial responses after TBI. Considering the growing significance of neuroinflammation in TBI, the introduction and application of advanced methodologies will be pivotal in advancing translational research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Abou-El-Hassan
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Joshua D. Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Joshua I. Chalif
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Taha Yahya
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rafael M. Rezende
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Howard L. Weiner
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Saef Izzy
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Shi Y, Stowe AM, Hu X. The role of immune cells in brain injuries and diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 188:106340. [PMID: 37913833 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yejie Shi
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Ann M Stowe
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Xiaoming Hu
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Magnus T, Liesz A. Unveiling the immunopathology of stroke: a comprehensive view on brain-immune interaction. Semin Immunopathol 2023; 45:279-280. [PMID: 37335353 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-023-00995-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Magnus
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Arthur Liesz
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Medical Center Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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