1
|
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] [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
|
2
|
Lajiness JD, Amarsaikhan N, Tat K, Tsoggerel A, Cook-Mills JM. β-Glucosylceramides and Tocopherols Regulate Development and Function of Dendritic Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1837-1850. [PMID: 36426950 PMCID: PMC9643659 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In humans and mice, offspring of allergic mothers are predisposed to development of allergy. In mice, allergic mothers have elevated β-glucosylceramides (βGlcCers) that are transported to the fetus via the placenta and to offspring via milk. The elevated βGlcCers increase the number of fetal liver CD11c+CD11b+ dendritic cells (DCs) and offspring allergen-induced lung eosinophilia. These effects are modifiable by maternal dietary supplementation with the plant-derived lipids α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol. It is not known whether βGlcCers and tocopherols directly regulate development of DCs. In this study, we demonstrated that βGlcCers increased development of GM-CSF-stimulated mouse bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) in vitro without altering expression of costimulatory molecules. This increase in BMDC numbers was blocked by α-tocopherol and potentiated by γ-tocopherol. Furthermore, βGlcCers increased protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and PKCδ activation in BMDCs that was blocked by α-tocopherol. In contrast, γ-tocopherol increased BMDC PKCα and PKCδ activation and enhanced the βGlcCer-induced increase in PKCδ activation in a DC subset. Ag processing per DC was minimally enhanced in βGlcCer-treated BMDCs and not altered ex vivo in lung DCs from pups of allergic mothers. Pups of allergic mothers had an increased proportion of CD11b+CD11c+ subsets of DCs, contributing to enhanced stimulation of T cell proliferation ex vivo. Thus, βGlcCer, which is both necessary and sufficient for development of allergic predisposition in offspring of allergic mothers, directly increased development and PKC activation in BMDCs. Furthermore, this was modifiable by dietary tocopherols. This may inform design of future studies for the prevention or intervention in asthma and allergic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn D Lajiness
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; and
| | - Nansalmaa Amarsaikhan
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; and
| | - Kiet Tat
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; and
| | - Angar Tsoggerel
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; and
| | - Joan M Cook-Mills
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ajarrag S, St-Pierre Y. Galectins in Glioma: Current Roles in Cancer Progression and Future Directions for Improving Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215533. [PMID: 34771696 PMCID: PMC8582867 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastomas are among the most common and aggressive brain tumors. The high rate of recurrence and mortality associated with this cancer underscores the need for the development of new therapeutical targets. Galectins are among the new targets that have attracted the attention of many scientists working in the field of cancer. They form a group of small proteins found in many tissues where they accomplish various physiological roles, including regulation of immune response and resistance to cell death. In many types of cancer, however, production of abnormally high levels of galectins by cancer cells can be detrimental to patients. Elevated levels of galectins can, for example, suppress the ability of the host’s immune system to kill cancer cells. They can also provide cancer cells with resistance to drugs-induced cell death. Here, we review the recent progress that has contributed to a better understanding of the mechanisms of actions of galectins in glioblastoma. We also discuss recent development of anti-galectin drugs and the challenges associated with their use in clinical settings, with particular attention to their role in reducing the efficacy of immunotherapy, a promising treatment that exploits the capacity of the immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells. Abstract Traditional wisdom suggests that galectins play pivotal roles at different steps in cancer progression. Galectins are particularly well known for their ability to increase the invasiveness of cancer cells and their resistance to drug-induced cell death. They also contribute to the development of local and systemic immunosuppression, allowing cancer cells to escape the host’s immunological defense. This is particularly true in glioma, the most common primary intracranial tumor. Abnormally high production of extracellular galectins in glioma contributes to the establishment of a strong immunosuppressive environment that favors immune escape and tumor progression. Considering the recent development and success of immunotherapy in halting cancer progression, it is logical to foresee that galectin-specific drugs may help to improve the success rate of immunotherapy for glioma. This provides a new perspective to target galectins, whose intracellular roles in cancer progression have already been investigated thoroughly. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of action of galectins at different steps of glioma progression and the potential of galectin-specific drugs for the treatment of glioma.
Collapse
|
4
|
Girardi B, Manna M, Van Klaveren S, Tomašič T, Jakopin Ž, Leffler H, Nilsson UJ, Ricklin D, Mravljak J, Schwardt O, Anderluh M. Selective Monovalent Galectin-8 Ligands Based on 3-Lactoylgalactoside. ChemMedChem 2021; 17:e202100514. [PMID: 34613662 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Galectin-8 has gained attention as a potential new pharmacological target for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and disorders associated with bone mass reduction. To that end, new molecular probes are needed in order to better understand its role and its functions. Herein we aimed to improve the affinity and target selectivity of a recently published galectin-8 ligand, 3-O-[1-carboxyethyl]-β-d-galactopyranoside, by introducing modifications at positions 1 and 3 of the galactose. Affinity data measured by fluorescence polarization show that the most potent compound reached a KD of 12 μM. Furthermore, reasonable selectivity versus other galectins was achieved, making the highlighted compound a promising lead for the development of new selective and potent ligands for galectin-8 as molecular probes to examine the protein's role in cell-based and in vivo studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Girardi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Askerčeva cesta, 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martina Manna
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Askerčeva cesta, 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sjors Van Klaveren
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Askerčeva cesta, 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Centre for Analysis and Synthesis - Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124-221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tihomir Tomašič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Askerčeva cesta, 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Žiga Jakopin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Askerčeva cesta, 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Hakon Leffler
- Centre for Analysis and Synthesis - Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124-221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulf J Nilsson
- Centre for Analysis and Synthesis - Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124-221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Janez Mravljak
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Askerčeva cesta, 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Oliver Schwardt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marko Anderluh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Askerčeva cesta, 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Unraveling How Tumor-Derived Galectins Contribute to Anti-Cancer Immunity Failure. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184529. [PMID: 34572756 PMCID: PMC8469970 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review compiles our current knowledge of one of the main pathways activated by tumors to escape immune attack. Indeed, it integrates the current understanding of how tumor-derived circulating galectins affect the elicitation of effective anti-tumor immunity. It focuses on several relevant topics: which are the main galectins produced by tumors, how soluble galectins circulate throughout biological liquids (taking a body-settled gradient concentration into account), the conditions required for the galectins’ functions to be accomplished at the tumor and tumor-distant sites, and how the physicochemical properties of the microenvironment in each tissue determine their functions. These are no mere semantic definitions as they define which functions can be performed in said tissues instead. Finally, we discuss the promising future of galectins as targets in cancer immunotherapy and some outstanding questions in the field. Abstract Current data indicates that anti-tumor T cell-mediated immunity correlates with a better prognosis in cancer patients. However, it has widely been demonstrated that tumor cells negatively manage immune attack by activating several immune-suppressive mechanisms. It is, therefore, essential to fully understand how lymphocytes are activated in a tumor microenvironment and, above all, how to prevent these cells from becoming dysfunctional. Tumors produce galectins-1, -3, -7, -8, and -9 as one of the major molecular mechanisms to evade immune control of tumor development. These galectins impact different steps in the establishment of the anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we carry out a critical dissection on the mechanisms through which tumor-derived galectins can influence the production and the functionality of anti-tumor T lymphocytes. This knowledge may help us design more effective immunotherapies to treat human cancers.
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu WD, Huang Q, Huang AF. Emerging role of galectin family in inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102847. [PMID: 33971347 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Galectin family is a group of glycan-binding proteins. Members in this family are expressed in different tissues, immune or non-immune cells. These molecules are important regulators in innate and adaptive immune response, performing significantly in a broad range of cellular and pathophysiological functions, such as cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion. Findings have shown that expression of galectins is abnormal in many inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis. Galectins also function as intracellular and extracellular disease regulators mainly through the binding of their carbohydrate recognition domain to glycoconjugates. Here, we review the state-of-the-art of the role that different galectin family members play in immune cells, contributing to the complex inflammatory diseases. Hopefully collection of the information will provide a preliminary theoretical basis for the exploration of new targets for treatment of the disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang-Dong Xu
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - An-Fang Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Targeting galectins in T cell-based immunotherapy within tumor microenvironment. Life Sci 2021; 277:119426. [PMID: 33785342 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few years, tumor immunotherapy has emerged as an innovative tumor treatment and owned incomparable advantages over other tumor therapy. With unique complexity and uncertainty, immunotherapy still need helper to apply in the clinic. Galectins, modulated in tumor microenvironment, can regulate the disorders of innate and adaptive immune system resisting tumor growth. Considering the role of galectins in tumor immunosuppression, combination therapy of targeted anti-galectins and immunotherapy may be a promising tumor treatment. This brief review summarizes the expression and immune functions of different galectins in tumor microenvironment and discusses the potential value of anti-galectins in combination with checkpoint inhibitors in tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
8
|
Synergistic effect of GRA7 and profilin proteins in vaccination against chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection. Vaccine 2021; 39:933-942. [PMID: 33451777 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.12.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide prevalence in humans and warm-blooded animal populations. In livestock Toxoplasma gondii is the causal agent of significant economic losses since it can cause abortions in goats and sheep. It is estimated that one third of the world population is infected. Although there are effective therapies for acute infection, these are sometimes poorly tolerated, teratogenic, and have a long administration time. Considering the deficiencies that exist related to the prevention and treatment of toxoplasmosis, the development of a safe and effective vaccine would be extremely valuable in fighting against this infection. In the present work, we characterize for the first time the adjuvant and immunogenic potential of a recombinant profilin protein (rTgPF), in a vaccine formulation alone or in combination with the well-known GRA7 antigen candidate in a murine toxoplasmosis model. Since TgPF acts as a ligand for TLR11 and 12 inducing innate immune responses that promote type 1 adaptive responses, we first study the capacity of the mix rGRA7 + rTgPF to initiate an immune response by evaluating dendritic cell activation. Both rTgPF and rGRA7 induces activation of mouse BMDCs more efficiently than the single proteins, evidenced by increased expression of CD80 and CD86 co-stimulatory proteins and secretion of IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 cytokines after in vitro stimulation. The sum of the effects of rGRA7 and rTgPF on BMDCs maturation led us to assay them in a vaccination protocol. BALB/c mice vaccinated with this mix elicited a Th1-biased immunity via the induction of lymphocyte proliferation, activation of CD4+T cells and increased IFN-γ production that resulted in enhanced protection against chronic Toxoplama gondii infection. Profilin per se induce only cellular immunity but augments the effect of rGRA7 immune responses when used together, thus allowing us to postulate rTgPF as a potential adjuvant in a protein vaccine.
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Galectins are soluble lectins that participate in many physiological and pathological functions. Since they can act extracellularly, the use of the recombinant protein is a recurrent strategy for studying their biological functions. Here, we provide a general protocol for the production of Galectins and their isolated or chimeric domains. We take advantage of their lectin activity and the 6xHis-tag addition for purification, thus obtaining a highly pure and active Galectin to use in both in vitro and in vivo assays. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Cattaneo et al. (2011), Tribulatti et al. (2012), and Prato et al. (2020). We present a protocol for obtaining highly pure recombinant Galectins This protocol can be adapted for several Galectin family members with high yield Recombinant galectins retain their lectin activity as assessed by hemagglutination Recombinant Galectins are endotoxin-free and can be used in cell culture assays
Collapse
|