1
|
Perrino MR, Ahmari N, Hall A, Jackson M, Na Y, Pundavela J, Szabo S, Woodruff TM, Dombi E, Kim MO, Köhl J, Wu J, Ratner N. C5aR plus MEK inhibition durably targets the tumor milieu and reveals tumor cell phagocytosis. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302229. [PMID: 38458648 PMCID: PMC10923703 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs) are nerve tumors caused by loss of NF1 and dysregulation of RAS-MAPK signaling in Schwann cells. Most PNFs shrink in response to MEK inhibition, but targets with increased and durable effects are needed. We identified the anaphylatoxin C5a as increased in PNFs and expressed largely by PNF m acrophages. We defined pharmacokinetic and immunomodulatory properties of a C5aR1/2 antagonist and tested if peptide antagonists augment the effects of MEK inhibition. MEK inhibition recruited C5AR1 to the macrophage surface; short-term inhibition of C5aR elevated macrophage apoptosis and Schwann cell death, without affecting MEK-induced tumor shrinkage. PNF macrophages lacking C5aR1 increased the engulfment of dying Schwann cells, allowing their visualization. Halting combination therapy resulted in altered T-cell distribution, elevated Iba1+ and CD169+ immunoreactivity, and profoundly altered cytokine expression, but not sustained trumor shrinkage. Thus, C5aRA inhibition independently induces macrophage cell death and causes sustained and durable effects on the PNF microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R Perrino
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Niousha Ahmari
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ashley Hall
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mark Jackson
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Youjin Na
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jay Pundavela
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sara Szabo
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Departmentd of Pediatrics and Pediatric Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Trent M Woodruff
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Eva Dombi
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mi-Ok Kim
- Department Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jörg Köhl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, Lübeck, Germany
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Faidi R, Reid AY. Early-life immune activation is a vulnerability factor for adult epileptogenesis in neurofibromatosis type 1 in male mice. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1284574. [PMID: 38685949 PMCID: PMC11056566 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1284574] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most common neurocutaneous disorder, can develop several neurological manifestations that include cognitive impairments and epilepsy over their lifetime. It is unclear why certain patients with NF1 develop these conditions while others do not. Early-life immune activation promotes later-life seizure susceptibility, neurocognitive impairments, and leads to spontaneous seizures in some animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders, but the central nervous system immune profile and the enduring consequences of early-life immune activation on the developmental trajectory of the brain in NF1 have not yet been explored. We tested the hypothesis that early-life immune activation promotes the development of spatial memory impairments and epileptogenesis in a mouse model of NF1. Methods Male wild-type (WT) and Nf1+/- mice received systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline at post-natal day 10 and were assessed in adulthood for learning and memory deficits in the Barnes maze and underwent EEG recordings to look for spontaneous epileptiform abnormalities and susceptibility to challenge with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Results Whereas early-life immune activation by a single injection of LPS acutely elicited a comparable brain cytokine signature in WT and Nf1+/- mice, it promoted spontaneous seizure activity in adulthood only in the Nf1+/- mice. Early-life immune activation affected susceptibility to PTZ-induced seizures similarly in both WT and Nf1+/-mice. There was no effect on spatial learning and memory regardless of mouse genotype. Discussion Our findings suggest second-hit environmental events such as early-life immune activation may promote epileptogenesis in the Nf1+/- mouse and may be a risk-factor for NF1-associated epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rania Faidi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aylin Y. Reid
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tritz R, Hudson FZ, Harris V, Ghoshal P, Singla B, Lin H, Csanyi G, Stansfield BK. MEK inhibition exerts temporal and myeloid cell-specific effects in the pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis type 1 arteriopathy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24345. [PMID: 34934133 PMCID: PMC8692602 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene are linked to arteriopathy. Nf1 heterozygosity (Nf1+/–) results in robust neointima formation, similar to humans, and myeloid-restricted Nf1+/– recapitulates this phenotype via MEK-ERK activation. Here we define the contribution of myeloid subpopulations to NF1 arteriopathy. Neutrophils from WT and Nf1+/– mice were functionally assessed in the presence of MEK and farnesylation inhibitors in vitro and neutrophil recruitment to lipopolysaccharide was assessed in WT and Nf1+/– mice. Littermate 12–15 week-old male wildtype and Nf1+/– mice were subjected to carotid artery ligation and provided either a neutrophil depleting antibody (1A8), liposomal clodronate to deplete monocytes/macrophages, or PD0325901 and neointima size was assessed 28 days after injury. Bone marrow transplant experiments assessed monocyte/macrophage mobilization during neointima formation. Nf1+/– neutrophils exhibit enhanced proliferation, migration, and adhesion via p21Ras activation of MEK in vitro and in vivo. Neutrophil depletion suppresses circulating Ly6Clow monocytes and enhances neointima size, while monocyte/macrophage depletion and deletion of CCR2 in bone marrow cells abolish neointima formation in Nf1+/– mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that neurofibromin-MEK-ERK activation in circulating neutrophils and monocytes during arterial remodeling is nuanced and points to important cross-talk between these populations in the pathogenesis of NF1 arteriopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Tritz
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Farlyn Z Hudson
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Valerie Harris
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Bhupesh Singla
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Huiping Lin
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Gabor Csanyi
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Brian K Stansfield
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA. .,Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta University, 1120 15th St, BIW6033, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Valencic E, Da Lozzo P, Tornese G, Ghirigato E, Facca F, Piscianz E, Faletra F, Taddio A, Tommasini A, Magnolato A. Clinical and Cytometric Study of Immune Involvement in a Heterogeneous Cohort of Subjects With RASopathies and mTORopathies. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:703613. [PMID: 34485194 PMCID: PMC8414575 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.703613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
RASopathies and mTORopathies are groups of genetic syndromes associated with increased activation of the RAS-MAPK or the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, resulting in altered cell proliferation during embryonic and postnatal development. The RAS-MAPK and the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways are connected to each other and play a crucial role in adaptive immunity. However, with the exception of Activated PI3K delta syndrome (APDS), immune function has not been deeply studied in these disorders. We collected clinical and immunophenotypic data of a cohort of patients with RASopathies and mTORopathies. Overall, we enrolled 47 patients (22 females, 25 males, age 2-40 years): 33 with neurofibromatosis type 1, 11 Noonan syndrome and 3 Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. 8 patients reported a history of invasive infections requiring hospitalization and intravenous antibiotic therapy. Only 3 patients reported a history of unusual, difficult-to-treat or deep-seated infection. Adenotonsillectomy was performed in 11 patients (24%). However, in most cases (83%) patients' parents did not perceive their child as more prone to infections than their peers. Lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed in 37 of the 47 patients (16 female, 21 males, age 1-40 years). Among the studied lymphocyte subsets, the only consistent alteration regarded an increased percentage of immature B cells (recent bone marrow emigrants) in 34 out of 37 (91,9%) patients, and an increased percentage of double negative T cells in 9 patients. In conclusion, although borderline immune abnormalities were present in a significant proportion of subjects and adenotonsillectomy was performed more frequently than expected for the general population, no major immune disturbance was found in this cohort of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Valencic
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health (IRCCS) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Prisca Da Lozzo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tornese
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health (IRCCS) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Elena Ghirigato
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Facca
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisa Piscianz
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health (IRCCS) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Flavio Faletra
- Department of Diagnostics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health (IRCCS) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Taddio
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health (IRCCS) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alberto Tommasini
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health (IRCCS) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Magnolato
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health (IRCCS) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Koguchi-Yoshioka H, Tanemura A, Katayama I, Fujimoto M, Wataya-Kaneda M. Hypohidrosis in the macules in tuberous sclerosis complex and neurofibromatosis. J Dermatol 2020; 48:418-419. [PMID: 33368630 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanako Koguchi-Yoshioka
- Department of Dermatology, Course of Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanemura
- Department of Dermatology, Course of Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ichiro Katayama
- Department of Dermatology, Course of Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Manabu Fujimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Course of Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mari Wataya-Kaneda
- Department of Dermatology, Course of Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The evolution and multi-molecular properties of NF1 cutaneous neurofibromas originating from C-fiber sensory endings and terminal Schwann cells at normal sites of sensory terminations in the skin. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216527. [PMID: 31107888 PMCID: PMC6527217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to large plexiform neurofibromas (pNF), NF1 patients are frequently disfigured by cutaneous neurofibromas (cNF) and are often afflicted with chronic pain and itch even from seemingly normal skin areas. Both pNFs and cNF consist primarily of benign hyperproliferating nonmyelinating Schwann cells (nSC). While pNF clearly arise within deep nerves and plexuses, the role of cutaneous innervation in the origin of cNF and in chronic itch and pain is unknown. First, we conducted a comprehensive, multi-molecular, immunofluorescence (IF) analyses on 3mm punch biopsies from three separate locations in normal appearing, cNF-free skin in 19 NF1 patients and skin of 16 normal subjects. At least one biopsy in 17 NF1 patients had previously undescribed micro-lesions consisting of a small, dense cluster of nonpeptidergic C-fiber endings and the affiliated nSC consistently adjoining adnexal structures—dermal papillae, hair follicles, sweat glands, sweat ducts, and arterioles—where C-fiber endings normally terminate. Similar micro-lesions were detected in hind paw skin of mice with conditionally-induced SC Nf1-/- mutations. Hypothesizing that these microlesions were pre-cNF origins of cNF, we subsequently analyzed numerous overt, small cNF (s-cNF, 3–6 mm) and discovered that each had an adnexal structure at the epicenter of vastly increased nonpeptidergic C-fiber terminals, accompanied by excessive nSC. The IF and functional genomics assays indicated that neurturin (NTRN) and artemin (ARTN) signaling through cRET kinase and GFRα2 and GFRα3 co-receptors on the aberrant C-fiber endings and nSC may mutually promote the onset of pre-cNF and their evolution to s-cNF. Moreover, TrpA1 and TrpV1 receptors may, respectively, mediate symptoms of chronic itch and pain. These newly discovered molecular characteristics might be targeted to suppress the development of cNF and to treat chronic itch and pain symptoms in NF1 patients.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominantly inherited tumor predisposition syndrome with an incidence of one in 3000-4000 individuals with no currently effective therapies. The NF1 gene encodes neurofibromin, which functions as a negative regulator of RAS. NF1 is a chronic multisystem disorder affecting many different tissues. Due to cell-specific complexities of RAS signaling, therapeutic approaches for NF1 will likely have to focus on a particular tissue and manifestation of the disease. Areas covered: We discuss the multisystem nature of NF1 and the signaling pathways affected due to neurofibromin deficiency. We explore the cell-/tissue-specific molecular and cellular consequences of aberrant RAS signaling in NF1 and speculate on their potential as therapeutic targets for the disease. We discuss recent genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic studies combined with molecular, cellular, and biochemical analyses which have identified several targets for specific NF1 manifestations. We also consider the possibility of patient-specific gene therapy approaches for NF1. Expert opinion: The emergence of NF1 genotype-phenotype correlations, characterization of cell-specific signaling pathways affected in NF1, identification of novel biomarkers, and the development of sophisticated animal models accurately reflecting human pathology will continue to provide opportunities to develop therapeutic approaches to combat this multisystem disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A Walker
- a Center for Genomic Medicine , Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Meena Upadhyaya
- b Division of Cancer and Genetics , Cardiff University , Cardiff , UK
| |
Collapse
|