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Hassan M, Elzallat M, Mohammed DM, Balata M, El-Maadawy WH. Exploiting regulatory T cells (Tregs): Cutting-edge therapy for autoimmune diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2025; 155:114624. [PMID: 40215774 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2025.114624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2025] [Revised: 03/11/2025] [Accepted: 04/05/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subset of suppressive T cells that are essential for maintaining self-tolerance, regulating effector T cells, managing microbial infections, preventing tumors, allergies, and autoimmune disorders, and facilitating allograft transplantation. Disruptions in Treg function or abundance contribute to an imbalance between pathogenic and protective immune cells in autoimmune diseases. Recently, one promising treatment strategy to restore immune balance involves the selective expansion or manipulation of Tregs using low-dose IL-2 therapy, adoptive Treg cell transfer, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-Treg approaches. Tregs have been shown in an increasing number of research studies to prevent or even treat a variety of disorders, such as tumors, autoimmune and allergic diseases, transplant rejection, and graft-versus-host disease. A thorough comprehension of Treg function is anticipated to provide clear prospects for effective Treg immunotherapy in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. This review provides an overview of Tregs biology, including their functions, suppressive mechanisms, phenotypic markers, as well as their involvement in disease settings. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of different Treg subpopulations and their translational applications in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Hassan
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El Nile, Warrak El Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elzallat
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El Nile, Warrak El Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Dina Mostafa Mohammed
- Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt.
| | - Mahmoud Balata
- University hospital bonn. Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Walaa H El-Maadawy
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El Nile, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
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Lin J, Chen J, Yuan S, Tang M, Yang G, Zhang H, Li W, Zhao H, Zhang J, Zhang L, Yin Y. Local and systemic cytokine profiles in children with pneumonia-associated lung consolidation. Front Immunol 2025; 16:1546730. [PMID: 40406149 PMCID: PMC12094972 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1546730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2025] [Indexed: 05/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Objective Lung consolidation (LC) in pediatric pneumonia could lead to complicated clinical outcomes, yet the underlying immunological mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the roles of local and systemic cytokines in the development of pulmonary complications and disease progression in children with pneumonia-associated LC. Design Conducted at the Shanghai Children's Medical Center, this study included 169 children admitted between June 2022 and October 2023. Methods We analyzed levels of fifteen cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis identified specific cytokines associated with pulmonary complications and hypoxemia. Results In children with LC, most local cytokines were found at higher levels than systemic cytokines, with no apparent correlation between the two. Notably, an elevated level of IL-8 (≥ 6615 pg/ml) in BALF was associated with an increased risk of hypoxemia. Additionally, elevated levels of IL-4 and INF-γ in BALF were closely associated with the development of multi-segmental LC. Furthermore, elevated levels of IL-2R in BALF were significantly associated with the occurrence of atelectasis, in contrast to their levels in peripheral blood. Conclusion IL-4, INF-γ, IL-2R, and IL-8 levels in BALF are closely associated with pulmonary complications and disease progression in children with LC. Exploring targeted immunomodulatory therapies in these children may mitigate lung injury caused by excessive local inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilei Lin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiande Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuhua Yuan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyu Tang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guijun Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huishan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanlin Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- International Medical Department, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Yin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sanya Women and Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Hainan Medical College, Hainan Branch of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Linyi Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, China
- Shanghai Children’s Medical Center Pediatric Medical Complex (Pudong), Shanghai, China
- Pediatric Artificial Intelligence (AI) Clinical Application and Research Center, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
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Waeckel L, Talon C, Barrau M, Berger AE, Roblin X, Paul S. Development and evaluation of two whole-blood flow cytometry protocols for monitoring patients treated with JAK inhibitors. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2025; 5:ltaf006. [PMID: 40265078 PMCID: PMC12012447 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltaf006] [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: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction The clinical efficacy of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKinibs) is highly variable and their safety profiles are poorly understood. Methods We established two flow cytometry panels for the assessment of two promising leukocyte biomarkers: signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) phosphorylation and cytokine receptor expression. We evaluated the first panel, which assesses phosphorylation levels for STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5 after cytokine stimulation, with or without in vitro pretreatment with JAKinibs, in 10 healthy donors. We then evaluated the second panel, which assesses cytokine receptor expression on T cells and B cells, in five healthy donors. Results Stimulation with interleukin (IL)-2 or IL-7 increased STAT5 phosphorylation in T cells but not in B cells or monocytes. IL-6 stimulation induced STAT3 phosphorylation in monocytes and CD4 T cells and, to a lesser extent, in CD8 T cells, but not in B cells. IL-21 stimulation led to STAT3 phosphorylation in T cells and, to a lesser extent, in B cells, but not in monocytes. Interferon-α stimulation increased STAT1 phosphorylation in all cell types. STAT phosphorylation levels were lower after pretreatment with JAKinibs. A dose-response curve was plotted, confirming the correlation between JAKinib concentration and STAT phosphorylation inhibition. The second panel showed that each cell type displayed a distinct pattern of cytokine receptors expression, and that this pattern might be modified by in vitro treatment with JAKinibs. Conclusion This preliminary study confirms the utility of flow cytometry for monitoring the biological effects of JAKinibs. Further studies on treated patients are now required to evaluate the clinical value of these two flow cytometry panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Waeckel
- Immunology Laboratory, iBiothera Reference Center, CHU Saint-Etienne, F42055 Saint-Etienne, France
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team GIMAP, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, F42023 Saint-Etienne, France
- CIC 1408 Inserm Vaccinology, CHU Saint-Etienne, F42055 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Chloé Talon
- Immunology Laboratory, iBiothera Reference Center, CHU Saint-Etienne, F42055 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Mathilde Barrau
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHU Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Anne-Emmanuelle Berger
- Immunology Laboratory, iBiothera Reference Center, CHU Saint-Etienne, F42055 Saint-Etienne, France
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team GIMAP, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, F42023 Saint-Etienne, France
- CIC 1408 Inserm Vaccinology, CHU Saint-Etienne, F42055 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Xavier Roblin
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team GIMAP, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, F42023 Saint-Etienne, France
- CIC 1408 Inserm Vaccinology, CHU Saint-Etienne, F42055 Saint-Etienne, France
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHU Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Stéphane Paul
- Immunology Laboratory, iBiothera Reference Center, CHU Saint-Etienne, F42055 Saint-Etienne, France
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team GIMAP, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, F42023 Saint-Etienne, France
- CIC 1408 Inserm Vaccinology, CHU Saint-Etienne, F42055 Saint-Etienne, France
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Brown ME, Thirawatananond P, Peters LD, Kern EJ, Vijay S, Sachs LK, Posgai AL, Brusko MA, Shapiro MR, Mathews CE, Bacher R, Brusko TM. Inhibition of CD226 co-stimulation suppresses diabetes development in the NOD mouse by augmenting regulatory T cells and diminishing effector T cell function. Diabetologia 2025; 68:397-418. [PMID: 39636437 PMCID: PMC11732877 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-024-06329-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 10/10/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Immunotherapeutics targeting T cells are crucial for inhibiting autoimmune disease progression proximal to disease onset in type 1 diabetes. There is an outstanding need to augment the durability and effectiveness of T cell targeting therapies by directly restraining proinflammatory T cell subsets, while simultaneously augmenting regulatory T cell (Treg) activity. Here, we present a novel strategy for preventing diabetes incidence in the NOD mouse model using a blocking monoclonal antibody targeting the type 1 diabetes risk-associated T cell co-stimulatory receptor, CD226. METHODS Female NOD mice were treated with anti-CD226 at 7-8 weeks of age and then monitored for diabetes incidence and therapeutic mechanism of action. RESULTS Compared with isotype-treated controls, anti-CD226-treated NOD mice showed reduced insulitis severity (0.84-fold, p=0.0002) at 12 weeks and decreased disease incidence (HR 0.41, p=0.015) at 30 weeks. Flow cytometric analysis performed 5 weeks post treatment demonstrated reduced proliferation of conventional CD4+ T cells (0.87-fold, p=0.030) and CD8+ (0.78-fold, p=0.0018) effector memory T cells in spleens of anti-CD226-treated mice. Phenotyping of pancreatic Tregs revealed increased CD25 expression (2.05-fold, p=0.0073) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) phosphorylation (1.39-fold, p=0.0007) following anti-CD226, with splenic Tregs displaying augmented suppression of CD4+ responder T cells (Tresps) (1.49-fold, p=0.0008, 1:2 Treg:Tresp) in vitro. Anti-CD226-treated mice exhibited reduced frequencies of islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP)-reactive CD8+ T cells in the pancreas, using both ex vivo tetramer staining (0.50-fold, p=0.0317) and single-cell T cell receptor sequencing (0.61-fold, p=0.022) approaches. 51Cr-release assays demonstrated reduced cell-mediated lysis of beta cells (0.61-fold, p<0.0001, 1:1 effector:target) by anti-CD226-treated autoreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION CD226 blockade reduces T cell cytotoxicity and improves Treg function, representing a targeted and rational approach for restoring immune regulation in type 1 diabetes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/immunology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- Female
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- T Lineage-Specific Activation Antigen 1
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Brown
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Puchong Thirawatananond
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Leeana D Peters
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Kern
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sonali Vijay
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lindsey K Sachs
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Amanda L Posgai
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maigan A Brusko
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Melanie R Shapiro
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Clayton E Mathews
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rhonda Bacher
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Todd M Brusko
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Wu M, Yu S, Yan S, Wu M, Zhang L, Chen S, Shi D, Liu S, Fan Y, Lin X, Shen J. Peroxynitrite reduces Treg cell expansion and function by mediating IL-2R nitration and aggravates multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. Redox Biol 2024; 75:103240. [PMID: 38889621 PMCID: PMC11231601 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
T-helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells (Treg) are critical regulators in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) but the factors affecting Treg/Th17 balance remains largely unknown. Redox balance is crucial to maintaining immune homeostasis and reducing the severity of MS but the underlying mechanisms are unclear yet. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that peroxynitrite, a representative molecule of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), could inhibit peripheral Treg cells, disrupt Treg/Th17 balance and aggravate MS pathology by inducing nitration of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) and down-regulating RAS/JNK-AP-1 signalling pathway. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model and serum samples of MS patients were used in the study. We found that the increases of 3-nitrotyrosine and IL-2R nitration in Treg cells were coincided with disease severity in the active EAE mice. Mechanistically, peroxynitrite-induced IL-2R nitration down-regulated RAS/JNK signalling pathway, subsequently impairing peripheral Treg expansion and function, increasing Teff infiltration into the central nerve system (CNS), aggravating demyelination and neurological deficits in the EAE mice. Those changes were abolished by peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst (PDC) treatment. Furthermore, transplantation of the PDC-treated-autologous Treg cells from donor EAE mice significantly decreased Th17 cells in both axillary lymph nodes and lumbar spinal cord, and ameliorated the neuropathology of the recipient EAE mice. Those results suggest that peroxynitrite could disrupt peripheral Treg/Th17 balance, and aggravate neuroinflammation and neurological deficit in active EAE/MS pathogenesis. The underlying mechanisms are related to induce the nitration of IL-2R and inhibit the RAS/JNK-AP-1 signalling pathway in Treg cells. The study highlights that targeting peroxynitrite-mediated peripheral IL-2R nitration in Treg cells could be a novel therapeutic strategy to restore Treg/Th17 balance and ameliorate MS/EAE pathogenesis. The study provides valuable insights into potential role of peripheral redox balance in maintaining CNS immune homeostasis.
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MESH Headings
- Peroxynitrous Acid/metabolism
- Animals
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Multiple Sclerosis/metabolism
- Multiple Sclerosis/immunology
- Mice
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Humans
- Receptors, Interleukin-2/metabolism
- Female
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Th17 Cells/immunology
- Th17 Cells/metabolism
- Male
- Tyrosine/analogs & derivatives
- Tyrosine/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Sulan Yu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Shenyu Yan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Minghui Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Dongyun Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Shanlin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200000, China; Free Radical Regulation and Application Research Center of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Yongping Fan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiang Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
| | - Jiangang Shen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
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Brown ME, Thirawatananond P, Peters LD, Kern EJ, Vijay S, Sachs LK, Posgai AL, Brusko MA, Shapiro MR, Mathews CE, Bacher R, Brusko TM. Inhibition of CD226 Co-Stimulation Suppresses Diabetes Development in the NOD Mouse by Augmenting Tregs and Diminishing Effector T Cell Function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.16.603756. [PMID: 39071293 PMCID: PMC11275941 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.16.603756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Aims/hypothesis Immunotherapeutics targeting T cells are crucial for inhibiting autoimmune disease progression proximal to disease onset in type 1 diabetes. A growing number of T cell-directed therapeutics have demonstrated partial therapeutic efficacy, with anti-CD3 (α-CD3) representing the only regulatory agency-approved drug capable of slowing disease progression through a mechanism involving the induction of partial T cell exhaustion. There is an outstanding need to augment the durability and effectiveness of T cell targeting by directly restraining proinflammatory T helper type 1 (Th1) and type 1 cytotoxic CD8+ T cell (Tc1) subsets, while simultaneously augmenting regulatory T cell (Treg) activity. Here, we present a novel strategy for reducing diabetes incidence in the NOD mouse model using a blocking monoclonal antibody targeting the type 1 diabetes-risk associated T cell co-stimulatory receptor, CD226. Methods Female NOD mice were treated with anti-CD226 between 7-8 weeks of age and then monitored for diabetes incidence and therapeutic mechanism of action. Results Compared to isotype-treated controls, anti-CD226 treated NOD mice showed reduced insulitis severity at 12 weeks and decreased disease incidence at 30 weeks. Flow cytometric analysis performed five weeks post-treatment demonstrated reduced proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory T cells in spleens of anti-CD226 treated mice. Phenotyping of pancreatic Tregs revealed increased CD25 expression and STAT5 phosphorylation following anti-CD226, with splenic Tregs displaying augmented suppression of CD4+ T cell responders in vitro. Anti-CD226 treated mice exhibited reduced frequencies of islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit related protein (IGRP)-reactive CD8+ T cells in the pancreas, using both ex vivo tetramer staining and single-cell T cell receptor sequencing (scTCR-seq) approaches. 51Cr-release assays demonstrated reduced cell-mediated lysis of beta-cells by anti-CD226-treated autoreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Conclusions/interpretation CD226 blockade reduces T cell cytotoxicity and improves Treg function, representing a targeted and rational approach for restoring immune regulation in type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. Brown
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Puchong Thirawatananond
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Leeana D. Peters
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Elizabeth J. Kern
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Sonali Vijay
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Lindsey K. Sachs
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Amanda L. Posgai
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Maigan A. Brusko
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Melanie R. Shapiro
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Clayton E. Mathews
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Rhonda Bacher
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Todd M. Brusko
- Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
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Iamsawat S, Yu R, Kim S, Dvorina N, Qiu K, Choi J, Baldwin WM, Min B. Single-Cell Analysis Uncovers Striking Cellular Heterogeneity of Lung-Infiltrating Regulatory T Cells during Eosinophilic versus Neutrophilic Allergic Airway Inflammation. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1867-1876. [PMID: 38647384 PMCID: PMC11147735 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Allergic airway inflammation results from uncontrolled immune responses to environmental Ags. Although it is well established that allergic immune responses exhibit a high degree of diversity, driven by primary effector cell types such as eosinophils, neutrophils, or CD4 T cells with distinct effector signatures, the mechanisms responsible for such pathogenesis remain elusive. Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential immune regulators during chronic inflammation, including allergic airway inflammation. Emerging evidence suggests that Tregs infiltrating inflamed tissues exhibit distinct phenotypes dependent on the specific tissue sites and can display heterogeneity and tissue residency. Whether diverse allergic airway inflammatory responses influence infiltrating Treg heterogeneity or Treg lung residency has not been explored. We employed an unbiased single-cell RNA sequencing approach to investigate lung-infiltrating Tregs in models of eosinophilic and neutrophilic airway inflammation. We found that lung-infiltrating Tregs are highly heterogeneous, and that Tregs displaying lung-resident phenotypes are significantly different depending on the types of inflammation. Treg expression of ST2, a receptor for alarmin IL-33, was predominantly associated with eosinophilic inflammation and tissue residency. Nevertheless, Treg-specific ST2 deficiency did not affect the development of eosinophilic allergic inflammation or the generation of lung-resident Tregs. These results uncover a stark heterogeneity among Tregs infiltrating the lungs during allergic airway inflammation. The results indicate that varying types of inflammation may give rise to phenotypically distinct lung-resident Tregs, underscoring a (to our knowledge) novel mechanism by which inflammatory cues may shape the composition of infiltrating Tregs, allowing them to regulate inflammatory responses through tissue-adapted mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supinya Iamsawat
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Rongzhen Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Sohee Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Nina Dvorina
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
| | - Kevin Qiu
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Jaehyuk Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - William M Baldwin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
| | - Booki Min
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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8
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Qiao L, Xu Z, Chen Y, Chen W, Liang Y, Wei Y, Wang K, Yu Y, Yan W. Integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data reveals a cellular senescence-related signature in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1407428. [PMID: 38887516 PMCID: PMC11180799 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1407428] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is on the rise globally, particularly in the Western world, with etiology gradually shifting from virus-related liver diseases to metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Early detection of HCC is challenging, and effective prognostic indicators are currently lacking, urgently necessitating reliable markers to assist in treatment planning and clinical management. Here, we introduce hepatocellular carcinoma senescence genes (HSG) to assess cellular senescence in HCC and devise a hepatocellular carcinoma senescence score (HSS) for prognostic prediction. Higher HSS levels signify poorer prognosis and increased tumor proliferation activity. Additionally, we observe alterations in the tumor immune microenvironment with higher HSS levels, such as increased infiltration of Treg, potentially providing a basis for immunotherapy. Furthermore, we identify key genes, such as PTTG1, within the senescence gene set and demonstrate their regulatory roles in HCC cells and Treg through experimentation. In summary, we establish a scoring system based on hepatocellular carcinoma senescence genes for prognostic prediction in HCC, potentially offering guidance for clinical treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qiao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zibo Xu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuheng Chen
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenwei Chen
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi Wei
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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9
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Rachayon M, Jirakran K, Sodsai P, Sughondhabirom A, Maes M. T cell activation and deficits in T regulatory cells are associated with major depressive disorder and severity of depression. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11177. [PMID: 38750122 PMCID: PMC11096341 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61865-y] [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: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with T cell activation, but no studies have examined the combined effects of T cell activation and deficits in T regulatory (Treg) cells on the severity of acute phase MDD. Using flow cytometry, we determined the percentage and median fluorescence intensity of CD69, CD71, CD40L, and HLADR-bearing CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells, and cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1), CD152 and GARP (glycoprotein A repetitions predominant)-bearing CD25+ FoxP3 T regulatory (Treg) cells in 30 MDD patients and 20 healthy controls in unstimulated and stimulated (anti-CD3/CD28) conditions. Based on cytokine levels, we assessed M1 macrophage, T helper (Th)-1 cell, immune-inflammatory response system (IRS), T cell growth, and neurotoxicity immune profiles. We found that the immune profiles (including IRS and neurotoxicity) were significantly predicted by decreased numbers of CD152 or GARP-bearing CD25+ FoxP3 cells or CD152 and GARP expression in combination with increases in activated T cells (especially CD8+ CD40L+ percentage and expression). MDD patients showed significantly increased numbers of CD3+ CD71+, CD3+ CD40L+, CD4+ CD71+, CD4+ CD40L+, CD4+ HLADR+, and CD8+ HLADR+ T cells, increased CD3+ CD71+, CD4+ CD71+ and CD4+ HLADR+ expression, and lowered CD25+ FoxP3 expression and CD25+ FoxP+ CB1+ numbers as compared with controls. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score was strongly predicted (between 30 and 40% of its variance) by a lower number of CB1 or GARP-bearing Treg cells and one or more activated T cell subtypes (especially CD8+ CD40L+). In conclusion, increased T helper and cytotoxic cell activation along with decreased Treg homeostatic defenses are important parts of MDD that lead to enhanced immune responses and, as a result, neuroimmunotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muanpetch Rachayon
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Ketsupar Jirakran
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Maximizing Children's Developmental Potential, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pimpayao Sodsai
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-Mediated Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Atapol Sughondhabirom
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea.
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
- Research Institute, Medical University Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
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10
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Wang Z, Cho H, Choyke P, Levy D, Sato N. A Mathematical Model of TCR-T Cell Therapy for Cervical Cancer. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:57. [PMID: 38625492 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01261-9] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Engineered T cell receptor (TCR)-expressing T (TCR-T) cells are intended to drive strong anti-tumor responses upon recognition of the specific cancer antigen, resulting in rapid expansion in the number of TCR-T cells and enhanced cytotoxic functions, causing cancer cell death. However, although TCR-T cell therapy against cancers has shown promising results, it remains difficult to predict which patients will benefit from such therapy. We develop a mathematical model to identify mechanisms associated with an insufficient response in a mouse cancer model. We consider a dynamical system that follows the population of cancer cells, effector TCR-T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and "non-cancer-killing" TCR-T cells. We demonstrate that the majority of TCR-T cells within the tumor are "non-cancer-killing" TCR-T cells, such as exhausted cells, which contribute little or no direct cytotoxicity in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We also establish two important factors influencing tumor regression: the reversal of the immunosuppressive TME following depletion of Tregs, and the increased number of effector TCR-T cells with antitumor activity. Using mathematical modeling, we show that certain parameters, such as increasing the cytotoxicity of effector TCR-T cells and modifying the number of TCR-T cells, play important roles in determining outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuping Wang
- Department of Mathematics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Heyrim Cho
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Peter Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Doron Levy
- Department of Mathematics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Noriko Sato
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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11
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Alvarez F, Liu Z, Bay A, Piccirillo CA. Deciphering the developmental trajectory of tissue-resident Foxp3 + regulatory T cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1331846. [PMID: 38605970 PMCID: PMC11007185 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Foxp3+ TREG cells have been at the focus of intense investigation for their recognized roles in preventing autoimmunity, facilitating tissue recuperation following injury, and orchestrating a tolerance to innocuous non-self-antigens. To perform these critical tasks, TREG cells undergo deep epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional changes that allow them to adapt to conditions found in tissues both at steady-state and during inflammation. The path leading TREG cells to express these tissue-specialized phenotypes begins during thymic development, and is further driven by epigenetic and transcriptional modifications following TCR engagement and polarizing signals in the periphery. However, this process is highly regulated and requires TREG cells to adopt strategies to avoid losing their regulatory program altogether. Here, we review the origins of tissue-resident TREG cells, from their thymic and peripheral development to the transcriptional regulators involved in their tissue residency program. In addition, we discuss the distinct signalling pathways that engage the inflammatory adaptation of tissue-resident TREG cells, and how they relate to their ability to recognize tissue and pathogen-derived danger signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Alvarez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Zhiyang Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Bay
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ciriaco A. Piccirillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
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12
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Cardinez C, Hao Y, Kwong K, Davies AR, Downes MB, Roberts NA, Price JD, Hernandez RA, Lovell J, Chand R, Feng ZP, Enders A, Vinuesa CG, Miraghazadeh B, Cook MC. IKK2 controls the inflammatory potential of tissue-resident regulatory T cells in a murine gain of function model. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2345. [PMID: 38528069 PMCID: PMC10963799 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45870-3] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations have provided crucial insights into the immunoregulatory actions of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). By contrast, we know very little about the consequences of defects that amplify aspects of Treg function or differentiation. Here we show that mice heterozygous for an Ikbkb gain-of-function mutation develop psoriasis. Doubling the gene dose (IkbkbGoF/GoF) results in dactylitis, spondylitis, and characteristic nail changes, which are features of psoriatic arthritis. IkbkbGoF mice exhibit a selective expansion of Foxp3 + CD25+ Tregs of which a subset express IL-17. These modified Tregs are enriched in both inflamed tissues, blood and spleen, and their transfer is sufficient to induce disease without conventional T cells. Single-cell transcriptional and phenotyping analyses of isolated Tregs reveal expansion of non-lymphoid tissue (tissue-resident) Tregs expressing Th17-related genes, Helios, tissue-resident markers including CD103 and CD69, and a prominent NF-κB transcriptome. Thus, IKK2 regulates tissue-resident Treg differentiation, and overactivity drives dose-dependent skin and systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelisa Cardinez
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Translational Research Unit, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Division of Genome Sciences and Cancer, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Yuwei Hao
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Translational Research Unit, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kristy Kwong
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Translational Research Unit, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ainsley R Davies
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Translational Research Unit, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Morgan B Downes
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Translational Research Unit, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nadia A Roberts
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jason D Price
- Division of Genome Sciences and Cancer, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Raquel A Hernandez
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Translational Research Unit, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jessica Lovell
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Rochna Chand
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Translational Research Unit, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Zhi-Ping Feng
- ANU Bioinformatics Consultancy, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Anselm Enders
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Carola G Vinuesa
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Bahar Miraghazadeh
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Translational Research Unit, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Matthew C Cook
- Centre for Personalised Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
- Translational Research Unit, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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13
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Li Y, Zhang C, Jiang A, Lin A, Liu Z, Cheng X, Wang W, Cheng Q, Zhang J, Wei T, Luo P. Potential anti-tumor effects of regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment: a review. J Transl Med 2024; 22:293. [PMID: 38509593 PMCID: PMC10953261 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05104-y] [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: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the transcription factor FoxP3 are essential for maintaining immunological balance and are a significant component of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Single-cell RNA sequencing (ScRNA-seq) technology has shown that Tregs exhibit significant plasticity and functional diversity in various tumors within the TME. This results in Tregs playing a dual role in the TME, which is not always centered around supporting tumor progression as typically believed. Abundant data confirms the anti-tumor activities of Tregs and their correlation with enhanced patient prognosis in specific types of malignancies. In this review, we summarize the potential anti-tumor actions of Tregs, including suppressing tumor-promoting inflammatory responses and boosting anti-tumor immunity. In addition, this study outlines the spatial and temporal variations in Tregs function to emphasize that their predictive significance in malignancies may change. It is essential to comprehend the functional diversity and potential anti-tumor effects of Tregs to improve tumor therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cangang Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aimin Jiang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Anqi Lin
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pathophysiology, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiangshu Cheng
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road. Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongiiang, China
| | - Wanting Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ting Wei
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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14
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Shouse AN, LaPorte KM, Malek TR. Interleukin-2 signaling in the regulation of T cell biology in autoimmunity and cancer. Immunity 2024; 57:414-428. [PMID: 38479359 PMCID: PMC11126276 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.02.001] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a critical cytokine for T cell peripheral tolerance and immunity. Here, we review how IL-2 interaction with the high-affinity IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) supports the development and homeostasis of regulatory T cells and contributes to the differentiation of helper, cytotoxic, and memory T cells. A critical element for each T cell population is the expression of CD25 (Il2rα), which heightens the receptor affinity for IL-2. Signaling through the high-affinity IL-2R also reinvigorates CD8+ exhausted T (Tex) cells in response to checkpoint blockade. We consider the molecular underpinnings reflecting how IL-2R signaling impacts these various T cell subsets and the implications for enhancing IL-2-dependent immunotherapy of autoimmunity, other inflammatory disorders, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acacia N Shouse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Kathryn M LaPorte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Thomas R Malek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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15
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Liang X, Du L, Fan Y. The potential of FCRL genes as targets for cancer treatment: insights from bioinformatics and immunology. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:204766. [PMID: 37285836 PMCID: PMC10292877 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204766] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a prevalent and dangerous disease that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. The FCRL family gene has been linked to immune function and tumor progression. Bioinformatics may help unravel their role in cancer treatment. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the FCRL family genes in pan-cancer using publicly available databases and online tools. Specifically, we examined gene expression, prognostic significance, mutation profiles, drug resistance, as well as biological and immunomodulatory roles. Our data were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Genotype-Tissue Expression, cBioPortal, STRING, GSCALite, Cytoscape, and R software. The expression of FCRL genes varies significantly across different tumor types and normal tissues. While high expression of most FCRL genes is associated with a protective effect in many cancers, FCRLB appears to be a risk factor in several types of cancer. Alterations in FCRL family genes, particularly through amplification and mutation, are common in cancers. These genes are closely linked to classical cancer pathways such as apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), estrogen receptor (ER) signaling, and DNA damage response. Enrichment analysis indicates that FCRL family genes are predominantly associated with immune cell activation and differentiation. Immunological assays demonstrate a strong positive correlation between FCRL family genes and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), immunostimulators, and immunoinhibitors. Furthermore, FCRL family genes can enhance the sensitivity of various anticancer drugs. The FCRL family genes are vital in cancer pathogenesis and progression. Targeting these genes in conjunction with immunotherapy could enhance cancer treatment efficacy. Further research is required to determine their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lei Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yuchao Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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16
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Baranasic J, Niazi Y, Chattopadhyay S, Rumora L, Ćorak L, Dugac AV, Jakopović M, Samaržija M, Försti A, Knežević J. Germline variants of the genes involved in NF-kB activation are associated with the risk of COPD and lung cancer development. ACTA PHARMACEUTICA (ZAGREB, CROATIA) 2023; 73:243-256. [PMID: 37307368 DOI: 10.2478/acph-2023-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer (LC) are closely related diseases associated with smoking history and dysregulated immune response. However, not all smokers develop the disease, indicating that genetic susceptibility could be important. Therefore, the aim of this study was to search for the potential overlapping genetic biomarkers, with a focus on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the regulatory regions of immune-related genes. Additionally, the aim was to see if an identified SNP has potentially an effect on proinflamma-tory cytokine concentration in the serum of COPD patients. We extracted summary data of variants in 1511 immune-related genes from COPD and LC genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from the UK Biobank. The LC data had 203 cases, patients diagnosed with LC, and 360 938 controls, while COPD data had 1 897 cases and 359 297 controls. Assuming 1 association/gene, SNPs with a p-value < 3.3 × 10-5 were considered statistically significantly associated with the disease. We identified seven SNPs located in different genes (BAG6, BTNL2, TNF, HCP5, MICB, NCR3, ABCF1, TCF7L1) to be associated with the COPD risk and two with the LC risk (HLA-C, HLA-B), with statistical significance. We also identified two SNPs located in the IL2RA gene associated with LC (rs2386841; p = 1.86 × 10-4) and COPD (rs11256442; p = 9.79 × 10-3) but with lower significance. Functional studies conducted on COPD patients showed that RNA expression of IL2RA, IFNγ and related proinflammatory cytokines in blood serum did not correlate with a specific genotype. Although results presented in this study do not fully support our hypothesis, it is worth to mention that the identified genes/SNPs that were associated with either COPD or LC risk, all were involved in the activation of the NF-κB transcription factor which is closely related to the regulation of the inflammatory response, a condition associated with both pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurica Baranasic
- 1Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Yasmeen Niazi
- 2Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ) Heidelberg, Germany
- 3Division of Pediatric Neurooncology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Subhayan Chattopadhyay
- 3Division of Pediatric Neurooncology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Heidelberg, Germany
- 4Departments of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lada Rumora
- 5Department of Medical Biochemistry and Hematology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lorna Ćorak
- 6Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Zagreb, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andrea Vukić Dugac
- 6Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Zagreb, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Jakopović
- 6Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Zagreb, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Samaržija
- 6Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Zagreb, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Asta Försti
- 2Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ) Heidelberg, Germany
- 3Division of Pediatric Neurooncology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jelena Knežević
- 1Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
- 7Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
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17
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Huang QQ, Hang Y, Doyle R, Mao Q, Fang D, Pope RM. Mechanisms regulating the loss of Tregs in HUPO mice that develop spontaneous inflammatory arthritis. iScience 2023; 26:106734. [PMID: 37216119 PMCID: PMC10193230 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
T regulatory cells (Tregs) are a potential therapeutic target in many autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of Tregs in chronic inflammatory conditions such as RA are poorly understood. We employed our mouse model of RA in which, the following deletion of Flice-like inhibitory protein in CD11c+ cells, CD11c-FLIP-KO (HUPO) mice develop spontaneous, progressive, erosive arthritis, with reduced Tregs, and the adoptive transfer of Tregs ameliorates the arthritis. HUPO thymic Treg development was normal, but peripheral of Treg Foxp3 was diminished mediated by reduction of dendritic cells and interleukin-2 (IL-2). During chronic inflammatory arthritis Tregs fail to maintain Foxp3, leading to non-apoptotic cell death and conversion to CD4+CD25+Foxp3- cells. Treatment with IL-2 increased Tregs and ameliorated the arthritis. In summary, reduced dendritic cells and IL-2 in the milieu of chronic inflammation, contribute to Treg instability, promoting HUPO arthritis progression, and suggesting a therapeutic approach in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Quan Huang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60091, USA
| | - Yiwei Hang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60091, USA
| | - Renee Doyle
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60091, USA
| | - Qinwen Mao
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Deyu Fang
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60091, USA
| | - Richard M. Pope
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60091, USA
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18
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Su Y, Ai S, Shen Y, Cheng W, Xu C, Sui L, Zhao Y. Regulatory Effects of Three-Dimensional Cultured Lipopolysaccharide-Pretreated Periodontal Ligament Stem Cell-Derived Secretome on Macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086981. [PMID: 37108145 PMCID: PMC10139044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic transformation of macrophages plays important immune response roles in the occurrence, development and regression of periodontitis. Under inflammation or other environmental stimulation, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exert immunomodulatory effects through their secretome. It has been found that secretome derived from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-pretreated or three-dimensional (3D)-cultured MSCs significantly reduced inflammatory responses in inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis, by inducing M2 macrophage polarization. In this study, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) pretreated with LPS were 3D cultured in hydrogel (termed SupraGel) for a certain period of time and the secretome was collected to explore its regulatory effects on macrophages. Expression changes of immune cytokines in the secretome were also examined to speculate on the regulatory mechanisms in macrophages. The results indicated that PDLSCs showed good viability in SupraGel and could be separated from the gel by adding PBS and centrifuging. The secretome derived from LPS-pretreated and/or 3D-cultured PDLSCs all inhibited the polarization of M1 macrophages, while the secretome derived from LPS-pretreated PDLSCs (regardless of 3D culture) had the ability to promote the polarization of M1 to M2 macrophages and the migration of macrophages. Cytokines involved in the production, migration and polarization of macrophages, as well as multiple growth factors, increased in the PDLSC-derived secretome after LPS pretreatment and/or 3D culture, which suggested that the secretome had the potential to regulate macrophages and promote tissue regeneration, and that it could be used in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases such as periodontitis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuran Su
- Department of Prosthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Sifan Ai
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, and National Institute of Functional Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Youqing Shen
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Wen Cheng
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Chenyu Xu
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Lei Sui
- Department of Prosthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yanhong Zhao
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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19
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Mercurio AC, Maniar AB, Wei AZ, Carvajal RD. Targeting the IL-2 pathway for the treatment of mucosal melanoma. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2022.2134776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann C. Mercurio
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, 10032, New York, NY, USA
- New York Medical College, School of Medicine, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, 10595, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Ashray B. Maniar
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, 10032, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Z. Wei
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, 10032, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard D. Carvajal
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, 10032, New York, NY, USA
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20
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Pokhrel RH, Kang B, Timilshina M, Chang JH. AMPK Amplifies IL2-STAT5 Signaling to Maintain Stability of Regulatory T Cells in Aged Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012384. [PMID: 36293240 PMCID: PMC9604214 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important regulator of the aging process, is expressed in various immune cells. However, its role in regulatory T cell (Treg) stability during aging is poorly understood. Here, we addressed the role of AMPK in Treg function and stability during aging by generating Treg-specific AMPKα1 knockout mice. In this study, we found that AMPKα1-deficient Tregs failed to control inflammation as effectively as normal Tregs did during aging. AMPK knockout from Tregs reduces STAT5 phosphorylation in response to interleukin (IL)-2 stimulation, thereby destabilizing Tregs by decreasing CD25 expression. Thus, our study addressed the role of AMPK in Tregs in sensing IL-2 signaling to amplify STAT5 phosphorylation, which, in turn, supports Treg stability by maintaining CD25 expression and controlling inflamm-aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Hari Pokhrel
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
| | - Ben Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | | | - Jae-Hoon Chang
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
- Correspondence:
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21
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Hurrell BP, Helou DG, Howard E, Painter JD, Shafiei-Jahani P, Sharpe AH, Akbari O. PD-L2 controls peripherally induced regulatory T cells by maintaining metabolic activity and Foxp3 stability. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5118. [PMID: 36045140 PMCID: PMC9433378 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32899-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are central to limit immune responses to allergens. Here we show that PD-L2 deficiency prevents the induction of tolerance to ovalbumin and control of airway hyperreactivity, in particular by limiting pTreg numbers and function. In vitro, PD-1/PD-L2 interactions increase iTreg numbers and stability. In mice lacking PD-L2 we find lower numbers of splenic pTregs at steady state, producing less IL-10 upon activation and with reduced suppressive activity. Remarkably, the numbers of splenic pTregs are restored by adoptively transferring PD-L2high dendritic cells to PD-L2KO mice. Functionally, activated pTregs lacking PD-L2 show lower Foxp3 expression, higher methylation of the Treg-Specific Demethylation Region (TSDR) and a decreased Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle associated with a defect in mitochondrial function and ATP production. Consequently, pyruvate treatment of PD-L2KO mice partially restores IL-10 production and airway tolerance. Together, our study highlights the importance of the PD-1/PD-L2 axis in the control of metabolic pathways regulating pTreg Foxp3 stability and suppressive functions, opening up avenues to further improve mucosal immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P Hurrell
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Doumet Georges Helou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Howard
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacob D Painter
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pedram Shafiei-Jahani
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arlene H Sharpe
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Omid Akbari
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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22
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Rivas-Arancibia S, Hernández-Orozco E, Rodríguez-Martínez E, Valdés-Fuentes M, Cornejo-Trejo V, Pérez-Pacheco N, Dorado-Martínez C, Zequeida-Carmona D, Espinosa-Caleti I. Ozone Pollution, Oxidative Stress, Regulatory T Cells and Antioxidants. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081553. [PMID: 36009272 PMCID: PMC9405302 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ozone pollution, is a serious health problem worldwide. Repeated exposure to low ozone doses causes a loss of regulation of the oxidation–reduction systems, and also induces a chronic state of oxidative stress. This fact is of special importance for the regulation of different systems including the immune system and the inflammatory response. In addition, the oxidation–reduction balance modulates the homeostasis of these and other complex systems such as metabolism, survival capacity, cell renewal, and brain repair, etc. Likewise, it has been widely demonstrated that in chronic degenerative diseases, an alteration in the oxide-reduction balance is present, and this alteration causes a chronic loss in the regulation of the immune response and the inflammatory process. This is because reactive oxygen species disrupt different signaling pathways. Such pathways are related to the role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in inflammation. This causes an increase in chronic deterioration in the degenerative disease over time. The objective of this review was to study the relationship between environmental ozone pollution, the chronic state of oxidative stress and its effect on Treg cells, which causes the loss of regulation in the inflammatory response as well as the role played by antioxidant systems in various pathologies.
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23
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Dohnke S, Moehser S, Surnov A, Kurth T, Jessberger R, Kretschmer K, Garbe AI. Role of Dynamic Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling in Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cell Development and Function: Implications for Osteoclastogenesis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:836646. [PMID: 35359955 PMCID: PMC8963504 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.836646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In T cells, processes such as migration and immunological synapse formation are accompanied by the dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, which has been suggested to be mediated by regulators of RhoGTPases and by F-actin bundlers. SWAP-70 controls F-actin dynamics in various immune cells, but its role in T cell development and function has remained incompletely understood. CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 employ diverse mechanisms to suppress innate and adaptive immunity, which is critical for maintaining immune homeostasis and self-tolerance. Here, we propose Swap-70 as a novel member of the Foxp3-dependent canonical Treg cell signature. We show that Swap-70-/- mice have increased numbers of Foxp3+ Treg cells with an effector/memory-like phenotype that exhibit impaired suppressor function in vitro, but maintain overall immune homeostasis in vivo. Upon formation of an immunological synapse with antigen presenting cells in vitro, cytosolic SWAP-70 protein is selectively recruited to the interface in Treg cells. In this context, Swap-70-/- Treg cells fail to downregulate CD80/CD86 on osteoclast precursor cells by trans-endocytosis and to efficiently suppress osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function. These data provide first evidence for a crucial role of SWAP-70 in Treg cell biology and further highlight the important non-immune function of Foxp3+ Treg cells in bone homeostasis mediated through direct SWAP-70-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Dohnke
- Osteoimmunology, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology/Immune Regulation, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephanie Moehser
- Osteoimmunology, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology/Immune Regulation, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexey Surnov
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technology Platform, Electron Microscopy and Histology Facility, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rolf Jessberger
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Karsten Kretschmer
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology/Immune Regulation, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Annette I. Garbe
- Osteoimmunology, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- *Correspondence: Annette I. Garbe,
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24
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Predictive Role of IL-2R and IL-10 in the Anti-inflammatory Response and Antiplatelet Therapy of Kawasaki Disease: A Retrospective Study. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:4917550. [PMID: 35153622 PMCID: PMC8831045 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4917550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, Kawasaki disease (KD) has only been able to be diagnosed and evaluated using clinical characteristics. Additionally, the therapeutic effect and cardiovascular complications could not be verified until its occurrence. The present retrospective study analyzed the dynamic alterations of inflammatory cytokines, platelet (PLT) count, and subgroups of lymphocytes, such as cluster of differentiation (CD) 8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells, under different conditions in 64 children with KD. The percentage distribution of lymphocyte subgroups and the altered neutrophil lymphocyte ratio demonstrated that the inflammatory response was dominated by the B cell-mediated humoral immune response before intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, but mainly by T cells via cellular cytotoxic effects after IVIG treatment. Among the different types of inflammatory cytokines, the results of the present study revealed that the altered levels of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were closely associated with the percentage of CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells. Additionally, the two cytokines exhibited more sensitive fluctuations based on the status of the children with KD in various circumstances compared with other indexes, such as the percentages of CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells or the PLT count. These results suggested that children with KD who are ≥4 years old may benefit from IVIG but will not benefit from decreased platelet activation or suffer less cardiovascular complications. Additionally, starting clopidogrel usage earlier as an antiplatelet strategy should be considered based on the observed continuous rise in the PLT count in children with KD receiving IVIG. In conclusion, dynamically monitoring the levels of IL-2R and IL-10 has the potential to provide indications of the intensity and development of the inflammatory response in children with KD and may contribute to the early prediction and adjustment of pathological and pharmacological effects of therapy.
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25
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Sharma VK, Bayry J. Restoration of established systemic inflammation and autoimmunity by Foxp3 + regulatory T cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:133-135. [PMID: 34992284 PMCID: PMC8803871 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Varun Kumar Sharma
- grid.449513.eDepartment of Biotechnology & Microbiology, School of Sciences, Noida International University-NIU, Gautam Budh Nagar-201 308, Noida, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Jagadeesh Bayry
- grid.494639.50000 0004 6022 0646Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, Palakkad, 678 623 India
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26
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K 2P18.1 translates T cell receptor signals into thymic regulatory T cell development. Cell Res 2022; 32:72-88. [PMID: 34702947 PMCID: PMC8547300 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-021-00580-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It remains largely unclear how thymocytes translate relative differences in T cell receptor (TCR) signal strength into distinct developmental programs that drive the cell fate decisions towards conventional (Tconv) or regulatory T cells (Treg). Following TCR activation, intracellular calcium (Ca2+) is the most important second messenger, for which the potassium channel K2P18.1 is a relevant regulator. Here, we identify K2P18.1 as a central translator of the TCR signal into the thymus-derived Treg (tTreg) selection process. TCR signal was coupled to NF-κB-mediated K2P18.1 upregulation in tTreg progenitors. K2P18.1 provided the driving force for sustained Ca2+ influx that facilitated NF-κB- and NFAT-dependent expression of FoxP3, the master transcription factor for Treg development and function. Loss of K2P18.1 ion-current function induced a mild lymphoproliferative phenotype in mice, with reduced Treg numbers that led to aggravated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, while a gain-of-function mutation in K2P18.1 resulted in increased Treg numbers in mice. Our findings in human thymus, recent thymic emigrants and multiple sclerosis patients with a dominant-negative missense K2P18.1 variant that is associated with poor clinical outcomes indicate that K2P18.1 also plays a role in human Treg development. Pharmacological modulation of K2P18.1 specifically modulated Treg numbers in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we identified nitroxoline as a K2P18.1 activator that led to rapid and reversible Treg increase in patients with urinary tract infections. Conclusively, our findings reveal how K2P18.1 translates TCR signals into thymic T cell fate decisions and Treg development, and provide a basis for the therapeutic utilization of Treg in several human disorders.
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27
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Waldmann H. Regulatory T cells and transplantation tolerance: Emerging from the darkness? Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:1580-1591. [PMID: 33961297 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The field of tissue transplantation has revolutionized the treatment of patients with failing organs. Its success, thus far, has depended on combinations of immunosuppressive drugs that damp host immunity, while also imposing numerous unwanted side-effects. There is a longstanding recognition that better treatment outcomes, will come from replacing these drugs, fully or in part, by taking advantage of tractable physiological mechanisms of self-tolerance. The past 50 years have seen many advances in the field of self-tolerance, but perhaps, the most tractable of these has been the more recent discovery of a subset T-cells (Treg) whose role is to regulate or damp immunity. This article is intended to first provide the reader with some historical background to explain why we have been slow to identify these cells, despite numerous clues to their existence, and also to indicate how little we know about how they achieve their regulatory function in averting transplant rejection. However, as is often the case in immunology, the therapeutic needs often dictate that our advances move to translation even before detailed explanations of the science are available. The final part of the article will briefly summarize how Treg are being harnessed as agents to interface with or perhaps, replace current drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Waldmann
- Sir William Dunn School, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX13RE, UK
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28
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Peripheral Blood from Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Shows Decreased T reg CD25 Expression and Reduced Frequency of Effector T reg Subpopulation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040801. [PMID: 33916798 PMCID: PMC8067140 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by immune cell infiltration of the synovium, leading to the loss of cartilage, bone, and joint function. Although regulatory T (Treg) cells are thought to modulate the initiation and progression of RA, a consensus has yet to be reached regarding the function and composition of Treg cells in RA patients. To address these discrepancies, we analyzed not only the total Treg frequency but also that of Treg subpopulations in the peripheral blood of RA patients and healthy controls by flow cytometry. We found that the total Treg population was not significantly different between RA and control subjects. However, the effector Treg cell subgroup, defined as CD45RA−CD25hi, showed markedly decreased frequency in RA patients. In addition, the total Treg population from RA patients showed a significant decline in the expression of CD25. Both the naïve and effector Treg subgroups also showed marked reduction of CD25 expression in RA patients compared to controls. These data suggest that the decreased frequency of effector Treg cells and overall reduction of CD25 expression in Treg cells in the peripheral blood may be evidence of altered Treg homeostasis associated with RA pathogenesis.
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