1
|
Li Z, Xie Q, Zhao F, Huo X, Ren D, Liu Z, Zhou X, Shen G, Zhao J. Exploring GZMK as a prognostic marker and predictor of immunotherapy response in breast cancer: unveiling novel insights into treatment outcomes. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:286. [PMID: 38833021 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Granzyme K (GZMK) is a crucial mediator released by immune cells to eliminate tumor cells, playing significant roles in inflammation and tumorigenesis. Despite its importance, the specific role of GZMK in breast cancer and its mechanisms are not well understood. METHODS We utilized data from the TCGA and GEO databases and employed a range of analytical methods including GO, KEGG, GSEA, ssGSEA, and PPI to investigate the impact of GZMK on breast cancer. In vitro studies, including RT-qPCR, CCK-8 assay, cell cycle experiments, apoptosis assays, Celigo scratch assays, Transwell assays, and immunohistochemical methods, were conducted to validate the effects of GZMK on breast cancer cells. Additionally, Cox regression analysis integrating TCGA and our clinical data was used to develop an overall survival (OS) prediction model. RESULTS Analysis of clinical pathological features revealed significant correlations between GZMK expression and lymph node staging, differentiation grade, and molecular breast cancer subtypes. High GZMK expression was associated with improved OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS), as confirmed by multifactorial Cox regression analysis. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of genes positively correlated with GZMK highlighted involvement in lymphocyte differentiation, T cell differentiation, and T cell receptor signaling pathways. A robust association between GZMK expression and T cell presence was noted in the breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME), with strong correlations with ESTIMATEScore (Cor = 0.743, P < 0.001), ImmuneScore (Cor = 0.802, P < 0.001), and StromalScore (Cor = 0.516, P < 0.001). GZMK also showed significant correlations with immune checkpoint molecules, including CTLA4 (Cor = 0.856, P < 0.001), PD-1 (Cor = 0.82, P < 0.001), PD-L1 (Cor = 0.56, P < 0.001), CD48 (Cor = 0.75, P < 0.001), and CCR7 (Cor = 0.856, P < 0.001). Studies indicated that high GZMK expression enhances patient responsiveness to immunotherapy, with higher levels observed in responsive patients compared to non-responsive ones. In vitro experiments confirmed that GZMK promotes cell proliferation, cell division, apoptosis, cell migration, and invasiveness (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our study provides insights into the differential expression of GZMK in breast cancer and its potential mechanisms in breast cancer pathogenesis. Elevated GZMK expression is associated with improved OS and RFS, suggesting its potential as a prognostic marker for breast cancer survival and as a predictor of the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zitao Li
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Application and Foundation for High Altitude Medicine Research in Qinghai Province (Qinghai-Utah Joint Research Key Lab for High Altitude Medicine), Laboratory for High Altitude Medicine of Qinghai Province, Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China
| | - Qiqi Xie
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China
| | - Fuxing Zhao
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China
| | - Xinfa Huo
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China
| | - Dengfeng Ren
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China
| | - Zhilin Liu
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Pathology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China
| | - Guoshuang Shen
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China.
| | - Jiuda Zhao
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Application and Foundation for High Altitude Medicine Research in Qinghai Province (Qinghai-Utah Joint Research Key Lab for High Altitude Medicine), Laboratory for High Altitude Medicine of Qinghai Province, Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China.
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aubert A, Jung K, Hiroyasu S, Pardo J, Granville DJ. Granzyme serine proteases in inflammation and rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:361-376. [PMID: 38689140 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-024-01109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Granzymes (granule-secreted enzymes) are a family of serine proteases that have been viewed as redundant cytotoxic enzymes since their discovery more than 30 years ago. Predominantly produced by cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells, granzymes are delivered into the cytoplasm of target cells through immunological synapses in cooperation with the pore-forming protein perforin. After internalization, granzymes can initiate cell death through the cleavage of intracellular substrates. However, evidence now also demonstrates the existence of non-cytotoxic, pro-inflammatory, intracellular and extracellular functions that are granzyme specific. Under pathological conditions, granzymes can be produced and secreted extracellularly by immune cells as well as by non-immune cells. Depending on the granzyme, accumulation in the extracellular milieu might contribute to inflammation, tissue injury, impaired wound healing, barrier dysfunction, osteoclastogenesis and/or autoantigen generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Aubert
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen Jung
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sho Hiroyasu
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Julian Pardo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA); Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Paediatrics and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Duquette D, Harmon C, Zaborowski A, Michelet X, O'Farrelly C, Winter D, Koay HF, Lynch L. Human Granzyme K Is a Feature of Innate T Cells in Blood, Tissues, and Tumors, Responding to Cytokines Rather than TCR Stimulation. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:633-647. [PMID: 37449888 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
NK cells and CD8 T cells use cytotoxic molecules to kill virally infected and tumor cell targets. While perforin and granzyme B (GzmB) are the most commonly studied lytic molecules, less is known about granzyme K (GzmK). However, this granzyme has been recently associated with improved prognosis in solid tumors. In this study, we show that, in humans, GzmK is predominantly expressed by innate-like lymphocytes, as well as a newly identified population of GzmK+CD8+ non- mucosal-associated invariant T cells with innate-like characteristics. We found that GzmK+ T cells are KLRG1+EOMES+IL-7R+CD62L-Tcf7int, suggesting that they are central memory T and effector memory T cells. Furthermore, GzmK+ cells are absent/low in cord blood, suggesting that GzmK is upregulated with immune experience. Surprisingly, GzmK+ cells respond to cytokine stimuli alone, whereas TCR stimulation downregulates GzmK expression, coinciding with GzmB upregulation. GzmK+ cells have reduced IFN-γ production compared with GzmB+ cells in each T cell lineage. Collectively, this suggests that GzmK+ cells are not naive, and they may be an intermediate memory-like or preterminally differentiated population. GzmK+ cells are enriched in nonlymphoid tissues such as the liver and adipose. In colorectal cancer, GzmK+ cells are enriched in the tumor and can produce IFN-γ, but GzmK+ expression is mutually exclusive with IL-17a production. Thus, in humans, GzmK+ cells are innate memory-like cells that respond to cytokine stimulation alone and may be important effector cells in the tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Duquette
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Cathal Harmon
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Xavier Michelet
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Des Winter
- St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hui-Fern Koay
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Austria
| | - Lydia Lynch
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Aybay E, Ryu J, Fu Z, Akula S, Enriquez EM, Hallgren J, Wernersson S, Olsson AK, Hellman L. Extended cleavage specificities of human granzymes A and K, two closely related enzymes with conserved but still poorly defined functions in T and NK cell-mediated immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1211295. [PMID: 37497217 PMCID: PMC10366535 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1211295] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Granzymes A and K are two highly homologous serine proteases expressed by mammalian cytotoxic T cells (CTL) and natural killer cells (NK). Granzyme A is the most abundant of the different granzymes (gzms) expressed by these two cell types. Gzms A and K are found in all jawed vertebrates and are the most well conserved of all hematopoietic serine proteases. Their potential functions have been studied extensively for many years, however, without clear conclusions. Gzm A was for many years thought to serve as a key component in the defense against viral infection by the induction of apoptosis in virus-infected cells, similar to gzm B. However, later studies have questioned this role and instead indicated that gzm A may act as a potent inducer of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Gzms A and K form clearly separate branches in a phylogenetic tree indicating separate functions. Transcriptional analyses presented here demonstrate the presence of gzm A and K transcripts in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. To enable screening for their primary biological targets we have made a detailed analysis of their extended cleavage specificities. Phage display analysis of the cleavage specificity of the recombinant enzymes showed that both gzms A and K are strict tryptases with high selectivity for Arg over Lys in the P1 position. The major differences in the specificities of these two enzymes are located N-terminally of the cleavage site, where gzm A prefers small amino acids such as Gly in the P3 position and shows a relatively relaxed selectivity in the P2 position. In contrast, gzm K prefers large amino acids such as Phe, Tyr, and Trp in both the P2 and P3 positions and does not tolerate negatively charged residues in the P2 position. This major distinction in extended specificities is likely reflected also in preferred in vivo targets of these two enzymes. This information can now be utilized for high-precision screening of primary targets for gzms A and K in search of their highly conserved but still poorly defined functions in vertebrate immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erdem Aybay
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jinhye Ryu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhirong Fu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Srinivas Akula
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Mendez Enriquez
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, The Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jenny Hallgren
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, The Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara Wernersson
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Olsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, The Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Hellman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jiang J, Cao Z, Xiao L, Su J, Wang J, Liang J, Yang B, Liu Y, Zhai F, Wang R, Cheng X. Single-cell profiling identifies T cell subsets associated with control of tuberculosis dissemination. Clin Immunol 2023; 248:109266. [PMID: 36796469 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109266] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
To identify T cell subsets associated with control of tuberculosis, single-cell transcriptome and T cell receptor sequencing were performed on total T cells from patients with tuberculosis and healthy controls. Fourteen distinct subsets of T cells were identified by unbiased UMAP clustering. A GZMK-expressing CD8+ cytotoxic T cell cluster and a SOX4-expressing CD4+ central memory T cell cluster were depleted, while a MKI67-expressing proliferating CD3+ T cell cluster was expanded in patients with tuberculosis compared with healthy controls. The ratio of Granzyme K-expressing CD8+CD161-Ki-67- and CD8+Ki-67+ T cell subsets was significantly reduced and inversely correlated with the extent of TB lesions in patients with TB. In contrast, ratio of Granzyme B-expressing CD8+Ki-67+ and CD4+CD161+Ki-67- T cells and Granzyme A-expressing CD4+CD161+Ki-67- T cells were correlated with the extent of TB lesions. It is concluded that granzyme K-expressing CD8+ T cell subsets might contribute to protection against tuberculosis dissemination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jiang
- Institute of Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation and Immune Regulation, Senior Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Cao
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory/Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Institute of Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation and Immune Regulation, Senior Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinwen Su
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhe Wang
- Second Division of Tuberculosis, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianqin Liang
- Second Division of Tuberculosis, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bingfen Yang
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory/Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory/Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Zhai
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory/Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruo Wang
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory/Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxing Cheng
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory/Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Loftus LV, Amend SR, Pienta KJ. Interplay between Cell Death and Cell Proliferation Reveals New Strategies for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4723. [PMID: 35563113 PMCID: PMC9105727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell division and cell death are fundamental processes governing growth and development across the tree of life. This relationship represents an evolutionary link between cell cycle and cell death programs that is present in all cells. Cancer is characterized by aberrant regulation of both, leading to unchecked proliferation and replicative immortality. Conventional anti-cancer therapeutic strategies take advantage of the proliferative dependency of cancer yet, in doing so, are triggering apoptosis, a death pathway to which cancer is inherently resistant. A thorough understanding of how therapeutics kill cancer cells is needed to develop novel, more durable treatment strategies. While cancer evolves cell-intrinsic resistance to physiological cell death pathways, there are opportunities for cell cycle agnostic forms of cell death, for example, necroptosis or ferroptosis. Furthermore, cell cycle independent death programs are immunogenic, potentially licensing host immunity for additional antitumor activity. Identifying cell cycle independent vulnerabilities of cancer is critical for developing alternative strategies that can overcome therapeutic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke V. Loftus
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.R.A.); (K.J.P.)
- The Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sarah R. Amend
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.R.A.); (K.J.P.)
- The Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kenneth J. Pienta
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.R.A.); (K.J.P.)
- The Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ryu J, Fu Z, Akula S, Olsson AK, Hellman L. Extended cleavage specificity of a Chinese alligator granzyme B homologue, a strict Glu-ase in contrast to the mammalian Asp-ases. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 128:104324. [PMID: 34826501 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Granzyme B (GzmB) is primarily expressed by mammalian cytotoxic T cells and serves as one of the key components in the defense against viral infection by the induction of apoptosis in virus infected cells. By direct cell to cell contact and delivery into target cells by perforin, cytotoxic T cells activate apoptosis through the action of GzmB by both caspase-dependent and -independent pathways. In search for early ancestors of GzmB we have in the current study identified and characterized a GzmB homologue from a reptile, the Chinese alligator. This enzyme is encoded from the same locus as the mammalian counterparts, the chymase locus. Phage display analysis of the cleavage specificity of the recombinant alligator enzyme (named MCP1A-like) shows that it is a relatively strict Glu-ase, with strong preference for glutamic acid in the P1 position of a substrate. The majority of mammalian GzmB:s are, in marked contrast to the alligator enzyme, relatively strict Asp-ases. The alligator enzyme also showed strong preference for Ala, Pro and Gly in the P2 position and Val in the P3 position indicating that it has a narrow specificity, similar to the mammalian counterparts. Analysis of the three amino acids forming the substrate binding pocket (S1 pocket) in three amphibian homologues to MCP1A-like, from the frogs Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis, shows that these amphibian enzymes have similar substrate binding pocket as their mammalian counterparts. This finding, together with the apparent lack of GzmB homologs in fish, indicates that the ancestor of GzmB did appear with the amphibians at the base of tetrapod evolution. This study is a first step in a larger effort to understand the evolutionary processes involved in shaping anti-viral immunity in non-mammalian vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhye Ryu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Box 596, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhirong Fu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Box 596, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Srinivas Akula
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Box 596, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Olsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, BMC, Box 589, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Hellman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, The Biomedical Center, Box 596, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Uranga-Murillo I, Tapia E, Garzón-Tituaña M, Ramirez-Labrada A, Santiago L, Pesini C, Esteban P, Roig FJ, Galvez EM, Bird PI, Pardo J, Arias M. Biological relevance of Granzymes A and K during E. coli sepsis. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:9873-9883. [PMID: 34815792 PMCID: PMC8581435 DOI: 10.7150/thno.59418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Recent in vitro findings suggest that the serine protease Granzyme K (GzmK) may act as a proinflammatory mediator. However, its role in sepsis is unknown. Here we aim to understand the role of GzmK in a mouse model of bacterial sepsis and compare it to the biological relevance of Granzyme A (GzmA). Methods: Sepsis was induced in WT, GzmA-/- and GzmK-/- mice by an intraperitoneal injection of 2x108 CFU from E. coli. Mouse survival was monitored during 5 days. Levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, TNFα and IL-6 in plasma were measured and bacterial load in blood, liver and spleen was analyzed. Finally, profile of cellular expression of GzmA and GzmK was analyzed by FACS. Results: GzmA and GzmK are not involved in the control of bacterial infection. However, GzmA and GzmK deficient mice showed a lower sepsis score in comparison with WT mice, although only GzmA deficient mice exhibited increased survival. GzmA deficient mice also showed reduced expression of some proinflammatory cytokines like IL1-α, IL-β and IL-6. A similar result was found when extracellular GzmA was therapeutically inhibited in WT mice using serpinb6b, which improved survival and reduced IL-6 expression. Mechanistically, active extracellular GzmA induces the production of IL-6 in macrophages by a mechanism dependent on TLR4 and MyD88. Conclusions: These results suggest that although both proteases contribute to the clinical signs of E. coli-induced sepsis, inhibition of GzmA is sufficient to reduce inflammation and improve survival irrespectively of the presence of other inflammatory granzymes, like GzmK.
Collapse
|
9
|
de Jong LC, Crnko S, ten Broeke T, Bovenschen N. Noncytotoxic functions of killer cell granzymes in viral infections. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009818. [PMID: 34529743 PMCID: PMC8445437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic lymphocytes produce granules armed with a set of 5 serine proteases (granzymes (Gzms)), which, together with the pore-forming protein (perforin), serve as a major defense against viral infections in humans. This granule-exocytosis pathway subsumes a well-established mechanism in which target cell death is induced upon perforin-mediated entry of Gzms and subsequent activation of various (apoptosis) pathways. In the past decade, however, a growing body of evidence demonstrated that Gzms also inhibit viral replication and potential reactivation in cell death–independent manners. For example, Gzms can induce proteolysis of viral or host cell proteins necessary for the viral entry, release, or intracellular trafficking, as well as augment pro-inflammatory antiviral cytokine response. In this review, we summarize current evidence for the noncytotoxic mechanisms and roles by which killer cells can use Gzms to combat viral infections, and we discuss the potential thereof for the development of novel therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne C. de Jong
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Crnko
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Toine ten Broeke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li S, van Dijk CGM, Meeldijk J, Kok HM, Blommestein I, Verbakel ALF, Kotte M, Broekhuizen R, Laclé MM, Goldschmeding R, Cheng C, Bovenschen N. Extracellular Granzyme K Modulates Angiogenesis by Regulating Soluble VEGFR1 Release From Endothelial Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:681967. [PMID: 34178673 PMCID: PMC8220216 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.681967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is crucial for normal development and homeostasis, but also plays a role in many diseases including cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Granzymes are serine proteases stored in the granules of cytotoxic cells, and have predominantly been studied for their pro-apoptotic role upon delivery in target cells. A growing body of evidence is emerging that granzymes also display extracellular functions, which largely remain unknown. In the present study, we show that extracellular granzyme K (GrK) inhibits angiogenesis and triggers endothelial cells to release soluble VEGFR1 (sVEGFR1), a decoy receptor that inhibits angiogenesis by sequestering VEGF-A. GrK does not cleave off membrane-bound VEGFR1 from the cell surface, does not release potential sVEGFR1 storage pools from endothelial cells, and does not trigger sVEGFR1 release via protease activating receptor-1 (PAR-1) activation. GrK induces de novo sVEGFR1 mRNA and protein expression and subsequent release of sVEGFR1 from endothelial cells. GrK protein is detectable in human colorectal tumor tissue and its levels positively correlate with sVEGFR1 protein levels and negatively correlate with T4 intratumoral angiogenesis and tumor size. In conclusion, extracellular GrK can inhibit angiogenesis via secretion of sVEGFR1 from endothelial cells, thereby sequestering VEGF-A and impairing VEGFR signaling. Our observation that GrK positively correlates with sVEGFR1 and negatively correlates with angiogenesis in colorectal cancer, suggest that the GrK-sVEGFR1-angiogenesis axis may be a valid target for development of novel anti-angiogenic therapies in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christian G M van Dijk
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Meeldijk
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Helena M Kok
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Blommestein
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Annick L F Verbakel
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marit Kotte
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roel Broekhuizen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Miangela M Laclé
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Caroline Cheng
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bouwman AC, van Daalen KR, Crnko S, Ten Broeke T, Bovenschen N. Intracellular and Extracellular Roles of Granzyme K. Front Immunol 2021; 12:677707. [PMID: 34017346 PMCID: PMC8129556 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.677707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Granzymes are a family of serine proteases stored in granules inside cytotoxic cells of the immune system. Granzyme K (GrK) has been only limitedly characterized and knowledge on its molecular functions is emerging. Traditionally GrK is described as a granule-secreted, pro-apoptotic serine protease. However, accumulating evidence is redefining the functions of GrK by the discovery of novel intracellular (e.g. cytotoxicity, inhibition of viral replication) and extracellular roles (e.g. endothelial activation and modulation of a pro-inflammatory immune cytokine response). Moreover, elevated GrK levels are associated with disease, including viral and bacterial infections, airway inflammation and thermal injury. This review aims to summarize and discuss the current knowledge of i) intracellular and extracellular GrK activity, ii) cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic GrK functioning, iii) the role of GrK in disease, and iv) GrK as a potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke C Bouwman
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kim R van Daalen
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Crnko
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Toine Ten Broeke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
MAIT Cells: Partners or Enemies in Cancer Immunotherapy? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071502. [PMID: 33805904 PMCID: PMC8037823 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Unconventional T cells have recently come under intense scrutiny because of their innate-like effector functions and unique antigen specificity, suggesting their potential importance in antitumor immunity. MAIT cells, one such population of unconventional T cell, have been shown to significantly influence bacterial infections, parasitic and fungal infections, viral infections, autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases, and, as discussed thoroughly in this review, various cancers. This review aims to merge accumulating evidence, tease apart the complexities of MAIT cell biology in different malignancies, and discuss how these may impact clinical outcomes. While it is clear that MAIT cells can impact the tumor microenvironment, the nature of these interactions varies depending on the type of cancer, subset of MAIT cell, patient demographic, microbiome composition, and the type of therapy administered. This review examines the impact of these variables on MAIT cells and discusses outstanding questions within the field. Abstract A recent boom in mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell research has identified relationships between MAIT cell abundance, function, and clinical outcomes in various malignancies. As they express a variety of immune checkpoint receptors and ligands, and possess strong cytotoxic functions, MAIT cells are an attractive new subject in the field of tumor immunology. MAIT cells are a class of innate-like T cells that express a semi-invariant T cell antigen receptor (TCR) that recognizes microbially derived non-peptide antigens presented by the non-polymorphic MHC class-1 like molecule, MR1. In this review, we outline the current (and often contradictory) evidence exploring MAIT cell biology and how MAIT cells impact clinical outcomes in different human cancers, as well as what role they may have in cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
13
|
Martínez Cuesta L, Pérez SE. Perforin and granzymes in neurological infections: From humans to cattle. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 75:101610. [PMID: 33453589 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Perforin and granzymes are essential components of the cytotoxic granules present in cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. These proteins play a crucial role in a variety of conditions, including viral infections, tumor immune surveillance, and tissue rejection. Besides their beneficial effect in most of these situations, perforin and granzymes have also been associated with tissue damage and immune diseases. Moreover, it has been reported that perforin and granzymes released during viral infections could contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases. In this review, we summarize the information available on human perforin and granzymes and their relationship with neurological infections and immune disorders. Furthermore, we compare this information with that available for bovine and present data on perforin and granzymes expression in cattle infected with bovine alphaherpesvirus types1 and -5. To our knowledge, this is the first review analyzing the impact of perforin and granzymes on neurological infections caused by bovine herpesviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Martínez Cuesta
- Virology, SAMP Department, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Pinto 399, Tandil, PC7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra Elizabeth Pérez
- Virology, SAMP Department, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Pinto 399, Tandil, PC7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mogilenko DA, Shpynov O, Andhey PS, Arthur L, Swain A, Esaulova E, Brioschi S, Shchukina I, Kerndl M, Bambouskova M, Yao Z, Laha A, Zaitsev K, Burdess S, Gillfilan S, Stewart SA, Colonna M, Artyomov MN. Comprehensive Profiling of an Aging Immune System Reveals Clonal GZMK + CD8 + T Cells as Conserved Hallmark of Inflammaging. Immunity 2020; 54:99-115.e12. [PMID: 33271118 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Systematic understanding of immune aging on a whole-body scale is currently lacking. We characterized age-associated alterations in immune cells across multiple mouse organs using single-cell RNA and antigen receptor sequencing and flow cytometry-based validation. We defined organ-specific and common immune alterations and identified a subpopulation of age-associated granzyme K (GZMK)-expressing CD8+ T (Taa) cells that are distinct from T effector memory (Tem) cells. Taa cells were highly clonal, had specific epigenetic and transcriptional signatures, developed in response to an aged host environment, and expressed markers of exhaustion and tissue homing. Activated Taa cells were the primary source of GZMK, which enhanced inflammatory functions of non-immune cells. In humans, proportions of the circulating GZMK+CD8+ T cell population that shares transcriptional and epigenetic signatures with mouse Taa cells increased during healthy aging. These results identify GZMK+ Taa cells as a potential target to address age-associated dysfunctions of the immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denis A Mogilenko
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Oleg Shpynov
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; JetBrains Research, Saint Petersburg 197374, Russia
| | - Prabhakar Sairam Andhey
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Laura Arthur
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Amanda Swain
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ekaterina Esaulova
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Simone Brioschi
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Irina Shchukina
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Martina Kerndl
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Institute for Vascular Biology, Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology & Christian Doppler Laboratory for Arginine Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Monika Bambouskova
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Zhangting Yao
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Anwesha Laha
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Konstantin Zaitsev
- Computer Technologies Department, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg 197101, Russia
| | - Samantha Burdess
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Susan Gillfilan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sheila A Stewart
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Maxim N Artyomov
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Niu J, Huang Y, Liu X, Zhang Z, Tang J, Wang B, Lu Y, Cai J, Jian J. Single-cell RNA-seq reveals different subsets of non-specific cytotoxic cells in teleost. Genomics 2020; 112:5170-5179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
16
|
Granzymes in cardiovascular injury and disease. Cell Signal 2020; 76:109804. [PMID: 33035645 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation and impaired wound healing play important roles in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the aberrant secretion of proteases plays a critical role in pathological tissue remodeling in chronic inflammatory conditions. Human Granzymes (Granule secreted enzymes - Gzms) comprise a family of five (GzmA, B, H, K, M) cell-secreted serine proteases. Although each unique in function and substrate specificities, Gzms were originally thought to share redundant, intracellular roles in cytotoxic lymphocyte-induced cell death. However, an abundance of evidence has challenged this dogma. It is now recognized, that individual Gzms exhibit unique substrate repertoires and functions both intracellularly and extracellularly. In the extracellular milieu, Gzms contribute to inflammation, vascular dysfunction and permeability, reduced cell adhesion, release of matrix-sequestered growth factors, receptor activation, and extracellular matrix cleavage. Despite these recent findings, the non-cytotoxic functions of Gzms in the context of cardiovascular disease pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Minimally detected in tissues and bodily fluids of normal individuals, GzmB is elevated in patients with acute coronary syndromes, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. Pre-clinical animal models have exemplified the importance of GzmB in atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, and cardiac fibrosis as animals deficient in GzmB exhibit reduced tissue remodeling, improved disease phenotypes and increased survival. Although a role for GzmB in cardiovascular disease is described, further work to elucidate the mechanisms that underpin the remaining human Gzms activity in cardiovascular disease is necessary. The present review provides a summary of the pre-clinical and clinical evidence, as well as emerging areas of research pertaining to Gzms in tissue remodeling and cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
|
17
|
Cantoni C, Wurzer H, Thomas C, Vitale M. Escape of tumor cells from the NK cell cytotoxic activity. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1339-1360. [PMID: 32930468 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2mr0820-652r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, NK cells, initially identified as potent cytotoxic effector cells, have revealed an unexpected complexity, both at phenotypic and functional levels. The discovery of different NK cell subsets, characterized by distinct gene expression and phenotypes, was combined with the characterization of the diverse functions NK cells can exert, not only as circulating cells, but also as cells localized or recruited in lymphoid organs and in multiple tissues. Besides the elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells, these functions include the production of cytokines and chemokines, the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, the influence on tissue homeostasis. In addition, NK cells display a remarkable functional plasticity, being able to adapt to the environment and to develop a kind of memory. Nevertheless, the powerful cytotoxic activity of NK cells remains one of their most relevant properties, particularly in the antitumor response. In this review, the process of tumor cell recognition and killing mediated by NK cells, starting from the generation of cytolytic granules and recognition of target cell, to the establishment of the NK cell immunological synapse, the release of cytotoxic molecules, and consequent tumor cell death is described. Next, the review focuses on the heterogeneous mechanisms, either intrinsic to tumors or induced by the tumor microenvironment, by which cancer cells can escape the NK cell-mediated attack.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hannah Wurzer
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Garzón-Tituaña M, Arias MA, Sierra-Monzón JL, Morte-Romea E, Santiago L, Ramirez-Labrada A, Martinez-Lostao L, Paño-Pardo JR, Galvez EM, Pardo J. The Multifaceted Function of Granzymes in Sepsis: Some Facts and a Lot to Discover. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1054. [PMID: 32655547 PMCID: PMC7325996 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a serious global health problem. In addition to a high incidence, this syndrome has a high mortality and is responsible for huge health expenditure. The pathophysiology of sepsis is very complex and it is not well-understood yet. However, it is widely accepted that the initial phase of sepsis is characterized by a hyperinflammatory response while the late phase is characterized by immunosuppression and immune anergy, increasing the risk of secondary infections. Granzymes (Gzms) are a family of serine proteases classified according to their cleavage specificity. Traditionally, it was assumed that all Gzms acted as cytotoxic proteases. However, recent evidence suggests that GzmB is the one with the greatest cytotoxic capacity, while the cytotoxicity of others such as GzmA and GzmK is not clear. Recent studies have found that GzmA, GzmB, GzmK, and GzmM act as pro-inflammatory mediators. Specially, solid evidences show that GzmA and GzmK function as extracellular proteases that regulate the inflammatory response irrespectively of its ability to induce cell death. Indeed, studies in animal models indicate that GzmA is involved in the cytokine release syndrome characteristic of sepsis. Moreover, the GZM family also could regulate other biological processes involved in sepsis pathophysiology like the coagulation cascade, platelet function, endothelial barrier permeability, and, in addition, could be involved in the immunosuppressive stage of sepsis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on the contribution of these novel functions of Gzms to sepsis and the new therapeutic opportunities emerging from targeting these proteases for the treatment of this serious health problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Garzón-Tituaña
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - José L Sierra-Monzón
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Elena Morte-Romea
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Llipsy Santiago
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ariel Ramirez-Labrada
- Nanotoxicology and Immunotoxicology Unit (UNATI), Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Luis Martinez-Lostao
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain.,Nanoscience Institute of Aragon (INA), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José R Paño-Pardo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eva M Galvez
- Instituto de Carboquímica ICB-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Julián Pardo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Nanoscience Institute of Aragon (INA), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Aragon I + D Foundation (ARAID), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology and Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Herich S, Schneider-Hohendorf T, Rohlmann A, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Schulte-Mecklenbeck A, Zondler L, Janoschka C, Ostkamp P, Richter J, Breuer J, Dimitrov S, Rammensee HG, Grauer OM, Klotz L, Gross CC, Stummer W, Missler M, Zarbock A, Vestweber D, Wiendl H, Schwab N. Human CCR5high effector memory cells perform CNS parenchymal immune surveillance via GZMK-mediated transendothelial diapedesis. Brain 2020; 142:3411-3427. [PMID: 31563951 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the CNS is immune privileged, continuous search for pathogens and tumours by immune cells within the CNS is indispensable. Thus, distinct immune-cell populations also cross the blood-brain barrier independently of inflammation/under homeostatic conditions. It was previously shown that effector memory T cells populate healthy CNS parenchyma in humans and, independently, that CCR5-expressing lymphocytes as well as CCR5 ligands are enriched in the CNS of patients with multiple sclerosis. Apart from the recently described CD8+ CNS tissue-resident memory T cells, we identified a population of CD4+CCR5high effector memory cells as brain parenchyma-surveilling cells. These cells used their high levels of VLA-4 to arrest on scattered VCAM1, their open-conformation LFA-1 to crawl preferentially against the flow in search for sites permissive for extravasation, and their stored granzyme K (GZMK) to induce local ICAM1 aggregation and perform trans-, rather than paracellular diapedesis through unstimulated primary brain microvascular endothelial cells. This study included peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples from 175 healthy donors, 29 patients infected with HIV, with neurological symptoms in terms of cognitive impairment, 73 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in remission, either 1-4 weeks before (n = 29), or 18-60 months after the initiation of natalizumab therapy (n = 44), as well as white matter brain tissue of three patients suffering from epilepsy. We here provide ex vivo evidence that CCR5highGZMK+CD4+ effector memory T cells are involved in CNS immune surveillance during homeostasis, but could also play a role in CNS pathology. Among CD4+ T cells, this subset was found to dominate the CNS of patients without neurological inflammation ex vivo. The reduction in peripheral blood of HIV-positive patients with neurological symptoms correlated to their CD4 count as a measure of disease progression. Their peripheral enrichment in multiple sclerosis patients and specific peripheral entrapment through the CNS infiltration inhibiting drug natalizumab additionally suggests a contribution to CNS autoimmune pathology. Our transcriptome analysis revealed a migratory phenotype sharing many features with tissue-resident memory and Th17.1 cells, most notably the transcription factor eomesodermin. Knowledge on this cell subset should enable future studies to find ways to strengthen the host defence against CNS-resident pathogens and brain tumours or to prevent CNS autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Herich
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tilman Schneider-Hohendorf
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Astrid Rohlmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Schulte-Mecklenbeck
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lisa Zondler
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Janoschka
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Patrick Ostkamp
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jannis Richter
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Johanna Breuer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stoyan Dimitrov
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Rammensee
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Oliver M Grauer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Luisa Klotz
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Catharina C Gross
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Walter Stummer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Markus Missler
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Zarbock
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dietmar Vestweber
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nicholas Schwab
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shan L, Li S, Meeldijk J, Blijenberg B, Hendriks A, van Boxtel KJWM, van den Berg SPH, Groves IJ, Potts M, Svrlanska A, Stamminger T, Wills MR, Bovenschen N. Killer cell proteases can target viral immediate-early proteins to control human cytomegalovirus infection in a noncytotoxic manner. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008426. [PMID: 32282833 PMCID: PMC7179929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most frequent viral cause of congenital defects and can trigger devastating disease in immune-suppressed patients. Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells and NK cells) control HCMV infection by releasing interferon-γ and five granzymes (GrA, GrB, GrH, GrK, GrM), which are believed to kill infected host cells through cleavage of intracellular death substrates. However, it has recently been demonstrated that the in vivo killing capacity of cytotoxic T cells is limited and multiple T cell hits are required to kill a single virus-infected cell. This raises the question whether cytotoxic lymphocytes can use granzymes to control HCMV infection in a noncytotoxic manner. Here, we demonstrate that (primary) cytotoxic lymphocytes can block HCMV dissemination independent of host cell death, and interferon-α/β/γ. Prior to killing, cytotoxic lymphocytes induce the degradation of viral immediate-early (IE) proteins IE1 and IE2 in HCMV-infected cells. Intriguingly, both IE1 and/or IE2 are directly proteolyzed by all human granzymes, with GrB and GrM being most efficient. GrB and GrM cleave IE1 after Asp398 and Leu414, respectively, likely resulting in IE1 aberrant cellular localization, IE1 instability, and functional impairment of IE1 to interfere with the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Furthermore, GrB and GrM cleave IE2 after Asp184 and Leu173, respectively, resulting in IE2 aberrant cellular localization and functional abolishment of IE2 to transactivate the HCMV UL112 early promoter. Taken together, our data indicate that cytotoxic lymphocytes can also employ noncytotoxic ways to control HCMV infection, which may be explained by granzyme-mediated targeting of indispensable viral proteins during lytic infection. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading viral cause of congenital defects, can trigger disease in immune-compromised patients, and plays roles in cancer development. Cytotoxic lymphocytes kill HCMV-infected cells via releasing a set of five cytotoxic serine proteases called granzymes. However, the killing capacity of cytotoxic cells is limited and multiple T cell hits are required to kill a single virus-infected cell. This raises the question whether cytotoxic lymphocytes can use granzymes to control HCMV infection in a noncytotoxic manner. Here, we show that cytotoxic lymphocytes can also use granzymes to inhibit HCMV replication in absence of cell death. All five granzymes cleave and inactivate both viral immediate-early (IE1/2) proteins, which are essential players for initiating HCMV infection. Our data support the model that cytotoxic cells employ granzymes to dampen HCMV replication prior to accumulation of sufficient hits to kill the infected cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liling Shan
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Meeldijk
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bernadet Blijenberg
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid Hendriks
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ian J. Groves
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Potts
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Adriana Svrlanska
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Mark R. Wills
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Eaton-Fitch N, du Preez S, Cabanas H, Staines D, Marshall-Gradisnik S. A systematic review of natural killer cells profile and cytotoxic function in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Syst Rev 2019; 8:279. [PMID: 31727160 PMCID: PMC6857215 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-1202-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compromised natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic function is a well-documented and consistent feature of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Other outcomes evaluated in NK cells of ME/CFS patients, however, remain equivocal. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding NK cell phenotype, receptor expression, cytokine production and cytotoxicity in ME/CFS patients and determine the appropriateness as a model for ME/CFS. METHODS Medline (EBSCOHost), Scopus, EMBASE and PubMed databases were systematically searched to source relevant papers published between 1994 and March 2018. This review included studies examining NK cells' features in ME/CFS patients compared with HC following administration of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Secondary outcomes included genetic analysis in isolated NK cells or quality of life assessment. Quality assessment was completed using the Downs and Black checklist in addition to The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. RESULTS Seventeen eligible publications were included in this review. All studies were observational case control studies. Of these, 11 investigated NK cell cytotoxicity, 14 investigated NK cell phenotype and receptor profiles, three examined NK cell cytokine production, six investigated NK cell lytic protein levels and four investigated NK cell degranulation. Impaired NK cell cytotoxicity remained the most consistent immunological report across all publications. Other outcomes investigated differed between studies. CONCLUSION A consistent finding among all papers included in this review was impaired NK cell cytotoxicity, suggesting that it is a reliable and appropriate cellular model for continued research in ME/CFS patients. Aberrations in NK cell lytic protein levels were also reported. Although additional research is recommended, current research provides a foundation for subsequent investigations. It is possible that NK cell abnormalities can be used to characterise a subset of ME/CFS due to the heterogeneity of both the illness itself and findings between studies investigating specific features of NK function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Eaton-Fitch
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Stanley du Preez
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Hélène Cabanas
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Donald Staines
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Dutta D, Park I, Guililat H, Sang S, Talapatra A, Singhal B, Mills NC. Testosterone regulates granzyme K expression in rat testes. Endocr Regul 2019; 51:193-204. [PMID: 29232193 DOI: 10.1515/enr-2017-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Testosterone depletion induces increased germ cell apoptosis in testes. However, limited studies exist on genes that regulate the germ cell apoptosis. Granzymes (GZM) are serine proteases that induce apoptosis in various tissues. Multiple granzymes, including GZMA, GZMB and GZMN, are present in testes. Th us, we investigated which granzyme may be testosterone responsive and possibly may have a role in germ cell apoptosis aft er testosterone depletion. METHODS Ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS), a toxicant that selectively ablates the Leydig cells, was injected into rats to withdraw the testosterone. The testosterone depletion effects after 7 days post-EDS were verified by replacing the testosterone exogenously into EDS-treated rats. Serum or testicular testosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. Using qPCR, mRNAs of granzyme variants in testes were quantified. The germ cell apoptosis was identified by TUNEL assay and the localization of GZMK was by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS EDS treatment eliminated the Leydig cells and depleted serum and testicular testosterone. At 7 days post-EDS, testis weights were reduced 18% with increased germ cell apoptosis plus elevation GZMK expression. GZMK was not associated with TUNEL-positive cells, but was localized to stripped cytoplasm of spermatids. In addition, apoptotic round spermatids were observed in the caput epididymis. CONCLUSIONS GZMK expression in testes is testosterone dependent. GZMK is located adjacent to germ cells in seminiferous tubules and the presence of apoptotic round spermatids in the epididymis suggest its role in the degradation of microtubules in ectoplasmic specializations. Thus, overexpression of GZMK may indirectly regulate germ cell apoptosis by premature release of round spermatids from seminiferous tubule lumen.
Collapse
|
23
|
Prager I, Watzl C. Mechanisms of natural killer cell-mediated cellular cytotoxicity. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 105:1319-1329. [PMID: 31107565 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.mr0718-269r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular cytotoxicity, the ability to kill other cells, is an important effector mechanism of the immune system to combat viral infections and cancer. Cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are the major mediators of this activity. Here, we summarize the cytotoxic mechanisms of NK cells. NK cells can kill virally infected of transformed cells via the directed release of lytic granules or by inducing death receptor-mediated apoptosis via the expression of Fas ligand or TRAIL. The biogenesis of perforin and granzymes, the major components of lytic granules, is a highly regulated process to prevent damage during the synthesis of these cytotoxic molecules. Additionally, NK cells have developed several strategies to protect themselves from the cytotoxic activity of granular content upon degranulation. While granule-mediated apoptosis is a fast process, death receptor-mediated cytotoxicity requires more time. Current data suggest that these 2 cytotoxic mechanisms are regulated during the serial killing activity of NK cells. As many modern approaches of cancer immunotherapy rely on cellular cytotoxicity for their effectiveness, unraveling these pathways will be important to further progress these therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Prager
- Department for Immunology, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Carsten Watzl
- Department for Immunology, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Daclizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that prevents formation of high-affinity interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (IL-2R). Because activated T cells up-regulate high-affinity IL-2R and IL-2 is used to grow activated T cells in vitro, daclizumab was envisioned to selectively inhibit activated T cells. However, the mechanism of action (MOA) of daclizumab is surprisingly broad and it includes many unanticipated effects on innate immunity. Specifically, daclizumab modulates the development of innate lymphoid cells, leading to expansion of immunoregulatory CD56bright natural killer (NK) cells. Activated CD56bright NK cells migrate to the intrathecal compartment in multiple sclerosis (MS) and regulate autoreactive T cells via cytotoxicity. Finally, daclizumab also restricts initial steps of T-cell activation by blocking trans-presentation of IL-2 by dendritic cells to antigen-specific T cells. In conclusion, daclizumab has complex immunomodulatory effects with resultant inhibition of central nervous system inflammation in MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana Bielekova
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Unit (NDU), Neuroimmunology Branch (NIB), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yang J, Vrettou C, Connelley T, Morrison WI. Identification and annotation of bovine granzyme genes reveals a novel granzyme encoded within the trypsin-like locus. Immunogenetics 2018; 70:585-597. [PMID: 29947943 PMCID: PMC6096847 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-018-1062-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Granzymes are a family of serine proteases found in the lytic granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, which are involved in killing of susceptible target cells. Most information on granzymes and their enzymatic specificities derive from studies in humans and mice. Although granzymes shared by both species show a high level of conservation, the complement of granzyme genes differs between the species. The aim of this study was to identify granzyme genes expressed in cattle, determine their genomic locations and analyse their sequences to predict likely functional specificities. Orthologues of the five granzyme genes found in humans (A, B, H, K and M) were identified, as well a novel gene designated granzyme O, most closely related to granzyme A. An orthologue of granzyme O was found in pigs and a non-function version was detected in the human genome. Use of specific PCRs demonstrated that all of these genes, including granzyme O, are expressed in activated subsets of bovine lymphocytes, with particularly high levels in CD8 T cells. Consistent with findings in humans and mice, the granzyme-encoding genes were located on three distinct genomic loci, which correspond to different proteolytic enzymatic activities, namely trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like and metase-like. Analysis of amino acid sequences indicated that the granzyme proteins have broadly similar enzymatic specificities to their human and murine counterparts but indicated that granzyme B has a different secondary specificity. These findings provide the basis for further work to examine their role in the cytotoxic activity of bovine CD8 T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK.,Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Christina Vrettou
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Tim Connelley
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK
| | - W Ivan Morrison
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Early immune responses and profiling of cell-mediated immunity-associated gene expression in response to rHVT-IBD vaccination. Vaccine 2017; 36:615-623. [PMID: 29290477 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.12.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Infectious bursal disease (IBD) remains a major threat to the poultry industry. Recombinant herpesvirus of turkey (rHVT)-IBD vaccines have been successfully used to induce a protective immune response against IBD. However, the capacity for rHVT-IBD vaccines to induce early protection without detectable antibodies, and the underlying mechanisms mediating specific cell-mediated responses in the early stages following vaccination, have been poorly investigated. Therefore, in this study, specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were vaccinated with rHVT-IBD and T-cell subsets were analyzed. Both splenic and circulating CD8+ cell populations increased at 7 days postvaccination (dpv). Next, the expression of adaptive immunity-related genes was analyzed in the spleen and lung of rHVT-IBD-vaccinated chickens. Upregulation of CD8 expression was observed at 7 dpv. Interestingly, a parallel increase in the transcription of granzymes A and K was also detected from 7 dpv. To our knowledge, the latter result is the first to be reported, and it suggests that cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T lymphocytes is activated. In contrast, expression of the innate genes examined remained largely unchanged following vaccination. To further investigate the IBD virus (IBDV)-specific responses triggered by rHVT-IBD vaccination, vaccinated chickens were inoculated with an attenuated IBDV strain with the aim of restimulating induced immune responses in vivo. The expression profiles of various genes associated with adaptive immune responses were subsequently analyzed in lung, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius samples. Significant upregulation of CD4, CD8, perforin, and IFNγ expression were observed in the bursa samples 7 days postinoculation (dpi). In the lung, transcript levels of CD8, granzymes and perforin were also significantly higher in the rHVT-IBD-vaccinated chickens at 7 dpi, thereby suggesting that specific cellular immune responses were activated. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that stimulation of specific CD8+ cell-mediated immunity contributes to the response against IBDV in rHVT-IBD-vaccinated chickens.
Collapse
|
27
|
Granzyme K‐deficient mice show no evidence of impaired antiviral immunity. Immunol Cell Biol 2017; 95:676-683. [DOI: 10.1038/icb.2017.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
28
|
Kasperkiewicz P, Poreba M, Groborz K, Drag M. Emerging challenges in the design of selective substrates, inhibitors and activity-based probes for indistinguishable proteases. FEBS J 2017; 284:1518-1539. [PMID: 28052575 PMCID: PMC7164106 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Proteases are enzymes that hydrolyze the peptide bond of peptide substrates and proteins. Despite significant progress in recent years, one of the greatest challenges in the design and testing of substrates, inhibitors and activity‐based probes for proteolytic enzymes is achieving specificity toward only one enzyme. This specificity is particularly important if the enzyme is present with other enzymes with a similar catalytic mechanism and substrate specificity but completely different functionality. The cross‐reactivity of substrates, inhibitors and activity‐based probes with other enzymes can significantly impair or even prevent investigations of a target protease. In this review, we describe important concepts and the latest challenges, focusing mainly on peptide‐based substrate specificity techniques used to distinguish individual enzymes within major protease families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Kasperkiewicz
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland
| | - Marcin Poreba
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Groborz
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland
| | - Marcin Drag
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Juno JA, van Bockel D, Kent SJ, Kelleher AD, Zaunders JJ, Munier CML. Cytotoxic CD4 T Cells-Friend or Foe during Viral Infection? Front Immunol 2017; 8:19. [PMID: 28167943 PMCID: PMC5253382 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4 T cells with cytotoxic function were once thought to be an artifact due to long-term in vitro cultures but have in more recent years become accepted and reported in the literature in response to a number of viral infections. In this review, we focus on cytotoxic CD4 T cells in the context of human viral infections and in some infections that affect mice and non-human primates. We examine the effector mechanisms used by cytotoxic CD4 cells, the phenotypes that describe this population, and the transcription factors and pathways that lead to their induction following infection. We further consider the cells that are the predominant targets of this effector subset and describe the viral infections in which CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes have been shown to play a protective or pathologic role. Cytotoxic CD4 T cells are detected in the circulation at much higher levels than previously realized and are now recognized to have an important role in the immune response to viral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Juno
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| | - David van Bockel
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of New South Wales Australia , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Stephen J Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anthony D Kelleher
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John J Zaunders
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C Mee Ling Munier
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of New South Wales Australia , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Granzymes A and K differentially potentiate LPS-induced cytokine response. Cell Death Discov 2016; 2:16084. [PMID: 28028441 PMCID: PMC5149580 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2016.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Granzymes are serine proteases that, upon release from cytotoxic cells, induce apoptosis in tumor cells and virally infected cells. In addition, a role of granzymes in inflammation is emerging. Recently, we have demonstrated that extracellular granzyme K (GrK) potentiates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine response from monocytes. GrK interacts with LPS, disaggregates LPS micelles, and stimulates LPS-CD14 binding and Toll-like receptor signaling. Here we show that human GrA also potentiates cytokine responses in human monocytes initiated by LPS or Gram-negative bacteria. Similar to GrK, this effect is independent of GrA catalytic activity. Unlike GrK, however, GrA does not bind to LPS, has little influence on LPS micelle disaggregation, and does not augment LPS-CD14 complex formation. We conclude that GrA and GrK differentially modulate LPS-Toll-like receptor signaling in monocytes, suggesting functional redundancy among cytotoxic lymphocyte proteases in the anti-bacterial innate immune response.
Collapse
|
31
|
Engelen-Lee J, Blokhuis AM, Spliet WGM, Pasterkamp RJ, Aronica E, Demmers JAA, Broekhuizen R, Nardo G, Bovenschen N, Van Den Berg LH. Proteomic profiling of the spinal cord in ALS: decreased ATP5D levels suggest synaptic dysfunction in ALS pathogenesis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 18:210-220. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2016.1245757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jooyeon Engelen-Lee
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
| | - Anna M. Blokhuis
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | - Wim G. M. Spliet
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | - R. Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
| | - Jeroen A. A. Demmers
- Proteomics Centre, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,
| | - Roel Broekhuizen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | - Giovanni Nardo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milano, Italy,
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Leonard H. Van Den Berg
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sharma M, Merkulova Y, Raithatha S, Parkinson LG, Shen Y, Cooper D, Granville DJ. Extracellular granzyme K mediates endothelial activation through the cleavage of protease-activated receptor-1. FEBS J 2016; 283:1734-47. [PMID: 26936634 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Granzymes are a family of serine proteases that were once thought to function exclusively as mediators of cytotoxic lymphocyte-induced target cell death. However, non-apoptotic roles for granzymes, including granzyme K (GzK), have been proposed. As recent studies have observed elevated levels of GzK in the plasma of patients diagnosed with clinical sepsis, we hypothesized that extracellular GzK induces a proinflammatory response in endothelial cells. In the present study, extracellular GzK proteolytically activated protease-activated receptor-1 leading to increased interleukin 6 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 production in endothelial cells. Enhanced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 along with an increased capacity for adherence of THP-1 cells was also observed. Characterization of downstream pathways implicated the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 pathway for intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression, and both the p38 and the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 pathways in cytokine production. GzK also increased tumour necrosis factor α-induced inflammatory adhesion molecule expression. Furthermore, the physiological inhibitor of GzK, inter-α-inhibitor protein, significantly inhibited GzK activity in vitro. In summary, extracellular GzK promotes a proinflammatory response in endothelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehul Sharma
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yulia Merkulova
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sheetal Raithatha
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Leigh G Parkinson
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yue Shen
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Dawn Cooper
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David J Granville
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Live cell evaluation of granzyme delivery and death receptor signaling in tumor cells targeted by human natural killer cells. Blood 2015; 126:e1-e10. [PMID: 26124495 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-03-632273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing interest in natural killer (NK) cell-based therapy for treating human cancer has made it imperative to develop new tools to measure early events in cell death. We recently demonstrated that protease-cleavable luciferase biosensors detect granzyme B and pro-apoptotic caspase activation within minutes of target cell recognition by murine cytotoxic lymphocytes. Here we report successful adaptation of the biosensor technology to assess perforin-dependent and -independent induction of death pathways in tumor cells recognized by human NK cell lines and primary cells. Cell-cell signaling via both Fc receptors and NK-activating receptors led to measurable luciferase signal within 15 minutes. In addition to the previously described aspartase-cleavable biosensors, we report development of granzyme A and granzyme K biosensors, for which no other functional reporters are available. The strength of signaling for granzyme biosensors was dependent on perforin expression in IL-2-activated NK effectors. Perforin-independent induction of apoptotic caspases was mediated by death receptor ligation and was detectable after 45 minutes of conjugation. Evidence of both FasL and TRAIL-mediated signaling was seen after engagement of Jurkat cells by perforin-deficient human cytotoxic lymphocytes. Although K562 cells have been reported to be insensitive to TRAIL, robust activation of pro-apoptotic caspases by NK cell-derived TRAIL was detectable in K562 cells. These studies highlight the sensitivity of protease-cleaved luciferase biosensors to measure previously undetectable events in live cells in real time. Further development of caspase and granzyme biosensors will allow interrogation of additional features of granzyme activity in live cells including localization, timing, and specificity.
Collapse
|
34
|
Wensink AC, Hack CE, Bovenschen N. Granzymes regulate proinflammatory cytokine responses. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:491-7. [PMID: 25556251 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Granzymes (Grs) are serine proteases mainly produced by cytotoxic lymphocytes and are traditionally considered to cause apoptosis in tumor cells and virally infected cells. However, the cytotoxicity of several Grs is currently being debated, and additional, predominantly extracellular, functions of Grs in inflammation are emerging. Extracellular soluble Grs are elevated in the circulation of patients with autoimmune diseases and infections. Additionally, Grs are expressed by several types of immune cells other than cytotoxic lymphocytes. Recent research has revealed novel immunomodulatory functions of Grs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on the role of Grs in inflammation, highlighting their role in cytokine induction and processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette C Wensink
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - C Erik Hack
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hirata Y, Inagaki H, Shimizu T, Kawada T. Substrate specificity of human granzyme 3: analyses of the P3-P2-P1 triplet using fluorescence resonance energy transfer substrate libraries. Biosci Trends 2014; 8:126-31. [PMID: 24815390 DOI: 10.5582/bst.8.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Granzyme 3 (Gr3) is known as a tryptase-type member of the granzyme family and exists in the granules of immunocompetent cells. Granule proteases including granzymes, are transported into the cytoplasm of tumor cells or virus-infected cells by perforin function, degrade cytoplasmic or nuclear proteins and subsequently cause the death of the target cells. Recently, although several substrates of Gr3 in vivo have been reported, these hydrolyzed sites were unclear or lacked consistency. Our previous study investigated the optimal amino acid triplet (P3-P2-P1) as a substrate for Gr3 using a limited combination of amino acids at the P2 and P3 positions. In the present study, new fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) substrate libraries to screen P2 and P3 positions were synthesized, respectively. Using these substrate libraries, the optimal amino acid triplet was shown to be Tyr-Phe-Arg as a substrate for human Gr3. Moreover, kinetic analyses also showed that the synthetic substrate FRETS-YFR had the lowest Km value for human Gr3. A substantial number of membrane proteins possessed the triplet Tyr-Phe-Arg and some of them might be in vivo substrates for Gr3. The results might also be a great help for preparing specific inhibitors to manipulate Gr3 activity both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukiyo Hirata
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Nippon Medical School
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Plasman K, Demol H, Bird PI, Gevaert K, Van Damme P. Substrate specificities of the granzyme tryptases A and K. J Proteome Res 2014; 13:6067-77. [PMID: 25383893 DOI: 10.1021/pr500968d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The physiological roles of the granzymes A and K have been debated, especially concerning their involvement in cytotoxic and inflammatory processes. By performing N-terminal COFRADIC assisted N-terminomics on the homologous human granzymes A and K, we here provide detailed data on their substrate repertoires, their specificities, and differences in efficiency by which they cleave their substrates, all of which may aid in elucidating their key substrates. In addition, the so far uncharacterized mouse granzyme K was profiled alongside its human orthologue. While the global primary specificity profiles of these granzymes appear quite similar as they revealed only subtle differences and pointed to substrate occupancies in the P1, P1', and P2' position as the main determinants for substrate recognition, differential analyses unveiled distinguishing substrate subsite features, some of which were confirmed by the more selective cleavage of specifically designed probes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Plasman
- Department of Medical Protein Research, VIB , B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lee CC, Kim BS, Wu CC, Lin TL. Bursal transcriptome of chickens protected by DNA vaccination versus those challenged with infectious bursal disease virus. Arch Virol 2014; 160:69-80. [PMID: 25267176 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-014-2232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection destroys the bursa of Fabricius, causing immunosuppression and rendering chickens susceptible to secondary bacterial or viral infections. IBDV large-segment-protein-expressing DNA has been shown to confer complete protection of chickens from infectious bursal disease (IBD). The purpose of the present study was to compare DNA-vaccinated chickens and unvaccinated chickens upon IBDV challenge by transcriptomic analysis of bursa regarding innate immunity, inflammation, immune cell regulation, apoptosis and glucose transport. One-day-old specific-pathogen-free chickens were vaccinated intramuscularly three times at weekly intervals with IBDV large-segment-protein-expressing DNA. Chickens were challenged orally with 8.2 × 10(2) times the egg infective dose (EID)50 of IBDV strain variant E (VE) one week after the last vaccination. Bursae collected at 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days post-challenge (dpc) were subjected to real-time RT-PCR quantification of bursal transcripts related to innate immunity, inflammation, immune cell regulation, apoptosis and glucose transport. The expression levels of granzyme K and CD8 in DNA-vaccinated chickens were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in unvaccinated chickens upon IBDV challenge at 0.5 or 1 dpc. The expression levels of other genes involved in innate immunity, inflammation, immune cell regulation, apoptosis and glucose transport were not upregulated or downregulated in DNA-vaccinated chickens during IBDV challenge. Bursal transcripts related to innate immunity and inflammation, including TLR3, MDA5, IFN-α, IFN-β, IRF-1, IRF-10, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, iNOS, granzyme A, granzyme K and IL-10, were upregulated or significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated at 3 dpc and later in unvaccinated chickens challenged with IBDV. The expression levels of genes related to immune cell regulation, apoptosis and glucose transport, including CD4, CD8, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12(p40), IL-18, GM-CSF, GATA-3, p53, glucose transporter-2 and glucose transporter-3, were upregulated or significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated at 3 dpc and later in unvaccinated chickens challenged with IBDV. Taken together, the results indicate that the bursal transcriptome involved in innate immunity, inflammation, immune cell regulation, apoptosis and glucose transport, except for granzyme K and CD8, was not differentially expressed in DNA-vaccinated chickens protected from IBDV challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chun Lee
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, 406 S. University St, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Blessing or curse? Proteomics in granzyme research. Proteomics Clin Appl 2014; 8:351-81. [DOI: 10.1002/prca.201300096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
39
|
Granzyme K synergistically potentiates LPS-induced cytokine responses in human monocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:5974-9. [PMID: 24711407 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1317347111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Granzymes are serine proteases released by cytotoxic lymphocytes to induce apoptosis in virus-infected cells and tumor cells. Evidence is emerging that granzymes also play a role in controlling inflammation. Granzyme serum levels are elevated in patients with autoimmune diseases and infections, including sepsis. However, the function of extracellular granzymes in inflammation largely remains unknown. Here, we show that granzyme K (GrK) binds to Gram-negative bacteria and their cell-wall component lipopolysaccharide (LPS). GrK synergistically enhances LPS-induced cytokine release in vitro from primary human monocytes and in vivo in a mouse model of LPS challenge. Intriguingly, these extracellular effects are independent of GrK catalytic activity. GrK disaggregates LPS from micelles and augments LPS-CD14 complex formation, thereby likely boosting monocyte activation by LPS. We conclude that extracellular GrK is an unexpected direct modulator of LPS-TLR4 signaling during the antimicrobial innate immune response.
Collapse
|
40
|
Plasman K, Maurer-Stroh S, Gevaert K, Van Damme P. Holistic View on the Extended Substrate Specificities of Orthologous Granzymes. J Proteome Res 2014; 13:1785-93. [DOI: 10.1021/pr401104b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Plasman
- Department
of Medical Protein Research, VIB, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department
of Biochemistry, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sebastian Maurer-Stroh
- Bioinformatics
Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671
- School
of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore 637551
| | - Kris Gevaert
- Department
of Medical Protein Research, VIB, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department
of Biochemistry, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra Van Damme
- Department
of Medical Protein Research, VIB, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department
of Biochemistry, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Joeckel LT, Bird PI. Are all granzymes cytotoxic in vivo? Biol Chem 2014; 395:181-202. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2013-0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Granzymes are serine proteases mainly found in cytotoxic lymphocytes. The most-studied member of this group is granzyme B, which is a potent cytotoxin that has set the paradigm that all granzymes are cyototoxic. In the last 5 years, this paradigm has become controversial. On one hand, there is a plethora of sometimes contradictory publications showing mainly caspase-independent cytotoxic effects of granzyme A and the so-called orphan granzymes in vitro. On the other hand, there are increasing numbers of reports of granzymes failing to induce cell death in vitro unless very high (potentially supra-physiological) concentrations are used. Furthermore, experiments with granzyme A or granzyme M knock-out mice reveal little or no deficit in their cytotoxic lymphocytes’ killing ability ex vivo, but indicate impairment in the inflammatory response. These findings of non-cytotoxic effects of granzymes challenge dogma, and thus require alternative or additional explanations to be developed of the role of granzymes in defeating pathogens. Here we review evidence for granzyme cytotoxicity, give an overview of their non-cytotoxic functions, and suggest technical improvements for future investigations.
Collapse
|
42
|
Shahinian H, Tholen S, Schilling O. Proteomic identification of protease cleavage sites: cell-biological and biomedical applications. Expert Rev Proteomics 2014; 10:421-33. [DOI: 10.1586/14789450.2013.841547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
43
|
van Domselaar R, de Poot SAH, Bovenschen N. Proteomic profiling of proteases: tools for granzyme degradomics. Expert Rev Proteomics 2014; 7:347-59. [DOI: 10.1586/epr.10.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
44
|
Smolders J, Remmerswaal EBM, Schuurman KG, Melief J, van Eden CG, van Lier RAW, Huitinga I, Hamann J. Characteristics of differentiated CD8(+) and CD4 (+) T cells present in the human brain. Acta Neuropathol 2013; 126:525-35. [PMID: 23880787 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-013-1155-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Immune surveillance of the central nervous system (CNS) by T cells is important to keep CNS-trophic viruses in a latent state, yet our knowledge of the characteristics of CNS-populating T cells is incomplete. We performed a comprehensive, multi-color flow-cytometric analysis of isolated T cells from paired corpus callosum (CC) and peripheral blood (PB) samples of 20 brain donors. Compared to PB, CC T cells, which were mostly located in the perivascular space and sporadically in the parenchyma, were enriched for cells expressing CD8. Both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the CC had a late-differentiated phenotype, as indicated by lack of expression of CD27 and CD28. The CC contained high numbers of T cells expressing chemokine receptor CX3CR1 and CXCR3 that allow for homing to inflamed endothelium and tissue, but hardly cells expressing the lymph node-homing receptor CCR7. Despite the late-differentiated phenotype, CC T cells had high expression of the IL-7 receptor α-chain CD127 and did not contain the neurotoxic cytolytic enzymes perforin, granzyme A, and granzyme B. We postulate that CNS T cells make up a population of tissue-adapted differentiated cells, which use CX3CR1 and CXCR3 to home into the perivascular space, use IL-7 for maintenance, and lack immediate cytolytic activity, thereby preventing immunopathology in response to low or non-specific stimuli. The presence of these cells in this tightly regulated environment likely enables a fast response to local threats. Our results will enable future detailed exploration of T-cell subsets in the brain involved in neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joost Smolders
- Neuroimmunology Research Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wiendl H, Gross CC. Modulation of IL-2Rα with daclizumab for treatment of multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2013; 9:394-404. [DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2013.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
46
|
Brenu EW, Hardcastle SL, Atkinson GM, van Driel ML, Kreijkamp-Kaspers S, Ashton KJ, Staines DR, Marshall-Gradisnik SM. Natural killer cells in patients with severe chronic fatigue syndrome. AUTOIMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 2013; 4:69-80. [PMID: 26000145 PMCID: PMC4389023 DOI: 10.1007/s13317-013-0051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance of health and physiological homeostasis is a synergistic process involving tight regulation of proteins, transcription factors and other molecular processes. The immune system consists of innate and adaptive immune cells that are required to sustain immunity. The presence of pathogens and tumour cells activates innate immune cells, in particular Natural Killer (NK) cells. Stochastic expression of NK receptors activates either inhibitory or activating signals and results in cytokine production and activation of pathways that result in apoptosis of target cells. Thus, NK cells are a necessary component of the immunological process and aberrations in their functional processes, including equivocal levels of NK cells and cytotoxic activity pre-empts recurrent viral infections, autoimmune diseases and altered inflammatory responses. NK cells are implicated in a number of diseases including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The purpose of this review is to highlight the different profiles of NK cells reported in CFS patients and to determine the extent of NK immune dysfunction in subtypes of CFS patients based on severity in symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. W. Brenu
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- Immunology Research Group, Centre for Medicine and Oral Health, Griffith University, GH1, Room 7.59, Southport, QLD 4215 Australia
| | - S. L. Hardcastle
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
| | - G. M. Atkinson
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
| | - M. L. van Driel
- Queensland Health, Gold Coast Public Health Unit, Robina, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
| | | | - K. J. Ashton
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD Australia
| | - D. R. Staines
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- Queensland Health, Gold Coast Public Health Unit, Robina, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
| | - S. M. Marshall-Gradisnik
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
van Domselaar R, de Poot SAH, Remmerswaal EBM, Lai KW, ten Berge IJM, Bovenschen N. Granzyme M targets host cell hnRNP K that is essential for human cytomegalovirus replication. Cell Death Differ 2013; 20:419-29. [PMID: 23099853 PMCID: PMC3569982 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2012.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most frequent viral cause of congenital defects and HCMV infection in immunocompromised patients may trigger devastating disease. Cytotoxic lymphocytes control HCMV by releasing granzymes towards virus-infected cells. In mice, granzyme M (GrM) has a physiological role in controlling murine CMV infection. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we showed that human GrM was expressed by HCMV-specific CD8(+) T cells both in latently infected healthy individuals and in transplant patients during primary HCMV infection. We identified host cell heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) as a physiological GrM substrate. GrM most efficiently cleaved hnRNP K in the presence of RNA at multiple sites, thereby likely destroying hnRNP K function. Host cell hnRNP K was essential for HCMV replication not only by promoting viability of HCMV-infected cells but predominantly by regulating viral immediate-early 2 (IE2) protein levels. Furthermore, hnRNP K interacted with IE2 mRNA. Finally, GrM decreased IE2 protein expression in HCMV-infected cells. Our data suggest that targeting of hnRNP K by GrM contributes to the mechanism by which cytotoxic lymphocytes inhibit HCMV replication. This is the first evidence that cytotoxic lymphocytes target host cell proteins to control HCMV infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R van Domselaar
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S A H de Poot
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E B M Remmerswaal
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Renal Transplant Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K W Lai
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - I J M ten Berge
- Renal Transplant Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Daclizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody of IgG1 subtype that binds to the Tac epitope on the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor α-chain (CD25), thus, effectively blocking the formation of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor. Because the high-affinity IL-2 receptor signaling promotes expansion of activated T cells in vitro, daclizumab was designed as a therapy that selectively inhibits T-cell activation. Assuming the previous statement, daclizumab received regulatory approval as add-on therapy to standard immunosuppressive regimen for the prevention of acute allograft rejection in renal transplantation. Based on its putative mechanism of action (MOA), daclizumab represented an ideal therapy for T-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases and was subsequently tested in inflammatory uveitis and multiple sclerosis (MS). In both of these diseases, daclizumab therapy significantly inhibited target organ inflammation. Mechanistic studies in MS demonstrated that the MOA of daclizumab is surprisingly broad and that the drug exerts unexpected effects on multiple components of the innate immune system. Specifically, daclizumab dramatically expands and activates immunoregulatory CD56(bright) NK cells, which gain access to the intrathecal compartment in MS and can kill autologous activated T cells. Daclizumab also blocks trans-presentation of IL-2 by mature dendritic cells to primed T cells, resulting in profound inhibition of antigen-specific T cells. Finally, daclizumab modulates the development of innate lymphoid cells. In conclusion, daclizumab therapy, which is currently in phase III testing for inflammatory MS, has a unique MOA that does not limit migration of immune cells into the intrathecal compartment, but rather provides multifactorial immunomodulatory effects with resultant inhibition of MS-related inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana Bielekova
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Unit (NDU), Neuroimmunology Branch (NIB), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
van Domselaar R, Quadir R, van der Made AM, Broekhuizen R, Bovenschen N. All human granzymes target hnRNP K that is essential for tumor cell viability. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:22854-64. [PMID: 22582387 PMCID: PMC3391115 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.365692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Revised: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Granule exocytosis by cytotoxic lymphocytes is the key mechanism to eliminate virus-infected cells and tumor cells. These lytic granules contain the pore-forming protein perforin and a set of five serine proteases called granzymes. All human granzymes display distinct substrate specificities and induce cell death by cleaving critical intracellular death substrates. In the present study, we show that all human granzymes directly cleaved the DNA/RNA-binding protein heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K), designating hnRNP K as the first known pan-granzyme substrate. Cleavage of hnRNP K was more efficient in the presence of RNA and occurred in two apparent proteolysis-sensitive amino acid regions, thereby dissecting the functional DNA/RNA-binding hnRNP K domains. HnRNP K was cleaved under physiological conditions when purified granzymes were delivered into living tumor cells and during lymphokine-activated killer cell-mediated attack. HnRNP K is essential for tumor cell viability, since knockdown of hnRNP K resulted in spontaneous tumor cell apoptosis with caspase activation and reactive oxygen species production. This apoptosis was more pronounced at low tumor cell density where hnRNP K knockdown also triggered a caspase-independent apoptotic pathway. This suggests that hnRNP K promotes tumor cell survival in the absence of cell-cell contact. Silencing of hnRNP K protein expression rendered tumor cells more susceptible to cellular cytotoxicity. We conclude that hnRNP K is indispensable for tumor cell viability and our data suggest that targeting of hnRNP K by granzymes contributes to or reinforces the cell death mechanisms by which cytotoxic lymphocytes eliminate tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert van Domselaar
- From the Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Razi Quadir
- From the Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid M. van der Made
- From the Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Broekhuizen
- From the Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- From the Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wang L, Zhang K, Wu L, Liu S, Zhang H, Zhou Q, Tong L, Sun F, Fan Z. Structural Insights into the Substrate Specificity of Human Granzyme H: The Functional Roles of a Novel RKR Motif. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 188:765-73. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|