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Wang Y, Liu Q, Deng L, Ma X, Gong Y, Wang Y, Zhou F. The roles of epigenetic regulation in graft-versus-host disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116652. [PMID: 38692061 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is utilized as a potential curative treatment for various hematologic malignancies. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) post-aHSCT is a severe complication that significantly impacts patients' quality of life and overall survival, becoming a major cause of non-relapse mortality. In recent years, the association between epigenetics and GVHD has garnered increasing attention. Epigenetics focuses on studying mechanisms that affect gene expression without altering DNA sequences, primarily including DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) regulation, and RNA modifications. This review summarizes the role of epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of GVHD, with a focus on DNA methylation, histone modifications, ncRNA, RNA modifications and their involvement and applications in the occurrence and development of GVHD. It also highlights advancements in relevant diagnostic markers and drugs, aiming to provide new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qi Liu
- The First Clinical Medical School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Deng
- Department of Hematology, the 960th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, Jinan, China
| | - Xiting Ma
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuling Gong
- Department of Cardiovascular, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Hematology, the 960th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, Jinan, China.
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Shi MX, Ding X, Tang L, Cao WJ, Su B, Zhang J. PROTAC EZH2 degrader-1 overcomes the resistance of podophyllotoxin derivatives in refractory small cell lung cancer with leptomeningeal metastasis. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:504. [PMID: 38644473 PMCID: PMC11034131 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly detrimental occurrence associated with severe neurological disorders, lacking effective treatment currently. Proteolysis-targeting chimeric molecules (PROTACs) may provide new therapeutic avenues for treatment of podophyllotoxin derivatives-resistant SCLC with LM, warranting further exploration. METHODS The SCLC cell line H128 expressing luciferase were mutated by MNNG to generate H128-Mut cell line. After subcutaneous inoculation of H128-Mut into nude mice, H128-LM and H128-BPM (brain parenchymal metastasis) cell lines were primarily cultured from LM and BPM tissues individually, and employed to in vitro drug testing. The SCLC-LM mouse model was established by inoculating H128-LM into nude mice via carotid artery and subjected to in vivo drug testing. RNA-seq and immunoblotting were conducted to uncover the molecular targets for LM. RESULTS The SCLC-LM mouse model was successfully established, confirmed by in vivo live imaging and histological examination. The upregulated genes included EZH2, SLC44A4, VEGFA, etc. in both BPM and LM cells, while SLC44A4 was particularly upregulated in LM cells. When combined with PROTAC EZH2 degrader-1, the drug sensitivity of cisplatin, etoposide (VP16), and teniposide (VM26) for H128-LM was significantly increased in vitro. The in vivo drug trials with SCLC-LM mouse model demonstrated that PROTAC EZH2 degrader-1 plus VM26 or cisplatin/ VP16 inhibited H128-LM tumour significantly compared to VM26 or cisplatin/ VP16 alone (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The SCLC-LM model effectively simulates the pathophysiological process of SCLC metastasis to the leptomeninges. PROTAC EZH2 degrader-1 overcomes chemoresistance in SCLC, suggesting its potential therapeutic value for SCLC LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Xing Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Ding
- Department of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Tang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Jun Cao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bo Su
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Alečković M, Li Z, Zhou N, Qiu X, Lulseged B, Foidart P, Huang XY, Garza K, Shu S, Kesten N, Li R, Lim K, Garrido-Castro AC, Guerriero JL, Qi J, Long HW, Polyak K. Combination Therapies to Improve the Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Triple-negative Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1304-1318. [PMID: 37676980 PMCID: PMC10618734 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition combined with chemotherapy is currently approved as first-line treatment for patients with advanced PD-L1-positive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, a significant proportion of metastatic TNBC is PD-L1-negative and, in this population, chemotherapy alone largely remains the standard-of-care and novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve clinical outcomes. Here, we describe a triple combination of anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade, epigenetic modulation thorough bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) bromodomain inhibition (BBDI), and chemotherapy with paclitaxel that effectively inhibits both primary and metastatic tumor growth in two different syngeneic murine models of TNBC. Detailed cellular and molecular profiling of tumors from single and combination treatment arms revealed increased T- and B-cell infiltration and macrophage reprogramming from MHCIIlow to a MHCIIhigh phenotype in mice treated with triple combination. Triple combination also had a major impact on gene expression and chromatin profiles shifting cells to a more immunogenic and senescent state. Our results provide strong preclinical evidence to justify clinical testing of BBDI, paclitaxel, and immune checkpoint blockade combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Alečković
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zheqi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ningxuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Xintao Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bethlehem Lulseged
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pierre Foidart
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiao-Yun Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kodie Garza
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shaokun Shu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nikolas Kesten
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Klothilda Lim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ana C. Garrido-Castro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer L. Guerriero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Henry W. Long
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Xia M, Wang B, Sun W, Ji D, Zhou H, Huang X, Yu M, Su Z, Chen P, Qu K, Wang X. Lsd1 safeguards T-cell development via suppressing endogenous retroelements and interferon responses. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302042. [PMID: 37429639 PMCID: PMC10345215 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone demethylase Lsd1 has been shown to play multiple essential roles in mammalian biology. However, its physiological functions in thymocyte development remain elusive. We observed that the specific deletion of Lsd1 in thymocytes caused significant thymic atrophy and reduced peripheral T cell populations with impaired proliferation capacity. Single-cell RNA sequencing combined with strand-specific total RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analysis revealed that ablation of Lsd1 led to the aberrant derepression of endogenous retroelements, which resulted in a viral mimicry state and activated the interferon pathway. Furthermore, the deletion of Lsd1 blocked the programmed sequential down-regulation of CD8 expression at the DP→CD4+CD8lo stage and induced an innate memory phenotype in both thymic and peripheral T cells. Single-cell TCR sequencing revealed the kinetics of TCR recombination in the mouse thymus. However, the preactivation state after Lsd1 deletion neither disturbed the timeline of TCR rearrangement nor reshaped the TCR repertoire of SP cells. Overall, our study provides new insight into the function of Lsd1 as an important maintainer of endogenous retroelement homeostasis in early T-cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoran Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wujianan Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dengyu Ji
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefeng Huang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Minghang Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyang Su
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Qu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Wang W, Ou Z, Peng J, Wang N, Zhou Y. Bioinformatics-based analysis of potential candidates chromatin regulators for immune infiltration in osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:1123. [PMID: 36550476 PMCID: PMC9783407 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-06098-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Through the bioinformatics analysis to screen out the potential chromatin regulators (CRs) under the immune infiltration of osteoarthritis (OA), thus providing some theoretical support for future studies of epigenetic mechanisms under OA immune infiltration. METHODS By integrating CRs and the OA gene expression matrix, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differential analysis, and further screened Hub genes by protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Using the OA gene expression matrix, immune infiltration extraction and quantification were performed to analyze the correlations and differences between immune infiltrating cells and their functions. By virtue of these Hub genes, Hub gene association analysis was completed and their upstream miRNAs were predicted by the FunRich software. Moreover, a risk model was established to analyze the risk probability of associated CRs in OA, and the confidence of the results was validated by the validation dataset. RESULTS This research acquired a total of 32 overlapping genes, and 10 Hub genes were further identified. The strongest positive correlation between dendritic cells and mast cells and the strongest negative correlation between parainflammation and Type I IFN reponse. In the OA group DCs, iDCs, macrophages, MCs, APC co-inhibition, and CCR were significantly increased, whereas B cells, NK cells, Th2 cells, TIL, and T cell co-stimulation were significantly decreased. The risk model results revealed that BRD1 might be an independent risk factor for OA, and the validation dataset results are consistent with it. 60 upstream miRNAs of OA-related CRs were predicted by the FunRich software. CONCLUSION This study identified certain potential CRs and miRNAs that could regulate OA immunity, thus providing certain theoretical supports for future epigenetic mechanism studies on the immune infiltration of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wang
- Guilin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, 541002 Guangxi China
| | - Zhixue Ou
- Guilin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, 541002 Guangxi China
| | - Jianlan Peng
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530001 Guangxi China
| | - Ning Wang
- grid.511973.8The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530001 Guangxi China
| | - Yi Zhou
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530001 Guangxi China
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Romero-Molina C, Garretti F, Andrews SJ, Marcora E, Goate AM. Microglial efferocytosis: Diving into the Alzheimer's disease gene pool. Neuron 2022; 110:3513-3533. [PMID: 36327897 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies and functional genomics studies have linked specific cell types, genes, and pathways to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. In particular, AD risk alleles primarily affect the abundance or structure, and thus the activity, of genes expressed in macrophages, strongly implicating microglia (the brain-resident macrophages) in the etiology of AD. These genes converge on pathways (endocytosis/phagocytosis, cholesterol metabolism, and immune response) with critical roles in core macrophage functions such as efferocytosis. Here, we review these pathways, highlighting relevant genes identified in the latest AD genetics and genomics studies, and describe how they may contribute to AD pathogenesis. Investigating the functional impact of AD-associated variants and genes in microglia is essential for elucidating disease risk mechanisms and developing effective therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Romero-Molina
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA; Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francesca Garretti
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA; Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shea J Andrews
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA; Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Edoardo Marcora
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA; Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Alison M Goate
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA; Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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7
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Yang Y, Liu K, Liu M, Zhang H, Guo M. EZH2: Its regulation and roles in immune disturbance of SLE. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1002741. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1002741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is related to immune homeostasis imbalance. Epigenetic mechanisms have played a significant role in breaking immune tolerance. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the specific methylation transferase of lysine at position 27 of histone 3, is currently found to participate in the pathogenesis of SLE through affecting multiple components of the immune system. This review mainly expounds the mechanisms underlying EZH2-mediated disruption of immune homeostasis in SLE patients, hoping to provide new ideas in the pathogenesis of SLE and new targets for future treatment.
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8
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Wang YF, Yu L, Hu ZL, Fang YF, Shen YY, Song MF, Chen Y. Regulation of CCL2 by EZH2 affects tumor-associated macrophages polarization and infiltration in breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:748. [PMID: 36038549 PMCID: PMC9424193 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in tumorigenesis, development and anti-cancer drug therapy. However, very few epigenetic compounds have been elucidated to affect tumor growth by educating TAMs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we identified that EZH2 performs a crucial role in the regulation of TAMs infiltration and protumoral polarization by interacting with human breast cancer (BC) cells. We showed that EZH2 inhibitors-treated BC cells induced M2 macrophage polarization in vitro and in vivo, while EZH2 knockdown exhibited the opposite effect. Mechanistically, inhibition of EZH2 histone methyltransferase alone by EZH2 inhibitors in breast cancer cells could reduce the enrichment of H3K27me3 on CCL2 gene promoter, elevate CCL2 transcription and secretion, contributing to the induction of M2 macrophage polarization and recruitment in TME, which reveal a potential explanation behind the frustrating results of EZH2 inhibitors against breast cancer. On the contrary, EZH2 depletion led to DNA demethylation and subsequent upregulation of miR-124-3p level, which inhibited its target CCL2 expression in the tumor cells, causing arrest of TAMs M2 polarization. Taken together, these data suggested that EZH2 can exert opposite regulatory effects on TAMs polarization through its enzymatic or non-enzymatic activities. Our results also imply that the effect of antitumor drugs on TAMs may affect its therapeutic efficacy, and the combined application with TAMs modifiers should be warranted to achieve great clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-fang Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China ,grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lei Yu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zong-long Hu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yan-fen Fang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yan-yan Shen
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Min-fang Song
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yi Chen
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Melo GA, Calôba C, Brum G, Passos TO, Martinez GJ, Pereira RM. Epigenetic regulation of T cells by Polycomb group proteins. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:1253-1267. [DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2ri0122-039r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme A. Melo
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Carolina Calôba
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Gabrielle Brum
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Thaís O. Passos
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Gustavo J. Martinez
- Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Discipline of Microbiology and Immunology Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Renata M. Pereira
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
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10
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Link between the EZH2 noncanonical pathway and microtubule organization center polarization during early T lymphopoiesis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3655. [PMID: 35256668 PMCID: PMC8901749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07684-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
EZH2 plays an essential role at the β-selection checkpoint of T lymphopoiesis by regulating histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) via its canonical mode of action. Increasing data suggest that EZH2 could also regulate other cellular functions, such as cytoskeletal reorganization, via its noncanonical pathway. Consequently, we investigated whether the EZH2 noncanonical pathway could be involved in early T-cell maturation, which requires cell polarization. We observed that EZH2 localization is tightly regulated during the early stages of T-cell development and that EZH2 relocalizes in the nucleus of double-negative thymocytes enduring TCRβ recombination and β-selection processes. Furthermore, we observed that EZH2 and EED, but not Suz12, colocalize with the microtubule organization center (MTOC), which might prevent its inappropriate polarization in double negative cells. In accordance with these results, we evidenced the existence of direct or indirect interaction between EED and α-tubulin. Taken together, these results suggest that the EZH2 noncanonical pathway, in association with EED, is involved in the early stages of T-cell maturation.
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11
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Abstract
Significance: Epigenetic dysregulation plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of autoimmune diseases. Oxidative stress is associated with autoimmunity and is also known to alter epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding the interplay between oxidative stress and epigenetics will provide insights into the role of environmental triggers in the development of autoimmunity in genetically susceptible individuals. Recent Advances: Abnormal DNA and histone methylation patterns in genes and pathways involved in interferon and tumor necrosis factor signaling, cellular survival, proliferation, metabolism, organ development, and autoantibody production have been described in autoimmunity. Inhibitors of DNA and histone methyltransferases showed potential therapeutic effects in animal models of autoimmune diseases. Oxidative stress can regulate epigenetic mechanisms via effects on DNA damage repair mechanisms, cellular metabolism and the local redox environment, and redox-sensitive transcription factors and pathways. Critical Issues: Studies looking into oxidative stress and epigenetics in autoimmunity are relatively limited. The number of available longitudinal studies to explore the role of DNA methylation in the development of autoimmune diseases is small. Future Directions: Exploring the relationship between oxidative stress and epigenetics in autoimmunity will provide clues for potential preventative measures and treatment strategies. Inception cohorts with longitudinal follow-up would help to evaluate epigenetic marks as potential biomarkers for disease development, progression, and treatment response in autoimmunity. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 423-440.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Zheng
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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12
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Sun S, Yu F, Xu D, Zheng H, Li M. EZH2, a prominent orchestrator of genetic and epigenetic regulation of solid tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188700. [PMID: 35217116 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is regarded as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. The histone methyltransferase, Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), has been implicated in the carcinogenesis of numerous solid tumors. However, the underlying mechanism of EZH2 in cancer immunotherapeutic resistance remains unknown. EZH2 orchestrates the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Profound epigenetic and transcriptomic changes induced by EZH2 in tumor cells and immune cells mobilize the elements of the TME, leading to immune-suppressive activity of solid tumors. In this review, we summarized the dynamic functions of EZH2 on the different components of the TME, including tumor cells, T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. Several ongoing anti-tumor clinical trials using EZH2 inhibitors have also been included as translational perspectives. In conclusion, based combinational therapy to enable ICB could offer a survival benefit in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America; Department of Surgery, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Feng Yu
- Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Danying Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America; Department of Surgery, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America.
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13
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Montacchiesi G, Pace L. Epigenetics and CD8 + T cell memory. Immunol Rev 2021; 305:77-89. [PMID: 34923638 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Following antigen recognition, CD8+ T lymphocytes can follow different patterns of differentiation, with the generation of different subsets characterized by distinct phenotypes, functions, and migration properties. The changes of transcription factors activity and chromatin structure dynamics drive the functional differentiation and phenotypic heterogeneity of these T cell subsets, which include short-lived effectors, long-term survival of memory, and also dysfunctional exhausted T cells. Recent progress in the field has shed light on the key contribution of chromatin organization to control the T cell fate specification. In fact, the understanding of these processes has important implications for the development of new immunotherapy protocols and to design new vaccination strategies. Here, we review the current understanding of the contribution of chromatin architecture and transcription factor activity orchestrating the gene expression programs guiding the CD8+ T cell subset commitment. We will focus on epigenetic changes, acting sequentially or in combination, which control the transcriptional programs governing T cell plasticity, stability, and memory. New molecular insights into the mechanisms of maintenance of cellular memory and identity, favoring or impeding the reprogramming, will be discussed in the context of T cell memory differentiation in infection and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Montacchiesi
- Armenise-Harvard Immune Regulation Unit, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Turin, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS Candiolo (Turin), Turin, Italy.,University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luigia Pace
- Armenise-Harvard Immune Regulation Unit, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Turin, Italy.,University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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14
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Dutta A, Venkataganesh H, Love PE. New Insights into Epigenetic Regulation of T Cell Differentiation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123459. [PMID: 34943965 PMCID: PMC8700096 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immature CD4− CD8− thymocytes progress through several developmental steps in the thymus, ultimately emerging as mature CD4+ (helper) or CD8+ (cytotoxic) T cells. Activation of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the presence of specific cytokines results in the induction of transcriptional programs that result in their differentiation into effector or memory cells and in the case of CD4+ T cells, the adoption of distinct T-helper fates. Previous studies have shown that histone modification and DNA methylation play important roles in each of these events. More recently, the roles of specific epigenetic regulators in T cell differentiation have been clarified. The identification of the epigenetic modifications and modifiers that control mature T cell differentiation and specification has also provided further insights into how dysregulation of these processes can lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings that have provided new insights into epigenetic regulation of T cell differentiation in both mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avik Dutta
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.D.); (H.V.)
| | - Harini Venkataganesh
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.D.); (H.V.)
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Paul E. Love
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.D.); (H.V.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Pace L. Temporal and Epigenetic Control of Plasticity and Fate Decision during CD8 + T-Cell Memory Differentiation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2021; 13:a037754. [PMID: 33972365 PMCID: PMC8635004 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Immunological memory is a fundamental hallmark of the adaptive immune responses and one of the most relevant aspects of protective immunity. Our understanding of the processes of memory T-cell differentiation and maintenance of long-term immunity is continuously evolving, and recent advances highlight new regulatory networks and chromatin dynamic changes contributing to maintain T-cell identity and impeding the reprogramming of specific T-cell states. Here, the current understanding of the mechanisms that generate the diversity and the heterogeneity of CD8+ T-cell subsets will be discussed, focusing on the temporal and epigenetic mechanisms orchestrating the establishment and maintenance of distinct states of T-cell fate determination and functional commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigia Pace
- Armenise-Harvard Immune Regulation Unit, IIGM
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (TO) 10060, Italy
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16
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Huang J, Zhang J, Guo Z, Li C, Tan Z, Wang J, Yang J, Xue L. Easy or Not-The Advances of EZH2 in Regulating T Cell Development, Differentiation, and Activation in Antitumor Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:741302. [PMID: 34737746 PMCID: PMC8560704 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.741302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which regulates downstream gene expression by trimethylation of lysine 27 in histone H3 (H3K27me3). EZH2 mutations or overexpressions are associated with many types of cancer. As inhibition of EZH2 activity could upregulate the expression of tumor suppressor genes, EZH2 has recently become an interesting therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Moreover, accumulating evidence has shown that EZH2 may contribute to the regulation of immune cells, especially T cells. EZH2 regulates T cell development, differentiation, and function, suggesting that EZH2 also regulates immune homeostasis in addition to tumor suppressor genes. Moreover, EZH2 can regulate T cell fate by targeting non-T cell factors such as metabolism, cytokines, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The role of EZH2 in this process has not been fully addressed. This review discusses up-to-date research on EZH2-mediated regulation of immunological function and the progress of immunological therapeutic strategies based on this regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengyang Guo
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Tan
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianling Yang
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lixiang Xue
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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17
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Titelbaum M, Brant B, Baumel D, Burstein-Willensky A, Perez S, Barsheshet Y, Avni O. Ezh2 harnesses the intranuclear actin cytoskeleton to remodel chromatin in differentiating Th cells. iScience 2021; 24:103093. [PMID: 34622148 PMCID: PMC8479699 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Following their first interaction with the antigen, quiescent naive T-helper (Th; CD4+) cells enlarge, differentiate, and proliferate; these processes are accompanied by substantial epigenetic alterations. We showed previously that the epigenetic regulators the polycomb-group (PcG) proteins have a dual function as both positive and negative transcriptional regulators; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that during Th cell differentiation the methyltransferase activity of the PcG protein Ezh2 regulates post-transcriptionally inducible assembly of intranuclear actin filaments. These filaments are colocalized with the actin regulators Vav1 and WASp, vertically oriented to the T cell receptor, and intermingle with the chromatin fibers. Ezh2 and Vav1 are observed together at chromatin-actin intersections. Furthermore, the inducible assembly of nuclear actin filaments is required for chromatin spreading and nuclear growth. Altogether these findings delineate a model in which the epigenetic machinery orchestrates the dynamic mechanical force of the intranuclear cytoskeleton to reorganize chromatin during differentiation. Ezh2 regulates post-transcriptionally the inducible assembly of intranuclear F-actin F-actin is oriented toward the TCR and intermingled with the chromatin fibers F-actin is required for chromatin spreading and nuclear growth The epigenetic machinery harnesses intranuclear cytoskeleton to reorganize chromatin
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Affiliation(s)
- Moran Titelbaum
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Boris Brant
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Daniel Baumel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | | | - Shira Perez
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | | | - Orly Avni
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
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18
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Heterochromatin and Polycomb as regulators of haematopoiesis. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:805-814. [PMID: 33929498 PMCID: PMC8106494 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Haematopoiesis is the process by which multipotent haematopoietic stem cells are transformed into each and every type of terminally differentiated blood cell. Epigenetic silencing is critical for this process by regulating the transcription of cell-cycle genes critical for self-renewal and differentiation, as well as restricting alternative fate genes to allow lineage commitment and appropriate differentiation. There are two distinct forms of transcriptionally repressed chromatin: H3K9me3-marked heterochromatin and H3K27me3/H2AK119ub1-marked Polycomb (often referred to as facultative heterochromatin). This review will discuss the role of these distinct epigenetic silencing mechanisms in regulating normal haematopoiesis, how these contribute to age-related haematopoietic dysfunction, and the rationale for therapeutic targeting of these pathways in the treatment of haematological malignancies.
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19
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Chiara VD, Daxinger L, Staal FJT. The Route of Early T Cell Development: Crosstalk between Epigenetic and Transcription Factors. Cells 2021; 10:1074. [PMID: 33946533 PMCID: PMC8147249 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic multipotent progenitors seed the thymus and then follow consecutive developmental stages until the formation of mature T cells. During this process, phenotypic changes of T cells entail stage-specific transcriptional programs that underlie the dynamic progression towards mature lymphocytes. Lineage-specific transcription factors are key drivers of T cell specification and act in conjunction with epigenetic regulators that have also been elucidated as crucial players in the establishment of regulatory networks necessary for proper T cell development. In this review, we summarize the activity of transcription factors and epigenetic regulators that together orchestrate the intricacies of early T cell development with a focus on regulation of T cell lineage commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Della Chiara
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (V.D.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Lucia Daxinger
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (V.D.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Frank J. T. Staal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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20
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The Epigenetic Regulator EZH2 Instructs CD4 T Cell Response to Acute Viral Infection via Coupling of Cell Expansion and Metabolic Fitness. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01627-20. [PMID: 32999031 PMCID: PMC7925195 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01627-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The CD4 T cell response is critical in curtailing viral infection or eliciting efficacious viral vaccination. Highly efficient expansion of virus-specific CD4 T cells culminates in a qualified CD4 T cell response. Here, we found that the epigenetic regulator EZH2 is a prerequisite for the virus-specific CD4 T cell response, with a mechanism coupling cell expansion and metabolism. Thus, our study provides valuable insights for strategies targeting EZH2 to improve the efficacy of CD4 T cell-based viral vaccines and to help treat diseases associated with aberrant CD4 T cell responses. The protection of a majority of viral vaccines is mediated by CD4 T cell-dependent humoral immunity. The methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) dictates the differentiation of naive CD4 T cells into distinct effector T helper subsets at the onset of acute viral infection. However, whether and how EZH2 manipulates differentiated virus-specific CD4 T cell expansion remain to be elucidated. Here, we found that EZH2 is integral for virus-specific CD4 T cell expansion in a mouse model of acute viral infection. By a mechanism that involves fine-tuning the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, EZH2 participates in integrating metabolic pathways to support cell expansion. The genetic ablation of EZH2 leads to impaired cellular metabolism and, consequently, poor CD4 T cell response to acute viral infection. Thus, we identified EZH2 as a novel regulator in virus-specific CD4 T cell expansion during acute viral infection. IMPORTANCE The CD4 T cell response is critical in curtailing viral infection or eliciting efficacious viral vaccination. Highly efficient expansion of virus-specific CD4 T cells culminates in a qualified CD4 T cell response. Here, we found that the epigenetic regulator EZH2 is a prerequisite for the virus-specific CD4 T cell response, with a mechanism coupling cell expansion and metabolism. Thus, our study provides valuable insights for strategies targeting EZH2 to improve the efficacy of CD4 T cell-based viral vaccines and to help treat diseases associated with aberrant CD4 T cell responses.
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21
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Koss B, Shields BD, Taylor EM, Storey AJ, Byrum SD, Gies AJ, Washam CL, Choudhury SR, Hyun Ahn J, Uryu H, Williams JB, Krager KJ, Chiang TC, Mackintosh SG, Edmondson RD, Aykin-Burns N, Gajewski TF, Wang GG, Tackett AJ. Epigenetic Control of Cdkn2a.Arf Protects Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes from Metabolic Exhaustion. Cancer Res 2020; 80:4707-4719. [PMID: 33004350 PMCID: PMC7642172 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
T-cell exhaustion in cancer is linked to poor clinical outcomes, where evidence suggests T-cell metabolic changes precede functional exhaustion. Direct competition between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and cancer cells for metabolic resources often renders T cells dysfunctional. Environmental stress produces epigenome remodeling events within TIL resulting from loss of the histone methyltransferase EZH2. Here, we report an epigenetic mechanism contributing to the development of metabolic exhaustion in TIL. A multiomics approach revealed a Cdkn2a.Arf-mediated, p53-independent mechanism by which EZH2 inhibition leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and the resultant exhaustion. Reprogramming T cells to express a gain-of-function EZH2 mutant resulted in an enhanced ability of T cells to inhibit tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that manipulation of T-cell EZH2 within the context of cellular therapies may yield lymphocytes that are able to withstand harsh tumor metabolic environments and collateral pharmacologic insults. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate that manipulation of T-cell EZH2 in cellular therapies may yield cellular products able to withstand solid tumor metabolic-deficient environments. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/21/4707/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Koss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Bradley D Shields
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Erin M Taylor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Aaron J Storey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Allen J Gies
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Charity L Washam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Samrat Roy Choudhury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Jeong Hyun Ahn
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Hidetaka Uryu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jason B Williams
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kimberly J Krager
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Tung-Chin Chiang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Samuel G Mackintosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Rick D Edmondson
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Nukhet Aykin-Burns
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Thomas F Gajewski
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alan J Tackett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas
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22
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Shao FF, Chen BJ, Wu GQ. The functions of EZH2 in immune cells: Principles for novel immunotherapies. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 110:77-87. [PMID: 33040370 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1ru0520-311r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is aberrantly expressed or mutated in multiple types of cancer cells and plays an oncogenic role in tumorigenesis and development in most cancers. Results from pilot clinical studies have implied that EZH2 inhibitors have therapeutic potential against some cancers. However, the exact mechanisms by which EZH2 plays oncogenic roles and EZH2 inhibition exerts anticancer effects are incompletely understood. To date, the findings of studies focusing on EZH2 and cancer cells have failed to fully explain the observations in preclinical and clinical studies. Therefore, recent studies about the roles of EZH2 in cancers have shifted from cancer cells to immune cells. The human immune system is a complex network comprising multiple subpopulations of immune cells. Immune cells communicate and interact with cancer cells during cancer development and treatment, dictating the fate of cancer cells. Elucidating the roles of EZH2 in immune cells, especially in cancer patients, promises the identification of novel immunotherapeutic strategies or priming of existing immunotherapies against cancer. Hence, we reviewed the studies focusing on the involvement of EZH2 in various immune cells, aiming to provide ideas for immunotherapies targeting EZH2 in immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fei Shao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo-Jin Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guo-Qing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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23
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Stairiker CJ, Thomas GD, Salek-Ardakani S. EZH2 as a Regulator of CD8+ T Cell Fate and Function. Front Immunol 2020; 11:593203. [PMID: 33117406 PMCID: PMC7574680 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.593203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) that mediates di- and trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27 effectively precluding successful gene transcription at these loci. This class of epigenetic modifications facilitates the maintenance of tissue-specific cellular transcriptional programs as cells undergoing successive rounds of proliferation. CD8+ T cells are effective mediators of adaptive immunity and function to eliminate virus- and bacteria-infected cells as well as tumor cells. Upon recognition of cognate antigen, T cells undergo activation/proliferation to clear the target cells. The heterogeneous population of responding T cells formed during these proliferative events thus rely on epigenetic modifications to ensure identity and confer functional capabilities. In this review, we will focus on the role of the dynamic expression EZH2 in shaping the epigenetic landscape of CD8+ T cell fate and function, with a particular emphasis on infection and cancer. We also explore competing hypotheses pertaining to EZH2 function and the prospects of clinical EZH2 inhibitors in fine-tuning T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Stairiker
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Graham D Thomas
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Shahram Salek-Ardakani
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
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24
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The complex role of EZH2 in the tumor microenvironment: opportunities and challenges for immunotherapy combinations. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:1415-1430. [PMID: 32723083 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0072] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment occurs through epigenetic changes in both tumor cells and immune cells that alter transcriptional programs driving cell fate and cell function. Oncogenic activation of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 mediates gene expression changes, governing tumor immunogenicity as well as differentiation, survival and activation states of immune lineages. Emerging preclinical studies have highlighted the potential for EZH2 inhibitors to reverse epigenetic immune suppression in tumors and combine with immune checkpoint therapies. However, EZH2 activity is essential for the development of lymphoid cells, performing critical immune effector functions within tumors. In this review, we highlight the complexity of EZH2 function in immune regulation which may impact the implementation of combination with immunotherapy agents in clinic.
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25
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Nutt SL, Keenan C, Chopin M, Allan RS. EZH2 function in immune cell development. Biol Chem 2020; 401:933-943. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) consists of three core components EZH2, SUZ12 and EED. EZH2 catalyzes the methylation of lysine 27 of histone H3, a modification associated with gene silencing. Through gene duplication higher vertebrate genomes also encode a second partially redundant methyltransferase, EZH1. Within the mammalian immune system most research has concentrated on EZH2 which is expressed predominantly in proliferating cells. EZH2 and other PRC2 components are required for hematopoietic stem cell function and lymphocyte development, at least in part by repressing cell cycle inhibitors. At later stages of immune cell differentiation, EZH2 plays essential roles in humoral and cell-mediated adaptive immunity, as well as the maintenance of immune homeostasis. EZH2 is often overactive in cancers, through both gain-of-function mutations and over-expression, an observation that has led to the development and clinical testing of specific EZH2 inhibitors. Such inhibitors may also be of use in inflammatory and autoimmune settings, as EZH2 inhibition dampens the immune response. Here, we will review the current state of understanding of the roles for EZH2, and PRC2 more generally, in the development and function of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L. Nutt
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Christine Keenan
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Michaël Chopin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Rhys S. Allan
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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26
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Zhen Y, Smith RD, Finkelman FD, Shao WH. Ezh2-mediated epigenetic modification is required for allogeneic T cell-induced lupus disease. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:133. [PMID: 32503684 PMCID: PMC7275547 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), have not been fully elucidated. Some of these mechanisms involve epigenetic regulation of gene expression. The histone methyltransferase Ezh2 contributes to epigenetic regulation of gene expression, is highly expressed in germinal center (GC) B cells and follicular T helper (TFH) cells, and may be involved in lupus pathogenesis. METHODS The murine bm12 model of lupus-like chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of negatively isolated allogeneic CD4+ T cells. Lupus-like disease development was monitored by ELISA determination of serum anti-dsDNA and anti-chromatin antibody titers. Immune cell activation and Ezh2 expression were evaluated by flow cytometry and Western blotting. RESULTS Decreased autoantibody production and GC formation are observed when Ezh2-deficient CD4+ T cells are used instead of wild-type (WT) to induce cGVHD and when mice that receive allogeneic WT donor T cells to induce cGVHD are treated with GSK503, an Ezh2-specific inhibitor. In the bm12 cGVHD model, WT donor T cells are normally fully activated 1 week after infusion into an allogeneic host, exhibit a TFH cell (PD-1hi/CXCR5hi) phenotype with upregulated Ezh2, and activate B cells to form germinal centers (GCs). In contrast, Ezh2-deficient donor T cells generate fewer TFH cells that fail to activate B cells or promote GC formation. Despite similar T-independent, LPS-induced B cell responses, OVA-immunized CD4.Ezh2-KO mice had a skewed low-affinity IgM phenotype in comparison to similarly treated WT mice. In addition, early after OVA immunization, more CD4+ T cells from B6.CD4.Ezh2-KO mice had a CD44lo/CD62Llo phenotype, which suggests arrested or delayed activation, than CD4+ T cells from ovalbumin-immunized B6.WT mice. CONCLUSION Ezh2 gene deletion or pharmacological Ezh2 inhibition suppresses autoantibody production and GC formation in bm12 lupus-like cGVHD and decreases affinity maturation and isotype switching in response to immunization with a T cell-dependent antigen. Ezh2 inhibition may be useful for the treatment of lupus and other autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhen
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Roger D Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Fred D Finkelman
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.,Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Wen-Hai Shao
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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27
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Pace L, Amigorena S. Epigenetics of T cell fate decision. Curr Opin Immunol 2020; 63:43-50. [PMID: 32066083 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The changes of transcription factor activity and chromatin dynamics guide functional differentiation of T cell subsets, including commitment to short-lived effectors and long-term survival of memory T cells. Understanding the lineage relationships among the different stages of effector and memory differentiation has profound therapeutic implications for the development of new vaccine and immunotherapy protocols. Here we review the contribution of chromatin architecture to T cell specification, focusing on the interplay between epigenetic changes and transcriptional programs linked to T cell plasticity, commitment and memory. We will also discuss the translational implications of epigenetic control in the context of infections and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigia Pace
- Armenise-Harvard Immune Regulation Unit, IIGM, FPO-IRCCS Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
| | - Sebastian Amigorena
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France; INSERM U932, France.
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28
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Yang YX, Shen HH, Cao F, Xie LY, Zhu GL, Sam NB, Wang DG, Pan HF. Therapeutic potential of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 in autoimmune diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:1015-1030. [PMID: 31747802 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1696309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are idiopathic and heterogeneous disorders with contentious pathophysiology. Great strides have been made in epigenetics and its involvement in ADs. Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has sparked extensive interest because of its pleiotropic roles in distinct pathologic contexts.Areas covered: This review summarizes the epigenetic functions and the biological significance of EZH2 in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). A brief recapitulation of the therapeutic potential of EZH2 targeting is provided.Expert opinion: There are questions marks and controversies surrounding the feasibility and safety of EZH2 targeting; it is recommended in RA and SLE, but queried in T1D, IBD, MS, and SSc. Future work should focus on contrast studies, systematic analyses and preclinical studies with optimizing methodologies. Selective research studies conducted in a stage-dependent manner are necessary because of the relapsing-remitting clinical paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Xin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fan Cao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Liang-Yu Xie
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guang-Lin Zhu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Napoleon Bellua Sam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - De-Guang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
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29
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Li B, Chng WJ. EZH2 abnormalities in lymphoid malignancies: underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:118. [PMID: 31752930 PMCID: PMC6868783 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0814-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
EZH2 is the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which along with other PRC2 components mediates gene expression suppression via the methylation of Histone H3 at lysine 27. Recent studies have revealed a dichotomous role of EZH2 in physiology and in the pathogenesis of cancer. While it plays an essential role in the development of the lymphoid system, its deregulation, whether due to genetic or non-genetic causes, promotes B cell- and T cell-related lymphoma or leukemia. These findings triggered a boom in the development of therapeutic EZH2 inhibitors in recent years. Here, we discuss physiologic and pathogenic function of EZH2 in lymphoid context, various internal causes of EZH2 aberrance and how EZH2 modulates lymphomagenesis through epigenetic silencing, post-translational modifications (PTMs), orchestrating with surrounding tumor micro-environment and associating with RNA or viral partners. We also summarize different strategies to directly inhibit PRC2-EZH2 or to intervene EZH2 upstream signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boheng Li
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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30
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Cebula A, Kuczma M, Szurek E, Pietrzak M, Savage N, Elhefnawy WR, Rempala G, Kraj P, Ignatowicz L. Dormant pathogenic CD4 + T cells are prevalent in the peripheral repertoire of healthy mice. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4882. [PMID: 31653839 PMCID: PMC6814812 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12820-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic central tolerance eliminates most immature T cells with autoreactive T cell receptors (TCR) that recognize self MHC/peptide complexes. Regardless, an unknown number of autoreactive CD4+Foxp3- T cells escape negative selection and in the periphery require continuous suppression by CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory cells (Tregs). Here, we compare immune repertoires of Treg-deficient and Treg-sufficient mice to find Tregs continuously constraining one-third of mature CD4+Foxp3- cells from converting to pathogenic effectors in healthy mice. These dormant pathogenic clones frequently express TCRs activatable by ubiquitous autoantigens presented by class II MHCs on conventional dendritic cells, including self-peptides that select them in the thymus. Our data thus suggest that identification of most potentially autoreactive CD4+ T cells in the peripheral repertoire is critical to harness or redirect these cells for therapeutic advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cebula
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michal Kuczma
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Edyta Szurek
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maciej Pietrzak
- Mathematical Biosciences Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Natasha Savage
- Department of Pathology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Wessam R Elhefnawy
- Department of Computer Science, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Grzegorz Rempala
- Mathematical Biosciences Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Piotr Kraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Leszek Ignatowicz
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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31
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Byrum SD, Washam CL, Patterson JD, Vyas KK, Gilbert KM, Blossom SJ. Continuous Developmental and Early Life Trichloroethylene Exposure Promoted DNA Methylation Alterations in Polycomb Protein Binding Sites in Effector/Memory CD4 + T Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2016. [PMID: 31555266 PMCID: PMC6724578 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an industrial solvent and drinking water pollutant associated with CD4+ T cell-mediated autoimmunity. In our mouse model, discontinuation of TCE exposure during adulthood after developmental exposure did not prevent immunotoxicity. To determine whether persistent effects were linked to epigenetic changes we conducted whole genome reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to evaluate methylation of CpG sites in autosomal chromosomes in activated effector/memory CD4+ T cells. Female MRL+/+ mice were exposed to vehicle control or TCE in the drinking water from gestation until ~37 weeks of age [postnatal day (PND) 259]. In a subset of mice, TCE exposure was discontinued at ~22 weeks of age (PND 154). At PND 259, RRBS assessment revealed more global methylation changes in the continuous exposure group vs. the discontinuous exposure group. A majority of the differentially methylated CpG regions (DMRs) across promoters, islands, and regulatory elements were hypermethylated (~90%). However, continuous developmental TCE exposure altered the methylation of 274 CpG sites in promoters and CpG islands. In contrast, only 4 CpG island regions were differentially methylated (hypermethylated) in the discontinuous group. Interestingly, 2 of these 4 sites were also hypermethylated in the continuous exposure group, and both of these island regions are associated with lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27) involved in polycomb complex-dependent transcriptional repression via H3K27 tri-methylation. CpG sites were overlapped with the Open Regulatory Annotation database. Unlike the discontinuous group, continuous TCE treatment resulted in 129 DMRs including 12 unique transcription factors and regulatory elements; 80% of which were enriched for one or more polycomb group (PcG) protein binding regions (i.e., SUZ12, EZH2, JARID2, and MTF2). Pathway analysis of the DMRs indicated that TCE primarily altered the methylation of genes associated with regulation of cellular metabolism and cell signaling. The results demonstrated that continuous developmental exposure to TCE differentially methylated binding sites of PcG proteins in effector/memory CD4+ cells. There were minimal yet potentially biologically significant effects that occurred when exposure was discontinued. These results point toward a novel mechanism by which chronic developmental TCE exposure may alter terminally differentiated CD4+ T cell function in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Charity L Washam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - John D Patterson
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Kanan K Vyas
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Kathleen M Gilbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Sarah J Blossom
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
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32
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Shen H, Yang ESH, Conry M, Fiveash J, Contreras C, Bonner JA, Shi LZ. Predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint blockade and opportunities for combination therapies. Genes Dis 2019; 6:232-246. [PMID: 32042863 PMCID: PMC6997608 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade therapies (ICBs) are a prominent breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy in recent years (named the 2013 “Breakthrough of the Year” by the Science magazine). Thus far, FDA-approved ICBs primarily target immune checkpoints CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1. Notwithstanding their impressive long-term therapeutic benefits, their efficacy is limited to a small subset of cancer patients. In addition, ICBs induce inadvertent immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and can be costly for long-term use. To overcome these limitations, two strategies are actively being pursued: identification of predictive biomarkers for clinical response to ICBs and multi-pronged combination therapies. Biomarkers will allow clinicians to practice a precision medicine approach in ICBs (biomarker-based patient selection) such as treating triple-negative breast cancer patients that exhibit PD-L1 staining of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in ≥1% of the tumor area with nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)–paclitaxel plus anti-PD-L1 and treating patients of MSI-H or MMR deficient unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1). Importantly, the insights gained from these biomarker studies can guide rational combinatorial strategies such as CDK4/6 inhibitor/fractionated radiotherapy/HDACi in conjunction with ICBs to maximize therapeutic benefits. Further, with the rapid technological advents (e.g., ATCT-Seq), we predict more reliable biomarkers will be identified, which in turn will inspire more promising combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Eddy Shih-Hsin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Marty Conry
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - John Fiveash
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Carlo Contreras
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - James A Bonner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Lewis Zhichang Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.,Department of Microbiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.,Program in Immunology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
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33
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Li H, Wen Y, Wu S, Chen D, Luo X, Xu R, Ma R, Wen W. Epigenetic Modification of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Modulates the Activation of Dendritic Cells in Allergen Immunotherapy. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2019; 180:120-127. [DOI: 10.1159/000500882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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34
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Bosselut R. Control of Intra-Thymic αβ T Cell Selection and Maturation by H3K27 Methylation and Demethylation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:688. [PMID: 31001282 PMCID: PMC6456692 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to transcription factor binding, the dynamics of DNA modifications (methylation) and chromatin structure are essential contributors to the control of transcription in eukaryotes. Research in the past few years has emphasized the importance of histone H3 methylation at lysine 27 for lineage specific gene repression, demonstrated that deposition of this mark at specific genes is subject to differentiation-induced changes during development, and identified enzymatic activities, methyl transferases and demethylases, that control these changes. The present review discusses the importance of these mechanisms during intrathymic αβ T cell selection and late differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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35
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Targeting DNA Methylation and EZH2 Activity to Overcome Melanoma Resistance to Immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2019; 40:328-344. [PMID: 30853334 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Methylation of DNA at CpG sites is the most common and stable of epigenetic changes in cancer. Hypermethylation acts to limit immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy by inhibiting endogenous interferon responses needed for recognition of cancer cells. By contrast, global hypomethylation results in the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and inhibitory cytokines, accompanied by epithelial-mesenchymal changes that can contribute to immunosuppression. The drivers of these contrasting methylation states are not well understood. DNA methylation also plays a key role in cytotoxic T cell 'exhaustion' associated with tumor progression. We present an updated exploratory analysis of how DNA methylation may define patient subgroups and can be targeted to develop tailored treatment combinations to help improve patient outcomes.
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36
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The histone methyltransferase EZH2 primes the early differentiation of follicular helper T cells during acute viral infection. Cell Mol Immunol 2019; 17:247-260. [PMID: 30842630 PMCID: PMC7052164 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-019-0219-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications to histones dictate the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into different subsets of effector T helper (TH) cells. The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been implicated in the mechanism regulating the differentiation of TH1, TH2 and regulatory T (Treg) cells. However, whether and how EZH2 regulates follicular helper T (TFH) cell differentiation remain unknown. Using a mouse model of acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, we observed abundant EZH2 expression and associated H3K27me3 modifications preferentially in the early committed virus-specific TFH cells compared to those in TH1 cells. Ablation of EZH2 in LCMV-specific CD4+ T cells leads to a selective impairment of early TFH cell fate commitment, but not late TFH differentiation or memory TFH maintenance. Mechanistically, EZH2 specifically stabilizes the chromatin accessibility of a cluster of genes that are important for TFH fate commitment, particularly B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6), and thus directs TFH cell commitment. Therefore, we identified the chromatin-modifying enzyme EZH2 as a novel regulator of early TFH differentiation during acute viral infection.
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37
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Gaballa JM, Braga Neto MB, Ramos GP, Bamidele AO, Gonzalez MM, Sagstetter MR, Sarmento OF, Faubion WA. The Role of Histone Methyltransferases and Long Non-coding RNAs in the Regulation of T Cell Fate Decisions. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2955. [PMID: 30619315 PMCID: PMC6300512 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell lineage decisions are critical for the development of proper immune responses to pathogens as well as important for the resolution of inflammatory responses. This differentiation process relies on a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors converging upon epigenetic regulation of transcriptional networks relevant to specific T cell lineages. As these biochemical modifications represent therapeutic opportunities in cancer biology and autoimmunity, implications of writers and readers of epigenetic marks to immune cell differentiation and function are highly relevant. Given the ready adoption of histone methyltransferase inhibitors in the clinic, we focus this review on the role of three histone modifying complexes: PRC-1, PRC-2, and G9A in modulating T cell fate decisions. Furthermore, we explore the role of long non-coding RNAs in regulating these processes, and discuss recent advances and challenges of implementing epigenetic therapies into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Gaballa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | | | - Adebowale O Bamidele
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Michelle M Gonzalez
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mary R Sagstetter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Olga F Sarmento
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - William A Faubion
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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