Microvascular thrombosis and CD40/CD40L signaling

Betulinic acid mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal injury of weaned piglets through modulation of the mitochondrial quality control

Intestinal injury of weaned piglets often leads to reduced immunity, diarrhea and growth retardation, resulting in significant economic losses to agriculture. Betulinic acid (BA) is a natural plant-derived active ingredient with multiple pharmacological activities including immune modulation and anti-inflammatory. This study was aimed to investigate the potential mechanism that BA as a feed additive mitigated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal injury in piglets. The results indicated that BA pretreatment improved the morphology and structure of the intestine, enhanced intestinal mucosal barrier function, and activated the PPAR signaling pathway to reduce the mRNA levels of intestinal CD40 and CXCL13. Meanwhile, BA pretreatment improved the LPS-induced disruption of intestinal microbiota by increasing the abundance of the Firmicutes and decreasing the abundance of the Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria. Furthermore, BA pretreatment activated the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis, restored a balance to mitochondrial dynamics, and modulated the PINK1/Parkin, BNIP3 and FUNDC1 signaling pathways to activate mitophagy, thereby alleviating LPS-induced intestinal injury. Overall, the present study elucidated that dietary supplementation with BA could alleviate LPS-induced intestinal injury in weaned piglets by regulating mitochondrial quality control, which provided a novel approach for alleviating intestinal stress in weaned piglets.

Modulating Immune Responses: The Double-Edged Sword of Platelet CD40L

The CD40-CD40L receptor ligand pair plays a fundamental role in the modulation of the innate as well as the adaptive immune response, regulating monocyte, T and B cell activation, and antibody isotype switching. Although the expression and function of the CD40-CD40L dyad is mainly attributed to the classical immune cells, the majority of CD40L is expressed by activated platelets, either in a membrane-bound form or shed as soluble molecules in the circulation. Platelet-derived CD40L is involved in the communication with different immune cell subpopulations and regulates their functions effectively. Thus, platelet CD40L contributes to the containment and clearance of bacterial and viral infections, and additionally guides leukocytes to sites of infection. However, platelet CD40L promotes inflammatory cellular responses also in a pathophysiological context. For example, in HIV infections, platelet CD40L is supportive of neuronal inflammation, damage, and finally HIV-related dementia. In sepsis, platelet CD40L can induce extensive endothelial and epithelial damage resulting in barrier dysfunction of the gut, whereby the translocation of microbiota into the circulation further aggravates the uncontrolled systemic inflammation. Nevertheless, a distinct platelet subpopulation expressing CD40L under septic conditions can attenuate systemic inflammation and reduce mortality in mice. This review focuses on recent findings in the field of platelet CD40L biology and its physiological and pathophysiological implications, and thereby highlights platelets as vital immune cells that are essential for a proper immune surveillance. In this context, platelet CD40L proves to be an interesting target for various inflammatory diseases. However, either an agonism or a blockade of CD40L needs to be well balanced since both the approaches can cause severe adverse events, ranging from hyperinflammation to immune deficiency. Thus, an interference in CD40L activities should be likely done in a context-dependent and timely restricted manner.

Oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans promotes tumor metastasis through thrombosis formation

Thrombosis is a well-known cardiovascular disease (CVD) complication that has caused death in many patients with cancer. Oral bacteria have been reported to contribute to systemic diseases, including CVDs, and tumor metastasis. However, whether oral bacteria-induced thrombosis induces tumor metastasis remains poorly understood. In this study, the cariogenic oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans was used to examine thrombosis in vitro and in vivo. Investigation of tumor metastasis to the lungs was undertaken by intravenous S. mutans implantation using a murine breast cancer metastasis model. The results indicated that platelet activation, aggregation, and coagulation were significantly altered in S. mutans-stimulated endothelial cells (ECs), with elevated neutrophil migration, thereby inducing thrombosis formation. Streptococcus mutans stimulation significantly enhances platelet and tumor cell adhesion to the inflamed ECs. Furthermore, S. mutans-induced pulmonary thrombosis promotes breast cancer cell metastasis to the lungs in vivo, which can be reduced by using aspirin, an antiplatelet drug. Our findings indicate that oral bacteria promote tumor metastasis through thrombosis formation. Oral health management is important to prevent CVDs, tumor metastasis, and their associated death.

Mechanisms of COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Thrombosis: A Narrative Review

COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is frequently associated with pulmonary thrombotic events, especially in hospitalized patients. Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by a proinflammatory state and an associated disbalance in hemostasis. Immune pathology analysis supports the inflammatory nature of pulmonary arterial thrombi composed of white blood cells, especially neutrophils, CD3+ and CD20+ lymphocytes, fibrin, red blood cells, and platelets. Immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and the complement system are key drivers of immunothrombosis, as they induce the damage of endothelial cells and initiate proinflammatory and procoagulant positive feedback loops. Neutrophil extracellular traps induced by COVID-19-associated "cytokine storm", platelets, red blood cells, and coagulation pathways close the inflammation-endotheliopathy-thrombosis axis, contributing to SARS-CoV-2-associated pulmonary thrombotic events. The hypothesis of immunothrombosis is also supported by the minor role of venous thromboembolism with chest CT imaging data showing peripheral blood clots associated with inflammatory lesions and the high incidence of thrombotic events despite routine thromboprophylaxis. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind COVID-19-induced pulmonary thrombosis will lead to future combination therapies for hospitalized patients with severe disease that would target the crossroads of inflammatory and coagulation pathways.

siRNA against CD40 delivered via a fungal recognition receptor ameliorates murine acute graft-versus-host disease

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) remains a major threat to a successful outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Although antibody-based targeting of the CD40/CD40 ligand costimulatory pathway can prevent aGvHD, side effects hampered their clinical application, prompting a need for other ways to interfere with this important dendritic T-cell costimulatory pathway. Here, we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) complexed with β-glucan allowing the binding and uptake of the siRNA/β-glucan complex (siCD40/schizophyllan [SPG]; chemical modifications called NJA-312, NJA-302, and NJA-515) into Dectin1+ cells, which recognize this pathogen-associated molecular pattern receptor. aGvHD was induced by the transplantation of splenocytes and bone marrow cells from C57BL/6J into CBF1 mice. Splenic dendritic cells retained Dectin1 expression after HSCT but showed lower expression after irradiation. The administration of siCD40/SPG, NJA-312, and NJA-302 ameliorated aGvHD-mediated lethality and tissue damage of spleen and liver, but not skin. Multiple NJA-312high injections prevented aGvHD but resulted in early weight loss in allogeneic HSCT mice. In addition, NJA-312 treatment caused delayed initial donor T and B-cell recovery but resulted in stable chimerism in surviving mice. Mechanistically, NJA-312 reduced organ damage by suppressing CCR2+, F4/80+, and IL17A-expressing cell accumulation in spleen, liver, and thymus but not the skin of mice with aGvHD. Our work demonstrates that siRNA targeting of CD40 delivered via the PAMP-recognizing lectin Dectin1 changes the immunological niche, suppresses organ-specific murine aGvHD, and induces immune tolerance after organ transplantation. Our work charts future directions for therapeutic interventions to modulate tissue-specific immune reactions using Pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) molecules like 1,3-β-glucan for cell delivery of siRNA.

Testosterone-to-estradiol ratio and platelet thromboxane release in ischemic heart disease: the EVA project

BACKGROUND

Data on the interplay between sexual hormones balance, platelet function and clinical outcomes of adults with ischemic heart disease (IHD) are still lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between the Testosterone (T)-to-Estradiol (E2) Ratio (T/E2) and platelet activation biomarkers in IHD and its predictive value on adverse outcomes.

METHODS

The EVA study is a prospective observational study of consecutive hospitalized adults with IHD undergoing coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary interventions. Serum T/E2 ratios E2, levels of thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and nitrates (NO), were measured at admission and major adverse events, including all-cause mortality, were collected during a long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 509 adults with IHD (mean age 67 ± 11 years, 30% females), males were older with a more adverse cluster of cardiovascular risk factors than females. Acute coronary syndrome and non-obstructive coronary artery disease were more prevalent in females versus males. The lower sex-specific T/E2 ratios identified adults with the highest level of serum TxB2 and the lowest NO levels. During a median follow-up of 23.7 months, the lower sex-specific T/E2 was associated with higher all-cause mortality (HR 3.49; 95% CI 1.24-9.80; p = 0.018). In in vitro, platelets incubated with T/E2 ratios comparable to those measured in vivo in the lowest quartile showed increased platelet activation as indicated by higher levels of aggregation and TxB2 production.

CONCLUSION

Among adults with IHD, higher T/E2 ratio was associated with a lower long-term risk of fatal events. The effect of sex hormones on the platelet thromboxane release may partially explain such finding.

Advances and Challenges in Biomarkers Use for Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction: From Bench to Clinical Practice

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is related to a broad variety of clinical scenarios in which cardiac microvasculature is morphologically and functionally affected, and it is associated with impaired responses to vasoactive stimuli. Although the prevalence of CMD involves about half of all patients with chronic coronary syndromes and more than 20% of those with acute coronary syndrome, the diagnosis of CMD is often missed, leading to the underestimation of its clinical importance. The established and validated techniques for the measurement of coronary microvascular function are invasive and expensive. An ideal method to assess endothelial dysfunction should be accurate, non-invasive, cost-effective and accessible. There are varieties of biomarkers available, potentially involved in microvascular disease, but none have been extensively validated in this heterogeneous clinical population. The investigation of potential biomarkers linked to microvascular dysfunction might improve the assessment of the diagnosis, risk stratification, disease progression and therapy response. This review article offers an update about traditional and novel potential biomarkers linked to CMD.

Shedding Light on Hemostasis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have an increased risk of thrombosis, possibly due to changes in blood cells and molecules involved in hemostasis. They have increased platelet counts and reactivity as well as increased platelet-derived large extracellular vesicles. Coagulation is continuously activated in patients with IBD, based on measured markers of thrombin generation, and the anticoagulant functions of endothelial cells are damaged. Furthermore, fibrinogen is increased and fibrin clots are denser. However, pathogenesis of thrombosis in patients with IBD appears to differ from that of patients without IBD. Patients with IBD also take drugs that might contribute to risk of thrombosis, complicating the picture. We review the features of homeostasis that are altered in patients with IBD and possible mechanisms of this relationship.

COVID-19, neutrophil extracellular traps and vascular complications in obstetric practice

An issue of the novel coronavirus infection spreading is currently in the first place among others in the list of the international medical community. Due to lack of information, conflicting research findings, multicomponent effect of the virus on the body host, as well as various consequences that the virus triggers in the body, now every medical specialty does study the viral attack pathogenesis. Recent months showed that vascular complications are the most severe in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and are the main cause of death in the patients. The mechanisms of vascular complications are complex and affect both the hemostatic system and immune responses, "inflammatory storm", disorders of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endotheliopathy, etc. Due to the leading role of vascular complications in the viral infection pathogenesis, several groups of patients are at extra risk, including pregnant women, patients with a burdened obstetric history, with hereditary thrombophilia and antiphospholipid syndrome, and patients after in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this category of pregnant women, use of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) is particularly important for both prevention of vascular and obstetric complications, and for pathogenetic therapy of COVID-19.

Targeting AnxA1/Formyl Peptide Receptor 2 Pathway Affords Protection against Pathological Thrombo-Inflammation

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally and is associated with a number of co-morbidities including sepsis and sickle cell disease (SCD). Despite thrombo-inflammation underlying these co-morbidities, its pathogenesis remains complicated and drug discovery programs aimed at reducing and resolving the detrimental effects remain a major therapeutic challenge. The objective of this study was to assess whether the anti-inflammatory pro-resolving protein Annexin A1 (AnxA1) was able to reduce inflammation-induced thrombosis and suppress platelet activation and thrombus formation in the cerebral microvasculature. Using two distinct models of pathological thrombo-inflammation (lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and sickle transgenic mice (STM)), thrombosis was induced in the murine brain using photoactivation (light/dye) coupled with intravital microscopy. The heightened inflammation-induced microvascular thrombosis present in these two distinct thrombo-inflammatory models was inhibited significantly by the administration of AnxA1 mimetic peptide AnxA1_Ac2-26 (an effect more pronounced in the SCD model vs. the endotoxin model) and mediated by the key resolution receptor, Fpr2/ALX. Furthermore, AnxA1_Ac2-26 treatment was able to hamper platelet aggregation by reducing platelet stimulation and aggregation (by moderating α_IIbβ₃ and P-selectin). These findings suggest that targeting the AnxA1/Fpr2/ALX pathway represents an attractive novel treatment strategy for resolving thrombo-inflammation, counteracting e.g., stroke in high-risk patient cohorts.

ESC Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology and Microcirculation position paper on 'coronary microvascular dysfunction in cardiovascular disease'

Although myocardial ischaemia usually manifests as a consequence of atherosclerosis-dependent obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease, a significant percentage of patients suffer ischaemic events in the absence of epicardial coronary artery obstruction. Experimental and clinical evidence highlight the abnormalities of the coronary microcirculation as a main cause of myocardial ischaemia in patients with 'normal or near normal' coronary arteries on angiography. Coronary microvascular disturbances have been associated with early stages of atherosclerosis even prior to any angiographic evidence of epicardial coronary stenosis, as well as to other cardiac pathologies such as myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure. The main objectives of the manuscript are (i) to provide updated evidence in our current understanding of the pathophysiological consequences of microvascular dysfunction in the heart; (ii) to report on the current knowledge on the relevance of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbid conditions for microcirculatory dysfunction; and (iii) to evidence the relevance of the clinical consequences of microvascular dysfunction. Highlighting the clinical importance of coronary microvascular dysfunction will open the field for research and the development of novel strategies for intervention will encourage early detection of subclinical disease and will help in the stratification of cardiovascular risk in agreement with the new concept of precision medicine.

The double edge of anti-CD40 siRNA therapy: It increases renal microcapillar density but favours the generation of an inflammatory milieu in the kidneys of ApoE -/- mice

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with endothelial dysfunctions thus prompting links between microcirculation (MC), inflammation and major cardiovascular risk factors.

Purpose of the study

We have previously reported that siRNA-silencing of CD40 (siCD40) reduced atherosclerosis (ATH) progression. Here, we have deepened on the effects of the siCD40 treatment by evaluating retrospectively, in stored kidneys from the siCD40 treated ApoE^−/− mice, the renal microcirculation (measured as the density of peritubular capillaries), macrophage infiltration and NF-κB activation.

Methods

Kidneys were isolated after 16 weeks of treatment with the anti-CD40 siRNA (siCD40), with a scrambled control siRNA (siSC) or with PBS (Veh. group). Renal endothelium, infiltrating macrophages and activated NF-κB in endothelium were identified by immunohistochemistry, while the density of stained peritubular capillaries was quantified by image analysis.

Results

ATH was associated with a reduction in renal MC, an effect reversed by the anti-CD40 siRNA treatment (3.8 ± 2.7% in siCD40; vs. 1.8 ± 0.1% in siSC; or 1.9 ± 1.6% in Veh.; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, siCD40 treatment reduced the number of infiltrating macrophages compared to the SC group (14.1 ± 5.9 cells/field in siCD40; vs. 37.1 ± 17.8 cells/field in siSC; and 1.3 ± 1.7 cells/field in Veh.; p = 0.001). NF-κB activation also peaked in the siSC group, showing lower levels in the siCD40 and Veh. groups (63 ± 60 positive cells/section in siCD40; vs. 152 ± 44 positive cells/section in siSC; or 26 ± 29 positive cells/section in veh.; p = 0.014). Lastly, serum creatinine was also increased in the siCD40 (3.4 ± 3.3 mg/dL) and siSC (4.6 ± 3.0 mg/dL) groups when compared with Veh. (1.1 ± 0.9 mg/dL, p = 0.1).

Conclusions

Anti-CD40 siRNA therapy significantly increased the density of peritubular capillaries and decreased renal inflammation in the ATH model. These data provide a physiological basis for the development of renal diseases in patients with ATH. Furthermore, our results also highligth renal off-target effects of the siRNA treatment which are discussed.

Graphical abstract

Neutrophils promote venular thrombosis by shaping the rheological environment for platelet aggregation

In advanced inflammatory disease, microvascular thrombosis leads to the interruption of blood supply and provokes ischemic tissue injury. Recently, intravascularly adherent leukocytes have been reported to shape the blood flow in their immediate vascular environment. Whether these rheological effects are relevant for microvascular thrombogenesis remains elusive. Employing multi-channel in vivo microscopy, analyses in microfluidic devices, and computational modeling, we identified a previously unanticipated role of leukocytes for microvascular clot formation in inflamed tissue. For this purpose, neutrophils adhere at distinct sites in the microvasculature where these immune cells effectively promote thrombosis by shaping the rheological environment for platelet aggregation. In contrast to larger (lower-shear) vessels, this process in high-shear microvessels does not require fibrin generation or extracellular trap formation, but involves GPIbα-vWF and CD40-CD40L-dependent platelet interactions. Conversely, interference with these cellular interactions substantially compromises microvascular clotting. Thus, leukocytes shape the rheological environment in the inflamed venular microvasculature for platelet aggregation thereby effectively promoting the formation of blood clots. Targeting this specific crosstalk between the immune system and the hemostatic system might be instrumental for the prevention and treatment of microvascular thromboembolic pathologies, which are inaccessible to invasive revascularization strategies.

Platelet CD40 ligand and bleeding during P2Y12 inhibitor treatment in acute coronary syndrome

Antiplatelet therapy through inhibition of the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)/P2Y12 pathway is commonly used in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Although efficient in preventing platelet activation and thrombus formation, it increases the risk of bleeding complications. In patients with ACS receiving platelet aggregation inhibitors, that is, P2Y12 blockers (n = 923), we investigated the relationship between plasma and platelet-associated CD40L levels and bleeding events (n = 71). Treatment with P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with ACS did not affect plasma-soluble CD40L levels, but decreased platelet CD40L surface expression (pCD40L) and platelet-released CD40L (rCD40L) levels in response to stimulation as compared to healthy controls. In vitro inhibition of the ADP pathway in healthy control platelets reduced both pCD40L and rCD40L levels. In a multivariable analysis, the reduced pCD40L level observed in ACS patients was significantly associated with the risk of bleeding occurrence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.15; 95% confidence interval = 0.034-0.67). P2Y12 inhibitor-treated (ticagrelor) mice exhibited a 2.5-fold increase in tail bleeding duration compared with controls. A significant reduction in bleeding duration was observed on CD40L+/+ but not CD40L-/- platelet infusion. In addition, CD40L blockade in P2Y12 inhibitor-treated blood samples from a healthy human reduced thrombus growth over immobilized collagen under arterial flow. In conclusion, measurement of pCD40L may offer a novel approach to assessing bleeding risk in patients with ACS who are being treated with P2Y12 inhibitors.

CD40 ligand deficiency: treatment strategies and novel therapeutic perspectives

INTRODUCTION

CD40 ligand (CD40L) deficiency or X-linked Hyper-IgM syndrome is a severe primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the CD40L gene. Despite currently available treatments, CD40L-deficient patients remain susceptible to life-threatening infections and have poor long term survival. Areas covered: Here, we discuss clinical and immunological characteristics of CD40L deficiency as well as current therapeutic strategies used for patient management. This review highlights that beyond B cell defects, patients' susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens might be due to impaired T cell and innate immune responses. In this context, we discuss how better knowledge of CD40L function and regulation may result in the development of new treatments. Expert opinion: Despite the introduction of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, immunoglobulin replacement, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration, and prophylactic antibiotic therapies, life-threatening infections still cause high morbidity and mortality among CD40L-deficient patients. The reasons for this inadequate response to current therapies remains poorly understood, but recent reports suggest the involvement of CD40L-CD40 interaction in early stages of the innate immune system ontogeny. The development of novel gene therapeutic approaches and the use of redirected immunotherapies represent alternative treatment methods that could offer reduced morbidity and mortality rates for patients with CD40L deficiency.

The isothiocyanate sulforaphane modulates platelet function and protects against cerebral thrombotic dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Platelet activation provides a critical link between inflammation and thrombosis. Sulforaphane (SFN), a naturally occurring isothiocyanate, has been shown to display both anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic actions in the systemic microvasculature. As inflammation promotes thrombosis and vice versa, in this study we investigated whether SFN is able to reduce inflammatory potentiation of thrombotic events, suppress platelet activation and thrombus formation in the cerebral microvasculature.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Thrombosis was induced in the murine brain using the light/dye-injury model, in conjunction with LPS treatment, with and without SFN treatment. In vitro and in vivo platelet assays (aggregation, flow and other functional tests) were also employed, using both human and murine platelets.

KEY RESULTS

SFN was found to reduce LPS-mediated enhancement of thrombus formation in the cerebral microcirculation. In tail-bleed experiments, LPS treatment prolonged bleeding time, and SFN treatment was found to protect against this LPS-induced derangement of platelet function. SFN inhibited collagen-mediated platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo and the associated adhesion and impaired calcium signalling. Furthermore, glycoprotein VI was shown to be involved in the protective effects observed with SFN treatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The data presented here provide evidence for the use of SFN in preventing stroke in selected high-risk patient cohorts.

Biomarkers of Inflammation, Thrombogenesis, and Collagen Turnover in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are any differences in the levels of inflammatory, thrombotic, and collagen turnover biomarkers between individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) and healthy volunteers. Circulating plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), CD40-ligand (CD40-L), nucleosomes (which are indicators of cell death), C-reactive protein (CRP), procollagen III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP), procollagen III C-terminal propeptide (PIIICP), procollagen I N-terminal propeptide, tissue plasminogen activator, and von Willebrand factor were analyzed as potential biomarkers of AF. Baseline plasma was collected from patients with AF prior to ablation surgery at Loyola University Medical Center. Individuals with AF had statistically significantly increased levels of PAI-1, CD40-L, and nucleosomes, when compared to the normal population (P < .0001). Additionally, there was a statistically significant increase in the CRP (P = .01), PIIINP (P = .04), and PIIICP (P = .0008) when compared to normal individuals. From this study, it is concluded that the prothrombotic, inflammatory, and collagen turnover biomarkers PAI-1, CD40-L, nucleosomes, CRP, PIIICP, and PIIINP are elevated in AF.

A critical role for both CD40 and VLA5 in angiotensin II-mediated thrombosis and inflammation

Angiotensin II (Ang-II)-induced hypertension is associated with accelerated thrombus formation in arterioles and leukocyte recruitment in venules. The mechanisms that underlie the prothrombotic and proinflammatory responses to chronic Ang-II administration remain poorly understood. We evaluated the role of CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) signaling in Ang-II-mediated microvascular responses and assessed whether and how soluble CD40L (sCD40L) contributes to this response. Intravital video microscopy was performed to analyze leukocyte recruitment and dihydrorhodamine-123 oxidation in postcapillary venules. Thrombus formation in cremaster muscle arterioles was induced by using the light/dye endothelial cell injury model. Wild-type (WT), CD40^-/-, and CD40L^-/- mice received Ang-II for 14 d via osmotic minipumps. Some mice were treated with either recombinant sCD40L or the VLA5 (very late antigen 5; α5β1) antagonist, ATN-161. Our results demonstrate that CD40^-/-, CD40L^-/-, and WT mice that were treated with ATN-161 were protected against the thrombotic and inflammatory effects of Ang-II infusion. Infusion of sCD40L into CD40^-/- or CD40L^-/- mice restored the prothrombotic effect of Ang-II infusion. Mice that were treated with ATN-161 and infused with sCD40L were protected against accelerated thrombosis. Collectively, these novel findings suggest that the mechanisms that underlie Ang-II-dependent thrombotic and inflammatory responses link to the signaling of CD40L via both CD40 and VLA5.-Senchenkova, E. Y., Russell, J., Vital, S. A., Yildirim, A., Orr, A. W., Granger, D. N., Gavins, F. N. E. A critical role for both CD40 and VLA5 in angiotensin II-mediated thrombosis and inflammation.

CD40L and Its Receptors in Atherothrombosis-An Update

CD40L (CD154), a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, is a co-stimulatory molecule that was first discovered on activated T cells. Beyond its fundamental role in adaptive immunity-ligation of CD40L to its receptor CD40 is a prerequisite for B cell activation and antibody production-evidence from more than two decades has expanded our understanding of CD40L as a powerful modulator of inflammatory pathways. Although inhibition of CD40L with neutralizing antibodies has induced life-threatening side effects in clinical trials, the discovery of cell-specific effects and novel receptors with distinct functional consequences has opened a new path for therapies that specifically target detrimental properties of CD40L. Here, we carefully evaluate the signaling network of CD40L by gene enrichment analysis and its cell-specific expression, and thoroughly discuss its role in cardiovascular pathologies with a specific emphasis on atherosclerotic and thrombotic disease.

CSF-1R-Dependent Lethal Hepatotoxicity When Agonistic CD40 Antibody Is Given before but Not after Chemotherapy

Cancer immunotherapies are increasingly effective in the clinic, especially immune checkpoint blockade delivered to patients who have T cell-infiltrated tumors. Agonistic CD40 mAb promotes stromal degradation and, in combination with chemotherapy, drives T cell infiltration and de novo responses against tumors, rendering resistant tumors susceptible to current immunotherapies. Partnering anti-CD40 with different treatments is an attractive approach for the next phase of cancer immunotherapies, with a number of clinical trials using anti-CD40 combinations ongoing, but the optimal therapeutic regimens with anti-CD40 are not well understood. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is classically resistant to immunotherapy and lacks baseline T cell infiltration. In this study, we used a tumor cell line derived from a genetically engineered mouse model of PDA to investigate alterations in the sequence of anti-CD40 and chemotherapy as an approach to enhance pharmacological delivery of chemotherapy. Unexpectedly, despite our previous studies showing anti-CD40 treatment after chemotherapy is safe in both mice and patients with PDA, we report in this article that anti-CD40 administration <3 d in advance of chemotherapy is lethal in more than half of treated C57BL/6 mice. Anti-CD40 treatment 2 or 3 d before chemotherapy resulted in significantly increased populations of both activated myeloid cells and macrophages and lethal hepatotoxicity. Liver damage was fully abrogated when macrophage activation was blocked using anti-CSF-1R mAb. These studies highlight the dual nature of CD40 in activating both macrophages and T cell responses, and the need for preclinical investigation of optimal anti-CD40 treatment regimens for safe design of clinical trials.

Immune-mediated and lipid-mediated platelet function in atherosclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Detailed knowledge of the mechanisms of atherosclerosis, the main underlying disease of CVD, will enable improved preventive and therapeutic options, thus potentially limiting the burden of vascular disease in aging societies. A large body of evidence illustrates the contribution of platelets to processes beyond their traditionally recognized role as mediators in thrombosis and hemostasis. Recent advances in molecular biology help to understand the complexity of atherosclerosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

This article outlines the role of platelets as modulators of immune responses in the context of atherosclerosis. It provides a short overview of interactions between platelets and endothelial cells or immune cells via direct cell contact or soluble factors during atherogenesis. By means of some well examined, exemplary pathways (e.g. CD40/CD40L dyad), this article will discuss recent discoveries in immune-related function of platelets. We also focus on the relationship between platelets and the lipid metabolism highlighting potential consequences to atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia.

SUMMARY

A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of platelet-related immune activity allows their utilization as powerful diagnostic tools or targets of therapeutic intervention. Those findings might help to develop new classes of drugs which may supplement or replace classical anticoagulants and help clinicians to tackle CVD more efficiently.

CDP7657, an anti-CD40L antibody lacking an Fc domain, inhibits CD40L-dependent immune responses without thrombotic complications: an in vivo study

INTRODUCTION

CD40 ligand (CD40L) blockade has demonstrated efficacy in experimental autoimmune models. However, clinical trials of hu5c8, an anti-human CD40L IgG1 antibody, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were halted due to an increased incidence of thrombotic events. This study evaluated CDP7657, a high affinity PEGylated monovalent Fab' anti-CD40L antibody fragment, to assess whether an Fc-deficient molecule retains efficacy while avoiding the increased risk of thrombotic events observed with hu5c8.

METHODS

The potency and cross-reactivity of CDP7657 was assessed in in vitro assays employing human and non-human primate leukocytes, and the capacity of different antibody formats to activate platelets in vitro was assessed using aggregometry and dense granule release assays. Given the important role CD40L plays in regulating humoral immunity, in vivo efficacy was assessed by investigating the capacity of Cynomolgus monkeys to generate immune responses to the tetanus toxoid antigen while the potential to induce thrombotic events in vivo was evaluated after repeat dosing of antibodies to Rhesus monkeys. A PEGylated anti-mouse CD40L was generated to assess efficacy in the New Zealand Black/White (NZB/W) mouse model of SLE.

RESULTS

CDP7657 dose-dependently inhibited antigen-specific immune responses to tetanus toxoid in Cynomolgus monkeys, and in contrast to hu5c8, there was no evidence of pulmonary thrombovasculopathy in Rhesus monkeys. Aglycosyl hu5c8, which lacks Fc receptor binding function, also failed to induce thrombotic events in Rhesus monkeys. In vitro experiments confirmed that antibody constructs lacking an Fc, including CDP7657, did not induce human or monkey platelet activation. A PEGylated monovalent Fab' anti-mouse CD40L antibody also inhibited disease activity in the NZB/W mouse model of SLE after administration using a therapeutic dosing regimen where mice received antibodies only after they had displayed severe proteinuria.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate for the first time that anti-CD40L antibodies lacking a functional Fc region do not induce thrombotic events in Rhesus monkeys and fail to activate platelets in vitro but, nevertheless retain pharmacological activity and support the investigation of CDP7657 as a potential therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases.

Platelet CD40L Modulates Thrombus Growth Via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase β, and Not Via CD40 and IκB Kinase α

Objective—

To investigate the roles and signaling pathways of CD40L and CD40 in platelet–platelet interactions and thrombus formation under conditions relevant for atherothrombosis.

Approach and Results—

Platelets from mice prone to atherosclerosis lacking CD40L ( Cd40lg −/− Apoe −/− ) showed diminished α IIb β 3 activation and α-granule secretion in response to glycoprotein VI stimulation, whereas these responses of CD40-deficient platelets ( Cd40 −/− Apoe −/− ) were not decreased. Using blood from Cd40lg −/− Apoe −/− and Cd40 −/− Apoe −/− mice, the glycoprotein VI-dependent formation of dense thrombi was impaired on atherosclerotic plaque material or on collagen, in comparison with Apoe −/− blood. In all genotypes, addition of CD40L to the blood enhanced the growth of dense thrombi on plaques and collagen. Similarly, CD40L enhanced glycoprotein VI–induced platelet aggregation, even with platelets deficient in CD40. This potentiation was antagonized in Pik3cb R/R platelets or by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase β (PI3Kβ). Addition of CD40L also enhanced collagen-induced Akt phosphorylation, which was again antagonized by absence or inhibition of PI3Kβ. Finally, platelets from Chuk1 A/A Apoe −/− mice deficient in IκB kinase α (IKKα), implicated in CD40 signaling to nuclear factor (NF) κB, showed unchanged responses to CD40L in aggregation or thrombus formation.

Conclusions—

Under atherogenic conditions, CD40L enhances collagen-induced platelet–platelet interactions by supporting integrin α IIb β 3 activation, secretion and thrombus growth via PI3Kβ, but not via CD40 and IKKα/NFκB. This role of CD40L exceeds the no more than modest role of CD40 in thrombus formation.

PPARγ ligands decrease hydrostatic pressure-induced platelet aggregation and proinflammatory activity

Hypertension is known to be associated with platelet overactivity, but the direct effects of hydrostatic pressure on platelet function remain unclear. The present study sought to investigate whether elevated hydrostatic pressure is responsible for platelet activation and to address the potential role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ). We observed that hypertensive patients had significantly higher platelet volume and rate of ADP-induced platelets aggregation compared to the controls. In vitro, Primary human platelets were cultured under standard (0 mmHg) or increased (120, 180, 240 mmHg) hydrostatic pressure for 18 h. Exposure to elevated pressure was associated with morphological changes in platelets. Platelet aggregation and PAC-1 (the active confirmation of GPIIb/IIIa) binding were increased, CD40L was translocated from cytoplasm to the surface of platelet and soluble CD40L (sCD40L) was released into the medium in response to elevated hydrostatic pressure (180 and 240 mmHg). The PPARγ activity was up-regulated as the pressure was increased from 120 mmHg to 180 mmHg. Pressure-induced platelet aggregation, PAC-1 binding, and translocation and release of CD40L were all attenuated by the PPARγ agonist Thiazolidinediones (TZDs). These results demonstrate that platelet activation and aggregation are increased by exposure to elevated pressure and that PPARγ may modulate platelet activation induced by high hydrostatic pressure.

Platelets: a critical link between inflammation and microvascular dysfunction

Inflammation is an underlying feature of a variety of human diseases. An important manifestation of this pathophysiological response is microvascular dysfunction, which includes the activation of vascular endothelial cells, and circulating leucocytes and platelets. While endothelial cells and leucocytes are widely accepted as critical players in the microvascular alterations induced by inflammation, recent attention has focused on the modulatory role of platelets, which act both as effector and target cells in inflamed microvessels. Evidence is presented to demonstrate the capacity for 'cross-talk' between platelets and other cells (endothelial cells, leucocytes) that contribute to an inflammatory response, and to illustrate the pathophysiological consequences of these interactions of platelets with other cells within the microvasculature.