Gap junctions at the dendritic cell-T cell interface are key elements for antigen-dependent T cell activation

Refining the DC-targeting vaccination for preventing emerging infectious diseases

The development of safe, long-term, effective vaccines is still a challenge for many infectious diseases. Thus, the search of new vaccine strategies and production platforms that allow rapidly and effectively responding against emerging or reemerging pathogens has become a priority in the last years. Targeting the antigens directly to dendritic cells (DCs) has emerged as a new approach to enhance the immune response after vaccination. This strategy is based on the fusion of the antigens of choice to monoclonal antibodies directed against specific DC surface receptors such as CD40. Since time is essential, in silico approaches are of high interest to select the most immunogenic and conserved epitopes to improve the T- and B-cells responses. The purpose of this review is to present the advances in DC vaccination, with special focus on DC targeting vaccines and epitope mapping strategies and provide a new framework for improving vaccine responses against infectious diseases.

Cross-Activation of Hemichannels/Gap Junctions and Immunoglobulin-Like Domains in Innate–Adaptive Immune Responses

Hemichannels (HCs)/gap junctions (GJs) and immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domain-containing proteins (IGLDCPs) are involved in the innate–adaptive immune response independently. Despite of available evidence demonstrating the importance of HCs/GJs and IGLDCPs in initiating, implementing, and terminating the entire immune response, our understanding of their mutual interactions in immunological function remains rudimentary. IGLDCPs include immune checkpoint molecules of the immunoglobulin family expressed in T and B lymphocytes, most of which are cluster of differentiation (CD) antigens. They also constitute the principal components of the immunological synapse (IS), which is formed on the cell surface, including the phagocytic synapse, T cell synapse, B cell synapse, and astrocytes–neuronal synapse. During the three stages of the immune response, namely innate immunity, innate–adaptive immunity, and adaptive immunity, HCs/GJs and IGLDCPs are cross-activated during the entire process. The present review summarizes the current understanding of HC-released immune signaling factors that influence IGLDCPs in regulating innate–adaptive immunity. ATP-induced “eat me” signals released by HCs, as well as CD31, CD47, and CD46 “don’t eat me” signaling molecules, trigger initiation of innate immunity, which serves to regulate phagocytosis. Additionally, HC-mediated trogocytosis promotes antigen presentation and amplification. Importantly, HC-mediated CD4+ T lymphocyte activation is critical in the transition of the innate immune response to adaptive immunity. HCs also mediate non-specific transcytosis of antibodies produced by mature B lymphocytes, for instance, IgA transcytosis in ovarian cancer cells, which triggers innate immunity. Further understanding of the interplay between HCs/GJs and IGLDCPs would aid in identifying therapeutic targets that regulate the HC–Ig-like domain immune response, thereby providing a viable treatment strategy for immunological diseases. The present review delineates the clinical immunology-related applications of HC–Ig-like domain cross-activation, which would greatly benefit medical professionals and immunological researchers alike. HCs/GJs and IGLDCPs mediate phagocytosis via ATP; “eat me and don’t eat me” signals trigger innate immunity; HC-mediated trogocytosis promotes antigen presentation and amplification in innate–adaptive immunity; HCs also mediate non-specific transcytosis of antibodies produced by mature B lymphocytes in adaptive immunity.

Connexin channels modulation in pathophysiology and treatment of immune and inflammatory disorders

Connexin-mediated intercellular communication mechanisms include bidirectional cell-to-cell coupling by gap junctions and release/influx of molecules by hemichannels. These intercellular communications have relevant roles in numerous immune system activities. Here, we review the current knowledge about the function of connexin channels, mainly those formed by connexin-43, on immunity and inflammation. Focusing on those evidence that support the design and development of therapeutic tools to modulate connexin expression and/or channel activities with treatment potential for infections, wounds, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions.

Differential Regulation of Interferon Signaling Pathways in CD4+ T Cells of the Low Type-2 Obesity-Associated Asthma Phenotype

In the era of personalized medicine, insights into the molecular mechanisms that differentially contribute to disease phenotypes, such as asthma phenotypes including obesity-associated asthma, are urgently needed. Peripheral blood was drawn from 10 obese, non-atopic asthmatic adults with a high body mass index (BMI; 36.67 ± 6.90); 10 non-obese, non-atopic asthmatic adults with normal BMI (23.88 ± 2.73); and 10 healthy controls with normal BMI (23.62 ± 3.74). All asthmatic patients were considered to represent a low type-2 asthma phenotype according to selective clinical parameters. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was conducted on peripheral blood CD4⁺ T cells. Thousands of differentially expressed genes were identified in both asthma groups compared with heathy controls. The expression of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes associated with IFN-related signaling pathways was specifically affected in obese asthmatics, while the gap junction and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) ligand binding pathways were enriched in both asthma groups. Furthermore, obesity gene markers were also upregulated in CD4⁺ T cells from obese asthmatics compared with the two other groups. Additionally, the enriched genes of the three abovementioned pathways showed a unique correlation pattern with various laboratory and clinical parameters. The specific activation of IFN-related signaling and viral infection pathways might provide a novel view of the molecular mechanisms associated with the development of the low type-2 obesity-associated asthma phenotype, which is a step ahead in the development of new stratified therapeutic approaches.

Connexins in Cancer: Jekyll or Hyde?

The expression, localization, and function of connexins, the protein subunits that comprise gap junctions, are often altered in cancer. In addition to cell-cell coupling through gap junction channels, connexins also form hemichannels that allow communication between the cell and the extracellular space and perform non-junctional intracellular activities. Historically, connexins have been considered tumor suppressors; however, they can also serve tumor-promoting functions in some contexts. Here, we review the literature surrounding connexins in cancer cells in terms of specific connexin functions and propose that connexins function upstream of most, if not all, of the hallmarks of cancer. The development of advanced connexin targeting approaches remains an opportunity for the field to further interrogate the role of connexins in cancer phenotypes, particularly through the use of in vivo models. More specific modulators of connexin function will both help elucidate the functions of connexins in cancer and advance connexin-specific therapies in the clinic.

Hypoxic Melanoma Cells Deliver microRNAs to Dendritic Cells and Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes through Connexin-43 Channels

Alterations in microRNA (miRNA) profiles, induced by tumor microenvironment stressors, like hypoxia, allow cancer cells to acquire immune-resistance phenotypes. Indeed, hypoxia-induced miRNAs have been implicated in cancer progression through numerous cancer cell non-autonomous mechanisms, including the direct transfer of hypoxia-responsive miRNA from cancer to immune cells via extracellular vesicles. Connexin-43 (Cx43)-constituted gap junctions (GJs) have also been involved in miRNA intercellular mobilization, in other biological processes. In this report, we aimed to evaluate the involvement of Cx43-GJs in the shift of miRNAs induced by hypoxia, from hypoxic melanoma cells to dendritic cells and melanoma-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Using qRT-PCR arrays, we identified that miR-192-5p was strongly induced in hypoxic melanoma cells. Immune cells acquired this miRNA after co-culture with hypoxic melanoma cells. The transfer of miR-192-5p was inhibited when hypoxic melanoma cells expressed a dominant negative Cx43 mutant or when Cx43 expression was silenced using specific short-hairpin RNAs. Interestingly, miR-192-5p levels on CTLs after co-culture with hypoxic melanoma cells were inversely correlated with the cytotoxic activity of T cells and with ZEB2 mRNA expression, a validated immune-related target of miR-192-5p, which is also observed in vivo. Altogether, our data suggest that hypoxic melanoma cells may suppress CTLs cytotoxic activity by transferring hypoxia-induced miR-192-5p through a Cx43-GJs driven mechanism, constituting a resistance strategy for immunological tumor escape.

Antigen-loaded monocyte administration induces potent therapeutic antitumor T cell responses

Efficacy of dendritic cell (DC) cancer vaccines is classically thought to depend on their antigen-presenting cell (APC) activity. Studies show, however, that DC vaccine priming of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) requires the activity of endogenous DCs, suggesting that exogenous DCs stimulate antitumor immunity by transferring antigens (Ags) to endogenous DCs. Such Ag transfer functions are most commonly ascribed to monocytes, implying that undifferentiated monocytes would function equally well as a vaccine modality and need not be differentiated to DCs to be effective. Here, we used several murine cancer models to test the antitumor efficacy of undifferentiated monocytes loaded with protein or peptide Ag. Intravenously injected monocytes displayed antitumor activity superior to DC vaccines in several cancer models, including aggressive intracranial glioblastoma. Ag-loaded monocytes induced robust CTL responses via Ag transfer to splenic CD8+ DCs in a manner independent of monocyte APC activity. Ag transfer required cell-cell contact and the formation of connexin 43-containing gap junctions between monocytes and DCs. These findings demonstrate the existence of an efficient gap junction-mediated Ag transfer pathway between monocytes and CD8+ DCs and suggest that administration of tumor Ag-loaded undifferentiated monocytes may serve as a simple and efficacious immunotherapy for the treatment of human cancers.

Connexin-Mediated Signaling at the Immunological Synapse

The immunological synapse (IS) is an intercellular communication platform, organized at the contact site of two adjacent cells, where at least one is an immune cell. Functional IS formation is fundamental for the modulation of the most relevant immune system activities, such as T cell activation by antigen presenting cells and T cell/natural killer (NK) cell-mediated target cell (infected or cancer) killing. Extensive evidence suggests that connexins, in particular connexin-43 (Cx43) hemichannels and/or gap junctions, regulate signaling events in different types of IS. Although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, the current evidence suggests that Cx43 channels could act as facilitators for calcium ions, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and/or adenosine triphosphate uptake and/or release at the interface of interacting cells. These second messengers have relevant roles in the IS signaling during dendritic cell-mediated T and NK cell activation, regulatory T cell-mediated immune suppression, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte or NK cell-mediated target tumor cell killing. Additionally, as the cytoplasmic C-terminus domain of Cx43 interacts with a plethora of proteins, Cx43 may act as scaffolds for integration of various regulatory proteins at the IS, as suggested by the high number of Cx43-interacting proteins that translocate at these cell-cell interface domains. In this review, we provide an updated overview and analysis on the role and possible underlying mechanisms of Cx43 in IS signaling.

Emerging functions and clinical prospects of connexins and pannexins in melanoma

Cellular communication through gap junctions and hemichannels formed by connexins and through channels made by pannexins allows for metabolic cooperation and control of cellular activity and signalling. These channel proteins have been described to be tumour suppressors that regulate features such as cell death, proliferation and differentiation. However, they display cancer type-dependent and stage-dependent functions and may facilitate tumour progression through junctional and non-junctional pathways. The accumulated knowledge and emerging strategies to target connexins and pannexins are providing novel clinical opportunities for the treatment of cancer. Here, we provide an updated overview of the role of connexins and pannexins in malignant melanoma. We discuss how targeting of these channel proteins may be used to potentiate antitumour effects in therapeutic settings, including through improved immune-mediated tumour elimination.

Flow Cytometry Evaluation of Gap Junction-Mediated Intercellular Communication Between Cytotoxic T Cells and Target Tumor Cells

Gap junctions (GJs) are clusters of intercellular connexin-formed channels found at the plasma membrane that allow direct communication between the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. Numerous reports have described GJs as modulators of key immunological processes, including in anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we described a simple flow cytometry method to test in vitro antigen-dependent GJ-mediated cell-to-cell coupling between cytotoxic T cells and target melanoma cells.

Connexin43 Is Required for the Effective Activation of Spleen Cells and Immunoglobulin Production

Gap junctions (Gjs), formed by specific protein termed connexins (Cxs), regulate many important cellular processes in cellular immunity. However, little is known about their effects on humoral immunity. Here we tested whether and how Gj protein connexin43 (Cx43) affected antibody production in spleen cells. Detection of IgG in mouse tissues and serum revealed that wild-type (Cx43^+/+) mouse had a significantly higher level of IgG than Cx43 heterozygous (Cx43^+/−) mouse. Consistently, spleen cells from Cx43^+/+ mouse produced more IgG under both basal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated conditions. Further analysis showed that LPS induced a more dramatic activation of ERK and cell proliferation in Cx43^+/+ spleen cells, which was associated with a higher pro-oxidative state, as indicated by the increased NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), TXNIP, p38 activation and protein carbonylation. In support of a role of the oxidative state in the control of lymphocyte activation, exposure of spleen cells to exogenous superoxide induced Cx43 expression, p38 activation and IgG production. On the contrary, inhibition of NOX attenuated the effects of LPS. Collectively, our study characterized Cx43 as a novel molecule involved in the control of spleen cell activation and IgG production. Targeting Cx43 could be developed to treat certain antibody-related immune diseases.

In situ repurposing of dendritic cells with CRISPR/Cas9-based nanomedicine to induce transplant tolerance

Organ transplantation is the only effective method to treat end-stage organ failure. However, it is continuously plagued by immune rejection, which is mostly caused by T cell-mediated reactions. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells, and blocking the costimulatory signaling molecule CD40 in DCs inhibits T cell activation and induces transplant tolerance. In this study, to relieve graft rejection, Cas9 mRNA (mCas9) and a guide RNA targeting the costimulatory molecule CD40 (gCD40) were prepared and encapsulated into poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PEG-b-PLGA)-based cationic lipid-assisted nanoparticles (CLAN), denoted CLANmCas9/gCD40. CLAN effectively delivered mCas9/gCD40 into DCs and disrupted CD40 in DCs at the genomic level both in vitro and in vivo. After intravenous injection into an acute mouse skin transplant model, CLANmCas9/gCD40-mediated CD40 disruption significantly inhibited T cell activation, which reduced graft damage and prolonged graft survival. This work provides a promising strategy for reprogramming DCs with nanoparticles carrying the CRISPR/Cas9 system to abate transplant rejection.

Cx43-Gap Junctions Accumulate at the Cytotoxic Immunological Synapse Enabling Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Melanoma Cell Killing

Upon tumor antigen recognition, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and target cells form specialized supramolecular structures, called cytotoxic immunological synapses, which are required for polarized delivery of cytotoxic granules. In previous reports, we described the accumulation of connexin 43 (Cx43)-formed gap junctions (GJs) at natural killer (NK) cell–tumor cell cytotoxic immunological synapse. In this report, we demonstrate the functional role of Cx43-GJs at the cytotoxic immunological synapse established between CTLs and melanoma cells during cytotoxicity. Using confocal microscopy, we evaluated Cx43 polarization to the contact site between CTLs isolated from pMEL-1 mice and B16F10 melanoma cells. We knocked down Cx43 expression in B16F10 cells and evaluated its role in the formation of functional GJs and the cytotoxic activity of CTLs, by calcein transfer and granzyme B activity assays, respectively. We found that Cx43 localizes at CTL/B16F10 intercellular contact sites via an antigen-dependent process. We also found that pMEL-1 CTLs but not wild-type naïve CD8⁺ T cells established functional GJs with B16F10 cells. Interestingly, we observed that Cx43-GJs were required for an efficient granzyme B activity in target B16F10 cells. Using an HLA-A2-restricted/MART-1-specific CD8⁺ T-cell clone, we confirmed these observations in human cells. Our results suggest that Cx43-channels are relevant components of cytotoxic immunological synapses and potentiate CTL-mediated tumor cell killing.

β‑estradiol alleviates hypertension‑ and concanavalin A‑mediated inflammatory responses via modulation of connexins in peripheral blood lymphocytes

Gap junctions (GJs) formed by connexins (Cxs) in T lymphocytes have been reported to have important roles in the T lymphocyte-driven inflammatory response and hypertension-mediated inflammation. Estrogen has a protective effect on cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and it attenuates excessive inflammatory responses in certain autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanisms involved in regulating the pro-inflammatory response are complex and poorly understood. The current study investigated whether β-estradiol suppresses hypertension and pro-inflammatory stimuli-mediated inflammatory responses by regulating Cxs and Cx-mediated GJs in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Male, 16-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: WKY rats, vehicle (saline)-treated SHRs, and β-estradiol (20 µg/kg/day)-treated SHRs. β-estradiol was administered subcutaneously for 5 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to evaluate target organ injury. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to measure the populations of T lymphocyte subtypes in the peripheral blood, and expression of Cx40/Cx43 in T cell subtypes, and pro-inflammation cytokines levels, respectively. ELISA, a dye transfer technique, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were used to analyze the effect of β-estradiol on pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, Cx-mediated GJs and the expression of Cxs in concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes isolated from WKY rat. β-estradiol significantly decreased blood pressure and inhibited hypertension-induced target organ injury in SHRs. Additionally, β-estradiol treatment significantly improved the immune homeostasis of SHRs, as demonstrated by the decreased percentage of cluster of differentiation (CD)4⁺/CD8⁺ T-cell subset ratio, reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased the percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells. β-estradiol also markedly reduced the expression of Cx40/Cx43 in T lymphocytes from SHRs. In vitro, β-estradiol significantly suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced communication via Cx-mediated gap junctions and decreased the expression of Cx40/Cx43 in Con A-stimulated lymphocytes. These results indicate that β-estradiol attenuates inflammation and end organ damage in hypertension, which may be partially mediated via downregulated expression of Cxs and reduced function of Cx-mediated GJ.

Maternal plasma metabolic fingerprint indicative for fetal Down syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to perform maternal plasma metabolic fingerprinting to evaluate differences in plasma metabolites between healthy and Down syndrome (DS) pregnancies and to indicate novel non-invasive markers for DS prenatal diagnostics.

METHODS

This was a case-control study of pregnancies between 15th and 18th gestational week. LC-MS-based metabolic fingerprinting of plasma samples was performed.

RESULTS

Levels of five metabolites were significantly lower in the plasma of DS pregnancies. The majority of the statistically significant metabolites may be connected with fetal brain and central nervous system development (eg, fatty acid amides). According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), the combination of linoleamide and piperine has the highest diagnostic potential: area under the curve (AUC) = 0.878, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 73.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates disturbances in maternal metabolic pathways evoked by fetal DS. Novel potential maternal plasma metabolomic markers for non-invasive prenatal diagnostics of fetal DS are proposed.

Increased expression and functionality of the gap junction in peripheral blood lymphocytes is associated with hypertension-mediated inflammation in spontaneously hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND

Imbalances in circulating T lymphocytes play critical roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension-mediated inflammation. Connexins (Cxs) in immune cells are involved in the maintenance of homeostasis of T lymphocytes. However, the association between Cxs in peripheral blood T lymphocytes and hypertension-mediated inflammation remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of Cxs in T lymphocytes in hypertension-mediated inflammation in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

METHODS

The systolic blood pressure (SBP) in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHRs was monitored using the tail-cuff method. The serum cytokine level was determined using ELISA. The proportions of different T-lymphocyte subtypes in the peripheral blood, the expressions of Cx40/Cx43 in the T-cell subtypes, and the gap junctional intracellular communication (GJIC) of peripheral blood lymphocytes were measured using flow cytometry (FC). The accumulations of Cx40/Cx43 at the plasma membrane and/or in the cytoplasm were determined using immunofluorescence staining. The in vitro mRNA levels of cytokines and GJIC in the peripheral blood lymphocytes were respectively examined using real-time PCR and FC after treatment with Gap27 and/or concanavalin A (Con A).

RESULTS

The percentage of CD4+ T cells and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio were high, and the accumulation or expressions of Cx40/Cx43 in the peripheral blood lymphocytes in SHRs were higher than in those of WKY rats. The percentage of CD8+ and CD4+CD25+ T cells was lower in SHRs. The serum levels of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 from SHRs were higher than those from WKY rats, and the serum levels of IL-2 and IL-6 positively correlated with the expression of Cx40/Cx43 in the peripheral blood T lymphocytes from SHRs. The peripheral blood lymphocytes of SHRs exhibited enhanced GJIC. Cx43-based channel inhibition, which was mediated by Gap27, remarkably reduced GJIC in lymphocytes, and suppressed IL-2 and IL-6 mRNA expressions in Con A stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that Cxs may be involved in the regulation of T-lymphocyte homeostasis and the production of cytokines. A clear association was found between alterations in Cxs expression or in Cx43-based GJIC and hypertension-mediated inflammation.

Role of calcium permeable channels in dendritic cell migration

Calcium ion (Ca²⁺) is an essential second messenger involved in multiple cellular and subcellular processes. Ca²⁺ can be released and sensed globally or locally within cells, providing complex signals of variable amplitudes and time-scales. The key function of Ca²⁺ in the regulation of acto-myosin contractility has provided a simple explanation for its role in the regulation of immune cell migration. However, many questions remain, including the identity of the Ca²⁺ stores, channels and upstream signals involved in this process. Here, we focus on dendritic cells (DCs), because their immune sentinel function heavily relies on their capacity to migrate within tissues and later on between tissues and lymphoid organs. Deciphering the mechanisms by which cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ regulate DC migration should shed light on their role in initiating and tuning immune responses.

Dendritic Cell Migration Toward CCL21 Gradient Requires Functional Cx43

Dendritic cells (DCs) travel through lymphatic vessels to transport antigens and present them to T cells in lymph nodes. DCs move directionally toward lymphatics by virtue of their CCR7 and a CCL21 chemotactic gradient. We evaluated in vivo and in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) whether the gap junction protein Cx43 contributes to CCL21/CCR7-dependent DC migration in wild-type (WT) mice, heterozygous (Cx43^+/−) mice and mice expressing a truncated form of Cx43 lacking its regulatory C-terminus (Cx43^K258/−). In a model of flank skin inflammation, we found that the recruitment of myeloid DCs (mDCs) to skin draining lymph nodes was reduced in Cx43^K258/− mice as compared to WT and Cx43^+/− mice. In addition, the migration of Cx43^K258/− BMDCs toward CCL21 was abolished in an in vitro chemotactic assay while it was only reduced in Cx43^+/− cells. Both mutant genotypes showed defects in the directionality of BMDC migration as compared to WT BMDCs. No difference was found between the three populations of BMDCs in terms of expression of surface markers (CD11c, CD86, CD80, CD40, MHC-II, and CCR7) after differentiation and TLR activation. Finally, examination of the CCR7-induced signaling pathways in BMDCs revealed normal receptor-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca²⁺. These results demonstrate that full expression of an intact Cx43 is critical to the directionality and rate of DC migration, which may be amenable to regulation of the immune response.

Hydrogen Sulfide Attenuates Hypertensive Inflammation via Regulating Connexin Expression in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

BACKGROUND Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive effects, and connexins (Cxs) are involved in regulation of immune homeostasis. In this study, we explored whether exogenous H2S prevents hypertensive inflammation by regulating Cxs expression of T lymphocytes in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). MATERIAL AND METHODS We treated SHR with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) for 9 weeks. Vehicle-treated Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs) were used as a control. The arterial pressure was monitored by the tail-cuff method, and vascular function in basilar arteries was examined by pressure myography. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to show vascular remodeling and renal injury. The percentage of T cell subtypes in peripheral blood, surface expressions of Cx40/Cx43 on T cell subtypes, and serum cytokines level were determined by flow cytometry or ELISA. Expression of Cx40/Cx43 proteins in peripheral blood lymphocytes was analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS Chronic NaHS treatment significantly attenuated blood pressure elevation, and inhibited inflammation of target organs, vascular remodeling, and renal injury in SHR. Exogenous NaHS also improved vascular function by attenuating KCl-stimulated vasoconstrictor response in basilar arteries of SHR. In addition, chronic NaHS administration significantly suppressed inflammation of peripheral blood in SHR, as evidenced by the decreased serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, and CD4/CD8 ratio and the increased IL-10 level and percentage of regulatory T cells. NaHS treatment decreased hypertension-induced Cx40/Cx43 expressions in T lymphocytes from SHR. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that H2S reduces hypertensive inflammation, at least partly due to regulation of T cell subsets balance by Cx40/Cx43 expressions inhibition.

Transcellular communication at the immunological synapse: a vesicular traffic-mediated mutual exchange

The cell’s ability to communicate with the extracellular environment, with other cells, and with itself is a crucial feature of eukaryotic organisms. In the immune system, T lymphocytes assemble a specialized structure upon contact with antigen-presenting cells bearing a peptide-major histocompatibility complex ligand, known as the immunological synapse (IS). The IS has been extensively characterized as a signaling platform essential for T-cell activation. Moreover, emerging evidence identifies the IS as a device for vesicular traffic-mediated cell-to-cell communication as well as an active release site of soluble molecules. Here, we will review recent advances in the role of vesicular trafficking in IS assembly and focused secretion of microvesicles at the synaptic area in naïve T cells and discuss the role of the IS in transcellular communication.

Up-regulation of gap junction in peripheral blood T lymphocytes contributes to the inflammatory response in essential hypertension

Inflammation has been shown to play an important role in the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Connexins (Cxs)-based gap junction channels (GJCs) or hemichannels (HCs) are involved in the maintenance of homeostasis in the immune system. However, the role of Cx43-based channels in T-lymphocytes in mediating the immune response in essential hypertension is not fully understand. The present study was designed to investigate the role of Cxs-based channels in T lymphocytes in the regulation of hypertension-mediated inflammation. The surface expressions of T lymphocyte subtypes, Cx40/Cx43, and inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ (interferon-gamma) and TNF-ɑ (tumor necrosis factor alpha)) in T cells, as well as gap junction communication of peripheral blood lymphocytes from essential hypertensive patients (EHs) and normotensive healthy subjects (NTs) were detected by flow cytometry. Expression levels and phosphorylation of Cx43 protein in peripheral blood lymphocytes of EHs and NTs were analyzed by Western blot. The proliferation rate of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after treatment with a Cxs inhibitor was examined by a CCK-8 assay. The levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected using ELISA. Within the CD3+ T cell subsets, we found a significant trend toward an increase in the percentage of CD4+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio as well as in serum levels of IFN-γ and TNF-ɑ in the peripheral blood of EHs compared with those in NTs. Moreover, the peripheral blood lymphocytes of EH patients exhibited enhanced GJCs formation, increased Cx43 protein level and Cx43 phosphorylation at Ser368, and a significant increase in Cx40/Cx43 surface expressions levels in CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocytes. Cx43-based channel inhibition by a mimetic peptide greatly reduced the exchange of dye between lymphocytes, proliferation of stimulated lymphocytes and the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels of EHs and NTs. Our data suggest that Cx40/Cx43-based channels in lymphocytes may be involved in the regulation of T lymphocyte proliferation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to the hypertensive inflammatory response.

Mind the Gaps in Tumor Immunity: Impact of Connexin-Mediated Intercellular Connections

Gap junctions (GJs)-mediated intercellular communications (GJICs) are connexin (Cx)-formed plasma membrane channels that allow for the passage of small molecules between adjacent cells, and are involved in several physiopathological processes, including immune responses against cancer. In general, tumor cells are poorly coupled through GJs, mainly due to low Cx expression or reduced channel activity, suggesting that Cxs may have tumor suppressor roles. However, more recent data indicate that Cxs and/or GJICs may also in some cases promote tumor progression. This dual role of Cx channels in tumor outcome may be due, at least partially, to the fact that GJs not only interconnect cells from the same type, such as cancer cells, but also promote the intercellular communication of tumor cells with different types of cells from their microenvironment, and such diverse intercellular interactions have distinctive impact on tumor development. For example, whereas GJ-mediated interactions among tumor cells and microglia have been implicated in promotion of tumor growth, tumor cells delivery to dendritic cells of antigenic peptides through GJs have been associated with enhanced immune-mediated tumor elimination. In this review, we provide an updated overview on the role of GJICs in tumor immunity, focusing on the pro-tumor and antitumor effect of GJs occurring among tumor and immune cells. Accumulated data suggest that GJICs may act as tumor suppressors or enhancers depending on whether tumor cells interact predominantly with antitumor immune cells or with stromal cells. The complex modulation of immune-tumor cell GJICs should be taken into consideration in order to potentiate current cancer immunotherapies.

Structural and functional identification of vasculogenic mimicry in vitro

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes a process by which cancer cells establish an alternative perfusion pathway in an endothelial cell-free manner. Despite its strong correlation with reduced patient survival, controversy still surrounds the existence of an in vitro model of VM. Furthermore, many studies that claim to demonstrate VM fail to provide solid evidence of true hollow channels, raising concerns as to whether actual VM is actually being examined. Herein, we provide a standardized in vitro assay that recreates the formation of functional hollow channels using ovarian cancer cell lines, cancer spheres and primary cultures derived from ovarian cancer ascites. X-ray microtomography 3D-reconstruction, fluorescence confocal microscopy and dye microinjection conclusively confirm the existence of functional glycoprotein-rich lined tubular structures in vitro and demonstrate that many of structures reported in the literature may not represent VM. This assay may be useful to design and test future VM-blocking anticancer therapies.

Sorting nexin 27 interactome in T-lymphocytes identifies zona occludens-2 dynamic redistribution at the immune synapse

T Lymphocyte recognition of antigens leads to the formation of a highly organized structure termed immune synapse (IS) by analogy with the neuronals synapse. Sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) controls the endosomal traffic of PSD95, Dlg1, ZO-1 (PDZ) domain-interacting proteins, and its alteration is associated with impaired synaptic function and neurological diseases. In T-lymphocytes, SNX27-positive vesicles polarize to the IS, the identity of SNX27 interactors in these conditions nonetheless remains unknown. Here we used proteomics to analyze the SNX27 interactome purified from IS-forming T cells, and confirmed the conserved nature of the SNX27/WASH/retromer association in hematopoietic cells. Furthermore, our comparative interactome analysis of SNX27 wild-type and a mutant-deficient for PDZ cargo recognition identified the epithelial cell-cell junction protein zona occludens-2 (ZO-2) as an IS component. Biochemistry and microscopy approaches in T cells confirmed SNX27/ZO-2 PDZ-dependent interaction, and demonstrated its role controlling the dynamic localization of ZO-2 at the IS. This study broadens our knowledge of SNX27 function in T lymphocytes, and suggests that pathways that delimit polarized structures in nervous and epithelial systems also participate in IS regulation.

Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from whole human umbilical cord exhibit similar properties to those derived from Wharton's jelly and bone marrow

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) can be isolated from several regions of human umbilical cords, including Wharton's jelly (WJ), artery, vein or cord lining. These MSC appear to be immune privileged and are promising candidates for cell therapy. However, isolating MSC from WJ, artery, vein or cord lining requires time-consuming tissue dissection. MSC can be obtained easily via briefly digesting complete segments of the umbilical cord, likely containing heterogenous or mixed populations of MSC (MC-MSC). MC-MSC are generally less well characterized than WJ-MSC, but nevertheless represent a potentially valuable population of MSC. This study aimed to further characterize MC-MSC in comparison to WJ-MSC and also the better-characterized bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSC). MC-MSC proliferated faster, with significantly faster doubling times reaching passage one 8.8 days sooner and surviving longer in culture than WJ-MSC. All MSC retained the safety aspect of reducing telomere length with increasing passage number. MSC were also assessed for their ability to suppress T-cell proliferation and for the production of key markers of pluripotency, embryonic stem cells, tolerogenicity (CD40, CD80, CD86 and HLA-DR) and immunomodulation (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase [IDO] and HLA-G). The MC-MSC population displayed all of the positive attributes of WJ-MSC and BM-MSC, but they were more efficient to obtain and underwent more population doublings than from WJ, suggesting that MC-MSC are promising candidates for allogeneic cell therapy in regenerative medicine.

Connexins and Pannexins: New Insights into Microglial Functions and Dysfunctions

Under physiological conditions, microglia adopt a resting phenotype associated with the production of anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic factors. In response to a wide variety of insults, these cells shift to an activated phenotype that is necessary for the proper restoration of brain homeostasis. However, when the intensity of a threat is relatively high, microglial activation worsens the progression of damage rather than providing protection, with potentially significant consequences for neuronal survival. Coordinated interactions among microglia and other brain cells, including astrocytes and neurons, are critical for the development of timely and optimal inflammatory responses in the brain parenchyma. Tissue synchronization is in part mediated by connexins and pannexins, which are protein families that form different plasma membrane channels to communicate with neighboring cells. Gap junction channels (which are exclusively formed by connexins in vertebrates) connect the cytoplasm of contacting cells to coordinate electrical and metabolic coupling. Hemichannels (HCs) and pannexons (which are formed by connexins and pannexins, respectively) communicate the intra- and extracellular compartments and serve as diffusion pathways for the exchange of ions and small molecules. In this review article, we discuss the available evidence concerning the functional expression and regulation of connexin- and pannexin-based channels in microglia and their contributions to microglial function and dysfunction. Specifically, we focus on the possible implications of these channels in microglia-to-microglia, microglia-to-astrocyte and neuron-to-microglia interactions in the inflamed brain.

Connexins and pannexins in the immune system and lymphatic organs

Connexin43 and pannexin1 are found in immune cells. While gap junctional communication has been demonstrated between immune cells, hemichannels have been implicated in many cellular functions. Among the functions involved as being connexin dependent and pannexin dependent are cell migration, phagocytosis, antigen presentation, T-cell reactivity and B-cell responses. Surprisingly, many of these connexin-related and pannexin-related functions are not recapitulated in in vivo models. This is leading to a reevaluation of the role of these proteins in immune function.

The Selective Degradation of Synaptic Connexin 43 Protein by Hypoxia-induced Autophagy Impairs Natural Killer Cell-mediated Tumor Cell Killing

Although natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the control of melanoma, hypoxic stress in the tumor microenvironment may impair NK-mediated tumor cell killing by mechanisms that are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of hypoxia on the expression and channel activity of connexin 43 (Cx43) in melanoma cells and its impact on their susceptibility to NK cell-mediated lysis. Our results demonstrated that hypoxic stress increases Cx43 expression in melanoma cells via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) transcriptional activity. Hypoxic cells displaying increased Cx43 expression were less susceptible to NK cell-mediated lysis compared with normoxic cells expressing a moderate level of Cx43. Conversely, when overexpressed in normoxic tumor cells, Cx43 improves their susceptibility to N cell-mediated killing. We show that the NK cell immune synapse formed with normoxic melanoma cells is more stable and contains a high level of gap-junctional Cx43 whereas that formed with hypoxic cells is less stable and contains a significant lower level of gap-junctional Cx43. We provide evidence that the activation of autophagy in hypoxic melanoma cells selectively degrades gap-junctional Cx43, leading to the destabilization of the immune synapse and the impairment of NK cell-mediated killing. Inhibition of autophagy by genetic or pharmacological approaches as well as expression of the non-degradable form of Cx43 significantly restore its accumulation at the immune synapse and improves N cell-mediated lysis of hypoxic melanoma cells. This study provides the first evidence that the hypoxic microenvironment negatively affects the immune surveillance of tumors by NK cells through the modulation of Cx43-mediated intercellular communications.

Connexins: Intercellular Signal Transmitters in Lymphohematopoietic Tissues

Life-long hematopoietic demands are met by a pool of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) with self-renewal and multipotential differentiation ability. Humoral and paracrine signals from the bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic microenvironment control HSC activity. Cell-to-cell communication through connexin (Cx) containing gap junctions (GJs) allows pluricellular coordination and synchronization through transfer of small molecules with messenger activity. Hematopoietic and surrounding nonhematopoietic cells communicate each other through GJs, which regulate fetal and postnatal HSC content and function in hematopoietic tissues. Traffic of HSC between peripheral blood and BM is also dependent on Cx proteins. Cx mutations are associated with human disease and hematopoietic dysfunction and Cx signaling may represent a target for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we illustrate and highlight the importance of Cxs in the regulation of hematopoietic homeostasis under normal and pathological conditions.

Support of Nerve Conduction by Respiring Myelin Sheath: Role of Connexons

Recently, we have demonstrated that myelin conducts an extramitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, hypothesizing a novel supportive role for myelin in favor of the axon. We have also hypothesized that the ATP produced in myelin could be transferred thought gap junctions. In this work, by biochemical, immunohistochemical, and electrophysiological techniques, the existence of a connection among myelin to the axon was evaluated, to understand how ATP could be transferred from sheath to the axoplasm. Data confirm a functional expression of oxidative phosphorylation in isolated myelin. Moreover, WB and immunohistochemistry on optic nerve slices show that connexins 32 and 43 are present in myelin and colocalize with myelin basic protein. Interestingly, addition of carbenoxolone or oleamide, two gap junction blockers, causes a decrease in oxidative metabolism in purified myelin, but not in mitochondria. Similar effects were observed on conduction speed in hippocampal Schaffer collateral, in the presence of oleamide. Confocal analysis of optic nerve slices showed that lucifer yellow (that only passes through aqueous pores) signal was found in both the sheath layers and the axoplasma. In the presence of oleamide, but not with oleic acid, signal significantly decreased in the sheath and was lost inside the axon. This suggests the existence of a link among myelin and axons. These results, while supporting the idea that ATP aerobically synthesized in myelin sheath could be transferred to the axoplasm through gap junctions, shed new light on the function of the sheath.

Regulation of hemichannels and gap junction channels by cytokines in antigen-presenting cells

Autocrine and paracrine signals coordinate responses of several cell types of the immune system that provide efficient protection against different challenges. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) coordinate activation of this system via homocellular and heterocellular interactions. Cytokines constitute chemical intercellular signals among immune cells and might promote pro- or anti-inflammatory effects. During the last two decades, two membrane pathways for intercellular communication have been demonstrated in cells of the immune system. They are called hemichannels (HCs) and gap junction channels (GJCs) and provide new insights into the mechanisms of the orchestrated response of immune cells. GJCs and HCs are permeable to ions and small molecules, including signaling molecules. The direct intercellular transfer between contacting cells can be mediated by GJCs, whereas the release to or uptake from the extracellular milieu can be mediated by HCs. GJCs and HCs can be constituted by two protein families: connexins (Cxs) or pannexins (Panxs), which are present in almost all APCs, being Cx43 and Panx1 the most ubiquitous members of each protein family. In this review, we focus on the effects of different cytokines on the intercellular communication mediated by HCs and GJCs in APCs and their impact on purinergic signaling.

Regulation of gap junction channels by infectious agents and inflammation in the CNS

Gap junctions (GJs) are conglomerates of intercellular channels that connect the cytoplasm of two or more cells, and facilitate the transfer of ions and small molecules, including second messengers, resulting in metabolic and electrical coordination. In general, loss of gap junctional communication (GJC) has been associated with cellular damage and inflammation resulting in compromise of physiological functions. Recently, it has become evident that GJ channels also play a critical role in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and associated inflammation. Several pathogens use the transfer of intracellular signals through GJ channels to spread infection and toxic signals that amplify inflammation to neighboring cells. Thus, identification of the mechanisms by which several infectious agents alter GJC could result in new potential therapeutic approaches to reduce inflammation and their pathogenesis.

Pannexin1 channels act downstream of P2X 7 receptors in ATP-induced murine T-cell death

Death of murine T cells induced by extracellular ATP is mainly triggered by activation of purinergic P2X 7 receptors (P2X 7Rs). However, a link between P2X 7Rs and pannexin1 (Panx1) channels, which are non-selective, has been recently demonstrated in other cell types. In this work, we characterized the expression and cellular distribution of pannexin family members (Panxs 1, 2 and 3) in isolated T cells. Panx1 was the main pannexin family member clearly detected in both helper (CD4+) and cytotoxic (CD8+) T cells, whereas low levels of Panx2 were found in both T-cell subsets. Using pharmacological and genetic approaches, Panx1 channels were found to mediate most ATP-induced ethidium uptake since this was drastically reduced by Panx1 channel blockers (10Panx1, Probenecid and low carbenoxolone concentration) and absent in T cells derived from Panx1-/- mice. Moreover, electrophysiological measurements in wild-type CD4+ cells treated with ATP unitary current events and pharmacological sensitivity compatible with Panx1 channels were found. In addition, ATP release from T cells treated with 4Br-A23187, a calcium ionophore, was completely blocked with inhibitors of both connexin hemichannels and Panx1 channels. Panx1 channel blockers drastically reduced the ATP-induced T-cell mortality, indicating that Panx1 channels mediate the ATP-induced T-cell death. However, mortality was not reduced in T cells of Panx1-/- mice, in which levels of P2X 7Rs and ATP-induced intracellular free Ca2+ responses were enhanced suggesting that P2X 7Rs take over Panx1 channels lose-function in mediating the onset of cell death induced by extracellular ATP.

Gap junction intercellular communications regulate NK cell activation and modulate NK cytotoxic capacity

Gap junctions (GJs) mediate intercellular communication between adjacent cells. Previously, we showed that connexin 43 (Cx43), the main GJ protein in the immune system, mediates Ag transfer between human dendritic cells (DCs) and is recruited to the immunological synapse during T cell priming. This crosstalk contributed to T cell activation, intracellular Ca(2+) responses, and cytokine release. However, the role of GJs in NK cell activation by DCs and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against tumor cells remains unknown. In this study, we found polarization of Cx43 at the NK/DC and NK/tumor cell-contact sites, accompanied by the formation of functional GJs between NK/DCs and NK/tumor cells, respectively. Cx43-GJ-mediated intercellular communication (GJIC) between human NK and DCs was bidirectional. Blockage of Cx43-GJIC inhibited NK cell activation, though it affected neither the phenotype nor the function of DCs. Cx43 knockdown or inhibition using mimetic peptides greatly reduced CD69 and CD25 expression and IFN-γ release by DC-stimulated NK cells. Moreover, blocking Cx43 strongly inhibited the NK cell-mediated tumor cell lysis associated with inhibition of granzyme B activity and Ca(2+) influx. Our data identify a novel and active role for Cx43-GJIC in human NK cell activation and antitumor effector functions that may be important for the design of new immune therapeutic strategies.

Role of gap junctions and hemichannels in parasitic infections

In vertebrates, connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs) are proteins that form gap junction channels and/or hemichannels located at cell-cell interfaces and cell surface, respectively. Similar channel types are formed by innexins in invertebrate cells. These channels serve as pathways for cellular communication that coordinate diverse physiologic processes. However, it is known that many acquired and inherited diseases deregulate Cx and/or Panx channels, condition that frequently worsens the pathological state of vertebrates. Recent evidences suggest that Cx and/or Panx hemichannels play a relevant role in bacterial and viral infections. Nonetheless, little is known about the role of Cx- and Panx-based channels in parasitic infections of vertebrates. In this review, available data on changes in Cx and gap junction channel changes induced by parasitic infections are summarized. Additionally, we describe recent findings that suggest possible roles of hemichannels in parasitic infections. Finally, the possibility of new therapeutic designs based on hemichannel blokers is presented.

Transfer of extracellular vesicles during immune cell-cell interactions

The transfer of molecules between cells during cognate immune cell interactions has been reported, and recently a novel mechanism of transfer of proteins and genetic material such as small RNA between T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) has been described, involving exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs) during the formation of the immunological synapse (IS). EVs, a term that encompasses exosomes and microvesicles, has been implicated in cell-cell communication during immune responses associated with tumors, pathogens, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on EV transfer as a mechanism for the exchange of molecules during immune cell-cell interactions.

Regulation of gap junctions in melanoma and their impact on Melan-A/MART-1-specific CD8⁺ T lymphocyte emergence

Gap junctions (GJs) enable intercellular communication between adjacent cells through channels of connexins. Using a three-dimensional construct, we previously showed that endothelial and tumor cells formed GJs, allowing melanoma-specific T lymphocytes to recognize and kill melanoma-derived endothelial cells. We demonstrate here on histological sections of melanoma biopsies that GJ formation occurs in vivo between tumor and endothelial cells and between T lymphocytes and target cells. We also show an in vitro increase of GJ formation in melanoma and endothelial cells following dacarbazin and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) treatment or hypoxic stress induction. Our data indicate that although connexin 43 (Cx43), the main GJ protein of the immune system, was localized at the immunological synapse between T lymphocyte and autologous melanoma cells, its over-expression or inhibition of GJs does not interfere with cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clone lytic function. In contrast, we showed that inhibition of GJs by oleamide during stimulation of resting PBMCs with Melan-A natural and analog peptides resulted in a decrease in antigen (Ag) specific CD8(+) T lymphocyte induction. These Ag-specific CD8(+) cells displayed paradoxically stronger reactivity as revealed by CD107a degranulation and IFN-γ secretion. These findings indicate that Cx43 does not affect lytic function of differentiated CTL, but reveal a major role for GJs in the regulation of antigen CD8(+)-naïve T lymphocyte activation.

KEY MESSAGE

GJ formation occurs in vivo between T lymphocytes and tumor cells Cx43 localized at the immunological synapse between T and autologous melanoma cells Inhibition of GJs resulted in a decrease in Ag-specific CD8(+) T lymphocyte induction A role for GJs in the regulation of antigen CD8(+)-naïve T lymphocyte activation.

Functional gap junctions accumulate at the immunological synapse and contribute to T cell activation

Gap junction (GJ) mediates intercellular communication through linked hemichannels from each of two adjacent cells. Using human and mouse models, we show that connexin 43 (Cx43), the main GJ protein in the immune system, was recruited to the immunological synapse during T cell priming as both GJs and stand-alone hemichannels. Cx43 accumulation at the synapse was Ag specific and time dependent, and required an intact actin cytoskeleton. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and Cx43-specific inhibitors were used to prove that intercellular communication between T cells and dendritic cells is bidirectional and specifically mediated by Cx43. Moreover, this intercellular cross talk contributed to T cell activation as silencing of Cx43 with an antisense or inhibition of GJ docking impaired intracellular Ca(2+) responses and cytokine release by T cells. These findings identify Cx43 as an important functional component of the immunological synapse and reveal a crucial role for GJs and hemichannels as coordinators of the dendritic cell-T cell signaling machinery that regulates T cell activation.

Connexin 43 signaling enhances the generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells

Despite their importance for the functioning of the immune system, thymic development and peripheral maintenance of Foxp3(+) regulatory T (T(R)) cells are poorly understood. We have found that connexin 43 (Cx43), expressed by thymic T(R) cells progenitors, supports T(R) development. Mice with deletion of the Cx43 gene induced in T cells produce only few T(R) cells and had increased proportion of activated T cells in the lymph nodes, suggesting impaired peripheral tolerance. Reduction of the T(R) cell numbers was accompanied by increased presence of CD4(+)CD25(+)GITR(+)Foxp3(-) T cells, which did not produce inflammatory cytokines and lost suppressor function. These results strongly argue that we have discovered a novel signaling pathway, controlled by Cx43, that enhances the generation of T(R) cells. We propose that a possible mechanism of Cx43 activity is by regulating Foxp3 expression in T(R) lineage cells.

Coupled for cross-presentation in tumor immunotherapy

Antigen cross-presentation is a critical step in the elicitation of cell-mediated immune responses. Much research has been aimed at manipulating antigen cross-presentation to improve tumor immunotherapy and vaccination. In this issue of Science Translational Medicine, Saccheri et al. describe a mechanism for spurring successful antitumor responses by enhancing the transfer, to antigen-presenting cells, of tumor-specific antigens that leave the cancer cells via gap junctions induced by Salmonella infection of the melanoma tumor. Salmonella turns from foe to friend by promoting cross-presentation for strong antitumor immunity and tumor eradication.