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The Role of Toll-Like Receptors in Retroviral Infection. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111787. [PMID: 33202596 PMCID: PMC7697840 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key pathogen sensing receptors that respond to diverse microbial ligands, and trigger both innate and adaptive immune responses to infection. Since their discovery, a growing body of evidence has pointed to an important role for TLRs in retroviral infection and pathogenesis. These data suggest that multiple TLRs contribute to the anti-retroviral response, and that TLR engagement by retroviruses can have complex and divergent outcomes for infection. Despite this progress, numerous questions remain about the role of TLRs in retroviral infection. In this review, I summarize existing evidence for TLR-retrovirus interactions and the functional roles these receptors play in immunity and pathogenesis, with particular focus on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
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Insights into Sensing of Murine Retroviruses. Viruses 2020; 12:v12080836. [PMID: 32751803 PMCID: PMC7472155 DOI: 10.3390/v12080836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses are major causes of disease in animals and human. Better understanding of the initial host immune response to these viruses could provide insight into how to limit infection. Mouse retroviruses that are endemic in their hosts provide an important genetic tool to dissect the different arms of the innate immune system that recognize retroviruses as foreign. Here, we review what is known about the major branches of the innate immune system that respond to mouse retrovirus infection, Toll-like receptors and nucleic acid sensors, and discuss the importance of these responses in activating adaptive immunity and controlling infection.
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Dickow J, Francois S, Kaiserling RL, Malyshkina A, Drexler I, Westendorf AM, Lang KS, Santiago ML, Dittmer U, Sutter K. Diverse Immunomodulatory Effects of Individual IFNα Subtypes on Virus-Specific CD8 + T Cell Responses. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2255. [PMID: 31608062 PMCID: PMC6771563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical administration of Interferon α (IFNα) resulted in limited therapeutic success against some viral infections. Immune modulation of CD8+ T cell responses during IFNα therapy is believed to play a pivotal role in promoting viral clearance. However, these clinical studies primarily focused on IFNα subtype 2. To date, the immunomodulatory roles of the remaining 10-13 IFNα subtypes remains poorly understood, thereby precluding assessments of their potential for more effective treatments. Here, we report that virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses were influenced to various extents by individual IFNα subtypes. IFNα4, 6, and 9 had the strongest effects on CD8+ T cells, including antiproliferative effects, improved cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Interestingly, augmented cytokine responses were dependent on IFNα subtype stimulation of dendritic cells (DCs), while antiproliferative effects and cytotoxicity were mediated by IFNAR signaling in either CD8+ T cells or DCs. Thus, precise modulation of virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses may be feasible for specific antiviral immunotherapies through careful selection and administration of individual IFNα subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dickow
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandra Francois
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rouven-Luca Kaiserling
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anna Malyshkina
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ingo Drexler
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Astrid Maria Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Karl Sebastian Lang
- Institute for Immunology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mario L. Santiago
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Dittmer U, Sutter K, Kassiotis G, Zelinskyy G, Bánki Z, Stoiber H, Santiago ML, Hasenkrug KJ. Friend retrovirus studies reveal complex interactions between intrinsic, innate and adaptive immunity. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019; 43:435-456. [PMID: 31087035 PMCID: PMC6735856 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 4.4% of the human genome is comprised of endogenous retroviral sequences, a record of an evolutionary battle between man and retroviruses. Much of what we know about viral immunity comes from studies using mouse models. Experiments using the Friend virus (FV) model have been particularly informative in defining highly complex anti-retroviral mechanisms of the intrinsic, innate and adaptive arms of immunity. FV studies have unraveled fundamental principles about how the immune system controls both acute and chronic viral infections. They led to a more complete understanding of retroviral immunity that begins with cellular sensing, production of type I interferons, and the induction of intrinsic restriction factors. Novel mechanisms have been revealed, which demonstrate that these earliest responses affect not only virus replication, but also subsequent innate and adaptive immunity. This review on FV immunity not only surveys the complex host responses to a retroviral infection from acute infection to chronicity, but also highlights the many feedback mechanisms that regulate and counter-regulate the various arms of the immune system. In addition, the discovery of molecular mechanisms of immunity in this model have led to therapeutic interventions with implications for HIV cure and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Clinics Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Clinics Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - George Kassiotis
- Retroviral Immunology, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, Praed St, Paddington, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Gennadiy Zelinskyy
- Institute for Virology, University Clinics Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Zoltán Bánki
- Division of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter-Mayrstr. 4b, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heribert Stoiber
- Division of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter-Mayrstr. 4b, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mario L Santiago
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12700E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kim J Hasenkrug
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, 903S 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
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5
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Type I interferon signaling, regulation and gene stimulation in chronic virus infection. Semin Immunol 2019; 43:101277. [PMID: 31155227 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Type I Interferons (IFN-I) mediate numerous immune interactions during viral infections, from the establishment of an antiviral state to invoking and regulating innate and adaptive immune cells that eliminate infection. While continuous IFN-I signaling plays critical roles in limiting virus replication during both acute and chronic infections, sustained IFN-I signaling also leads to chronic immune activation, inflammation and, consequently, immune exhaustion and dysfunction. Thus, an understanding of the balance between the desirable and deleterious effects of chronic IFN-I signaling will inform our quest for IFN-based therapies for chronic viral infections as well as other chronic diseases, including cancer. As such the factors involved in induction, propagation and regulation of IFN-I signaling, from the initial sensing of viral nucleotides within the cell to regulatory downstream signaling factors and resulting IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) have received significant research attention. This review summarizes recent work on IFN-I signaling in chronic infections, and provides an update on therapeutic approaches being considered to counter such infections.
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Monteiro JT, Schön K, Ebbecke T, Goethe R, Ruland J, Baumgärtner W, Becker SC, Lepenies B. The CARD9-Associated C-Type Lectin, Mincle, Recognizes La Crosse Virus (LACV) but Plays a Limited Role in Early Antiviral Responses against LACV. Viruses 2019; 11:v11030303. [PMID: 30917612 PMCID: PMC6466035 DOI: 10.3390/v11030303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
La Crosse virus (LACV) is a mosquito-transmitted arbovirus and the main cause of virus-mediated neurological diseases in children. To date, little is known about the role of C-type lectin receptors (CLRs)—an important class of pattern recognition receptors—in LACV recognition. DC-SIGN remains the only well-described CLR that recognizes LACV. In this study, we investigated the role of additional CLR/LACV interactions. To this end, we applied a flow-through chromatography method for the purification of LACV to perform an unbiased high-throughput screening of LACV with a CLR-hFc fusion protein library. Interestingly, the CARD9-associated CLRs Mincle, Dectin-1, and Dectin-2 were identified to strongly interact with LACV. Since CARD9 is a common adaptor protein for signaling via Mincle, Dectin-1, and Dectin-2, we performed LACV infection of Mincle−/− and CARD9−/− DCs. Mincle−/− and CARD9−/− DCs produced less amounts of proinflammatory cytokines, namely IL-6 and TNF-α, albeit no reduction of the LACV titer was observed. Together, novel CLR/LACV interactions were identified; however, the Mincle/CARD9 axis plays a limited role in early antiviral responses against LACV.
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Affiliation(s)
- João T Monteiro
- Immunology Unit & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Kathleen Schön
- Immunology Unit & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
- Institute for Parasitology and & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Tim Ebbecke
- Immunology Unit & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Ralph Goethe
- Institute for Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Jürgen Ruland
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Stefanie C Becker
- Institute for Parasitology and & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Bernd Lepenies
- Immunology Unit & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
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Du K, Liu J, Broering R, Zhang X, Yang D, Dittmer U, Lu M. Recent advances in the discovery and development of TLR ligands as novel therapeutics for chronic HBV and HIV infections. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:661-670. [PMID: 29772941 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1473372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands remain as promising antiviral drug candidates for the treatment of chronic viral infections. Basic research on the mechanisms of antiviral activity of TLR ligands in preclinical animal models and clinical testing of drug candidates have been carried out in recent years. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the preclinical and clinical testing of TLR ligands in two major viral infections: hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Recent results have further demonstrated the potent antiviral activity of various TLR ligands . A TLR7 agonist is in clinical trials for the treatment of chronic HBV infection while a HBV vaccine using a TLR9 ligand as an adjuvant has proven to be superior to conventional HBV vaccines and has been approved for clinical use. Generally, TLR activation may achieve viral control mainly by promoting adaptive immunity to viral proteins. Expert opinion: Recent research in this field indicates that TLR ligands could be developed as clinically effective drugs if the obstacles concerning toxicity and application routes are overcome. TLR-mediated promotion of adaptive immunity is a major issue for future studies and will determine the future development of TLR ligands as drugs for immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keye Du
- a Department of Infectious Disease , Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Jia Liu
- a Department of Infectious Disease , Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Ruth Broering
- b Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- c Hepatology Unit and Department of Infectious Diseases , Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Dongliang Yang
- a Department of Infectious Disease , Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- d Institute of Virology , University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- d Institute of Virology , University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany
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Knuschke T, Rotan O, Bayer W, Kollenda S, Dickow J, Sutter K, Hansen W, Dittmer U, Lang KS, Epple M, Buer J, Westendorf AM. Induction of Type I Interferons by Therapeutic Nanoparticle-Based Vaccination Is Indispensable to Reinforce Cytotoxic CD8 + T Cell Responses During Chronic Retroviral Infection. Front Immunol 2018; 9:614. [PMID: 29740425 PMCID: PMC5924795 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell dysfunction and immunosuppression are characteristic for chronic viral infections and contribute to viral persistence. Overcoming these burdens is the goal of new therapeutic strategies to cure chronic infectious diseases. We recently described that therapeutic vaccination of chronic retrovirus infected mice with a calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticle (NP)-based vaccine carrier, functionalized with CpG and viral peptides is able to efficiently reactivate the CD8+ T cell response and improve the eradication of virus infected cells. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect were largely unclear. While type I interferons (IFNs I) are considered to drive T cell exhaustion by persistent immune activation during chronic viral infection, we here describe an indispensable role of IFN I induced by therapeutic vaccination to efficiently reinforce cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTL) and improve control of chronic retroviral infection. The induction of IFN I is CpG dependent and leads to significant IFN signaling indicated by upregulation of IFN stimulated genes. By vaccinating chronically retrovirus-infected mice lacking the IFN I receptor (IFNAR−/−) or by blocking IFN I signaling in vivo during therapeutic vaccination, we demonstrate that IFN I signaling is necessary to drive full reactivation of CTLs. Surprisingly, we also identified an impaired suppressive capability of regulatory T cells in the presence of IFNα, which implicates an important role for vaccine-induced IFNα in the regulation of the T cell response during chronic retroviral infection. Our data suggest that inducing IFN I signaling in conjunction with the presentation of viral antigens can reactivate immune functions and reduce viral loads in chronic infections. Therefore, we propose CaP NPs as potential therapeutic tool to treat chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Knuschke
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Olga Rotan
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CeNIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Wibke Bayer
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kollenda
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CeNIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Julia Dickow
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hansen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Karl S Lang
- Institute for Immunology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Epple
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CeNIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Buer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Astrid M Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Avunje S, Jung SJ. Poly (I:C) and imiquimod induced immune responses and their effects on the survival of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) from viral haemorrhagic septicaemia. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 71:338-345. [PMID: 29054829 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The stimulation of immune genes by polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)) and imiquimod in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and their role in control of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) infection were examined. Poly (I:C) (100 μg/fish) treated olive flounder had very low mortality (5%) post VHSV infection, while the imiquimod treated group had 65% and 85% mortality at a dose of 100 μg/fish and 50 μg/fish, respectively. Though the imiquimod treated group had high mortality, it was lower than the untreated group, which had 90% mortality. In vivo experiments were conducted to determine effect of the two ligands on immune modulation in the head kidney of olive flounder. Poly (I:C) activated the immune genes (TLR-3, TLR-7, MDA-5, LGP-2, IRF-3, IRF-7, IL-1β type I IFN and Mx) very early, within 1 d post stimulation, faster and stronger than imiquimod. Though Mx levels were enhanced by imiquimod, the host was still susceptible to VHSV. The poly (I:C) treated group had a high immune response at the time of infection and 1 dpi, though it decreased at later stages. The imiquimod treated group and the unstimulated group had a higher immune response to VHSV compared to the poly (I:C) treated group. The nucleoprotein copies of VHSV were very low in the poly (I:C) treated group but interestingly, were high in both untreated and imiquimod treated fish. Thus, host survival from a viral infection does not only depend on the quantity of immune response but also the time of response. Although imiquimod enhanced immune gene expression in olive flounder, a delayed response could be the reason for high mortality to VHS compared with poly (I:C), which induced the immune system effectively and efficiently to protect the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satheesha Avunje
- Department of Aqualife Medicine, Chonnam National University, Chonnam 59626, South Korea
| | - Sung-Ju Jung
- Department of Aqualife Medicine, Chonnam National University, Chonnam 59626, South Korea.
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Littwitz-Salomon E, Dittmer U, Sutter K. Insufficient natural killer cell responses against retroviruses: how to improve NK cell killing of retrovirus-infected cells. Retrovirology 2016; 13:77. [PMID: 27821119 PMCID: PMC5100108 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-016-0311-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the innate immune system and protect against cancers and a variety of viruses including retroviruses by killing transformed or infected cells. They express activating and inhibitory receptors on their cell surface and often become activated after recognizing virus-infected cells. They have diverse antiviral effector functions like the release of cytotoxic granules, cytokine production and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The importance of NK cell activity in retroviral infections became evident due to the discovery of several viral strategies to escape recognition and elimination by NK cells. Mutational sequence polymorphisms as well as modulation of surface receptors and their ligands are mechanisms of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 to evade NK cell-mediated immune pressure. In Friend retrovirus infected mice the virus can manipulate molecular or cellular immune factors that in turn suppress the NK cell response. In this model NK cells lack cytokines for optimal activation and can be functionally suppressed by regulatory T cells. However, these inhibitory pathways can be overcome therapeutically to achieve full activation of NK cell responses and ultimately control dissemination of retroviral infection. One effective approach is to modulate the crosstalk between NK cells and dendritic cells, which produce NK cell-stimulating cytokines like type I interferons (IFN), IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 upon retrovirus sensing or infection. Therapeutic administration of IFNα directly increases NK cell killing of retrovirus-infected cells. In addition, IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes that direct IL-2 to NK cells have been shown to significantly improve control of retroviral infection by NK cells in vivo. In this review, we describe novel approaches to improve NK cell effector functions in retroviral infections. Immunotherapies that target NK cells of patients suffering from viral infections might be a promising treatment option for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Littwitz-Salomon
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
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11
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Ma LL, Wang HQ, Wu P, Hu J, Yin JQ, Wu S, Ge M, Sun WF, Zhao JY, Aisa HA, Li YH, Jiang JD. Rupestonic acid derivative YZH-106 suppresses influenza virus replication by activation of heme oxygenase-1-mediated interferon response. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 96:347-61. [PMID: 27107768 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Given the limitation of available antiviral drugs and vaccines, there remains to be a pressing need for novel anti-influenza drugs. Rupestonic acid derivatives were reported to have an anti-influenza virus activity, but their mechanism remains to be elucidated. Herein, we aim to evaluate the antiviral activity of YZH-106, a rupestonic acid derivative, against a broad-spectrum of influenza viruses and to dissect its antiviral mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that YZH-106 exhibited a broad-spectrum antiviral activity against influenza viruses, including drug-resistant strains in vitro. Furthermore, YZH-106 provided partial protection of the mice to Influenza A virus (IAV) infection, as judged by decreased viral load in lungs, improved lung pathology, reduced body weight loss and partial survival benefits. Mechanistically, YZH-106 induced p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which led to the activation of erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) that up-regulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in addition to other genes. HO-1 inhibited IAV replication by activation of type I IFN expression and subsequent induction of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), possibly in a HO-1 enzymatic activity-independent manner. These results suggest that YZH-106 inhibits IAV by up-regulating HO-1-mediated IFN response. HO-1 is thus a promising host target for antiviral therapeutics against influenza and other viral infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Anti-infective Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hui-Qiang Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Anti-infective Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ping Wu
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jin Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Anti-infective Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jin-Qiu Yin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Anti-infective Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shuo Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Anti-infective Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Miao Ge
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Anti-infective Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wen-Fang Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Anti-infective Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jiang-Yu Zhao
- Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinjiang 830011, China
| | - Haji Akber Aisa
- Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinjiang 830011, China
| | - Yu-Huan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Anti-infective Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Jian-Dong Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Anti-infective Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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12
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TLR ligand induced IL-6 counter-regulates the anti-viral CD8(+) T cell response during an acute retrovirus infection. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10501. [PMID: 25994622 PMCID: PMC4440206 DOI: 10.1038/srep10501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists contribute to the control of viral infection by augmenting virus-specific CD8+ T-cell responses. It is also well established that signaling by TLRs results in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6). However, how these pro-inflammatory cytokines influence the virus-specific CD8+ T-cell response during the TLR agonist stimulation remained largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of TLR-induced IL-6 in shaping virus-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in the Friend retrovirus (FV) mouse model. We show that the TLR agonist induced IL-6 counter-regulates effector CD8+ T-cell responses. IL-6 potently inhibited activation and cytokine production of CD8+ T cells in vitro. This effect was mediated by a direct stimulation of CD8+ T cells by IL-6, which induced upregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation and SOCS3 and downregulated STAT4 phosphorylation and T-bet. Moreover, combining TLR stimulation and IL-6 blockade during an acute FV infection resulted in enhanced virus-specific CD8+ T-cell immunity and better control of viral replication. These results have implications for our understanding of the role of TLR induced pro-inflammatory cytokines in regulating effector T cell responses and for the development of therapeutic strategies to overcome T cell dysfunction in chronic viral infections.
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Gibbert K, Francois S, Sigmund AM, Harper MS, Barrett BS, Kirchning CJ, Lu M, Santiago ML, Dittmer U. Friend retrovirus drives cytotoxic effectors through Toll-like receptor 3. Retrovirology 2014; 11:126. [PMID: 25539593 PMCID: PMC4299798 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-014-0126-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pathogen recognition drives host defense towards viral infections. Specific groups rather than single members of the protein family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as membrane spanning Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytosolic helicases might mediate sensing of replication intermediates of a specific virus species. TLR7 mediates host sensing of retroviruses and could significantly influence retrovirus-specific antibody responses. However, the origin of efficient cell-mediated immunity towards retroviruses is unknown. Double-stranded RNA intermediates produced during retroviral replication are good candidates for immune stimulatory viral products. Thus, we considered TLR3 as primer of cell-mediated immunity against retroviruses in vivo. Results Infection of mice deficient in TLR3 (TLR3−/−) with Friend retrovirus (FV) complex revealed higher viral loads during acute retroviral infection compared to wild type mice. TLR3−/− mice exhibited significantly lower expression levels of type I interferons (IFNs) and IFN-stimulated genes like Pkr or Ifi44, as well as reduced numbers of activated myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) (CD86+ and MHC-II+). DCs generated from FV-infected TLR3−/− mice were less capable of priming virus-specific CD8+ T cell proliferation. Moreover, cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells as well as CD8+ T cells were reduced in vitro and in vivo, respectively, in FV-infected TLR3-/- mice. Conclusions TLR3 mediates antiretroviral cytotoxic NK cell and CD8+ T cell activity in vivo. Our findings qualify TLR3 as target of immune therapy against retroviral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Gibbert
- Institute for Virology of the University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Sandra Francois
- Institute for Virology of the University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Anna M Sigmund
- Institute for Medical Microbiology of the University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Michael S Harper
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Bradley S Barrett
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Carsten J Kirchning
- Institute for Medical Microbiology of the University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology of the University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Mario L Santiago
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology of the University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Knuschke T, Bayer W, Rotan O, Sokolova V, Wadwa M, Kirschning CJ, Hansen W, Dittmer U, Epple M, Buer J, Westendorf AM. Prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination with a nanoparticle-based peptide vaccine induces efficient protective immunity during acute and chronic retroviral infection. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2014; 10:1787-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Poly(I:C) treatment leads to interferon-dependent clearance of hepatitis B virus in a hydrodynamic injection mouse model. J Virol 2014; 88:10421-31. [PMID: 24920792 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00996-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED We have previously shown that poly(I:C) activates murine hepatic cells to produce interferon (IFN) and suppresses hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in vitro. Therefore, we addressed whether poly(I:C) is able to induce the clearance of HBV in vivo. The chronic HBV replication mouse model was established by the hydrodynamic injection (HI) of pAAV-HBV1.2 into the tail veins of wild-type and IFN-α/βR-, IFN-γ-, and CXCR3-deficient C57BL/6 mice. Fourteen days post-HI of pAAV-HBV1.2, mice were administered poly(I:C) by intraperitoneal injection, intramuscular injection, or HI. Only treatment of poly(I:C) by HI led to HBV clearance in wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Serum HBsAg disappeared within 40 days postinfection (dpi) in mice that received poly(I:C) by HI, and this was accompanied by the appearance of anti-HBs antibodies. HBV-specific T-cell and antibody responses were significantly enhanced by HI of poly(I:C). HBV replication intermediates and HBcAg-positive hepatocytes were eliminated in the liver. HI of poly(I:C) induced the production of IFNs in mice and enhanced the levels of cytokines, IFN-stimulated genes, and T-cell markers in the liver. Importantly, poly(I:C)-induced HBV clearance was impaired in IFN-α/βR-, IFN-γ-, and CXCR3-deficient mice, indicating that the induction of type I IFN and the stimulation and recruitment of T cells into the liver are essential for HBV clearance in this model. Taken together, the application of poly(I:C) by HI into the liver enhances innate and adaptive immune responses and leads to HBV clearance in an HBV mouse model, implicating the potential of intrahepatic Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) activation for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients. IMPORTANCE It has become well accepted that immunomodulation is a potentially useful approach to treat chronic viral infection. Recently, combinations of antiviral treatment and therapeutic vaccinations were evaluated for therapies of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Activation of the innate immune branch may also be important for viral control and contributes to HBV clearance. Our present study demonstrated that hepatic TLR3 activation led to clearance of hepatitis B virus in an HBV mouse model. For the first time, we showed that HBV clearance in this model is dependent not only on type I interferon (IFN) but also on type II IFN, indicating a coordinated action of innate and adaptive immune responses. T-cell recruitment appeared to be critical for the success of TLR3-mediated antiviral action. These findings implicate the potential of intrahepatic TLR3 activation for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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Gibbert K, Schlaak JF, Yang D, Dittmer U. IFN-α subtypes: distinct biological activities in anti-viral therapy. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 168:1048-58. [PMID: 23072338 PMCID: PMC3594665 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During most viral infections, the immediate host response is characterized by an induction of type I IFN. These cytokines have various biological activities, including anti-viral, anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory effects. After induction, they bind to their IFN-α/β receptor, which leads to downstream signalling resulting in the expression of numerous different IFN-stimulated genes. These genes encode anti-viral proteins that directly inhibit viral replication as well as modulate immune function. Thus, the induction of type I IFN is a very powerful tool for the host to fight virus infections. Many viruses evade this response by various strategies like the direct suppression of IFN induction or inhibition of the IFN signalling pathway. Therefore, the therapeutic application of exogenous type I IFN or molecules that induce strong IFN responses should be of great potential for future immunotherapies against viral infections. Type I IFN is currently used as a treatment in chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection, but as yet is not widely utilized for other viral infections. One reason for this restricted clinical use is that type I IFN belongs to a multigene family that includes 13 different IFN-α subtypes and IFN-β, whose individual anti-viral and immunomodulatory properties have so far not been investigated in detail to improve IFN therapy against viral infections in humans. In this review, we summarize the recent achievements in defining the distinct biological functions of type I IFN subtypes in cell culture and in animal models of viral infection as well as their clinical usage in chronic hepatitis virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gibbert
- Department of Virology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Li HW, Sachs J, Pichardo C, Bronson R, Zhao G, Sykes M. Nonalloreactive T cells prevent donor lymphocyte infusion-induced graft-versus-host disease by controlling microbial stimuli. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 189:5572-81. [PMID: 23136200 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1200045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In mice, graft-versus-host reactions, associated with powerful graft-versus-tumor effects, can be achieved without graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) by delayed administration of donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) to established mixed chimeras. However, GVHD sometimes occurs after DLI in established mixed chimeric patients. In contrast to mice, in which T cell recovery from the thymus occurs prior to DLI administration, human T cell reconstitution following T cell-depleted hematopoietic cell transplantation is slow, resulting in lymphopenia at the time of DLI. We demonstrate in this study that T cell lymphopenia is an independent risk factor for GVHD following DLI in the absence of known inflammatory stimuli. DLI-induced GVHD was prevented in lymphopenic recipients by prior administration of a small number of nonalloreactive polyclonal T cells, insufficient to prevent lymphopenia-associated expansion of subsequently administered T cells, through a regulatory T cell-independent mechanism. GVHD was not inhibited by T cells with irrelevant specificity. Moreover, administration of antibiotics reduced the severity of GVHD in lymphopenic hosts. Accumulation of DLI-derived effector T cells and host hematopoietic cell elimination were markedly diminished by regulatory T cell-depleted, nonalloreactive T cells. Finally, thymectomized mixed chimeras showed increased GVHD following delayed DLI. Collectively, our data demonstrate that in the absence of known conditioning-induced inflammatory stimuli, T cell lymphopenia is a risk factor for GVHD in mixed chimeras receiving delayed DLI. Our data suggest that the predisposition to GVHD can at least in part be explained by the presence of occult inflammatory stimuli due to the absence of T cells to control microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wei Li
- Transplantation Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
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Parvizi P, Mallick AI, Haq K, Haghighi HR, Orouji S, Thanthrige-Don N, St Paul M, Brisbin JT, Read LR, Behboudi S, Sharif S. A toll-like receptor 3 ligand enhances protective effects of vaccination against Marek's disease virus and hinders tumor development in chickens. Viral Immunol 2012; 25:394-401. [PMID: 22857262 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2012.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Marek's disease (MD) is caused by Marek's disease virus (MDV). Various vaccines including herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) have been used to control this disease. However, HVT is not able to completely protect against very virulent strains of MDV. The objective of this study was to determine whether a vaccination protocol consisting of HVT and a Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand could enhance protective efficacy of vaccination against MD. Hence, chickens were immunized with HVT and subsequently treated with synthetic double-stranded RNA polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic [poly(I:C)], a TLR3 ligand, before or after being infected with a very virulent strain of MDV. Among the groups that were HVT-vaccinated and challenged with MDV, the lowest incidence of tumors was observed in the group that received poly(I:C) before and after MDV infection. Moreover, the groups that received a single poly(I:C) treatment either before or after MDV infection were better protected against MD tumors compared to the group that only received HVT. No association was observed between viral load, as determined by MDV genome copy number, and the reduction in tumor formation. Overall, the results presented here indicate that poly(I:C) treatment, especially when it is administered prior to and after HVT vaccination, enhances the efficacy of HVT vaccine and improves protection against MDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payvand Parvizi
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Zhang X, Kraft A, Broering R, Schlaak JF, Dittmer U, Lu M. Preclinical development of TLR ligands as drugs for the treatment of chronic viral infections. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2012; 7:597-611. [PMID: 22607384 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2012.689281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been identified as key regulators of innate and adaptive immune responses in viral infection. Recent progress in this field revealed that there are significant interactions between the TLR system and pathogens in chronic viral infections. Therefore, TLR ligands have great potential for the treatment of chronic viral infections. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of the methodology for preclinical testing of TLR ligands for three major viral infections: hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). TLR ligands have shown potent antiviral activity in different cell culture systems as well as animal models for these infections and induce the production of antiviral cytokines, modulated cellular immunological functions and antiviral effects in vivo. EXPERT OPINION The recent progress in this field demonstrated that activation of a large number of TLR ligands is effective against viral infections in cell culture systems and animal models. Exploring these models, further in-depth elucidation of the molecular and immunological mechanisms of the antiviral activity of TLR ligands will be necessary to develop them into clinical useful drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Zhang
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Hou X, Yu F, Man S, Huang D, Zhang Y, Liu M, Ren C, Shen J. Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid attenuates hepatic fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice with Schistosoma japonicum infection. Acta Trop 2012; 121:99-104. [PMID: 22023732 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2011.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 10/09/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of hepatic fibrosis is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in human beings infected with schistosoma. In this study, we investigated the effect of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) on Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) egg-induced liver fibrosis. S. japonicum cercariae infected mice were injected with poly I:C at the onset of egg granuloma formation (early phase poly I:C treatment) or after the formation of liver fibrosis (late phase poly I:C treatment). Our results showed that both early and late phase poly I:C treatment significantly reduced collagen deposition and hepatic stellate cell activation in the liver. Poly I:C is one of the most effective adjuvants for Th1 type responses, and its protective effect on liver fibrosis was accompanied by increased IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-10 mRNA expression, and decreased IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA expression. Moreover, poly I:C injection also enhanced the mRNA expression of natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) and tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Therefore, it is indicated that poly I:C can significantly attenuate S. japonicum egg-induced hepatic fibrosis, which may be partly dependent on the increased Th1 response and decreased Th2 response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hou
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology & Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
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Jin YH, Kaneyama T, Kang MH, Kang HS, Koh CS, Kim BS. TLR3 signaling is either protective or pathogenic for the development of Theiler's virus-induced demyelinating disease depending on the time of viral infection. J Neuroinflammation 2011; 8:178. [PMID: 22189096 PMCID: PMC3293102 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-8-178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously shown that toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-mediated signaling plays an important role in the induction of innate cytokine responses to Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection. In addition, cytokine levels produced after TMEV infection are significantly higher in the glial cells of susceptible SJL mice compared to those of resistant C57BL/6 mice. However, it is not known whether TLR3-mediated signaling plays a protective or pathogenic role in the development of demyelinating disease. Methods SJL/J and B6;129S-Tlr3tm1Flv/J (TLR3KO-B6) mice, and TLR3KO-SJL mice that TLR3KO-B6 mice were backcrossed to SJL/J mice for 6 generations were infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (2 × 105 PFU) with or without treatment with 50 μg of poly IC. Cytokine production and immune responses in the CNS and periphery of infected mice were analyzed. Results We investigated the role of TLR3-mediated signaling in the protection and pathogenesis of TMEV-induced demyelinating disease. TLR3KO-B6 mice did not develop demyelinating disease although they displayed elevated viral loads in the CNS. However, TLR3KO-SJL mice displayed increased viral loads and cellular infiltration in the CNS, accompanied by exacerbated development of demyelinating disease, compared to the normal littermate mice. Late, but not early, anti-viral CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in the CNS were compromised in TLR3KO-SJL mice. However, activation of TLR3 with poly IC prior to viral infection also exacerbated disease development, whereas such activation after viral infection restrained disease development. Activation of TLR3 signaling prior to viral infection hindered the induction of protective IFN-γ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations. In contrast, activation of these signals after viral infection improved the induction of IFN-γ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In addition, poly IC-pretreated mice displayed elevated PDL-1 and regulatory FoxP3+ CD4+ T cells in the CNS, while poly IC-post-treated mice expressed reduced levels of PDL-1 and FoxP3+ CD4+ T cells. Conclusions These results suggest that TLR3-mediated signaling during viral infection protects against demyelinating disease by reducing the viral load and modulating immune responses. In contrast, premature activation of TLR3 signal transduction prior to viral infection leads to pathogenesis via over-activation of the pathogenic immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Hee Jin
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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Strandskog G, Villoing S, Iliev DB, Thim HL, Christie KE, Jørgensen JB. Formulations combining CpG containing oliogonucleotides and poly I:C enhance the magnitude of immune responses and protection against pancreas disease in Atlantic salmon. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 35:1116-1127. [PMID: 21527278 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2011.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Both CpG oligodeoxynucleotides and double-stranded RNA (poly I:C) have documented effects as treatments against several viral diseases in fish. However, as stand-alone treatments their effects have been modest. We have tested here whether CpG and poly I:C, alone or in combination induce protection against Salmonid Alphavirus (SAV), the causative agent of pancreas disease in Atlantic salmon. Our results revealed a significant reduction of viraemia 2 weeks after ip injection of the combined treatment and 1 week after challenge with SAV subtype 3, followed by reduced SAV induced heart pathology 3 weeks later. The SAV titers in blood samples from the combination group were lower as compared to single treatments with either CpG or poly I:C. Surprisingly, reduced SAV levels could also be found in fish as long as 7 weeks after receiving the combination treatment. The expression of IFNγ and to a lesser extent IFNa and Mx was up-regulated in head kidney and spleen 5 days after the fish had been treated with CpG and poly I:C. Furthermore, the complement factor C4 was depleted in serum 8 weeks post treatment, suggesting complement activation leading to C4 consumption. We hypothesize that the CpG/poly I:C-induced protection against SAV3 is mediated by mechanisms involving type I and type II IFN induced antiviral activity and complement mediated protective responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guro Strandskog
- Norwegian College of Fisheries Science, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
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Audigé A, Hofer U, Dittmer U, van den Broek M, Speck RF. Evaluation of the immunomodulatory and antiviral effects of the cytokine combination IFN-α and IL-7 in the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Friend retrovirus mouse infection models. Viral Immunol 2011; 24:375-85. [PMID: 21929334 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2011.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing therapies for chronic viral infections are still suboptimal or have considerable side effects, so new therapeutic strategies need to be developed. One option is to boost the host's immune response with cytokines. We have recently shown in an acute ex vivo HIV infection model that co-administration of interferon (IFN)-α and interleukin (IL)-7 allows us to combine the potent anti-HIV activity of IFN-α with the beneficial effects of IL-7 on T-cell survival and function. Here we evaluated the effect of combining IFN-α and IL-7 on viral replication in vivo in the chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and acute Friend retrovirus (FV) infection models. In the chronic LCMV model, cytokine treatment was started during the early replication phase (i.e., on day 7 post-infection [pi]). Under the experimental conditions used, exogenous IFN-α inhibited FV replication, but had no effect on viral replication in the LCMV model. There was no therapeutic benefit of IL-7 either alone or in combination with IFN-α in either of the two infection models. In the LCMV model, dose-dependent effects of the cytokine combination on T-cell phenotype/function were observed. It is possible that these effects would translate into antiviral activity in re-challenged mice. It is also possible that another type of IFN-α/β or induction of endogenous IFN-α/β alone or in combination with IL-7 would have antiviral activity in the LCMV model. Furthermore, we cannot exclude that some effect on viral titers would have been seen at later time points not investigated here (i.e., beyond day 34 pi). Finally, IFN-α/IL-7 may inhibit the replication of other viruses. Thus it might be worth testing these cytokines in other in vivo models of chronic viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Audigé
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Zelinskyy G, Myers L, Dietze KK, Gibbert K, Roggendorf M, Liu J, Lu M, Kraft AR, Teichgräber V, Hasenkrug KJ, Dittmer U. Virus-specific CD8+ T cells upregulate programmed death-1 expression during acute friend retrovirus infection but are highly cytotoxic and control virus replication. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:3730-7. [PMID: 21873525 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It was recently reported that inhibitory molecules such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) were upregulated on CD8(+) T cells during acute Friend retrovirus infection and that the cells were prematurely exhausted and dysfunctional in vitro. The current study confirms that most activated CD8(+) T cells upregulated expression of PD-1 during acute infection and revealed a dichotomy of function between PD-1(hi) and PD-1(lo) subsets. More PD-1(lo) cells produced antiviral cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α, whereas more PD-1(hi) cells displayed characteristics of cytotoxic effectors such as production of granzymes and surface expression of CD107a. Importantly, CD8(+) T cells mediated rapid in vivo cytotoxicity and were critical for control of acute Friend virus replication. Thus, direct ex vivo analyses and in vivo experiments revealed high CD8(+) T cell functionality and indicate that PD-1 expression during acute infection is not a marker of T cell exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennadiy Zelinskyy
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45122, Germany
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Yu M, Levine SJ. Toll-like receptor, RIG-I-like receptors and the NLRP3 inflammasome: key modulators of innate immune responses to double-stranded RNA viruses. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2011; 22:63-72. [PMID: 21466970 PMCID: PMC3109132 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2011.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), the genetic material for many RNA viruses, induces robust host immune responses via pattern recognition receptors, which include Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptors (RLRs) and the multi-protein NLRP3 inflammasome complex. The engagement of dsRNA receptors or inflammasome activation by viral dsRNA initiates complex intracellular signaling cascades that play essential roles in inflammation and innate immune responses, as well as the resultant development of adaptive immunity. This review focuses on signaling pathways mediated by TLR3, RLRs and the NLRP3 inflammasome, as well as the potential use of agonists and antagonists that target these pathways to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Yu
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
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