1
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Kaufmann T, Simon HU. Pharmacological Induction of Granulocyte Cell Death as Therapeutic Strategy. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:231-247. [PMID: 36028226 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-051921-115130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis is central for the maintenance of health. In the immune system, apoptosis guarantees proper development of immune cells and shutdown of immune reactions by the coordinated elimination of activated immune cells. Limitation of the life span of granulocytes is important, as overactivation of these cells is associated with chronic inflammation and collateral tissue damage. Consequently, targeted induction of granulocyte apoptosis may be beneficial in the course of respective immune disorders. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as glucocorticoids and monoclonal antibodies against IL-5Rα exert their function in part by triggering eosinophil apoptosis. Agonistic antibodies targeting Siglec-8 or death receptors are tested (pre)clinically. Moreover, a new class of inhibitors targeting antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins shows great promise for anticancer treatments. Because of their specificity and tolerable side effects, these so-called BH3 mimetics may be worthwhile to evaluate in inflammatory disorders. Here, we review past and recent data on pharmacological apoptosis induction of granulocytes and highlight respective therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kaufmann
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; ,
| | - Hans-Uwe Simon
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; , .,Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia.,Brandenburg Medical School, Neuruppin, Germany
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2
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Kaloni D, Diepstraten ST, Strasser A, Kelly GL. BCL-2 protein family: attractive targets for cancer therapy. Apoptosis 2023; 28:20-38. [PMID: 36342579 PMCID: PMC9950219 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-022-01780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Acquired resistance to cell death is a hallmark of cancer. The BCL-2 protein family members play important roles in controlling apoptotic cell death. Abnormal over-expression of pro-survival BCL-2 family members or abnormal reduction of pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, both resulting in the inhibition of apoptosis, are frequently detected in diverse malignancies. The critical role of the pro-survival and pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins in the regulation of apoptosis makes them attractive targets for the development of agents for the treatment of cancer. This review describes the roles of the various pro-survival and pro-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 protein family in normal development and organismal function and how defects in the control of apoptosis promote the development and therapy resistance of cancer. Finally, we discuss the development of inhibitors of pro-survival BCL-2 proteins, termed BH3-mimetic drugs, as novel agents for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Kaloni
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Sarah T Diepstraten
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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3
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Burgener SS, Brügger M, Leborgne NGF, Sollberger S, Basilico P, Kaufmann T, Bird PI, Benarafa C. Granule Leakage Induces Cell-Intrinsic, Granzyme B-Mediated Apoptosis in Mast Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:630166. [PMID: 34858967 PMCID: PMC8630627 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.630166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cells are multifunctional immune cells scattered in tissues near blood vessels and mucosal surfaces where they mediate important reactions against parasites and contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic reactions. Serine proteases released from secretory granules upon mast cell activation contribute to these functions by modulating cytokine activity, platelet activation and proteolytic neutralization of toxins. The forced release of granule proteases into the cytosol of mast cells to induce cell suicide has recently been proposed as a therapeutic approach to reduce mast cell numbers in allergic diseases, but the molecular pathways involved in granule-mediated mast cell suicide are incompletely defined. To identify intrinsic granule proteases that can cause mast cell death, we used mice deficient in cytosolic serine protease inhibitors and their respective target proteases. We found that deficiency in Serpinb1a, Serpinb6a, and Serpinb9a or in their target proteases did not alter the kinetics of apoptosis induced by growth factor deprivation in vitro or the number of peritoneal mast cells in vivo. The serine protease cathepsin G induced marginal cell death upon mast cell granule permeabilization only when its inhibitors Serpinb1a or Serpinb6a were deleted. In contrast, the serine protease granzyme B was essential for driving apoptosis in mast cells. On granule permeabilization, granzyme B was required for caspase-3 processing and cell death. Moreover, cytosolic granzyme B inhibitor Serpinb9a prevented caspase-3 processing and mast cell death in a granzyme B-dependent manner. Together, our findings demonstrate that cytosolic serpins provide an inhibitory shield preventing granule protease-induced mast cell apoptosis, and that the granzyme B-Serpinb9a-caspase-3 axis is critical in mast cell survival and could be targeted in the context of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Sofia Burgener
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Brügger
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nathan Georges François Leborgne
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Sollberger
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paola Basilico
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Theodor Kocher Institute, Department of Preclinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kaufmann
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Preclinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Phillip Ian Bird
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Charaf Benarafa
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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4
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Li X, Dou J, You Q, Jiang Z. Inhibitors of BCL2A1/Bfl-1 protein: Potential stock in cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113539. [PMID: 34034128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The Bcl-2 family members rigorously regulate cell endogenous apoptosis, and targeting anti-apoptotic members is a hot topic in design of anti-cancer drugs. At present, FDA and EMA have approved Bcl-2 inhibitor Venetoclax (ABT-199) for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, inhibitors of anti-apoptotic protein BCL2A1/Bfl-1 have not been vigorously developed, and no molecule with ideal activity and selectivity has been found yet. Here we review the biological function and protein structure of Bfl-1, discuss the therapeutic potential and list the currently reported inhibitory peptides and small molecules. This will provide a reference for Bfl-1 targeting drug discovery in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Junwei Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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5
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Strobl J, Pandey RV, Krausgruber T, Kleissl L, Reininger B, Herac M, Bayer N, Krall C, Wohlfarth P, Mitterbauer M, Kalhs P, Rabitsch W, Bock C, Hopfinger G, Stary G. Anti-Apoptotic Molecule BCL2 Is a Therapeutic Target in Steroid-Refractory Graft-Versus-Host Disease. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:2188-2198. [PMID: 32247860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the leading cause of mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and primarily affects barrier organs such as the skin. One-third of cases are refractory to steroid treatment resulting in poor outcomes and the need for novel therapies. Longitudinal analysis of T-cell transcriptomes in patients before the appearance of GVHD symptoms revealed the upregulation of anti-apoptotic regulator B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) at GVHD initiation. To determine the potential of BCL2 inhibition in active GVHD, we analyzed tissues of 88 patients with acute or chronic GVHD. BCL2 RNA was elevated in multiple organs affected by GVHD and expression correlated with transplant-related mortality and steroid-refractory GVHD. BCL2-expressing lymphocytes were present in skin lesions and peripheral blood of patients with acute and chronic GVHD. Inhibition of BCL2 increased the CD4 to CD8 ratio in allogeneic T cells in vitro and induced apoptosis of T cells from patients with steroid-pretreated chronic GVHD ex vivo. In addition, the higher ratio of regulatory to nonregulatory T cells upon blockage of BCL2 could add to the anti-inflammatory effect of BCL2 blockage. Collectively, our results highlight BCL2 as an important factor for GVHD development and introduce BCL2 inhibition as previously unreported and urgently needed targeted therapy in the treatment of steroid-refractory GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Strobl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ram Vinay Pandey
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Krausgruber
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Kleissl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bärbel Reininger
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Merima Herac
- Clinical Institute for Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nadine Bayer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Krall
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Wohlfarth
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margit Mitterbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Kalhs
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Werner Rabitsch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Bock
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Hopfinger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Stary
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria.
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6
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Jeong HJ, Ryu KJ, Kim HM. Anticancer agent ABT-737 possesses anti-atopic dermatitis activity via blockade of caspase-1 in atopic dermatitis in vitro and in vivo models. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2018; 40:319-326. [PMID: 29957081 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2018.1482497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies reported that depletion of Bcl-2 has a protective effect against allergic diseases. Furthermore, recently our study showed that anticancer drug has antiallergic inflammatory effect. An anticancer agent ABT-737 is an inhibitor of Bcl-2 and has an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the antiallergic inflammatory activity of ABT-737 is still unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) activity and the mechanism of ABT-737 in AD models. MATERIALS AND METHODS HaCaT cells were used for in vitro experiments. To evaluate the effect of ABT-737 in vivo model, BalB/c mice were orally administered ABT-737 for 6 weeks in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced AD-like murine model. Major assays were enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-PCR, caspase-1 assay, histamine assay, and H&E staining. RESULTS ABT-737 significantly decreased thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) secretion and caspase-1 activity in activated HaCaT cells. In DNFB-induced AD mice, oral administration of ABT-737 alleviated clinical severity and scratching behavior. ABT-737 decreased levels of AD-related biomarkers including IgE, histamine, TSLP, and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, ABT significantly reduced caspase-1 activity in skin lesions of AD mice. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS ABT-737 elicited an anti-AD activity via suppression of caspase-1 activation in AD in vitro and in vivo models. Therefore, this study provides important information regarding the use of anticancer drugs for controlling allergic inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ja Jeong
- a Department of Food Science & Technology and Research Institute for Basic Science , Hoseo University , Asan , Chungcheongnam-do , Republic of Korea
| | - Ka-Jung Ryu
- b Department of Pharmacology College of Korean Medicine , Kyung Hee University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Min Kim
- b Department of Pharmacology College of Korean Medicine , Kyung Hee University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
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7
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Kim HY, Jeong HJ, Kim HM. Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737 on experimental allergic rhinitis models. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 833:34-43. [PMID: 29856968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The anti-cancer agent ABT-737 is designed specifically to inhibit anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family. The development of cancer has long been associated with inflammation. Here, we assess the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of ABT-737 on allergic rhinitis (AR) using in vitro and in vivo models. In the in vitro model, the ABT-737 treatment diminished the levels of several inflammatory cytokines in this case vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by inhibiting caspase-1 and NF-κB activation in an activated human mast cell line, here HMC-1 cells. These mechanistic observations were validated in ovalbumin-sensitized AR mice. In an AR animal model, ABT-737 significantly diminished clinical symptoms of AR and the levels of AR biomarkers, specifically IgE, histamine, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, VEGF, TSLP, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-α, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2. In addition, ABT-737 reduced the degree of caspase-1 activity compared to that in AR mice. Simultaneously, ABT-737 diminished the recruitment of mast cells and eosinophils into nasal mucosa tissues compared to the levels in AR mice. In conclusion, we identified new anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of ABT-737. These results imply that ABT-737 can ameliorate allergic inflammatory diseases such as AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Yun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ja Jeong
- Department of Food Science & Technology and Research Institute for Basic Science, Hoseo University, 20, Hoseo-ro 79beon-gil, Baebang-eup, Asan, Chungcheongnam-do 31499, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyung-Min Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Li Y, Liu B, Harmacek L, Long Z, Liang J, Lukin K, Leach SM, O'Connor B, Gerber AN, Hagman J, Roers A, Finkelman FD, Huang H. The transcription factors GATA2 and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor regulate Hdc gene expression in mast cells and are required for IgE/mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 142:1173-1184. [PMID: 29277702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histamine is a critical mediator of IgE/mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis. Histamine is synthesized by decarboxylating the amino acid histidine, a reaction catalyzed by the histidine decarboxylase (Hdc) gene-encoded enzyme HDC. However, regulation of the Hdc gene in mast cells is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the in vivo regulation of IgE/mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis by the transcription factors GATA2 and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and the mechanisms by which GATA2 and MITF regulate Hdc gene expression in mouse and human mast cells. METHODS Mice deficient in the transcription factors Gata2, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (Ahrr), or basic helix-loop-helix family member E40 (Bhlhe40) were assessed for anaphylactic reactions. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis identified putative Hdc enhancers. Luciferase reporter transcription assay confirmed enhancer activities of putative enhancers in the Hdc gene. The short hairpin RNA knockdown approach was used to determine the role of MITF in regulating mouse and human HDC gene expression. RESULTS Connective tissue mast cell-specific Gata2-deficient mice did not have IgE/mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis. GATA2 induced the expression of Mitf, Ahr, Ahrr, and Bhlhe40 in mast cells. MITF, but not AHR, AHRR, or BHLHE40, was required for anaphylaxis. MITF bound to an enhancer located 8.8 kb upstream of the transcription start site of the Hdc gene and directed enhancer activity. MITF overexpression largely restored Hdc gene expression in the Gata2-deficient mast cells. In the human mast cell line LAD2, MITF was required for the HDC gene expression and histamine synthesis. CONCLUSION The transcription factors GATA2 and MITF regulate Hdc gene expression in mast cells and are required for IgE/mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yapeng Li
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Laura Harmacek
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - Zijie Long
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo; Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyi Liang
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo; Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kara Lukin
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - Sonia M Leach
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo; Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - Brian O'Connor
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo; Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - Anthony N Gerber
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo; Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - James Hagman
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colo
| | - Axel Roers
- Institute for Immunology, Technische Universit ät Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fred D Finkelman
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colo.
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9
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Zhou Y, Wen H, Gu L, Fu J, Guo J, Du L, Zhou X, Yu X, Huang Y, Wang H. Aminoglucose-functionalized, redox-responsive polymer nanomicelles for overcoming chemoresistance in lung cancer cells. J Nanobiotechnology 2017; 15:87. [PMID: 29179722 PMCID: PMC5704373 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-017-0316-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chemotherapeutic drugs used for cancer therapy frequently encounter multiple-drug resistance (MDR). Nanoscale carriers that can target tumors to accumulate and release drugs intracellularly have the greatest potential for overcoming MDR. Glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) and glutathione (GSH) overexpression in cancer cells was exploited to assemble aminoglucose (AG)-conjugated, redox-responsive nanomicelles from a single disulfide bond-bridged block polymer of polyethylene glycol and polylactic acid (AG-PEG-SS-PLA). However, whether this dual functional vector can overcome MDR in lung cancer is unknown. Results In this experiment, AG-PEG-SS-PLA was synthetized successfully, and paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded AG-PEG-SS-PLA (AG-PEG-SS-PLA/PTX) nanomicelles exhibited excellent physical properties. These nanomicelles show enhanced tumor targeting as well as drug accumulation and retention in MDR cancer cells. Caveolin-dependent endocytosis is mainly responsible for nanomicelle internalization. After internalization, the disulfide bond of AG-PEG-SS-PLA is cleaved in the presence of high intracellular glutathione levels, causing the hydrophobic core to become a polar aqueous solution, which subsequently results in nanomicelle disassembly and the rapid release of encapsulated PTX. Reduced drug resistance was observed in cancer cells in vitro. The caspase-9 and caspase-3 cascade was activated by the AG-PEG-SS-PLA/PTX nanomicelles through upregulation of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bid and suppression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, thereby increasing apoptosis. Furthermore, significantly enhanced tumor growth inhibition was observed in nude mice bearing A549/ADR xenograft tumors after the administration of AG-PEG-SS-PLA/PTX nanomicelles via tail injection. Conclusions These promising results indicate that AG-PEG-SS-PLA/PTX nanomicelles could provide the foundation for a paradigm shift in MDR cancer therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12951-017-0316-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaying Wen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Gu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Jijun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiayi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Lingran Du
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiyong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Yugang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China.
| | - He Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China. .,Center of Cancer Research, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China.
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10
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The Bcl2a1 gene cluster finally knocked out: first clues to understanding the enigmatic role of the Bcl-2 protein A1. Cell Death Differ 2017; 24:572-574. [PMID: 28338657 PMCID: PMC5384030 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2017.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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11
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Tuzlak S, Schenk RL, Vasanthakumar A, Preston SP, Haschka MD, Zotos D, Kallies A, Strasser A, Villunger A, Herold MJ. The BCL-2 pro-survival protein A1 is dispensable for T cell homeostasis on viral infection. Cell Death Differ 2017; 24:523-533. [PMID: 28085151 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2016.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological role of the pro-survival BCL-2 family member A1 has been debated for a long time. Strong mRNA induction in T cells on T cell receptor (TCR)-engagement suggested a major role of A1 in the survival of activated T cells. However, the investigation of the physiological roles of A1 was complicated by the quadruplication of the A1 gene locus in mice, making A1 gene targeting very difficult. Here, we used the recently generated A1-/- mouse model to examine the role of A1 in T cell immunity. We confirmed rapid and strong induction of A1 protein in response to TCR/CD3 stimulation in CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cells. Surprisingly, on infection with the acute influenza HKx31 or the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus docile strains mice lacking A1 did not show any impairment in the expansion, survival, or effector function of cytotoxic T cells. Furthermore, the ability of A1-/- mice to generate antigen-specific memory T cells or to provide adequate CD4-dependent help to B cells was not impaired. These results suggest functional redundancy of A1 with other pro-survival BCL-2 family members in the control of T cell-dependent immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Tuzlak
- Division of Developmental Immunology, BIOCENTER, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Robyn L Schenk
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Ajithkumar Vasanthakumar
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Simon P Preston
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Manuel D Haschka
- Division of Developmental Immunology, BIOCENTER, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dimitra Zotos
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Axel Kallies
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Andreas Villunger
- Division of Developmental Immunology, BIOCENTER, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marco J Herold
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
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12
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Characterisation of mice lacking all functional isoforms of the pro-survival BCL-2 family member A1 reveals minor defects in the haematopoietic compartment. Cell Death Differ 2017; 24:534-545. [PMID: 28085150 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2016.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The pro-survival proteins of the BCL-2 family regulate the survival of all cells, and genetic deletion models for these proteins have revealed which specific BCL-2 family member(s) is/are critical for the survival of particular cell types. A1 is a pro-survival BCL-2-like protein that is expressed predominantly in haematopoietic cells, and here we describe the characterisation of a novel mouse strain that lacks all three functional isoforms of A1 (A1-a, A1-b and A1-d). Surprisingly, complete loss of A1 caused only minor defects, with significant, although relatively small, decreases in γδTCR T cells, antigen-experienced conventional as well as regulatory CD4 T cells and conventional dendritic cells (cDCs). When examining these cell types in tissue culture, only cDC survival was significantly impaired by the loss of A1. Therefore, A1 appears to be a surprisingly redundant pro-survival protein in the haematopoietic system and other tissues, suggesting that its targeting in cancer may be readily tolerated.
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13
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Tian BP, Xia LX, Bao ZQ, Zhang H, Xu ZW, Mao YY, Cao C, Che LQ, Liu JK, Li W, Chen ZH, Ying S, Shen HH. Bcl-2 inhibitors reduce steroid-insensitive airway inflammation. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 140:418-430. [PMID: 28043871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthmatic inflammation is dominated by accumulation of either eosinophils, neutrophils, or both in the airways. Disposal of these inflammatory cells is the key to disease control. Eosinophilic airway inflammation is responsive to corticosteroid treatment, whereas neutrophilic inflammation is resistant and increases the burden of global health care. Corticosteroid-resistant neutrophilic asthma remains mechanistically poorly understood and requires novel effective therapeutic strategies. OBJECTIVE We sought to explore the underlying mechanisms of airway inflammation persistence, as well as corticosteroid resistance, and to investigate a new strategy of effective treatment against corticosteroid-insensitive neutrophilic asthma. METHODS Mouse models of either eosinophil-dominated or neutrophil-dominated airway inflammation were used in this study to test corticosteroid sensitivity in vivo and in vitro. We also used vav-Bcl-2 transgenic mice to confirm the importance of granulocytes apoptosis in the clearance of airway inflammation. Finally, the Bcl-2 inhibitors ABT-737 or ABT-199 were tested for their therapeutic effects against eosinophilic or neutrophilic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. RESULTS Overexpression of Bcl-2 protein was found to be responsible for persistence of granulocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after allergic challenge. This was important because allergen-induced airway inflammation aggravated and persisted in vav-Bcl-2 transgenic mice, in which nucleated hematopoietic cells were overexpressed with Bcl-2 and resistant to apoptosis. The Bcl-2 inhibitors ABT-737 or ABT-199 play efficient roles in alleviation of either eosinophilic or corticosteroid-resistant neutrophilic airway inflammation by inducing apoptosis of immune cells, such as eosinophils, neutrophils, TH2 cells, TH17 cells, and dendritic cells. Moreover, these inhibitors were found to be more efficient than steroids to induce granulocyte apoptosis ex vivo from patients with severe asthma. CONCLUSION Apoptosis of inflammatory cells is essential for clearance of allergen-induced airway inflammation. The Bcl-2 inhibitors ABT-737 or ABT-199 might be promising drugs for the treatment of airway inflammation, especially for corticosteroid-insensitive neutrophilic airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Ping Tian
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li-Xia Xia
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zheng-Qiang Bao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China; Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China; Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo Medical Center, Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Mao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Cao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luan-Qing Che
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Kai Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songmin Ying
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China; Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Hua-Hao Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Site of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Hangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
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14
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Sochalska M, Schuler F, Weiss JG, Prchal-Murphy M, Sexl V, Villunger A. MYC selects against reduced BCL2A1/A1 protein expression during B cell lymphomagenesis. Oncogene 2016; 36:2066-2073. [PMID: 27694901 PMCID: PMC5395700 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rearrangements of MYC or ABL proto-oncogenes lead to deregulated expression of key-regulators of cell cycle and cell survival, thereby constituting important drivers of blood cancer. Members of the BCL-2 family of apoptosis regulators contribute to oncogenic transformation downstream of these oncogenes, but the role of anti-apoptotic BCL2A1/A1 in transformation and drug resistance caused by deregulation of these oncogenes remains enigmatic. Here we analyzed the role of A1 in MYC as well as ABL kinase-driven blood cancer in mice, employing in vivo RNAi. We report that overexpression of either oncogene leads to a significant increase in A1 protein levels in otherwise A1-negative B cell progenitors, indicating a key role downstream of these oncogenes to secure survival during transformation. Knockdown of A1 by RNAi, however, did not impact on tumor latency in v-Abl-driven pre-B-ALL. In contrast, A1 knockdown in premalignant Eμ-MYC mice caused a significant reduction of transgenic pre-B cells without impacting on tumor latency as the emerging lymphomas escaped silencing of A1 expression. These findings identify A1 as a MYC target that can be induced prematurely during B cell development to aid expansion of otherwise cell-death-prone MYC transgenic pre-B cells. Hence, A1 should be considered as a putative drug target in MYC-driven blood cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sochalska
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - F Schuler
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - J G Weiss
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - M Prchal-Murphy
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - V Sexl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Villunger
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
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15
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Sochalska M, Ottina E, Tuzlak S, Herzog S, Herold M, Villunger A. Conditional knockdown of BCL2A1 reveals rate-limiting roles in BCR-dependent B-cell survival. Cell Death Differ 2015; 23:628-39. [PMID: 26450454 PMCID: PMC4986635 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2015.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bcl2 family proteins control mitochondrial apoptosis and its members exert critical cell type and differentiation stage-specific functions, acting as barriers against autoimmunity or transformation. Anti-apoptotic Bcl2a1/Bfl1/A1 is frequently deregulated in different types of blood cancers in humans but its physiological role is poorly understood as quadruplication of the Bcl2a1 gene locus in mice hampers conventional gene targeting strategies. Transgenic overexpression of A1, deletion of the A1-a paralogue or constitutive knockdown in the hematopoietic compartment of mice by RNAi suggested rate-limiting roles in lymphocyte development, granulopoiesis and mast cell activation. Here we report on the consequences of conditional knockdown of A1 protein expression using a reverse transactivator (rtTA)-driven approach that highlights a critical role for this Bcl2 family member in the maintenance of mature B-cell homeostasis. Furthermore, we define the A1/Bim (Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death) axis as a target of key kinases mediating B-cell receptor (BCR)-dependent survival signals, such as, spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and Brutons tyrosine kinase (Btk). As such, A1 represents a putative target for the treatment of B-cell-related pathologies depending on hyperactivation of BCR-emanating survival signals and loss of A1 expression accounts, in part, for the pro-apoptotic effects of Syk- or Btk inhibitors that rely on the ‘BH3-only' protein Bim for cell killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sochalska
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - E Ottina
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - S Tuzlak
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - S Herzog
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - M Herold
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Villunger
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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16
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Sochalska M, Tuzlak S, Egle A, Villunger A. Lessons from gain- and loss-of-function models of pro-survival Bcl2 family proteins: implications for targeted therapy. FEBS J 2015; 282:834-849. [PMID: 25559680 PMCID: PMC4562365 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Cell survival depends on the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity controlled by a well-balanced interplay between anti- and pro-apoptotic B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) family members. Given their frequent deregulation in human pathologies, including autoimmunity and cancer, significant research efforts have increased our molecular understanding of how Bcl2 proteins control cell death. This has fostered the development of small non-peptidic compounds, so-called BH3-mimetics, that show excellent prospects of passing clinical trials and entering daily use for targeted therapy. Possible limitations in clinical application may, to a certain degree, be predicted from loss-of-function phenotypes gathered from studies using gene-modified mice that we attempt to summarize and discuss in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Sochalska
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Selma Tuzlak
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alexander Egle
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Third Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andreas Villunger
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
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