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Sarapultsev A, Gusev E, Komelkova M, Utepova I, Luo S, Hu D. JAK-STAT signaling in inflammation and stress-related diseases: implications for therapeutic interventions. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:40. [PMID: 37938494 PMCID: PMC10632324 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00151-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Janus kinase-signal transducer and transcription activator pathway (JAK-STAT) serves as a cornerstone in cellular signaling, regulating physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation and stress. Dysregulation in this pathway can lead to severe immunodeficiencies and malignancies, and its role extends to neurotransduction and pro-inflammatory signaling mechanisms. Although JAK inhibitors (Jakinibs) have successfully treated immunological and inflammatory disorders, their application has generally been limited to diseases with similar pathogenic features. Despite the modest expression of JAK-STAT in the CNS, it is crucial for functions in the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, making it relevant in conditions like Parkinson's disease and other neuroinflammatory disorders. Furthermore, the influence of the pathway on serotonin receptors and phospholipase C has implications for stress and mood disorders. This review expands the understanding of JAK-STAT, moving beyond traditional immunological contexts to explore its role in stress-related disorders and CNS function. Recent findings, such as the effectiveness of Jakinibs in chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, expand their therapeutic applicability. Advances in isoform-specific inhibitors, including filgotinib and upadacitinib, promise greater specificity with fewer off-target effects. Combination therapies, involving Jakinibs and monoclonal antibodies, aiming to enhance therapeutic specificity and efficacy also give great hope. Overall, this review bridges the gap between basic science and clinical application, elucidating the complex influence of the JAK-STAT pathway on human health and guiding future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Sarapultsev
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 454080, Chelyabinsk, Russia.
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049, Ekaterinburg, Russia.
| | - Evgenii Gusev
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 454080, Chelyabinsk, Russia
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Maria Komelkova
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 454080, Chelyabinsk, Russia
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Irina Utepova
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049, Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Ural Federal University, 620002, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| | - Shanshan Luo
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Desheng Hu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, The Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Clinical Research Center of Cancer Immunotherapy, Hubei Wuhan, 430022, China
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2
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Coscarella G, Malvaso D, Mannino M, Caldarola G, Fossati B, De Simone C, Chiricozzi A, Peris K. The preclinical discovery and development of deucravacitinib for the treatment of psoriasis. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1201-1208. [PMID: 37574849 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2246880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that most commonly presents as plaque psoriasis. The understanding of the pivotal pathogenetic role of the IL-23/IL-17 axis has dramatically changed the therapeutic approach to the disease. The identification of intracellular signaling pathways mediating IL-23 activity provided the rationale for targeting TYK2. AREAS COVERED This review assesses the underlying rationale that led to development of deucravacitinib, a novel oral TYK2 inhibitor, as a therapeutic option for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, primarily focusing on pre-clinical and early phase clinical studies. EXPERT OPINION Innovative therapies used in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis include biologic agents and small molecules, which are associated with less adverse events than traditional systemic agents. Deucravacitinib, which selectively targets TYK2, has demonstrated to be effective in treating psoriasis, preserving a more favorable safety profile compared to other JAK inhibitors approved for the treatment of other immune diseases that block the ATP-binding site. Because of its oral administration, deucravacitinib represents an intriguing option in the therapeutic armamentarium of psoriasis, though the evaluation of long-term efficacy and safety is necessary to establish its place-in-therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Coscarella
- Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Dalma Malvaso
- Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Mannino
- Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Caldarola
- Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Fossati
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Clara De Simone
- Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Chiricozzi
- Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ketty Peris
- Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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3
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Xie Z, Zhou Z, Yang S, Zhang S, Shao B. Epigenetic regulation and therapeutic targets in the tumor microenvironment. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:17. [PMID: 37273004 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial to neoplastic processes, fostering proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Epigenetic regulations, primarily including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA, have been generally recognized as an essential feature of tumor malignancy, exceedingly contributing to the dysregulation of the core gene expression in neoplastic cells, bringing about the evasion of immunosurveillance by influencing the immune cells in TME. Recently, compelling evidence have highlighted that clinical therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic machinery modulate carcinogenesis through targeting TME components, including normalizing cells' phenotype, suppressing cells' neovascularization and repressing the immunosuppressive components in TME. Therefore, TME components have been nominated as a promising target for epigenetic drugs in clinical cancer management. This review focuses on the mechanisms of epigenetic modifications occurring to the pivotal TME components including the stroma, immune and myeloid cells in various tumors reported in the last five years, concludes the tight correlation between TME reprogramming and tumor progression and immunosuppression, summarizes the current advances in cancer clinical treatments and potential therapeutic targets with reference to epigenetic drugs. Finally, we summarize some of the restrictions in the field of cancer research at the moment, further discuss several interesting epigenetic gene targets with potential strategies to boost antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Zirui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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He Y, Li Y, Xiang J, Huang X, Zhao M, Wang Y, Chen R. TYK2 correlates with immune infiltration: A prognostic marker for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:1081519. [DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1081519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) is a member of the Janus kinase (JAK) family and is involved in immune and inflammatory signaling. TYK2 is overexpressed in several types of cancers and promotes the invasion and proliferation of cancer cells. Nevertheless, the roles of TYK2 in the prognosis and immune infiltration of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain to be elucidated. In this study, the expression of TYK2 in HNSCC was evaluated based on the data retrieved from multiple databases and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. The prognostic potential of TYK2 in patients with HNSCC was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. A TYK2-related risk assessment model was subsequently constructed by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis and stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis. The association between the expression of TYK2 and the tumor immune microenvironment, immune checkpoints, and drug sensitivity was explored various packages in R. Cell function assays were finally used for exploring the effects of TYK2 on the growth and metastasis of HNSCC tumors. The expression of TYK2 was significantly upregulated in HNSCC and was found to be closely correlated with HPV status, gender, clinical grade, and TP53 mutation status. Survival analysis suggested that TYK2 is associated with better survival outcomes and acts as an independent prognostic indicator of HNSCC. The model constructed herein also performed well in terms of predicting patient prognosis. The expression of TYK2 was positively associated with the population of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, expression of immune checkpoint genes, and antitumor drug susceptibility. Functionally, TYK2 knockdown significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HNSCC cell lines in vitro. The findings demonstrated that TYK2 could serve as a suppressor of tumor growth and holds significant promise as a novel biomarker for assessing the prognosis of patients with HNSCC and aid in immunotherapy against HNSCC.
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Moritsch S, Mödl B, Scharf I, Janker L, Zwolanek D, Timelthaler G, Casanova E, Sibilia M, Mohr T, Kenner L, Herndler-Brandstetter D, Gerner C, Müller M, Strobl B, Eferl R. Tyk2 is a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2127271. [PMID: 36185806 PMCID: PMC9519006 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2127271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Janus kinase Tyk2 is implicated in cancer immune surveillance, but its role in solid tumors is not well defined. We used Tyk2 knockout mice (Tyk2Δ/Δ) and mice with conditional deletion of Tyk2 in hematopoietic (Tyk2ΔHem) or intestinal epithelial cells (Tyk2ΔIEC) to assess their cell type-specific functions in chemically induced colorectal cancer. All Tyk2-deficient mouse models showed a higher tumor burden after AOM-DSS treatment compared to their corresponding wild-type controls (Tyk2+/+ and Tyk2fl/fl), demonstrating tumor-suppressive functions of Tyk2 in immune cells and epithelial cancer cells. However, specific deletion of Tyk2 in hematopoietic cells or in intestinal epithelial cells was insufficient to accelerate tumor progression, while deletion in both compartments promoted carcinoma formation. RNA-seq and proteomics revealed that tumors of Tyk2Δ/Δ and Tyk2ΔIEC mice were immunoedited in different ways with downregulated and upregulated IFNγ signatures, respectively. Accordingly, the IFNγ-regulated immune checkpoint Ido1 was downregulated in Tyk2Δ/Δ and upregulated in Tyk2ΔIEC tumors, although both showed reduced CD8+ T cell infiltration. These data suggest that Tyk2Δ/Δ tumors are Ido1-independent and poorly immunoedited while Tyk2ΔIEC tumors require Ido1 for immune evasion. Our study shows that Tyk2 prevents Ido1 expression in CRC cells and promotes CRC immune surveillance in the tumor stroma. Both of these Tyk2-dependent mechanisms must work together to prevent CRC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Moritsch
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernadette Mödl
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Scharf
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Janker
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Joint Metabolomics Facility, University and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Zwolanek
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Timelthaler
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emilio Casanova
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Sibilia
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Mohr
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Joint Metabolomics Facility, University and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Müller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Strobl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Eferl
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
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Shang L, Cao J, Zhao S, Zhang J, He Y. TYK2 in Immune Responses and Treatment of Psoriasis. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:5373-5385. [PMID: 36147687 PMCID: PMC9488612 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s380686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), a key part of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, plays an integral role in the differentiation and immune responses of intrinsic immune cells and regulates the mediation of cytokines. TYK2 leads to inflammatory cascade responses in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), especially psoriasis. Small-molecule TYK2 inhibitors are considered to be an effective strategy for modulating psoriasis. Here, we attempt to review the pro-inflammatory mechanisms of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, the regulatory roles of TYK2 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and provide updates on ongoing and recently completed trials of TYK2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Shang
- Department of Dermatology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Cao
- Department of Dermatology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Siqi Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingya Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanling He
- Department of Dermatology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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STAT1 and Its Crucial Role in the Control of Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084095. [PMID: 35456913 PMCID: PMC9028532 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 protein plays a key role in the immune response against viruses and other pathogens by transducing, in the nucleus, the signal from type I, type II and type III IFNs. STAT1 activates the transcription of hundreds of genes, some of which have been well characterized for their antiviral properties. STAT1 gene deletion in mice and complete STAT1 deficiency in humans both cause rapid death from severe infections. STAT1 plays a key role in the immunoglobulin class-switch recombination through the upregulation of T-bet; it also plays a key role in the production of T-bet+ memory B cells that contribute to tissue-resident humoral memory by mounting an IgG response during re-infection. Considering the key role of STAT1 in the antiviral immune response, many viruses, including dangerous viruses such as Ebola and SARS-CoV-2, have developed different mechanisms to inhibit this transcription factor. The search for drugs capable of targeting the viral proteins implicated in both viral replication and IFN/STAT1 inhibition is important for the treatment of the most dangerous viral infections and for future viral pandemics, as shown by the clinical results obtained with Paxlovid in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
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Rosenbaum JT, Harrington CA, Searles RP, Fei SS, Zaki A, Arepalli S, Paley MA, Hassman LM, Vitale AT, Conrady CD, Keath P, Mitchell C, Watson L, Planck SR, Martin TM, Choi D. Identifying RNA Biomarkers and Molecular Pathways Involved in Multiple Subtypes of Uveitis. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 226:226-234. [PMID: 33503442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Uveitis is a heterogeneous collection of diseases. We tested the hypothesis that despite the diversity of uveitides, there could be common mechanisms shared by multiple subtypes, and that evidence of these common mechanisms may be detected as gene expression profiles in whole blood. DESIGN Cohort study. METHODS Ninety subjects with uveitis including axial spondyloarthritis (n = 17), sarcoidosis (n = 13), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 12), tubulointerstitial nephritis with uveitis (n = 10), or idiopathic uveitis (n = 38) as well as 18 healthy controls were enrolled, predominantly at Oregon Health & Science University. RNA-Seq data generated from peripheral, whole blood identified 19,859 unique transcripts. We analyzed gene expression pathways via Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology (GO). We validated our list of upregulated genes by comparison to a previously published study on peripheral blood gene expression among 50 subjects with diverse forms of uveitis. RESULTS Both the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and GO analysis identified multiple shared pathways or GO terms with a P value of <.0001. Almost all pathways related to the immune response and/or response to an infection. A total of 119 individual transcripts were upregulated by at least 1.5-fold and false discovery rate <.05, and 61 were downregulated by similar criteria. Comparing mRNA from our study with a false discovery rate <.05 and the prior report, we identified 10 common gene transcripts: ICAM1, IL15RA, IL15, IRF1, IL10RB, GSK3A, TYK2, MEF2A, MEF2B, and MEF2D. CONCLUSIONS Many forms of uveitis share overlapping mechanisms. These data support the concept that a single therapeutic approach could benefit diverse forms of this disease.
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Untwining Anti-Tumor and Immunosuppressive Effects of JAK Inhibitors-A Strategy for Hematological Malignancies? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112611. [PMID: 34073410 PMCID: PMC8197909 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway is aberrantly activated in many malignancies. Inhibition of this pathway via JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) is therefore an attractive therapeutic strategy underlined by Ruxolitinib (JAK1/2 inhibitor) being approved for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms. As a consequence of the crucial role of the JAK-STAT pathway in the regulation of immune responses, inhibition of JAKs suppresses the immune system. This review article provides a thorough overview of the current knowledge on JAKinibs’ effects on immune cells in the context of hematological malignancies. We also discuss the potential use of JAKinibs for the treatment of diseases in which lymphocytes are the source of the malignancy. Abstract The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway propagates signals from a variety of cytokines, contributing to cellular responses in health and disease. Gain of function mutations in JAKs or STATs are associated with malignancies, with JAK2V617F being the main driver mutation in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Therefore, inhibition of this pathway is an attractive therapeutic strategy for different types of cancer. Numerous JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) have entered clinical trials, including the JAK1/2 inhibitor Ruxolitinib approved for the treatment of MPN. Importantly, loss of function mutations in JAK-STAT members are a cause of immune suppression or deficiencies. MPN patients undergoing Ruxolitinib treatment are more susceptible to infections and secondary malignancies. This highlights the suppressive effects of JAKinibs on immune responses, which renders them successful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases but potentially detrimental for cancer patients. Here, we review the current knowledge on the effects of JAKinibs on immune cells in the context of hematological malignancies. Furthermore, we discuss the potential use of JAKinibs for the treatment of diseases in which lymphocytes are the source of malignancies. In summary, this review underlines the necessity of a robust immune profiling to provide the best benefit for JAKinib-treated patients.
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Meissl K, Simonović N, Amenitsch L, Witalisz-Siepracka A, Klein K, Lassnig C, Puga A, Vogl C, Poelzl A, Bosmann M, Dohnal A, Sexl V, Müller M, Strobl B. STAT1 Isoforms Differentially Regulate NK Cell Maturation and Anti-tumor Activity. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2189. [PMID: 33042133 PMCID: PMC7519029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important components of the innate immune defense against infections and cancers. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a transcription factor that is essential for NK cell maturation and NK cell-dependent tumor surveillance. Two alternatively spliced isoforms of STAT1 exist: a full-length STAT1α and a C-terminally truncated STAT1β isoform. Aberrant splicing is frequently observed in cancer cells and several anti-cancer drugs interfere with the cellular splicing machinery. To investigate whether NK cell-mediated tumor surveillance is affected by a switch in STAT1 splicing, we made use of knock-in mice expressing either only the STAT1α (Stat1α/α) or the STAT1β (Stat1β/β ) isoform. NK cells from Stat1α/α mice matured normally and controlled transplanted tumor cells as efficiently as NK cells from wild-type mice. In contrast, NK cells from Stat1β/β mice showed impaired maturation and effector functions, albeit less severe than NK cells from mice that completely lack STAT1 (Stat1-/- ). Mechanistically, we show that NK cell maturation requires the presence of STAT1α in the niche rather than in NK cells themselves and that NK cell maturation depends on IFNγ signaling under homeostatic conditions. The impaired NK cell maturation in Stat1β/β mice was paralleled by decreased IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) surface levels on dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes. Treatment of Stat1β/β mice with exogenous IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes rescued NK cell maturation but not their effector functions. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that STAT1 isoforms are not functionally redundant in regulating NK cell activity and that the absence of STAT1α severely impairs, but does not abolish, NK cell-dependent tumor surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Meissl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Natalija Simonović
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lena Amenitsch
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Agnieszka Witalisz-Siepracka
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klara Klein
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Lassnig
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Biomodels Austria, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ana Puga
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Vogl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Poelzl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Bosmann
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alexander Dohnal
- Tumor Immunology, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children’s Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Sexl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Müller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Biomodels Austria, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Strobl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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TYK2 in Tumor Immunosurveillance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010150. [PMID: 31936322 PMCID: PMC7017180 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the history of the tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) as the founding member of the Janus kinase (JAK) family and outline its structure-function relation. Gene-targeted mice and hereditary defects of TYK2 in men have established the biological and pathological functions of TYK2 in innate and adaptive immune responses to infection and cancer and in (auto-)inflammation. We describe the architecture of the main cytokine receptor families associated with TYK2, which activate signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). We summarize the cytokine receptor activities with well characterized dependency on TYK2, the types of cells that respond to cytokines and TYK2 signaling-induced cytokine production. TYK2 may drive beneficial or detrimental activities, which we explain based on the concepts of tumor immunoediting and the cancer-immunity cycle in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, we summarize current knowledge of TYK2 functions in mouse models of tumor surveillance. The biology and biochemistry of JAKs, TYK2-dependent cytokines and cytokine signaling in tumor surveillance are well covered in recent reviews and the oncogenic properties of TYK2 are reviewed in the recent Special Issue ‘Targeting STAT3 and STAT5 in Cancer’ of Cancers.
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Gotthardt D, Trifinopoulos J, Sexl V, Putz EM. JAK/STAT Cytokine Signaling at the Crossroad of NK Cell Development and Maturation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2590. [PMID: 31781102 PMCID: PMC6861185 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system and play a critical role in anti-viral and anti-tumor responses. NK cells develop in the bone marrow from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that differentiate through common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) to NK lineage-restricted progenitors (NKPs). The orchestrated action of multiple cytokines is crucial for NK cell development and maturation. Many of these cytokines such as IL-2, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, IL-27, and interferons (IFNs) signal via the Janus Kinase / Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. We here review the current knowledge about these cytokines and the downstream signaling involved in the development and maturation of conventional NK cells and their close relatives, innate lymphoid cells type 1 (ILC1). We further discuss the role of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins in NK cells and highlight their potential for therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Gotthardt
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jana Trifinopoulos
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Sexl
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Maria Putz
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
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