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Ouyang X, Reihill JA, Douglas LEJ, Martin SL. Airborne indoor allergen serine proteases and their contribution to sensitisation and activation of innate immunity in allergic airway disease. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:230126. [PMID: 38657996 PMCID: PMC11040391 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0126-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Common airborne allergens (pollen, animal dander and those from fungi and insects) are the main triggers of type I allergic disorder in the respiratory system and are associated with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, as well as immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. These allergens promote IgE crosslinking, vasodilation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, mucosal barrier dysfunction, extracellular matrix deposition and smooth muscle spasm, which collectively cause remodelling of the airways. Fungus and insect (house dust mite and cockroaches) indoor allergens are particularly rich in proteases. Indeed, more than 40 different types of aeroallergen proteases, which have both IgE-neutralising and tissue-destructive activities, have been documented in the Allergen Nomenclature database. Of all the inhaled protease allergens, 85% are classed as serine protease activities and include trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like and collagenolytic serine proteases. In this article, we review and compare the allergenicity and proteolytic effect of allergen serine proteases as listed in the Allergen Nomenclature and MEROPS databases and highlight their contribution to allergic sensitisation, disruption of the epithelial barrier and activation of innate immunity in allergic airways disease. The utility of small-molecule inhibitors of allergen serine proteases as a potential treatment strategy for allergic airways disease will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Ouyang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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2
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Meloun A, León B. Sensing of protease activity as a triggering mechanism of Th2 cell immunity and allergic disease. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2023; 4:1265049. [PMID: 37810200 PMCID: PMC10552645 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1265049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4 T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) cells mediate host defense against extracellular parasites, like helminths. However, Th2 cells also play a pivotal role in the onset and progression of allergic inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and food allergy. This happens when allergens, which are otherwise harmless foreign proteins, are mistakenly identified as "pathogenic." Consequently, the encounter with these allergens triggers the activation of specific Th2 cell responses, leading to the development of allergic reactions. Understanding the molecular basis of allergen sensing is vital for comprehending how Th2 cell responses are erroneously initiated in individuals with allergies. The presence of protease activity in allergens, such as house dust mites (HDM), pollen, fungi, or cockroaches, has been found to play a significant role in triggering robust Th2 cell responses. In this review, we aim to examine the significance of protease activity sensing in foreign proteins for the initiation of Th2 cell responses, highlighting how evolving a host protease sensor may contribute to detect invading helminth parasites, but conversely can also trigger unwanted reactions to protease allergens. In this context, we will explore the recognition receptors activated by proteolytic enzymes present in major allergens and their contribution to Th2-mediated allergic responses. Furthermore, we will discuss the coordinated efforts of sensory neurons and epithelial cells in detecting protease allergens, the subsequent activation of intermediary cells, including mast cells and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), and the ultimate integration of all signals by conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), leading to the induction of Th2 cell responses. On the other hand, the review highlights the role of monocytes in the context of protease allergen exposure and their interaction with cDCs to mitigate undesirable Th2 cell reactions. This review aims to provide insights into the innate functions and cell communications triggered by protease allergens, which can contribute to the initiation of detrimental Th2 cell responses, but also promote mechanisms to effectively suppress their development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beatriz León
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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3
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Goode EJ, Marczylo E. A scoping review: What are the cellular mechanisms that drive the allergic inflammatory response to fungal allergens in the lung epithelium? Clin Transl Allergy 2023; 13:e12252. [PMID: 37357550 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic airway disease (AAD) is a collective term for respiratory disorders that can be exacerbated upon exposure to airborne allergens. The contribution of fungal allergens to AAD has become well established over recent years. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to better understand the mechanisms involved in the allergic response to fungi in airway epithelia, identify knowledge gaps and make recommendations for future research. The search resulted in 61 studies for final analysis. Despite heterogeneity in the models and methods used, we identified major pathways involved in fungal allergy. These included the activation of protease-activated receptor 2, the EGFR pathway, adenosine triphosphate and purinergic receptor-dependent release of IL33, and oxidative stress, which drove mucin expression and goblet cell metaplasia, Th2 cytokine production, reduced barrier integrity, eosinophil recruitment, and airway hyperresponsiveness. However, there were several knowledge gaps and therefore we recommend future research should focus on the use of more physiologically relevant methods to directly compare key allergenic fungal species, clarify specific mechanisms of fungal allergy, and assess the fungal allergy in disease models. This will inform disease management and future interventions, ultimately reducing the burden of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma-Jane Goode
- Toxicology Department, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton, UK
| | - Emma Marczylo
- Toxicology Department, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton, UK
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Soh WT, Zhang J, Hollenberg MD, Vliagoftis H, Rothenberg ME, Sokol CL, Robinson C, Jacquet A. Protease allergens as initiators-regulators of allergic inflammation. Allergy 2023; 78:1148-1168. [PMID: 36794967 PMCID: PMC10159943 DOI: 10.1111/all.15678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Tremendous progress in the last few years has been made to explain how seemingly harmless environmental proteins from different origins can induce potent Th2-biased inflammatory responses. Convergent findings have shown the key roles of allergens displaying proteolytic activity in the initiation and progression of the allergic response. Through their propensity to activate IgE-independent inflammatory pathways, certain allergenic proteases are now considered as initiators for sensitization to themselves and to non-protease allergens. The protease allergens degrade junctional proteins of keratinocytes or airway epithelium to facilitate allergen delivery across the epithelial barrier and their subsequent uptake by antigen-presenting cells. Epithelial injuries mediated by these proteases together with their sensing by protease-activated receptors (PARs) elicit potent inflammatory responses resulting in the release of pro-Th2 cytokines (IL-6, IL-25, IL-1β, TSLP) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs; IL-33, ATP, uric acid). Recently, protease allergens were shown to cleave the protease sensor domain of IL-33 to produce a super-active form of the alarmin. At the same time, proteolytic cleavage of fibrinogen can trigger TLR4 signaling, and cleavage of various cell surface receptors further shape the Th2 polarization. Remarkably, the sensing of protease allergens by nociceptive neurons can represent a primary step in the development of the allergic response. The goal of this review is to highlight the multiple innate immune mechanisms triggered by protease allergens that converge to initiate the allergic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Tuck Soh
- Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Morley D. Hollenberg
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Harissios Vliagoftis
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, and Alberta Respiratory Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marc E. Rothenberg
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Caroline L. Sokol
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Clive Robinson
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Alain Jacquet
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Miller MH, Swaby LG, Vailoces VS, LaFratta M, Zhang Y, Zhu X, Hitchcock DJ, Jewett TJ, Zhang B, Tigno-Aranjuez JT. LMAN1 is a receptor for house dust mite allergens. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112208. [PMID: 36870056 PMCID: PMC10105285 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of therapies with the potential to change the allergic asthmatic disease course will require the discovery of targets that play a central role during the initiation of an allergic response, such as those involved in the process of allergen recognition. We use a receptor glycocapture technique to screen for house dust mite (HDM) receptors and identify LMAN1 as a candidate. We verify the ability of LMAN1 to directly bind HDM allergens and demonstrate that LMAN1 is expressed on the surface of dendritic cells (DCs) and airway epithelial cells (AECs) in vivo. Overexpression of LMAN1 downregulates NF-κB signaling in response to inflammatory cytokines or HDM. HDM promotes binding of LMAN1 to the FcRγ and recruitment of SHP1. Last, peripheral DCs of asthmatic individuals show a significant reduction in the expression of LMAN1 compared with healthy controls. These findings have potential implications for the development of therapeutic interventions for atopic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn H Miller
- Biotechnology and Immunology Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Lindsay G Swaby
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Vanessa S Vailoces
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Maggie LaFratta
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Dorilyn J Hitchcock
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Travis J Jewett
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Justine T Tigno-Aranjuez
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA.
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6
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Srisomboon Y, Iijima K, Colwell M, Maniak PJ, Macchietto M, Faulk C, Kita H, O'Grady SM. Allergen-induced DNA release by the airway epithelium amplifies type 2 immunity. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:494-508.e6. [PMID: 36306937 PMCID: PMC10324884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternaria alternata and house dust mite exposure evokes IL-33 secretion from the airway epithelium, which functions as an alarmin to stimulate type 2 immunity. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is also an alarmin that intensifies inflammation in cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. OBJECTIVE We investigated the mechanisms underlying allergen-evoked DNA mobilization and release from the airway epithelium and determined the role of eDNA in type 2 immunity. METHODS Human bronchial epithelial (hBE) cells were used to characterize allergen-induced DNA mobilization and extracellular release using comet assays to measure DNA fragmentation, Qubit double-stranded DNA assays to measure DNA release, and DNA sequencing to determine eDNA composition. Mice were used to investigate the role of eDNA in type 2 immunity. RESULTS Alternaria extract rapidly induces mitochondrial and nuclear DNA release from human bronchial epithelial cells, whereas house dust mite extract induces mitochondrial DNA release. Caspase-3 is responsible for nuclear DNA fragmentation and becomes activated after cleavage by furin. Analysis of secreted nuclear DNA showed disproportionally higher amounts of promotor and exon sequences and lower intron and intergenic regions compared to predictions of random DNA fragmentation. In mice, Alternaria-induced type 2 immune responses were blocked by pretreatment with a DNA scavenger. In caspase-3-deficient mice, Alternaria-induced DNA release was suppressed. Furthermore, intranasal administration of mouse genomic DNA with Alternaria amplified secretion of IL-5 and IL-13 into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid while DNA alone had no effect. CONCLUSION These findings highlight a novel, allergen-induced mechanism of rapid DNA release that amplifies type 2 immunity in airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yotesawee Srisomboon
- Departments of Animal Science, Integrative Biology, and Physiology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minn
| | - Koji Iijima
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Ariz
| | - Mathia Colwell
- Departments of Animal Science, Integrative Biology, and Physiology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minn
| | - Peter J Maniak
- Departments of Animal Science, Integrative Biology, and Physiology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minn
| | - Marissa Macchietto
- Minnesota Super Computing Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn
| | - Christopher Faulk
- Departments of Animal Science, Integrative Biology, and Physiology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minn
| | - Hirohito Kita
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Ariz.
| | - Scott M O'Grady
- Departments of Animal Science, Integrative Biology, and Physiology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minn.
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Satala D, Bras G, Kozik A, Rapala-Kozik M, Karkowska-Kuleta J. More than Just Protein Degradation: The Regulatory Roles and Moonlighting Functions of Extracellular Proteases Produced by Fungi Pathogenic for Humans. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010121. [PMID: 36675942 PMCID: PMC9865821 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular proteases belong to the main virulence factors of pathogenic fungi. Their proteolytic activities plays a crucial role in the acquisition of nutrients from the external environment, destroying host barriers and defenses, and disrupting homeostasis in the human body, e.g., by affecting the functions of plasma proteolytic cascades, and playing sophisticated regulatory roles in various processes. Interestingly, some proteases belong to the group of moonlighting proteins, i.e., they have additional functions that contribute to successful host colonization and infection development, but they are not directly related to proteolysis. In this review, we describe examples of such multitasking of extracellular proteases that have been reported for medically important pathogenic fungi of the Candida, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cryptococcus, Rhizopus, and Pneumocystis genera, as well as dermatophytes and selected endemic species. Additional functions of proteinases include supporting binding to host proteins, and adhesion to host cells. They also mediate self-aggregation and biofilm formation. In addition, fungal proteases affect the host immune cells and allergenicity, understood as the ability to stimulate a non-standard immune response. Finally, they play a role in the proper maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Knowledge about the multifunctionality of proteases, in addition to their canonical roles, greatly contributes to an understanding of the mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Satala
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence:
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8
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Gandhi VD, Shrestha Palikhe N, Vliagoftis H. Protease-activated receptor-2: Role in asthma pathogenesis and utility as a biomarker of disease severity. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:954990. [PMID: 35966869 PMCID: PMC9372307 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.954990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PAR2, a receptor activated by serine proteases, has primarily pro-inflammatory roles in the airways and may play a role in asthma pathogenesis. PAR2 exerts its effects in the lungs through activation of a variety of airway cells, but also activation of circulating immune cells. There is evidence that PAR2 expression increases in asthma and other inflammatory diseases, although the regulation of PAR2 expression is not fully understood. Here we review the available literature on the potential role of PAR2 in asthma pathogenesis and propose a model of PAR2-mediated development of allergic sensitization. We also propose, based on our previous work, that PAR2 expression on peripheral blood monocyte subsets has the potential to serve as a biomarker of asthma severity and/or control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Dipak Gandhi
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Alberta Respiratory Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nami Shrestha Palikhe
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Alberta Respiratory Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Harissios Vliagoftis
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Alberta Respiratory Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Harissios Vliagoftis,
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9
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Kumar R, Rojas IG, Edgerton M. Candida albicans Sap6 Initiates Oral Mucosal Inflammation via the Protease Activated Receptor PAR2. Front Immunol 2022; 13:912748. [PMID: 35844627 PMCID: PMC9277060 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.912748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans Sap6, a secreted aspartyl protease (Sap), contributes to fungal virulence in oral candidiasis. Beside its protease activity, Sap6 contains RGD (RGDRGD) motif required for its binding to host integrins. Sap6 activates immune cells to induce proinflammatory cytokines, although its ability to interact and activate human oral epithelial cells (OECs) remain unknown. Addition of purified recombinant Sap6 (rSap6) to OECs resulted in production of IL-1β and IL-8 cytokines similar to live hyphal C. albicans. OECs exposed to rSap6 showed phosphorylation of p38 and MKP1 and expression of c-Fos not found with C. albicans Δsap6, heat-inactivated Sap6, or rSap6ΔRGD . Heat inactivated rSap6 was able to induce IL-1β but not IL-8 in OECs, while rSap6ΔRGD induced IL-8 but not IL-1β suggesting parallel signaling pathways. C. albicans hyphae increased surface expression of Protease Activated Receptors PAR1, PAR2 and PAR3, while rSap6 increased PAR2 expression exclusively. Pretreatment of OECs with a PAR2 antagonist blocked rSap6-induced p38 MAPK signaling and IL-8 release, while rSap6ΔRGD had reduced MKP1 signaling and IL-1β release independent from PAR2. OECs exposed to rSap6 exhibited loss of barrier function as measured by TEER and reduction in levels of E-cadherin and occludin junctional proteins that was prevented by pretreating OECs with a PAR2 antagonist. OECs treated with PAR2 antagonist also showed reduced rSap6-mediated invasion by C. albicans cells. Thus, Sap6 may initiate OEC responses mediated both through protease activation of PAR2 and by its RGD domain. This novel role of PAR2 suggests new drug targets to block C. albicans oral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mira Edgerton
- Department of Oral Biology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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10
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Rivas CM, Yee MC, Addison KJ, Lovett M, Pal K, Ledford JG, Dussor G, Price TJ, Vagner J, DeFea KA, Boitano S. Proteinase-activated receptor-2 antagonist C391 inhibits Alternaria-induced airway epithelial signalling and asthma indicators in acute exposure mouse models. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:2208-2222. [PMID: 34841515 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Despite the availability of a variety of treatment options, many asthma patients have poorly controlled disease with frequent exacerbations. Proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) has been identified in preclinical animal models as important to asthma initiation and progression following allergen exposure. Proteinase activation of PAR2 raises intracellular Ca2+ , inducing MAPK and β-arrestin signalling in the airway, leading to inflammatory and protective effects. We have developed C391, a potent PAR2 antagonist effective in blocking peptidomimetic- and trypsin-induced PAR2 signalling in vitro as well as reducing inflammatory PAR2-associated pain in vivo. We hypothesized that PAR2 antagonism by C391 would attenuate allergen-induced acutely expressed asthma indicators in murine models. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We evaluated the ability of C391 to alter Alternaria alternata-induced PAR2 signalling pathways in vitro using a human airway epithelial cell line that naturally expresses PAR2 (16HBE14o-) and a transfected embryonic cell line (HEK 293). We next evaluated the ability for C391 to reduce A. alternata-induced acutely expressed asthma indicators in vivo in two murine strains. KEY RESULTS C391 blocked A. alternata-induced, PAR2-dependent Ca2+ and MAPK signalling in 16HBE14o- cells, as well as β-arrestin recruitment in HEK 293 cells. C391 effectively attenuated A. alternata-induced inflammation, mucus production, mucus cell hyperplasia and airway hyperresponsiveness in acute allergen-challenged murine models. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS To our best knowledge, this is the first demonstration of pharmacological intervention of PAR2 to reduce allergen-induced asthma indicators in vivo. These data support further development of PAR2 antagonists as potential first-in-class allergic asthma drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candy M Rivas
- Physiological Sciences Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Michael C Yee
- Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Kenneth J Addison
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Marissa Lovett
- Physiological Sciences Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Kasturi Pal
- Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Julie G Ledford
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Gregory Dussor
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Theodore J Price
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Josef Vagner
- Bio5 Collaborative Research Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Kathryn A DeFea
- Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA.,Corporate Headquarters, PARMedics, Inc., Temecula, California, USA
| | - Scott Boitano
- Physiological Sciences Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Bio5 Collaborative Research Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Physiology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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11
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Burchacka E, Pięta P, Łupicka-Słowik A. Recent advances in fungal serine protease inhibitors. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112523. [PMID: 34902742 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Four types of antifungal drugs are available that include inhibitors of ergosterol synthesis, of fungal RNA biosynthesis, and of cell wall biosynthesis as well as physiochemical regulators of fungal membrane sterols. Increasing resistance to antifungal drugs can severely limit treatment options of fungal nail infections, vaginal candidiasis, ringworm, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus, among other infections. Development of strategies focused on new fungicides can effectively help tackle troublesome fungal diseases. The virulence and optimal growth of fungi depend on various extracellular secreted factors, among which proteases, such as serine proteases, are of particular interest. A specific extracellular proteolytic system enables fungi to survive and penetrate the tissues. Given the role of fungal proteases in infection, any molecule capable of selectively and specifically inhibiting their activity can lead to the development of potential drugs. Owing to their specific mode of action, fungal protease inhibitors can avoid fungal resistance observed with currently available treatments. Although fungal secreted proteases have been extensively studied as potential virulence factors, our understanding of the substrate specificity of such proteases remains poor. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the design and development of specific serine protease inhibitors and provide a brief history of the compounds that inhibit fungal serine protease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Burchacka
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego St, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - P Pięta
- Department of Bionic and Medical Experimental Biology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Parkowa 2 St, 60-775 Poznań, Poland
| | - A Łupicka-Słowik
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego St, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
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12
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Wang YJ, Yu SJ, Tsai JJ, Yu CH, Liao EC. Antagonism of Protease Activated Receptor-2 by GB88 Reduces Inflammation Triggered by Protease Allergen Tyr-p3. Front Immunol 2021; 12:557433. [PMID: 34566947 PMCID: PMC8456102 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.557433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of allergic diseases induced by aeroallergens has increased in the past decades. Among inhalant allergens, mites remain the important causal agent of allergic diseases. Storage mites- Tyrophagus putrescentiae are found in stored products or domestic environments. Major allergen Tyr-p3 plays a significant role in triggering IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. However, its effects on pulmonary inflammation, internalization, and activation in human epithelium remain elusive. Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are activated upon cleavage by proteases. A549 cells were used as an epithelial model to examine the PAR activation by Tyr-p3 and therapeutic potential of PAR-2 antagonist (GB88) in allergic responses. Enzymatic properties and allergen localization of Tyr-p3 were performed. The release of inflammatory mediators, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and cell junction disruptions were evaluated after Tyr-p3 challenge. Enzymatic properties determined by substrate digestion and protease inhibitors indicated that Tyr-p3 processes a trypsin-like serine protease activity. The PAR-2 mRNA levels were significantly increased by nTyr-p3 but inhibited by protease inhibitors or GB88. Protease allergen of nTyr-p3 significantly increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), chemokine (IL-8), and IL-1β in epithelial cells. nTyr-p3 markedly increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and MAP kinase. When cells were pretreated with GB88 then added nTyr-p3, the phosphorylated ERK1/2 did not inhibit by GB88. GB88 increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in human epithelium cells. GB88 is able to block PAR-2-mediated calcium signaling which inhibits the nTyr-p3-induced Ca2+ release. Among the pharmacologic inhibitors, the most effective inhibitor of the nTyr-p3 in the induction of IL-8 or IL-1β levels was GB88 followed by SBTI, MAPK/ERK, ERK, and p38 inhibitors. Levels of inflammatory mediators, including GM-CSF, VEGF, COX-2, TSLP, and IL-33 were reduced by treatment of GB88 or SBTI. Further, GB88 treatment down-regulated the nTyr-p3-induced PAR-2 expression in allergic patients with asthma or rhinitis. Tight junction and adherens junction were disrupted in epithelial cells by nTyr-p3 exposure; however, this effect was avoided by GB88. Immunostaining with frozen sections of the mite body showed the presence of Tyr-p3 throughout the intestinal digestive system, especially in the hindgut around the excretion site. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Tyr-p3 from domestic mites leads to disruption of the airway epithelial barrier after inhalation. Proteolytic activity of Tyr-p3 causes the PAR-2 mRNA expression, thus leading to the release of numerous inflammatory mediators. Antagonism of PAR2 activity suggests GB88 as the therapeutic potential for anti-inflammation medicine, especially in allergy development triggered by protease allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ju Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Jie Yu
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jaw-Ji Tsai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsiang Yu
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - En-Chih Liao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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13
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Aspergillus fumigatus Protease Alkaline Protease 1 (Alp1): A New Therapeutic Target for Fungal Asthma. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6020088. [PMID: 32560087 PMCID: PMC7345148 DOI: 10.3390/jof6020088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We review three recent findings that have fundamentally altered our understanding of causative mechanisms underlying fungal-related asthma. These mechanisms may be partially independent of host inflammatory processes but are strongly dependent upon the actions of Alp1 on lung structural cells. They entail (i) bronchial epithelial sensing of Alp1; (ii) Alp1-induced airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction; (iii) Alp1-induced airflow obstruction. Collectively, these mechanisms point to Alp1 as a new target for intervention in fungal asthma.
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14
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Invernizzi R, Lloyd CM, Molyneaux PL. Respiratory microbiome and epithelial interactions shape immunity in the lungs. Immunology 2020; 160:171-182. [PMID: 32196653 PMCID: PMC7218407 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The airway epithelium represents a physical barrier to the external environment acting as the first line of defence against potentially harmful environmental stimuli including microbes and allergens. However, lung epithelial cells are increasingly recognized as active effectors of microbial defence, contributing to both innate and adaptive immune function in the lower respiratory tract. These cells express an ample repertoire of pattern recognition receptors with specificity for conserved microbial and host motifs. Modern molecular techniques have uncovered the complexity of the lower respiratory tract microbiome. The interaction between the microbiota and the airway epithelium is key to understanding how stable immune homeostasis is maintained. Loss of epithelial integrity following exposure to infection can result in the onset of inflammation in susceptible individuals and may culminate in lung disease. Here we discuss the current knowledge regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the pulmonary epithelium interacts with the lung microbiome in shaping immunity in the lung. Specifically, we focus on the interactions between the lung microbiome and the cells of the conducting airways in modulating immune cell regulation, and how defects in barrier structure and function may culminate in lung disease. Understanding these interactions is fundamental in the search for more effective therapies for respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Invernizzi
- Inflammation, Repair and Development SectionNational Heart and Lung InstituteImperial CollegeLondonUK
| | - Clare M. Lloyd
- Inflammation, Repair and Development SectionNational Heart and Lung InstituteImperial CollegeLondonUK
| | - Philip L. Molyneaux
- Inflammation, Repair and Development SectionNational Heart and Lung InstituteImperial CollegeLondonUK
- Department of Respiratory MedicineInterstitial Lung Disease UnitRoyal Brompton HospitalLondonUK
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15
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Gaspar R, de Matos MR, Cortes L, Nunes-Correia I, Todo-Bom A, Pires E, Veríssimo P. Pollen Proteases Play Multiple Roles in Allergic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103578. [PMID: 32438574 PMCID: PMC7278992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic diseases are a major health concern worldwide. Pollens are important triggers for allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma. Proteases released upon pollen grain hydration appear to play a major role in the typical immunological and inflammatory responses that occur in patients with allergic disorders. In this study, we aimed to identify specific proteolytic activity in a set of pollens with diverse allergenic potential. Diffusates from Chenopodium album, Plantago lanceolata and Eucalyptus globulus were added to a confluent monolayer of Calu-3 cells grown in an air-liquid interface system. We identified serine proteases and metalloproteinases in all pollen diffusates investigated. Proteases found in these pollen diffusates were shown to compromise the integrity of the lung epithelial barrier by disrupting transmembrane adhesion proteins E-cadherin, claudin-1 and Occludin, as well as, the cytosolic complex zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) resulting in a time-dependent increase in transepithelial permeability. Tight junction disruption and increased transepithelial permeability facilitates allergen exposure to epithelial sub-layers contributing to the sensitization to a wide range of allergens. These pollen extracts also induced an increase in the release of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) cytokines measured by flow cytometry possibly as a result of the activation of protease-activated receptors 2 (PAR-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Gaspar
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (R.G.); (M.R.d.M.); (L.C.); (I.N.-C.); (E.P.)
| | - Mafalda Ramos de Matos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (R.G.); (M.R.d.M.); (L.C.); (I.N.-C.); (E.P.)
| | - Luísa Cortes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (R.G.); (M.R.d.M.); (L.C.); (I.N.-C.); (E.P.)
- Microscopy Unit Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Nunes-Correia
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (R.G.); (M.R.d.M.); (L.C.); (I.N.-C.); (E.P.)
| | - Ana Todo-Bom
- Immunoallergology Service, Coimbra University Hospital, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Euclides Pires
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (R.G.); (M.R.d.M.); (L.C.); (I.N.-C.); (E.P.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Veríssimo
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (R.G.); (M.R.d.M.); (L.C.); (I.N.-C.); (E.P.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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16
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Landers CT, Tung HY, Knight JM, Madison MC, Wu Y, Zeng Z, Porter PC, Rodriguez A, Flick MJ, Kheradmand F, Corry DB. Selective cleavage of fibrinogen by diverse proteinases initiates innate allergic and antifungal immunity through CD11b. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:8834-8847. [PMID: 30992366 PMCID: PMC6552423 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteinases are essential drivers of allergic airway disease and innate antifungal immunity in part through their ability cleave the clotting factor fibrinogen (FBG) into fibrinogen cleavage products (FCPs) that signal through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, the mechanism by which FCPs engage TLR4 remains unknown. Here, we show that the proteinases from Aspergillus melleus (PAM) and other allergenic organisms rapidly hydrolyze FBG to yield relatively few FCPs that drive distinct antifungal mechanisms through TLR4. Functional FCPs, termed cryptokines, were characterized by rapid loss of the FBG α chain with substantial preservation of the β and γ chains, including a γ chain sequence (Fibγ390-396) that binds the integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18). PAM-derived cryptokines could be generated from multiple FBG domains, and the ability of cryptokines to induce fungistasis in vitro and innate allergic airway disease in vivo strongly depended on both Mac-1 and the Mac-1-binding domain of FBG (Fibγ390-396). Our findings illustrate the essential concept of proteinase-activated immune responses and for the first time link Mac-1, cryptokines, and TLR4 to innate antifungal immunity and allergic airway disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron T Landers
- From the Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program
- Medicine
- the Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hui-Ying Tung
- Medicine
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology and
- Biology of Inflammation Center, and
| | | | - Matthew C Madison
- From the Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program
- Medicine
| | - Yifan Wu
- Medicine
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology and
| | - Zhimin Zeng
- the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China, and
| | | | | | - Matthew J Flick
- the Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Farrah Kheradmand
- From the Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program,
- Medicine
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology and
- Biology of Inflammation Center, and
- the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - David B Corry
- From the Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program,
- Medicine
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology and
- Biology of Inflammation Center, and
- the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Houston, Texas 77030
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17
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Li B, Zou Z, Meng F, Raz E, Huang Y, Tao A, Ai Y. Dust mite-derived Der f 3 activates a pro-inflammatory program in airway epithelial cells via PAR-1 and PAR-2. Mol Immunol 2019; 109:1-11. [PMID: 30836204 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Protease activity of allergens has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. The major allergen Der f 3 from Dermatophagoides farinae harbors serine protease activity, but its immunopathogenesis remains unclear. This study aims to explore the effect of Der f 3 on the airway epithelial barrier and on the molecular pathways by which Der f 3 induces inflammation. RNA-seq was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in bronchial airway epithelial cells (AEC) between native Der f 3 and heat-inactivated (H) Der f 3, coupled with real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and ELISA for validation. Unlike other protease allergens such as that induce Th2-promoting alarmins (IL-25, IL-33, TSLP) in AECs, Der f 3 induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF, which are known to promote Th17 response. These pro-inflammatory mediators were induced by Der f 3 via the MAPK and NF-κB pathways as well as the store-operated calcium signaling. Gene silencing with small interfering RNA in A549 and BEAS-2B cells indicated that activation of AECs by Der f 3 was mainly dependent on protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2), while PAR-1 was also required for the full activation of AECs. Double knock-down of PAR-1 and PAR-2 largely impaired Der f 3-inducecd IL-8 production and subsequent signaling pathways. Our data suggest that Der f 3 induces pro-inflammatory mediators in human epithelial cell lines via the PARs-MAPK-NF-κB axis. Our results provide a molecular mechanism by which Der f 3 may trigger the Th17-skewed allergic response toward house dust mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bizhou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Zehong Zou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Center for Inflammation, Immunity, & Immune-mediated Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Fanmei Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Eyal Raz
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Center for Inflammation, Immunity, & Immune-mediated Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, China; Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, United States
| | - Yuye Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Ailin Tao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Center for Inflammation, Immunity, & Immune-mediated Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, China.
| | - Yuncan Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, China.
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18
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Heuberger DM, Schuepbach RA. Protease-activated receptors (PARs): mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic modulators in PAR-driven inflammatory diseases. Thromb J 2019; 17:4. [PMID: 30976204 PMCID: PMC6440139 DOI: 10.1186/s12959-019-0194-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory diseases have become increasingly prevalent with industrialization. To address this, numerous anti-inflammatory agents and molecular targets have been considered in clinical trials. Among molecular targets, protease-activated receptors (PARs) are abundantly recognized for their roles in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. In particular, several inflammatory effects are directly mediated by the sensing of proteolytic activity by PARs. PARs belong to the seven transmembrane domain G protein-coupled receptor family, but are unique in their lack of physiologically soluble ligands. In contrast with classical receptors, PARs are activated by N-terminal proteolytic cleavage. Upon removal of specific N-terminal peptides, the resulting N-termini serve as tethered activation ligands that interact with the extracellular loop 2 domain and initiate receptor signaling. In the classical pathway, activated receptors mediate signaling by recruiting G proteins. However, activation of PARs alternatively lead to the transactivation of and signaling through receptors such as co-localized PARs, ion channels, and toll-like receptors. In this review we consider PARs and their modulators as potential therapeutic agents, and summarize the current understanding of PAR functions from clinical and in vitro studies of PAR-related inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea M Heuberger
- Institute of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Surgical Research Division, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reto A Schuepbach
- Institute of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Van Cleemput J, Poelaert KCK, Laval K, Impens F, Van den Broeck W, Gevaert K, Nauwynck HJ. Pollens destroy respiratory epithelial cell anchors and drive alphaherpesvirus infection. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4787. [PMID: 30886217 PMCID: PMC6423322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41305-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pollens are well-known triggers of respiratory allergies and asthma. The pollen burden in today's ambient air is constantly increasing due to rising climate change and air pollution. How pollens interact with the respiratory mucosa remains largely unknown due to a lack of representative model systems. We here demonstrate how pollen proteases of Kentucky bluegrass, white birch and hazel selectively destroy integrity and anchorage of columnar respiratory epithelial cells, but not of basal cells, in both ex vivo respiratory mucosal explants and in vitro primary equine respiratory epithelial cells (EREC). In turn, this pollen protease-induced damage to respiratory epithelial cell anchorage resulted in increased infection by the host-specific and ancestral alphaherpesvirus equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV1). Pollen proteases of all three plant species were characterized by zymography and those of white birch were fully identified for the first time as serine proteases of the subtilase family and meiotic prophase aminopeptidase 1 using mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Together, our findings demonstrate that pollen proteases selectively and irreversibly damage integrity and anchorage of columnar respiratory epithelial cells. In turn, alphaherpesviruses benefit from this partial loss-of-barrier function, resulting in increased infection of the respiratory epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Van Cleemput
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, 119 Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Washington Road, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA
| | - Katrien C K Poelaert
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kathlyn Laval
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, 119 Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Washington Road, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA
| | - Francis Impens
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Albert Baertsoenkaai 3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Proteomics Core, Albert Baertsoenkaai 3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Albert Baertsoenkaai 3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Van den Broeck
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Albert Baertsoenkaai 3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Albert Baertsoenkaai 3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans J Nauwynck
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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20
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Yee MC, Nichols HL, Polley D, Saifeddine M, Pal K, Lee K, Wilson EH, Daines MO, Hollenberg MD, Boitano S, DeFea KA. Protease-activated receptor-2 signaling through β-arrestin-2 mediates Alternaria alkaline serine protease-induced airway inflammation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2018; 315:L1042-L1057. [PMID: 30335499 PMCID: PMC6337008 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00196.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternaria alternata is a fungal allergen associated with severe asthma and asthma exacerbations. Similarly to other asthma-associated allergens, Alternaria secretes a serine-like trypsin protease(s) that is thought to act through the G protein-coupled receptor protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) to induce asthma symptoms. However, specific mechanisms underlying Alternaria-induced PAR2 activation and signaling remain ill-defined. We sought to determine whether Alternaria-induced PAR2 signaling contributed to asthma symptoms via a PAR2/β-arrestin signaling axis, identify the protease activity responsible for PAR2 signaling, and determine whether protease activity was sufficient for Alternaria-induced asthma symptoms in animal models. We initially used in vitro models to demonstrate Alternaria-induced PAR2/β-arrestin-2 signaling. Alternaria filtrates were then used to sensitize and challenge wild-type, PAR2-/- and β-arrestin-2-/- mice in vivo. Intranasal administration of Alternaria filtrate resulted in a protease-dependent increase of airway inflammation and mucin production in wild-type but not PAR2-/- or β-arrestin-2-/- mice. Protease was isolated from Alternaria preparations, and select in vitro and in vivo experiments were repeated to evaluate sufficiency of the isolated Alternaria protease to induce asthma phenotype. Administration of a single isolated serine protease from Alternaria, Alternaria alkaline serine protease (AASP), was sufficient to fully activate PAR2 signaling and induce β-arrestin-2-/--dependent eosinophil and lymphocyte recruitment in vivo. In conclusion, Alternaria filtrates induce airway inflammation and mucus hyperplasia largely via AASP using the PAR2/β-arrestin signaling axis. Thus, β-arrestin-biased PAR2 antagonists represent novel therapeutic targets for treating aeroallergen-induced asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Yee
- Biomedical Sciences, Graduate Program, University of California Riverside , Riverside, California
| | - Heddie L Nichols
- Biomedical Sciences, Graduate Program, University of California Riverside , Riverside, California
| | - Danny Polley
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta , Canada
| | - Mahmoud Saifeddine
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta , Canada
| | - Kasturi Pal
- Biomedical Sciences, Graduate Program, University of California Riverside , Riverside, California
- Cell Molecular and Developmental Biology and Biochemistry Graduate Program, University of California Riverside , Riverside, California
| | - Kyu Lee
- Biomedical Sciences, Graduate Program, University of California Riverside , Riverside, California
- Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of California Riverside , Riverside, California
| | - Emma H Wilson
- Biomedical Sciences, Graduate Program, University of California Riverside , Riverside, California
| | - Michael O Daines
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona Health Sciences , Tucson, Arizona
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Morley D Hollenberg
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta , Canada
| | - Scott Boitano
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences , Tucson, Arizona
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona Health Sciences , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Kathryn A DeFea
- Biomedical Sciences, Graduate Program, University of California Riverside , Riverside, California
- Cell Molecular and Developmental Biology and Biochemistry Graduate Program, University of California Riverside , Riverside, California
- Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of California Riverside , Riverside, California
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21
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Deckers J, De Bosscher K, Lambrecht BN, Hammad H. Interplay between barrier epithelial cells and dendritic cells in allergic sensitization through the lung and the skin. Immunol Rev 2017; 278:131-144. [DOI: 10.1111/imr.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Deckers
- Department of Internal Medicine; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology; VIB Center for Inflammation Research; Ghent Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
- Receptor Research Laboratories; Nuclear Receptor Lab; VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology; Ghent Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- Department of Biochemistry; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
- Receptor Research Laboratories; Nuclear Receptor Lab; VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology; Ghent Belgium
| | - Bart N Lambrecht
- Department of Internal Medicine; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology; VIB Center for Inflammation Research; Ghent Belgium
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine; Erasmus University Medical Center; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Hamida Hammad
- Department of Internal Medicine; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology; VIB Center for Inflammation Research; Ghent Belgium
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22
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Paracoccidioides brasiliensis induces cytokine secretion in epithelial cells in a protease-activated receptor-dependent (PAR) manner. Med Microbiol Immunol 2016; 206:149-156. [DOI: 10.1007/s00430-016-0490-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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24
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Romberger DJ, Heires AJ, Nordgren TM, Souder CP, West W, Liu XD, Poole JA, Toews ML, Wyatt TA. Proteases in agricultural dust induce lung inflammation through PAR-1 and PAR-2 activation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2015; 309:L388-99. [PMID: 26092994 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00025.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Workers exposed to aerosolized dust present in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are susceptible to inflammatory lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Extracts of dust collected from hog CAFOs [hog dust extract (HDE)] are potent stimulators of lung inflammatory responses in several model systems. The observation that HDE contains active proteases prompted the present study, which evaluated the role of CAFO dust proteases in lung inflammatory processes and tested whether protease-activated receptors (PARs) are involved in the signaling pathway for these events. We hypothesized that the damaging proinflammatory effect of HDE is due, in part, to the proteolytic activation of PARs, and inhibiting the proteases in HDE or disrupting PAR activation would attenuate HDE-mediated inflammatory indexes in bronchial epithelial cells (BECs), in mouse lung slices in vitro, and in a murine in vivo exposure model. Human BECs and mouse lung slice cultures stimulated with 5% HDE released significantly more of each of the cytokines measured (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, keratinocyte-derived chemokine/CXC chemokine ligand 1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2/CXC chemokine ligand 2) than controls, and these effects were markedly diminished by protease inhibition. Inhibition of PARs also blunted the HDE-induced cytokine release from BECs. In addition, protease depletion inhibited HDE-induced BEC intracellular PKCα and PKCε activation. C57BL/6J mice administered 12.5% HDE intranasally, either once or daily for 3 wk, exhibited increased total cellular and neutrophil influx, bronchial alveolar fluid inflammatory cytokines, lung histopathology, and inflammatory scores compared with mice receiving protease-depleted HDE. These data suggest that proteases in dust from CAFOs are important mediators of lung inflammation, and these proteases and their receptors may provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention in CAFO dust-induced airways disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra J Romberger
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Healthcare System, Omaha, Nebraska;
| | - Art J Heires
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Tara M Nordgren
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Chelsea P Souder
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - William West
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Xiang-de Liu
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jill A Poole
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Myron L Toews
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Todd A Wyatt
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Healthcare System, Omaha, Nebraska; Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; and
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Scheurer
- Molecular Allergology; Paul-Ehrlich-Institut; Langen Germany
| | - M. Toda
- Molecular Allergology; Paul-Ehrlich-Institut; Langen Germany
| | - S. Vieths
- Molecular Allergology; Paul-Ehrlich-Institut; Langen Germany
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A fungal protease allergen provokes airway hyper-responsiveness in asthma. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6763. [PMID: 25865874 PMCID: PMC4396684 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma, a common disorder that affects more than 250 million people worldwide, is defined by exaggerated bronchoconstriction to inflammatory mediators including acetylcholine, bradykinin, and histamine—also termed airway hyper-responsiveness Nearly 10% of people with asthma have severe, treatment-resistant disease, which is frequently associated with IgE sensitization to ubiquitous fungi, typically Aspergillus fumigatus. Here we show that a major Aspergillus fumigatus allergen, Asp f13, which is a serine protease, alkaline protease 1 (Alp 1), promotes airway hyper-responsiveness by infiltrating the bronchial submucosa and disrupting airway smooth muscle cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Alp 1-mediated extracellular matrix degradation evokes pathophysiological RhoA-dependent Ca2+ sensitivity and bronchoconstriction. These findings support a pathogenic mechanism in asthma and other lung diseases associated with epithelial barrier impairment, whereby airway smooth muscle cells respond directly to inhaled environmental allergens to generate airway hyper-responsiveness.
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Gandhi VD, Vliagoftis H. Airway epithelium interactions with aeroallergens: role of secreted cytokines and chemokines in innate immunity. Front Immunol 2015; 6:147. [PMID: 25883597 PMCID: PMC4382984 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway epithelial cells are the first line of defense against the constituents of the inhaled air, which include allergens, pathogens, pollutants, and toxic compounds. The epithelium not only prevents the penetration of these foreign substances into the interstitium, but also senses their presence and informs the organism’s immune system of the impending assault. The epithelium accomplishes the latter through the release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that recruit and activate innate immune cells at the site of assault. These epithelial responses aim to eliminate the inhaled foreign substances and minimize their detrimental effects to the organism. Quite frequently, however, the innate immune responses of the epithelium to inhaled substances lead to chronic and high level release of pro-inflammatory mediators that may mediate the lung pathology seen in asthma. The interactions of airway epithelial cells with allergens will be discussed with particular focus on interactions-mediated epithelial release of cytokines and chemokines and their role in the immune response. As pollutants are other major constituents of inhaled air, we will also discuss how pollutants may alter the responses of airway epithelial cells to allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek D Gandhi
- Pulmonary Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
| | - Harissios Vliagoftis
- Pulmonary Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
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28
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Bizikova P, Pucheu-Haston CM, Eisenschenk MNC, Marsella R, Nuttall T, Santoro D. Review: Role of genetics and the environment in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol 2015; 26:95-e26. [DOI: 10.1111/vde.12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bizikova
- Department of Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; North Carolina State University; 1060 William Moore Drive Raleigh NC 27606 USA
| | - Cherie M. Pucheu-Haston
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; School of Veterinary Medicine; Louisiana State University; 1909 Skip Bertman Drive Baton Rouge LA 70803 USA
| | | | - Rosanna Marsella
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Florida; 2015 SW 16th Avenue Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Tim Nuttall
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies; Easter Bush Veterinary Centre; University of Edinburgh; Roslin EH25 9RG UK
| | - Domenico Santoro
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Florida; 2015 SW 16th Avenue Gainesville FL 32610 USA
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29
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Bhagwat SS, Larsen AK, Winberg JO, Seternes OM, Bang BE. Salmon and king crab trypsin stimulate interleukin-8 and matrix metalloproteinases via protease-activated receptor-2 in the skin keratinocytic HaCaT cell line. Food Chem Toxicol 2014; 69:303-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Hallstrand TS, Hackett TL, Altemeier WA, Matute-Bello G, Hansbro PM, Knight DA. Airway epithelial regulation of pulmonary immune homeostasis and inflammation. Clin Immunol 2014; 151:1-15. [PMID: 24503171 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent genetic, structural and functional studies have identified the airway and lung epithelium as a key orchestrator of the immune response. Further, there is now strong evidence that epithelium dysfunction is involved in the development of inflammatory disorders of the lung. Here we review the characteristic immune responses that are orchestrated by the epithelium in response to diverse triggers such as pollutants, cigarette smoke, bacterial peptides, and viruses. We focus in part on the role of epithelium-derived interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), as well as CC family chemokines as critical regulators of the immune response. We cite examples of the function of the epithelium in host defense and the role of epithelium dysfunction in the development of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teal S Hallstrand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Tillie L Hackett
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William A Altemeier
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gustavo Matute-Bello
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Darryl A Knight
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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31
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Salazar F, Ghaemmaghami AM. Allergen recognition by innate immune cells: critical role of dendritic and epithelial cells. Front Immunol 2013; 4:356. [PMID: 24204367 PMCID: PMC3816228 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergy is an exacerbated response of the immune system against non-self-proteins called allergens and is typically characterized by biased type-2 T helper cell and deleterious IgE mediated immune responses. The allergic cascade starts with the recognition of allergens by antigen presenting cells, mainly dendritic cells (DCs), leading to Th2 polarization, switching to IgE production by B cells, culminating in mast cell sensitization and triggering. DCs have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in orchestrating allergic diseases. Using different C-type lectin receptors DCs are able to recognize and internalize a number of allergens from diverse sources leading to sensitization. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence highlighting the role of epithelial cells in triggering and modulating immune responses to allergens. As well as providing a physical barrier, epithelial cells can interact with allergens and influence DCs behavior through the release of a number of Th2 promoting cytokines. In this review we will summarize current understanding of how allergens are recognized by DCs and epithelial cells and what are the consequences of such interaction in the context of allergic sensitization and downstream events leading to allergic inflammation. Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of allergen recognition and associated signaling pathways could enable developing more effective therapeutic strategies that target the initial steps of allergic sensitization hence hindering development or progression of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Salazar
- Division of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham , UK
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Denis O, Vincent M, Havaux X, De Prins S, Treutens G, Huygen K. Induction of the specific allergic immune response is independent of proteases from the fungusAlternaria alternata. Eur J Immunol 2013; 43:907-17. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201242630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Denis
- Program Allergology; WIV-ISP (site Ukkel); Brussels; Belgium
| | - Muriel Vincent
- Program Allergology; WIV-ISP (site Ukkel); Brussels; Belgium
| | - Xavier Havaux
- Cardiology Unit, Université Catholique de Louvain; UCL; Brussels; Belgium
| | - Sofie De Prins
- Program Allergology; WIV-ISP (site Ukkel); Brussels; Belgium
| | - Greta Treutens
- Program Allergology; WIV-ISP (site Ukkel); Brussels; Belgium
| | - Kris Huygen
- Scientific Service Immunology; WIV-ISP (site Ukkel); Brussels; Belgium
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33
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Zhou J, Perelman JM, Kolosov VP, Zhou X. Neutrophil elastase induces MUC5AC secretion via protease-activated receptor 2. Mol Cell Biochem 2013; 377:75-85. [PMID: 23392769 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-013-1572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Mucus hypersecretion is a major manifestation in patients with chronic inflammatory airway diseases, and mucin5AC (MUC5AC) protein is a major component of airway mucus. Previous studies have demonstrated that neutrophil elastase (NE) stimulates the secretion of MUC5AC from airway epithelial cells, however, the mechanism is poorly understood. NE is a known ligand for protein active receptors (PARs), which have been confirmed to participate in releasing MUC5AC in the airways. However, the role of PARs in NE-induced MUC5AC secretion remains unclear. We demonstrated that airway goblet-like Calu-3 cells express PAR1, PAR2, and PAR3 with a predominant level of PAR2. NE can increase PAR2 expression and MUC5AC release. In our study, we showed that NE binding to PAR2 can increase the cytosolic calcium concentration and subsequently activate PKC, leading to MUC5AC secretion. In order to investigate the mechanism of increased cytosolic calcium in Calu-3 cells, thapsigargin was used to exhaust the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium pools, and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate was used to inhibit the function of the store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) channels in the plasma membrane. We found that the NE-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration is derived from release of the ER calcium pool and its subsequent calcium internal flux from the extracellular space via SOCE channels, which is dependent on sufficient levels of extracellular calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhou
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China.
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34
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Golebski K, Röschmann KIL, Toppila-Salmi S, Hammad H, Lambrecht BN, Renkonen R, Fokkens WJ, van Drunen CM. The multi-faceted role of allergen exposure to the local airway mucosa. Allergy 2013; 68:152-60. [PMID: 23240614 DOI: 10.1111/all.12080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Airway epithelial cells are the first to encounter aeroallergens and therefore have recently become an interesting target of many studies investigating their involvement in the modulation of allergic inflammatory responses. Disruption of a passive structural barrier composed of epithelial cells by intrinsic proteolytic activity of allergens may facilitate allergen penetration into local tissues and additionally affect chronic and ongoing inflammatory processes in respiratory tissues. Furthermore, the ability of rhinoviruses to disrupt and interfere with epithelial tight junctions may alter the barrier integrity and enable a passive passage of inhaled allergens through the airway epithelium. On the other hand, epithelial cells are no longer considered to act only as a physical barrier toward inhaled allergens, but also to actively contribute to airway inflammation by detecting and responding to environmental factors. Epithelial cells can produce mediators, which may affect the recruitment and activation of more specialized immune cells to the local tissue and also create a microenvironment in which these activated immune cells may function and propagate the inflammatory processes. This review presents the dual role of epithelium acting as a passive and active barrier when encountering an inhaled allergen and how this double role contributes to the start of local immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Golebski
- Department of Otorhinolanyngology; Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam; The Netherlands
| | - K. I. L. Röschmann
- Department of Otorhinolanyngology; Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam; The Netherlands
| | - S. Toppila-Salmi
- Helsinki University Central Hospital, Skin and Allergy Hospital & Transplantation Laboratory, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; Helsinki; Finland
| | | | | | - R. Renkonen
- Transplantation Laboratory, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki & Helsinki University Central Hospital, HUSLAB; Helsinki; Finland
| | - W. J. Fokkens
- Department of Otorhinolanyngology; Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam; The Netherlands
| | - C. M. van Drunen
- Department of Otorhinolanyngology; Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam; The Netherlands
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35
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Paracoccidioides brasiliensis induces secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by lung epithelial cells. Modulation of host cytokine levels by fungal proteases. Microbes Infect 2012; 14:1077-85. [PMID: 22687715 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2012.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a pathogenic, dimorphic fungus that causes paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic human mycosis that is highly prevalent in Latin America. In this study, we demonstrated that P. brasiliensis yeasts induced interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 secretion by human lung epithelial A549 cells. However, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ were undetectable in these cultures. Moreover, P. brasiliensis yeasts induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 in A549 cells, and IL-8 and IL-6 secretion promoted by this fungus was dependent on activation of p38 MAPK and ERK 1/2. In addition, IL-8 and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in culture supernatants of A549 cells that were incubated with formaldehyde-fixed P. brasiliensis compared to cultures of cells that were infected with live yeasts. Our results indicate that the observed cytokine level differences were due to protease expression, in live yeasts, that degraded these cytokines. Degradation of human recombinant IL-8 and IL-6 by live P. brasiliensis was inhibited by AEBSF and aprotinin, suggesting that these proteases belong to a family of serine proteases. This is the first report showing that P. brasiliensis may modulate host inflammation by expressing proteases that degrade proinflammatory cytokines.
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36
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Chen JC, Chiu LL, Lee KL, Huang WN, Chuang JG, Liao HK, Chow LP. Identification of critical amino acids in an immunodominant IgE epitope of Pen c 13, a major allergen from Penicillium citrinum. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34627. [PMID: 22506037 PMCID: PMC3323554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pen c 13, identified as a 33-kDa alkaline serine protease, is a major allergen secreted by Penicillium citrinum. Detailed knowledge about the epitopes responsible for IgE binding would help inform the diagnosis/prognosis of fungal allergy and facilitate the rational design of hypoallergenic candidate vaccines. The goal of the present study was to characterize the IgE epitopes of Pen c 13. Methodology/Principal Findings Serum samples were collected from 10 patients with mold allergy and positive Pen c 13 skin test results. IgE-binding epitopes on rPen c 13 were mapped using an enzymatic digestion and chemical cleavage method, followed by dot-blotting and mass spectrometry. A B-cell epitope-predicting server and molecular modeling were used to predict the residues most likely involved in IgE binding. Theoretically predicted IgE-binding regions were further confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis assays. At least twelve different IgE-binding epitopes located throughout Pen c 13 were identified. Of these, peptides S16 (A148–E166) and S22 (A243–K274) were recognized by sera from 90% and 100% of the patients tested, and were further confirmed by inhibition assays. Peptide S22 was selected for further analysis of IgE-binding ability. The results of serum screening showed that the majority of IgE-binding ability resided in the C-terminus. One Pen c 13 mutant, G270A (T261–K274), exhibited clearly enhanced IgE reactivity, whereas another, K274A, exhibited dramatically reduced IgE reactivity. Conclusions/Significance Experimental analyses confirmed in silico-predicted residues involved in an important antigenic region of Pen c 13. The G270A mutant of Pen c 13 has the potential to serve as an additional tool for the diagnosis/prognosis of mold allergy, and the K274A mutant, as a hypoallergenic form of the epitope, may provide a framework for the design and development of a safe and efficient therapeutic strategy for treating human allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Chieh Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Li Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Lun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ning Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jiing-Guang Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Kai Liao
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Ping Chow
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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37
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Röschmann KIL, van Kuijen AM, Luiten S, Jonker MJ, Breit TM, Fokkens WJ, Petersen A, van Drunen CM. Purified Timothy grass pollen major allergen Phl p 1 may contribute to the modulation of allergic responses through a pleiotropic induction of cytokines and chemokines from airway epithelial cells. Clin Exp Immunol 2012; 167:413-21. [PMID: 22288584 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2011.04522.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
By definition, allergens are proteins with the ability to elicit powerful T helper lymphocyte type 2 (Th2) responses, culminating in immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibody production. Why specific proteins cause aberrant immune responses has remained largely unanswered. Recent data suggest that there may be several molecular paths that may affect allergenicity of proteins. The focus of this study is the response of airway epithelium to a major allergen from Phleum pratense Phl p 1. Instead of focusing on a few genes and proteins that might be affected by the major allergen, our aim was to obtain a broader view on the immune stimulatory capacity of Phl p 1. We therefore performed detailed analysis on mRNA and protein level by using a microarray approach to define Phl p 1-induced gene expression. We found that this allergen induces modulation and release of a broad range of mediators, indicating it to be a powerful trigger of the immune system. We were able to show that genes belonging to the GO cluster 'cell communication' were among the most prominent functional groups, which is also reflected in cytokines and chemokines building centres in a computational model of direct gene interaction. Further detailed comparison of grass pollen extract (GPE)- and Phl p 1-induced gene expression might be beneficial with regard to the application of single components within diagnosis and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K I L Röschmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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38
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Role of Allergen Source-Derived Proteases in Sensitization via Airway Epithelial Cells. J Allergy (Cairo) 2012; 2012:903659. [PMID: 22523502 PMCID: PMC3303585 DOI: 10.1155/2012/903659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Revised: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protease activity is a characteristic common to many allergens. Allergen source-derived proteases interact with lung epithelial cells, which are now thought to play vital roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Allergen source-derived proteases act on airway epithelial cells to induce disruption of the tight junctions between epithelial cells, activation of protease-activated receptor-2, and the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin. These facilitate allergen delivery across epithelial layers and enhance allergenicity or directly activate the immune system through a nonallergic mechanism. Furthermore, they cleave regulatory cell surface molecules involved in allergic reactions. Thus, allergen source-derived proteases are a potentially critical factor in the development of allergic sensitization and appear to be strongly associated with heightened allergenicity.
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Tischer CG, Hohmann C, Thiering E, Herbarth O, Müller A, Henderson J, Granell R, Fantini MP, Luciano L, Bergström A, Kull I, Link E, von Berg A, Kuehni CE, Strippoli MPF, Gehring U, Wijga A, Eller E, Bindslev-Jensen C, Keil T, Heinrich J. Meta-analysis of mould and dampness exposure on asthma and allergy in eight European birth cohorts: an ENRIECO initiative. Allergy 2011; 66:1570-9. [PMID: 21923669 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02712.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several cross-sectional studies during the past 10 years have observed an increased risk of allergic outcomes for children living in damp or mouldy environments. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate whether reported mould or dampness exposure in early life is associated with the development of allergic disorders in children from eight European birth cohorts. METHODS We analysed data from 31 742 children from eight ongoing European birth cohorts. Exposure to mould and allergic health outcomes were assessed by parental questionnaires at different time points. Meta-analyses with fixed- and random-effect models were applied. The number of the studies included in each analysis varied based on the outcome data available for each cohort. RESULTS Exposure to visible mould and/or dampness during first 2 years of life was associated with an increased risk of developing asthma: there was a significant association with early asthma symptoms in meta-analyses of four cohorts [0-2 years: adjusted odds ratios (aOR), 1.39 (95% CI, 1.05-1.84)] and with asthma later in childhood in six cohorts [6-8 years: aOR, 1.09 (95% CI, 0.90-1.32) and 3-10 years: aOR, 1.10 (95% CI, 0.90-1.34)]. A statistically significant association was observed in six cohorts with symptoms of allergic rhinitis at school age [6-8 years: aOR, 1.12 (1.02-1.23)] and at any time point between 3 and 10 years [aOR, 1.18 (1.09-1.28)]. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that a mouldy home environment in early life is associated with an increased risk of asthma particularly in young children and allergic rhinitis symptoms in school-age children.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Tischer
- Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology I, Neuherberg, Germany
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Day SB, Ledford JR, Zhou P, Lewkowich IP, Page K. German cockroach proteases and protease-activated receptor-2 regulate chemokine production and dendritic cell recruitment. J Innate Immun 2011; 4:100-10. [PMID: 21876326 DOI: 10.1159/000329132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently showed that serine proteases in German cockroach (GC) feces (frass) decreased experimental asthma through the activation of protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2. Since dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in the initiation of asthma, we queried the role of GC frass proteases in modulating CCL20 (chemokine C-C motif ligand 20) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) production, factors that regulate pulmonary DCs. A single exposure to GC frass resulted in a rapid, but transient, increase in GM-CSF and a steady increase in CCL20 in the airways of mice. Instillation of protease-depleted GC frass or instillation of GC frass in PAR-2-deficient mice significantly decreased chemokine release. A specific PAR-2-activating peptide was also sufficient to induce CCL20 production. To directly assess the role of the GC frass protease in chemokine release, we enriched the protease from GC frass and confirmed that the protease was sufficient to induce both GM-CSF and CCL20 production in vivo. Primary airway epithelial cells produced both GM-CSF and CCL20 in a protease- and PAR-2-dependent manner. Finally, we show a decreased percentage of myeloid DCs in the lung following allergen exposure in PAR-2-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. However, there was no difference in GC frass uptake. Our data indicate that, through the activation of PAR-2, allergen-derived proteases are sufficient to induce CCL20 and GM-CSF production in the airways. This leads to increased recruitment and/or differentiation of myeloid DC populations in the lungs and likely plays an important role in the initiation of allergic airway responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scottie B Day
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Vinhas R, Cortes L, Cardoso I, Mendes VM, Manadas B, Todo-Bom A, Pires E, Veríssimo P. Pollen proteases compromise the airway epithelial barrier through degradation of transmembrane adhesion proteins and lung bioactive peptides. Allergy 2011; 66:1088-98. [PMID: 21480927 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02598.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic disorders, such as seasonal rhinitis and asthma, are increasing causes of morbidity worldwide and often result from exposure to airborne pollen. Pollen allergy has a remarkable clinical impact all over Europe. In fact, epidemiological longitudinal studies confirm that pollen species usually considered with low allergenic potential became more recently responsible for intense allergic reactions. In this study, we aimed to characterize major pollen proteolytic activity and evaluate its contribution to the immunologic and inflammatory response to airborne allergens. METHODS Proteolytic activity in four pollen diffusates with distinct allergenicity, Olea europaea, Dactylis glomerata, Cupressus sempervirens and Pinus sylvestris, was evaluated through several enzymatic assays. The action of pollen proteases on the paracellular integrity of Calu-3, grown at the air-liquid interphase, was evaluated through a transepithelial permeability assay. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence experiments were performed to analyse the disruption of intercellular complexes. Degradation of bioactive peptides by pollen crude extracts was assessed by mass spectrometry. RESULTS All pollen diffusates were shown to have high molecular weight proteases with serine and/or aminopeptidase activity. These proteases increased Calu-3 transepithelial permeability through disruption of transmembrane adhesion proteins: occludin, claudin-1 and E-cadherin. Moreover, they were able to degrade airway bioactive peptides and were not blocked by endogenous protease inhibitors. CONCLUSION Pollen grains with distinct allergenic abilities release proteases that might be involved in the sensitization to a range of airborne allergens by facilitating allergen delivery across the epithelium and also contribute directly to the inflammation characteristic of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Vinhas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Matsuwaki Y, Wada K, Moriyama H, Kita H. Human eosinophil innate response to Alternaria fungus through protease-activated receptor-2. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2011; 155 Suppl 1:123-8. [PMID: 21646807 DOI: 10.1159/000327498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Eosinophils are multifunctional leukocytes implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. An association between eosinophilic inflammation and infection or colonization by fungi has also been long recognized. However, the mechanisms underlying how eosinophils are activated and how they release proinflammatory and immunomodulatory mediators such as major basic protein (MBP) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin remain largely unknown. We used a fungus, i.e. Alternaria, as a model microbe relevant to human asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the immune recognition of ubiquitous environmental allergens. Human eosinophils are activated by live Alternaria alternata organisms, release their granule proteins, and kill the fungi. Eosinophils, but not neutrophils, respond to secreted products from A. alternata. We found that eosinophils are equipped with innate cellular activation machinery that responds to an extracellular aspartate protease secreted by Alternaria. Aspartate protease activation of protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 probably involves a novel mechanism different from that for serine protease activation of PAR-2. Thus, human eosinophils may recognize certain danger signals or virulence factors produced by fungi and provoke inflammatory responses against these organisms. Dysregulation of such an innate immune mechanism may be involved in the pathophysiology of certain human inflammatory diseases, including asthma and CRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Matsuwaki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Chen JC, Chuang JG, Su YY, Chiang BL, Lin YS, Chow LP. The protease allergen Pen c 13 induces allergic airway inflammation and changes in epithelial barrier integrity and function in a murine model. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:26667-79. [PMID: 21613216 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.193987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal allergens are associated with the development of asthma, and some have been characterized as proteases. Here, we established an animal model of allergic airway inflammation in response to continuous exposure to proteolytically active Pen c 13, a major allergen secreted by Penicillium citrinum. In functional analyses, Pen c 13 exposure led to increased airway hyperresponsiveness, significant inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus overproduction, and collagen deposition in the lung, dramatically elevated serum levels of total IgE and Pen c 13-specific IgE and IgG1, and increased production of the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 by splenocytes stimulated in vitro with Pen c 13. To examine the mechanisms involved in the regulation of allergenicity by Pen c 13, we performed two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis analysis combined with nano-LC-MS/MS, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify potential targets that associated with allergic inflammation, which suggested that galectin-3 and laminin might be involved in novel pathogenic mechanisms. Finally, we focused on junctional proteins between cells, because, in addition to opening of the epithelial barrier by environmental proteases possibly being the initial step in the development of asthma, these proteins are also associated with actin rearrangement. Taken together, our findings indicate that Pen c 13 exposure causes junctional structure alterations and actin cytoskeletal rearrangements, resulting in increased permeability and airway structural changes. These effects probably change the lung microenvironment and foster the development of allergic sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Chieh Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION House dust mite allergens from the Pyroglyphidae family are one of the most frequent and potent causes of allergic sensitatisation. Since 1988, molecular knowledge has increased considerably and structures and functions have been determined for most of them. BACKGROUND Of the 22 defined allergens, the major IgE-binding has been reported for groups 1 and 2 accounting for 40-60% of the anti-house dust mite titres. Der p 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 allergens account for about 80% of the IgE-response. Der p 4, 5, 7, 11, 14, 15 have a prevalence of sensitization of about 10% each. The IgE-binding to groups 3, 8, 10, 20 is low. Most of the allergens can be identified by amino-acid sequences and the tertiary structures of the major allergens have been solved. Most allergens are proteolytic enzymes: Der p1 for instance is a cysteine protease. Der p 2 has structural homology with MD-2, a co-receptor of the Toll-like receptor (TLR4) whose ligand is LPS. Knowledge of the structure of mite allergens has allowed better interpretation of cross-reactions between allergens from the same family or from more distant families. CONCLUSIONS From a practical point of view: the occurrence of multisensitisation is better explained and molecular epidemiology has allowed a better choice of allergen molecules useful for diagnosis. Finally, new concepts of immunotherapy based on genetically engineered hypoallergenic variants of major allergens, used alone or in combination, may lead to useful therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-C Bessot
- Ariale, bâtiment ancienne ophtalmologie, hôpital Civil, 1, place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, 67091 Strasbourg cedex, France
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Boitano S, Flynn AN, Sherwood CL, Schulz SM, Hoffman J, Gruzinova I, Daines MO. Alternaria alternata serine proteases induce lung inflammation and airway epithelial cell activation via PAR2. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2011; 300:L605-14. [PMID: 21296894 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00359.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergens are diverse proteins from mammals, birds, arthropods, plants, and fungi. Allergens associated with asthma (asthmagens) share a common protease activity that may directly impact respiratory epithelial biology and lead to symptoms of asthma. Alternaria alternata is a strong asthmagen in semiarid regions. We examined the impact of proteases from A. alternata on lung inflammation in vivo and on cleaving protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR(2)) in vitro. A. alternata filtrate applied to the airway in nonsensitized Balb/c mice induced a protease-dependent lung inflammation. Moreover, A. alternata filtrate applied to human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE14o-) induced changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), consistent with PAR(2) activation. These effects were blocked by heat inactivation or by serine protease inhibition of A. alternata filtrates, and mimicked by PAR(2) specific ligands SLIGRL-NH(2) or 2-furoyl-LIGRLO-NH(2), but not the PAR(1)-specific ligand TFLLR-NH(2). Desensitization of PAR(2) in 16HBE14o- cells with 2-furoyl-LIGRLO-NH(2) or trypsin prevented A. alternata-induced [Ca(2+)](i) changes while desensitization of PAR(1), PAR(3), and PAR(4) with thrombin had no effect on A. alternata-induced Ca(2+) responses. Furthermore, the Ca(2+) response to A. alternata filtrates was dependent on PAR(2) expression in stably transfected HeLa cell models. These data demonstrate that A. alternata proteases act through PAR(2) to induce rapid increases in human airway epithelial [Ca(2+)](i) in vitro and cell recruitment in vivo. These responses are likely critical early steps in the development of allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Boitano
- Dept. of Physiology, Arizona Respiratory Center, Arizona Health Sciences Center, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Adams MN, Ramachandran R, Yau MK, Suen JY, Fairlie DP, Hollenberg MD, Hooper JD. Structure, function and pathophysiology of protease activated receptors. Pharmacol Ther 2011; 130:248-82. [PMID: 21277892 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Discovered in the 1990s, protease activated receptors(1) (PARs) are membrane-spanning cell surface proteins that belong to the G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family. A defining feature of these receptors is their irreversible activation by proteases; mainly serine. Proteolytic agonists remove the PAR extracellular amino terminal pro-domain to expose a new amino terminus, or tethered ligand, that binds intramolecularly to induce intracellular signal transduction via a number of molecular pathways that regulate a variety of cellular responses. By these mechanisms PARs function as cell surface sensors of extracellular and cell surface associated proteases, contributing extensively to regulation of homeostasis, as well as to dysfunctional responses required for progression of a number of diseases. This review examines common and distinguishing structural features of PARs, mechanisms of receptor activation, trafficking and signal termination, and discusses the physiological and pathological roles of these receptors and emerging approaches for modulating PAR-mediated signaling in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark N Adams
- Mater Medical Research Institute, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane Qld 4101, Australia
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Fungal proteases and their pathophysiological effects. Mycopathologia 2011; 171:299-323. [PMID: 21259054 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-010-9386-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Proteolytic enzymes play an important role in fungal physiology and development. External digestion of protein substrates by secreted proteases is required for survival and growth of both saprophytic and pathogenic species. Extracellular serine, aspartic, and metalloproteases are considered virulence factors of many pathogenic species. New findings focus on novel membrane-associated proteases such as yapsins and ADAMs and their role in pathology. Proteases from fungi induce inflammatory responses by altering the permeability of epithelial barrier and by induction of proinflammatory cytokines through protease-activated receptors. Many fungal allergens possess proteolytic activity that appears to be essential in eliciting Th2 responses. Allergenic fungal proteases can act as adjuvants, potentiating responses to other allergens. Proteolytic enzymes from fungi contribute to inflammation through interactions with the kinin system as well as the coagulation and fibrinolytic cascades. Their effect on the host protease-antiprotease balance results from activation of endogenous proteases and degradation of protease inhibitors. Recent studies of the role of fungi in human health point to the growing importance of proteases not only as pathogenic agents in fungal infections but also in asthma, allergy, and damp building related illnesses. Proteolytic enzymes from fungi are widely used in biotechnology, mainly in food, leather, and detergent industries, in ecological bioremediation processes and to produce therapeutic peptides. The involvement of fungal proteases in diverse pathological mechanisms makes them potential targets of therapeutic intervention and candidates for biomarkers of disease and exposure.
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Induction of interleukin 8 by American cockroach allergens from human airway epithelial cells via extracellular signal regulatory kinase and jun N-terminal kinase but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2010; 105:234-40. [PMID: 20800791 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2010.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2010] [Revised: 07/04/2010] [Accepted: 07/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cockroaches are potent aeroallergens associated with asthma. Several reports suggest that a novel group of G protein-linked receptors, protease-activated receptors (PARs), may be involved in the intracellular signaling pathway induced by aeroallergens of the epithelial cells. OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanisms of American cockroach allergens (CraA) on interleukin 8 (IL-8) in human pulmonary epithelial cells. METHODS Protease activities of CraA were quantified by the Azocoll method. The gene and protein expressions of IL-8 from CraA-stimulated A549 cells were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The activity of different mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was assessed by Western blot. RESULTS CraA-induced A549 cell IL-8 secretion in a dose-dependent manner at both the messenger RNA and protein levels. CraA-induced IL-8 secretion can be blocked by serine protease inhibitors, phenylmethane sulfonyl fluoride, and aprotinin but not by other protease inhibitors. Blocking antibodies against the cleavage sites of PAR-2 and PAR-3, but not of PAR-1, inhibited CraA-induced IL-8 production. CraA induced significant PAR-2 and PAR-3 messenger RNA upregulation and extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK/1/2) and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation but not p38 MAPK. Furthermore, ERK1/2 (U0126) and JNK (SP600125) inhibitors inhibited CraA-induced IL-8 secretion by 100% and 45%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Both PAR-2 and PAR-3 might play a role in CraA-induced IL-8 secretion from human airway epithelial cells. It signals mainly through the ERK1/2 and partly from the JNK pathways. The key receptors and signaling molecules mediate cytokine release from the respiratory epithelium and can be potential therapeutic targets in treating cockroach allergy.
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Jacquet A. Interactions of airway epithelium with protease allergens in the allergic response. Clin Exp Allergy 2010; 41:305-11. [PMID: 21121984 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2010.03661.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Among the apparently innocuous environmental proteins routinely inhaled by human subjects, only a small proportion of these antigens triggers allergy in susceptible individuals. Although the molecular basis of the allergenicity of these airborne proteins remains to be fully characterized, numerous studies suggest that the ability of such proteins to promote allergic responses is at least due to their proteolytic activity. This review will summarize insights into the interactions of protease allergens with the respiratory epithelium. In addition to their capacity to facilitate their antigen presentation through epithelial barrier degradation, protease allergens can directly activate airway mucosal surfaces to recruit inflammatory cells and to initiate the airway remodelling process. A greater understanding of the effects of protease allergens in the airways inflammation as well as on the relevant targets could define novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jacquet
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Yang XP, Li Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang P. beta-Tryptase up-regulates vascular endothelial growth factor expression via proteinase-activated receptor-2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in bone marrow stromal cells in acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2010; 51:1550-8. [PMID: 20578818 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2010.496013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Tryptases are predominantly mast cell-specific serine proteases with pleiotropic biological activities. Recently, significant amounts of tryptases have been shown to be produced by myeloblasts in certain patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the function of secreted tryptases in pathological circumstances remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether beta-tryptase affects the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in AML. We detected the expression of proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) on AML BMSCs and found that beta-tryptase significantly up-regulated VEGF mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner by real-time PCR, Western blot, and ELISA. Furthermore, beta-tryptase increased ERK1/2 and p38MAPK phosphorylation, and pretreatment with FLLSY-NH(2), PD98059, and SB230580 (PAR-2, ERK1/2, and p38MAPK inhibitors, respectively) inhibited the beta-tryptase-induced production of VEGF. These results suggest that beta-tryptase up-regulates VEGF production in AML BMSCs via the PAR-2, ERK1/2, and p38MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Peng Yang
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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