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Zhu L, Shi Y, Feng Z, Yuan D, Guo S, Wang Y, Shen H, Li Y, Yan F, Wang Y. Fatostatin promotes anti-tumor immunity by reducing SREBP2 mediated cholesterol metabolism in tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 971:176519. [PMID: 38522641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant lipid metabolism impacts intratumoral T cell-mediated immune response and tumor growth. Fatostatin functions as an inhibitor of sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) activation. However, the complex effects of fatostatin on cholesterol metabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its influence on T cell anti-tumor immunity remain unclear. In this study, fatostatin effectively suppressed B16 melanoma, MC38 colon cancer, and Lewis lung cancer (LLC) transplanted tumor growth in immunocompetent mice by reducing SREBPs-mediated lipid metabolism, especially cholesterol levels. Mechanistically, fatostatin decreased intracellular cholesterol accumulation and inhibited X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1)-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, reducing Treg cells and alleviating CD8+ T cell exhaustion in the TME, exerting anti-tumor activity. Nevertheless, this effect was impaired in immunodeficient nude mice, suggesting fatostatin's anti-tumor efficacy in transplanted tumors partly relies on T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Our study highlights SREBP2-mediated cholesterol metabolism as a potential strategy for anti-tumor immunotherapy, and confirms fatostatin's promise in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yilin Shi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhelong Feng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dingyi Yuan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shiduo Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuxia Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Haowen Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Institute of Medical Device Testing, Nanjing, 210022, China
| | - Yan Li
- Integrated Service& Management Office, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fang Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Yajing Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Ciavattone NG, Guan N, Farfel A, Stauff J, Desmond T, Viglianti BL, Scott PJ, Brooks AF, Luker GD. Evaluating immunotherapeutic outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer with a cholesterol radiotracer in mice. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e175320. [PMID: 38502228 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.175320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Evaluating the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains an unmet challenge in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The requirement for cholesterol in the activation and function of T cells led us to hypothesize that quantifying cellular accumulation of this molecule could distinguish successful from ineffective checkpoint immunotherapy. To analyze accumulation of cholesterol by T cells in the immune microenvironment of breast cancer, we leveraged the PET radiotracer, eFNP-59. eFNP-59 is an analog of cholesterol that our group validated as an imaging biomarker for cholesterol uptake in preclinical models and initial human studies. In immunocompetent mouse models of TNBC, we found that elevated uptake of exogenous labeled cholesterol analogs functions as a marker for T cell activation. When comparing ICI-responsive and -nonresponsive tumors directly, uptake of fluorescent cholesterol and eFNP-59 increased in T cells from ICI-responsive tumors. We discovered that accumulation of cholesterol by T cells increased in ICI-responding tumors that received anti-PD-1 checkpoint immunotherapy. In patients with TNBC, tumors containing cycling T cells had features of cholesterol uptake and trafficking within those populations. These results suggest that uptake of exogenous cholesterol analogs by tumor-infiltrating T cells allows detection of T cell activation and has potential to assess the success of ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gary D Luker
- Department of Radiology, and
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Gao Y, Kennelly JP, Xiao X, Whang E, Ferrari A, Bedard AH, Mack JJ, Nguyen AH, Weston T, Uchiyama LF, Lee MS, Young SG, Bensinger SJ, Tontonoz P. T cell cholesterol transport is a metabolic checkpoint that links intestinal immune responses to dietary lipid absorption. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.08.584164. [PMID: 38559079 PMCID: PMC10979874 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.584164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The intrinsic pathways that control membrane organization in immune cells and the impact of such pathways on cellular function are not well defined. Here we report that the non-vesicular cholesterol transporter Aster-A links plasma membrane (PM) cholesterol availability in T cells to immune signaling and systemic metabolism. Aster-A is recruited to the PM during T-cell receptor (TCR) activation, where it facilitates the removal of newly generated "accessible" membrane cholesterol. Loss of Aster-A leads to excess PM cholesterol accumulation, resulting in enhanced TCR nano-clustering and signaling, and Th17 cytokine production. Finally, we show that the mucosal Th17 response is restrained by PM cholesterol remodeling. Ablation of Aster-A in T cells leads to enhanced IL-22 production, reduced intestinal fatty acid absorption, and resistance to diet-induced obesity. These findings delineate a multi-tiered regulatory scheme linking immune cell lipid flux to nutrient absorption and systemic physiology.
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Pecci F, Cantini L, Cognigni V, Perrone F, Mazzaschi G, Agostinelli V, Mentrasti G, Favari E, Maffezzoli M, Cortellini A, Rossi F, Chiariotti R, Venanzi FM, Lo Russo G, Galli G, Proto C, Ganzinelli M, Tronconi F, Morgese F, Campolucci C, Moretti M, Vignini A, Tiseo M, Minari R, Rocchi MLB, Buti S, Berardi R. Prognostic Impact of Blood Lipid Profile in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Oncologist 2024; 29:e372-e381. [PMID: 37796838 PMCID: PMC10911919 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific components of lipid profile seem to differently impact on immune activity against cancer and unraveling their prognostic role in patients with solid cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively collected baseline clinicopathological characteristics including circulating lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoproteins [LDL], high-density lipoproteins [HDL]) of patients with consecutive solid cancer treated with ICIs, and we investigated their role in predicting clinical outcomes. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 32.9 months, among 430 enrolled patients, those with TC ≥ 200 mg/dl showed longer median progression-free survival (mPFS; 6.6 vs. 4.7 months, P = .4), although not reaching statistical significance, and significantly longer median overall survival (mOS; 19.4 vs. 10.8 months, P = .02) compared to those with TC < 200 mg/dl. Conversely, patients with TG ≥150 mg/dl displayed shorter PFS (3.4 vs. 5.1 months, P = .02) and OS (7.1 vs. 12.9 months, P = .009) compared to those with TG <150 mg/dl. TC and TG were then combined in a "LIPID score" identifying three subgroups: good-risk (GR) (TC ≥200 mg/dl and TG <150 mg/dl), intermediate-risk (IR) (TC <200 mg/dl and TG <150 mg/dl or TC ≥200 mg/dl and TG ≥150 mg/dl) and poor-risk (PR) (TC <200 mg/dl and TG ≥150 mg/dl). The mPFS of GR, IR, and PR groups was 7.8, 4.3, and 2.5 months, respectively (P = .005); mOS of GR, IR, and PR was 20.4, 12.4, and 5.3 months, respectively (P < .001). At multivariable analysis, the PR profile represented an independent poor prognostic factor for both PFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS We developed a lipid score that defined subgroups of patients with cancer who differently benefit from ICIs. Further mechanistic insights are warranted to clarify the prognostic and predictive role of lipid profile components in patients treated with ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pecci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Cantini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Fortrea, Inc., Durham, NC, USA
| | - Valeria Cognigni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fabiana Perrone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Mazzaschi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Veronica Agostinelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Mentrasti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elda Favari
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Michele Maffezzoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Cortellini
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rebecca Chiariotti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Venanzi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lo Russo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Galli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Proto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Ganzinelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Tronconi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Morgese
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carla Campolucci
- SOD Medicina di Laboratorio, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Moretti
- SOD Medicina di Laboratorio, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Arianna Vignini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marcello Tiseo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberta Minari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Sebastiano Buti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rossana Berardi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Acuto O. T-cell virtuosity in ''knowing thyself". Front Immunol 2024; 15:1343575. [PMID: 38415261 PMCID: PMC10896960 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1343575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) I and II and the αβ T-cell antigen receptor (TCRαβ) govern fundamental traits of adaptive immunity. They form a membrane-borne ligand-receptor system weighing host proteome integrity to detect contamination by nonself proteins. MHC-I and -II exhibit the "MHC-fold", which is able to bind a large assortment of short peptides as proxies for self and nonself proteins. The ensuing varying surfaces are mandatory ligands for Ig-like TCRαβ highly mutable binding sites. Conserved molecular signatures guide TCRαβ ligand binding sites to focus on the MHC-fold (MHC-restriction) while leaving many opportunities for its most hypervariable determinants to contact the peptide. This riveting molecular strategy affords many options for binding energy compatible with specific recognition and signalling aimed to eradicated microbial pathogens and cancer cells. While the molecular foundations of αβ T-cell adaptive immunity are largely understood, uncertainty persists on how peptide-MHC binding induces the TCRαβ signals that instruct cell-fate decisions. Solving this mystery is another milestone for understanding αβ T-cells' self/nonself discrimination. Recent developments revealing the innermost links between TCRαβ structural dynamics and signalling modality should help dissipate this long-sought-after enigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oreste Acuto
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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6
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Wilfahrt D, Delgoffe GM. Metabolic waypoints during T cell differentiation. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:206-217. [PMID: 38238609 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01733-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
This Review explores the interplay between T cell activation and cell metabolism and highlights how metabolites serve two pivotal functions in shaping the immune response. Traditionally, T cell activation has been characterized by T cell antigen receptor-major histocompatibility complex interaction (signal 1), co-stimulation (signal 2) and cytokine signaling (signal 3). However, recent research has unveiled the critical role of metabolites in this process. Firstly, metabolites act as signal propagators that aid in the transmission of core activation signals, such as specific lipid species that are crucial at the immune synapse. Secondly, metabolites also function as unique signals that influence immune differentiation pathways, such as amino acid-induced mTORC1 signaling. Metabolites also play a substantial role in epigenetic remodeling, by directly modifying histones, altering gene expression and influencing T cell behavior. This Review discusses how T cells integrate nutrient sensing with activating stimuli to shape their differentiation and sensitivity to metabolites. We underscore the integration of immunological and metabolic inputs in T cell function and suggest that metabolite availability is a fundamental determinant of adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Wilfahrt
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Greg M Delgoffe
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumor Microenvironment Center and Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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7
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Hu C, Wu H, Zhu Q, Cao N, Wang H. Cholesterol metabolism in T-cell aging: Accomplices or victims. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23136. [PMID: 37584624 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300515r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging has a significant impact on the function and metabolism of T cells. Cholesterol, the most important sterol in mammals, is known as the "gold of the body" because it maintains membrane fluidity, rigidity, and signal transduction while also serving as a precursor of oxysterols, bile acids, and steroid hormones. Cholesterol homeostasis is primarily controlled by uptake, biosynthesis, efflux, and regulatory mechanisms. Previous studies have suggested that there are reciprocal interactions between cholesterol metabolism and T lymphocytes. Here, we will summarize the most recent advances in the effects of cholesterol and its derivatives on T-cell aging. We will furthermore discuss interventions that might be used to help older individuals with immune deficiencies or diminishing immune competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cexun Hu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Yueyang Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital, Yueyang, P.R. China
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
| | - Hongliang Wu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Yueyang Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital, Yueyang, P.R. China
| | - Qun Zhu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Yueyang Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital, Yueyang, P.R. China
| | - Na Cao
- Department of Hematology, Yueyang People's Hospital, Yueyang, P. R. China
- Yueyang Hospital Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Yueyang, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
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8
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Capozzi A, Manganelli V, Riitano G, Caissutti D, Longo A, Garofalo T, Sorice M, Misasi R. Advances in the Pathophysiology of Thrombosis in Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling through Lipid Rafts. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030891. [PMID: 36769539 PMCID: PMC9917860 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathological features of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are related to the activity of circulating antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) associated with vascular thrombosis and obstetric complications. Indeed, aPLs are not only disease markers, but also play a determining pathogenetic role in APS and exert their effects through the activation of cells and coagulation factors and inflammatory mediators for the materialization of the thromboinflammatory pathogenetic mechanism. Cellular activation in APS necessarily involves the interaction of aPLs with target receptors on the cell membrane, capable of triggering the signal transduction pathway(s). This interaction occurs at specific microdomains of the cell plasma membrane called lipid rafts. In this review, we focus on the key role of lipid rafts as signaling platforms in the pathogenesis of APS, and propose this pathogenetic step as a strategic target of new therapies in order to improve classical anti-thrombotic approaches with "new" immunomodulatory drugs.
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9
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Ramesh S, Park S, Im W, Call MJ, Call ME. T cell and B cell antigen receptors share a conserved core transmembrane structure. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208058119. [PMID: 36409917 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208058119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The B cell and T cell antigen receptors (BCR and TCR) share a common architecture in which variable dimeric antigen-binding modules assemble with invariant dimeric signaling modules to form functional receptor complexes. In the TCR, a highly conserved T cell receptor αβ (TCRαβ) transmembrane (TM) interface forms a rigid structure around which its three dimeric signaling modules assemble through well-characterized polar interactions. Noting that the key features stabilizing this TCRαβ TM interface also appear with high evolutionary conservation in the TM sequences of the membrane immunoglobulin (mIg) heavy chains that form the BCR's homodimeric antigen-binding module, we asked whether the BCR contained an analogous TM structure. Using an unbiased biochemical and computational modeling approach, we found that the mouse IgM BCR forms a core TM structure that is remarkably similar to that of the TCR. This structure is reinforced by a network of interhelical hydrogen bonds, and our model is nearly identical to the arrangement observed in the just-released cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of intact human BCRs. Our biochemical analysis shows that the integrity of this TM structure is vital for stable assembly with the BCR signaling module CD79AB in the B cell endoplasmic reticulum, and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that BCRs of all five isotypes can form comparable structures. These results demonstrate that, despite their many differences in composition, complexity, and ligand type, TCRs and BCRs rely on a common core TM structure that has been shaped by evolution for optimal receptor assembly and stability in the cell membrane.
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10
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Jain K, Kanchanawong P, Sheetz MP, Zhou X, Cai H, Changede R. Ligand functionalization of titanium nanopattern enables the analysis of cell-ligand interactions by super-resolution microscopy. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2275-2306. [PMID: 35896742 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The spatiotemporal aspects of early signaling events during interactions between cells and their environment dictate multiple downstream outcomes. While advances in nanopatterning techniques have allowed the isolation of these signaling events, a major limitation of conventional nanopatterning methods is its dependence on gold (Au) or related materials that plasmonically quench fluorescence and, thus, are incompatible with super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Here we describe a novel method that integrates nanopatterning with single-molecule resolution fluorescence imaging, thus enabling mechanistic dissection of molecular-scale signaling events in conjunction with nanoscale geometry manipulation. Our method exploits nanofabricated titanium (Ti) whose oxide (TiO2) is a dielectric material with no plasmonic effects. We describe the surface chemistry for decorating specific ligands such as cyclo-RGD (arginine, glycine and aspartate: a ligand for fibronectin-binding integrins) on TiO2 nanoline and nanodot substrates, and demonstrate the ability to perform dual-color super-resolution imaging on these patterns. Ti nanofabrication is similar to other metallic materials like Au, while the functionalization of TiO2 is relatively fast, safe, economical, easy to set up with commonly available reagents, and robust against environmental parameters such as humidity. Fabrication of nanopatterns takes ~2-3 d, preparation for functionalization ~1.5-2 d, and functionalization 3 h, after which cell culture and imaging experiments can be performed. We suggest that this method may facilitate the interrogation of nanoscale geometry and force at single-molecule resolution, and should find ready applications in early detection and interpretation of physiochemical signaling events at the cell membrane in the fields of cell biology, immunology, regenerative medicine, and related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashish Jain
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael P Sheetz
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Molecular Mechanomedicine Program, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Xianjing Zhou
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, USA
| | - Haogang Cai
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Rishita Changede
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,TeOra Pte. Ltd, Singapore, Singapore.
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11
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Abstract
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like glands and stroma located outside the uterine cavity. This common, estrogen dependent, inflammatory condition affects up to 15% of reproductive-aged women and is a well-recognized cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite the still unknown etiology of endometriosis, much evidence suggests the participation of epigenetic mechanisms in the disease etiopathogenesis. The main rationale is based on the fact that heritable phenotype changes that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence are common triggers for hormonal, immunological, and inflammatory disorders, which play a key role in the formation of endometriotic foci. Epigenetic mechanisms regulating T-cell responses, including DNA methylation and posttranslational histone modifications, deserve attention because tissue-resident T lymphocytes work in concert with organ structural cells to generate appropriate immune responses and are functionally shaped by organ-specific environmental conditions. Thus, a failure to precisely regulate immune cell transcription may result in compromised immunological integrity of the organ with an increased risk of inflammatory disorders. The coexistence of endometriosis and autoimmunity is a well-known occurrence. Recent research results indicate regulatory T-cell (Treg) alterations in endometriosis, and an increased number of highly active Tregs and macrophages have been found in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis. Elimination of the regulatory function of T cells and an imbalance between T helper cells of the Th1 and Th2 types have been reported in the endometria of women with endometriosis-associated infertility. This review aims to present the state of the art in recognition epigenetic reprogramming of T cells as the key factor in the pathophysiology of endometriosis in the context of T-cell-related autoimmunity. The new potential therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic modulation and/or adoptive transfer of T cells will also be outlined.
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12
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Bagheri Y, Ali AA, Keshri P, Chambers J, Gershenson A, You M. Imaging Membrane Order and Dynamic Interactions in Living Cells with a DNA Zipper Probe. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202112033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Bagheri
- Department of Chemistry University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | - Ahsan Ausaf Ali
- Department of Chemistry University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | - Puspam Keshri
- Department of Chemistry University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | - James Chambers
- Institute for Applied Life Sciences University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | - Anne Gershenson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
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13
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Bagheri Y, Ali AA, Keshri P, Chambers J, Gershenson A, You M. Imaging Membrane Order and Dynamic Interactions in Living Cells with a DNA Zipper Probe. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202112033. [PMID: 34767659 PMCID: PMC8792286 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202112033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The cell membrane is a dynamic and heterogeneous structure composed of distinct sub-compartments. Within these compartments, preferential interactions occur among various lipids and proteins. Currently, it is still challenging to image these short-lived membrane complexes, especially in living cells. In this work, we present a DNA-based probe, termed "DNA Zipper", which allows the membrane order and pattern of transient interactions to be imaged in living cells using standard fluorescence microscopes. By fine-tuning the length and binding affinity of DNA duplex, these probes can precisely extend the duration of membrane lipid interactions via dynamic DNA hybridization. The correlation between membrane order and the activation of T-cell receptor signaling has also been studied. These programmable DNA probes function after a brief cell incubation, which can be easily adapted to study lipid interactions and membrane order during different membrane signaling events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Bagheri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Ahsan Ausaf Ali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Puspam Keshri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - James Chambers
- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Anne Gershenson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
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