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Santana-Coelho D, Lugo JN. Hippocampal Upregulation of Complement Component C3 in Response to Lipopolysaccharide Stimuli in a Model of Fragile-X Syndrome. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9306-9315. [PMID: 37998759 PMCID: PMC10669955 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110582] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system is part of the innate immune system and has been shown to be altered in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Fragile-X syndrome (FXS) is the main genetic cause of ASD and studies suggest a dysregulation in the immune system in patients with the disorder. To assess if an animal model of FXS presents with altered complement signaling, we treated male Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and collected the hippocampus 24 h later. Assessment of the expression of the complement genes C1q, C3, and C4 identified the upregulation of C3 in both wild-type (WT) and knockout mice. Levels of C3 also increased in both genotypes. Analysis of the correlation between the expression of C3 and the cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α identified a different relationship between the expression of the genes in Fmr1 KO when compared to WT mice. Our findings did not support our initial hypotheses that the lack of the FMR1 gene would alter complement system signaling, and that the induction of the complement system in response to LPS in Fmr1 KO mice differed from wild-type conspecifics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joaquin N. Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA;
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
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Balestrieri E, Corinaldesi E, Fabi M, Cipriani C, Giudice M, Conti A, Minutolo A, Petrone V, Fanelli M, Miele MT, Andreozzi L, Guida F, Filice E, Meli M, Grelli S, Rasi G, Toschi N, Torcetta F, Matteucci C, Lanari M, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P. Preliminary Evidence of the Differential Expression of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Kawasaki Disease and SARS-CoV-2-Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15086. [PMID: 37894766 PMCID: PMC10606856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015086] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a postinfectious sequela of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with some clinical features overlapping with Kawasaki disease (KD). Our research group and others have highlighted that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can trigger the activation of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which in turn induces inflammatory and immune reactions, suggesting HERVs as contributing factors in COVID-19 immunopathology. With the aim to identify new factors involved in the processes underlying KD and MIS-C, we analysed the transcriptional levels of HERVs, HERV-related genes, and immune mediators in children during the acute and subacute phases compared with COVID-19 paediatric patients and healthy controls. The results showed higher levels of HERV-W, HERV-K, Syn-1, and ASCT-1/2 in KD, MIS-C, and COV patients, while higher levels of Syn-2 and MFSD2A were found only in MIS-C patients. Moreover, KD and MIS-C shared the dysregulation of several inflammatory and regulatory cytokines. Interestingly, in MIS-C patients, negative correlations have been found between HERV-W and IL-10 and between Syn-2 and IL-10, while positive correlations have been found between HERV-K and IL-10. In addition, HERV-W expression positively correlated with the C-reactive protein. This pilot study supports the role of HERVs in inflammatory diseases, suggesting their interplay with the immune system in this setting. The elevated expression of Syn-2 and MFSD2A seems to be a distinctive trait of MIS-C patients, allowing to distinguish them from KD ones. The understanding of pathological mechanisms can lead to the best available treatment for these two diseases, limiting complications and serious outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Elena Corinaldesi
- Pediatric Unit, Ramazzini Hospital, 41012 Carpi, Italy; (E.C.); (F.T.)
| | - Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Chiara Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Martina Giudice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Allegra Conti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (N.T.)
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Marialaura Fanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Fiorentina Guida
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Emanuele Filice
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Matteo Meli
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Guido Rasi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (N.T.)
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | | | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
- National Research Council, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Petrone V, Fanelli M, Giudice M, Toschi N, Conti A, Maracchioni C, Iannetta M, Resta C, Cipriani C, Miele MT, Amati F, Andreoni M, Sarmati L, Rogliani P, Novelli G, Garaci E, Rasi G, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Minutolo A, Matteucci C, Balestrieri E, Grelli S. Expression profile of HERVs and inflammatory mediators detected in nasal mucosa as a predictive biomarker of COVID-19 severity. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1155624. [PMID: 37283924 PMCID: PMC10239953 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1155624] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Our research group and others demonstrated the implication of the human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in SARS-CoV-2 infection and their association with disease progression, suggesting HERVs as contributing factors in COVID-19 immunopathology. To identify early predictive biomarkers of the COVID-19 severity, we analyzed the expression of HERVs and inflammatory mediators in SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs with respect to biochemical parameters and clinical outcome. Methods Residuals of swab samples (20 SARS-CoV-2-negative and 43 SARS-CoV-2-positive) were collected during the first wave of the pandemic and expression levels of HERVs and inflammatory mediators were analyzed by qRT-Real time PCR. Results The results obtained show that infection with SARS-CoV-2 resulted in a general increase in the expression of HERVs and mediators of the immune response. In particular, SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with increased expression of HERV-K and HERV-W, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, MCP-1, INF-γ, TLR-3, and TLR-7, while lower levels of IL-10, IFN-α, IFN-β, and TLR-4 were found in individuals who underwent hospitalization. Moreover, higher expression of HERV-W, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-α, and IFN-β reflected the respiratory outcome of patients during hospitalization. Interestingly, a machine learning model was able to classify hospitalized vs not hospitalized patients with good accuracy based on the expression levels of HERV-K, HERV-W, IL-6, TNF-a, TLR-3, TLR-7, and the N gene of SARS-CoV-2. These latest biomarkers also correlated with parameters of coagulation and inflammation. Discussion Overall, the present results suggest HERVs as contributing elements in COVID-19 and early genomic biomarkers to predict COVID-19 severity and disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Fanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Giudice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Allegra Conti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Iannetta
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Resta
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Amati
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Rogliani
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuromed IRCCS Institute, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
- University of Nevada, Department of Pharmacology, Reno, NV, United States
| | | | - Guido Rasi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Virology Unit, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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DeRosa H, Smith A, Geist L, Cheng A, Hunter RG, Kentner AC. Maternal immune activation alters placental histone-3 lysine-9 tri-methylation, offspring sensorimotor processing, and hypothalamic transposable element expression in a sex-specific manner. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 24:100538. [PMID: 37139465 PMCID: PMC10149420 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100538] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models of maternal immune activation (MIA) are central to identifying the biological mechanisms that underly the association between prenatal infection and neuropsychiatric disorder susceptibility. Many studies, however, have limited their scope to protein coding genes and their role in mediating this inherent risk, while much less attention has been directed towards exploring the roles of the epigenome and transposable elements (TEs). In Experiment 1, we demonstrate the ability of MIA to alter the chromatin landscape of the placenta. We induced MIA by injecting 200 μg/kg (i.p.) of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on gestational day 15 in Sprague-Dawley rats. We found a sex-specific rearrangement of heterochromatin 24-h after exposure to MIA, as evidenced by an increase in histone-3 lysine-9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). In Experiment 2, MIA was associated with long-term sensorimotor processing deficits as indicated by reduced prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex in adult male and female offspring and an increased mechanical allodynia threshold in males. Analyses of gene expression within the hypothalamus-chosen for its involvement in the sex-specific pathogenesis of schizophrenia and the stress response-revealed significantly higher levels of the stress-sensitive genes Gr and Fkbp5. Deleterious TE expression is often a hallmark of neuropsychiatric disease and we found sex-specific increases in the expression of several TEs including IAP, B2 SINE, and LINE-1 ORF1. The data from this study warrant the future consideration of chromatin stability and TEs as part of the mechanism that drives MIA-associated changes in the brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly DeRosa
- University of Massachusetts Boston, Department of Psychology, Developmental and Brain Sciences Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arianna Smith
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laurel Geist
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ada Cheng
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard G. Hunter
- University of Massachusetts Boston, Department of Psychology, Developmental and Brain Sciences Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amanda C. Kentner
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
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Aldossari AA, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Al-Ayadhi LY, Alanazi MM, Shahid M, Alwetaid MY, Hussein MH, Ahmad SF. Upregulation of Inflammatory Mediators in Peripheral Blood CD40 + Cells in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087475. [PMID: 37108638 PMCID: PMC10138695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and severe neurodevelopmental disorder in early childhood, defined as social and communication deficits and repetitive and stereotypic behaviours. The aetiology is unknown in most cases. However, several studies have identified immune dysregulation as potentially promoting ASD. Among the numerous immunological findings in ASD, reports of increased pro-inflammatory markers remain the most consistently observed. C-C chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1) activation is pro-inflammatory in several neurological disorders. Previous evidence has implied that the expression of chemokine receptors, inflammatory mediators, and transcription factors play a pivotal role in several neuroinflammatory disorders. There have also been reports on the association between increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and ASD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible involvement of CCR1, inflammatory mediators, and transcription factor expression in CD40+ cells in ASD compared to typically developing controls (TDC). Flow cytometry analysis was used to determine the levels of CCR1-, IFN-γ-, T-box transcription factor (T-bet-), IL-17A-, retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt-), IL-22- and TNF-α-expressing CD40 cells in PBMCs in children with ASD and the TDC group. We further examined the mRNA and protein expression levels of CCR1 using real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Our results revealed that children with ASD had significantly increased numbers of CD40+CCR1+, CD40+IFN-γ+, CD40+T-bet+, CD40+IL-17A+, CD40+RORγt+, CD4+IL-22+, and CD40+TNF-α+ cells compared with the TDC group. Furthermore, children with ASD had higher CCR1 mRNA and protein expression levels than those in the TDC group. These results indicate that CCR1, inflammatory mediators, and transcription factors expressed in CD40 cells play vital roles in disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah A Aldossari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mudassar Shahid
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Y Alwetaid
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa H Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Tovo PA, Garazzino S, Savino F, Daprà V, Pruccoli G, Dini M, Filisetti G, Funiciello E, Galliano I, Bergallo M. Expressions of Type I and III Interferons, Endogenous Retroviruses, TRIM28, and SETDB1 in Children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:1197-1217. [PMID: 36826024 PMCID: PMC9954910 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45020079] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) play essential roles for the control of viral infections. Their expression in infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is poorly defined. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) represent 8% of our genome and modulate inflammatory and immune reactions. TRIM28 and SETDB1 participate in the epigenetic regulation of genes involved in the immune response, including IFNs and HERVs. No study has explored the expression of HERVs, TRIM28, and SETDB1 during RSV bronchiolitis. We assessed, through a PCR real-time Taqman amplification assay, the transcription levels of six IFN-I ISGs, four IFNλs, the pol genes of HERV-H, -K, and -W families, the env genes of Syncytin (SYN)1 and SYN2, and of TRIM28/SETDB1 in whole blood from 37 children hospitalized for severe RSV bronchiolitis and in healthy children (HC). The expression of most IFN-I ISGs was significantly higher in RSV+ patients than in age-matched HC, but it was inhibited by steroid therapy. The mRNA concentrations of IFN-λs were comparable between patients and age-matched HC. This lack of RSV-driven IFN-III activation may result in the defective protection of the airway mucosal surface leading to severe bronchiolitis. The expression of IFN-III showed a positive correlation with age in HC, that could account for the high susceptibility of young children to viral respiratory tract infections. The transcription levels of every HERV gene were significantly lower in RSV+ patients than in HC, while the expressions of TRIM28/SETDB1 were overlapping. Given the negative impact of HERVs and the positive effects of TRIM28/SETDB1 on innate and adaptive immune responses, the downregulation of the former and the normal expression of the latter may contribute to preserving immune functions against infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier-Angelo Tovo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: Correspondence: (P.-A.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Silvia Garazzino
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Savino
- Early Infancy Special Care Unit, Department of Pediatric Care, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Daprà
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Pruccoli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Maddalena Dini
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giacomo Filisetti
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Early Infancy Special Care Unit, Department of Pediatric Care, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Funiciello
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria Galliano
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bergallo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: Correspondence: (P.-A.T.); (M.B.)
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7
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Herrero F, Mueller FS, Gruchot J, Küry P, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Meyer U. Susceptibility and resilience to maternal immune activation are associated with differential expression of endogenous retroviral elements. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:201-214. [PMID: 36243285 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.006] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancestorial retroviral elements that were integrated into the mammalian genome through germline infections and insertions during evolution. While increased ERV expression has been repeatedly implicated in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, recent evidence suggests that aberrant endogenous retroviral activity may contribute to biologically defined subgroups of psychotic disorders with persisting immunological dysfunctions. Here, we explored whether ERV expression is altered in a mouse model of maternal immune activation (MIA), a transdiagnostic environmental risk factor of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. MIA was induced by maternal administration of poly(I:C) on gestation day 12 in C57BL/6N mice. Murine ERV transcripts were quantified in the placentae and fetal brains shortly after poly(I:C)-induced MIA, as well as in adult offspring that were stratified according to their behavioral profiles. We found that MIA increased and reduced levels of class II ERVs and syncytins, respectively, in placentae and fetal brain tissue. We also revealed abnormal ERV expression in MIA-exposed offspring depending on whether they displayed overt behavioral anomalies or not. Taken together, our findings provide a proof of concept that an inflammatory stimulus, even when initiated in prenatal life, has the potential of altering ERV expression across fetal to adult stages of development. Moreover, our data highlight that susceptibility and resilience to MIA are associated with differential ERV expression, suggesting that early-life exposure to inflammatory factors may play a role in determining disease susceptibility by inducing persistent alterations in the expression of endogenous retroviral elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felisa Herrero
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flavia S Mueller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joel Gruchot
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Cipriani C, Giudice M, Petrone V, Fanelli M, Minutolo A, Miele MT, Toschi N, Maracchioni C, Siracusano M, Benvenuto A, Coniglio A, Curatolo P, Mazzone L, Sandro G, Garaci E, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Matteucci C, Balestrieri E. Modulation of human endogenous retroviruses and cytokines expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from autistic children and their parents. Retrovirology 2022; 19:26. [PMID: 36451209 PMCID: PMC9709758 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-022-00603-6] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Putative pathogenic effects mediated by human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in neurological and psychiatric disorders in humans have been extensively described. HERVs may alter the development of the brain by means of several mechanisms, including modulation of gene expression, alteration of DNA stability, and activation of immune system. We recently demonstrated that autistic children and their mothers share high expression levels of some HERVs and cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) ex vivo, suggesting a close mother-child association in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). RESULTS In the present study, PBMCs from autistic children and their parents were exposed to stimulating factors (Interleukin-2/Phytohaemagglutinin) or drugs, as Valproic acid and Efavirenz. The results show that HERVs and cytokines expression can be modulated in vitro by different stimuli in PBMCs from autistic children and their mothers, while no significant changes were found in PBMCs ASD fathers or in controls individuals. In particular, in vitro exposure to interleukin-2/Phytohaemagglutinin or valproic acid induces the expression of several HERVs and cytokines while Efavirenz inhibits them. CONCLUSION Herein we show that autistic children and their mothers share an intrinsic responsiveness to in vitro microenvironmental changes in expressing HERVs and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Remarkably, the antiretroviral drug Efavirenz restores the expression of specific HERV families to values similar to those of the controls, also reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines but keeping the regulatory ones high. Our findings open new perspectives to study the role of HERVs in the biological mechanisms underlying Autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cipriani
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Giudice
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vita Petrone
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Fanelli
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martino T. Miele
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XMartinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Christian Maracchioni
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Siracusano
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Benvenuto
- grid.413009.fChild Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, System Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Coniglio
- grid.413009.fChild Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, System Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- grid.413009.fChild Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, System Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Mazzone
- grid.413009.fChild Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, System Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Grelli Sandro
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy ,Virology Unit, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- University San Raffaele, Rome, Italy ,grid.18887.3e0000000417581884IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy ,grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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9
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Cipriani C, Tartaglione AM, Giudice M, D’Avorio E, Petrone V, Toschi N, Chiarotti F, Miele MT, Calamandrei G, Garaci E, Matteucci C, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Ricceri L, Balestrieri E. Differential Expression of Endogenous Retroviruses and Inflammatory Mediators in Female and Male Offspring in a Mouse Model of Maternal Immune Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213930. [PMID: 36430402 PMCID: PMC9695919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213930] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal infections during pregnancy and the consequent maternal immune activation (MIA) are the major risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Epidemiological evidence is corroborated by the preclinical models in which MIA leads to ASD-like behavioral abnormalities and altered neuroinflammatory profiles, with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial markers. In addition to neuroinflammatory response, an abnormal expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) has been identified in neurodevelopmental disorders and have been found to correlate with disease severity. Our aim was to evaluate the transcriptional profile of several ERV families, ERV-related genes, and inflammatory mediators (by RT real-time PCR) in mouse offspring of both sexes, prenatally exposed to polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C), a synthetic double-stranded RNA molecule targeting TLR-3 that mimics viral maternal infection during pregnancy. We found that prenatal exposure to Poly I:C deregulated the expression of some ERVs and ERV-related genes both in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, while no changes were detected in the blood. Interestingly, sex-related differences in the expression levels of some ERVs, ERV-related genes, and inflammatory mediators that were higher in females than in males emerged only in PFC. Our findings support the tissue specificity of ERV and ERV-related transcriptional profiles in MIA mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Tartaglione
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Giudice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Erica D’Avorio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Flavia Chiarotti
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma Calamandrei
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- University San Raffaele, 00166 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Ricceri
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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10
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Nour-Eldine W, Ltaief SM, Abdul Manaph NP, Al-Shammari AR. In search of immune cellular sources of abnormal cytokines in the blood in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of case-control studies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:950275. [PMID: 36268027 PMCID: PMC9578337 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.950275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal cytokine levels in circulating blood have been repeatedly reported in autism; however, the underlying cause remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to investigate cytokine levels in peripheral blood compartments and identify their potential immune cellular sources in subjects with autism through comparison with controls. We conducted an electronic database search (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest Central, Ovid, SAGE Journals, and Wiley Online Library) from inception (no time limits) to July 9, 2020, and identified 75 relevant articles. Our qualitative data synthesis focused on results consistently described in at least three independent studies, and we reported the results according to the PRISMA protocol. We found that compared with controls, in subjects with autism, cytokines IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased in the plasma and serum. We also identified monocytes, neutrophils, and CD4+ T cells as potential sources of these elevated cytokines in autism. Cytokines IFN-γ, TGF-β, RANTES, and IL-8 were increased in the plasma/serum of subjects with autism, and IFN-γ was likely produced by CD4+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, although conflicting evidence is present for IFN-γ and TGF-β. Other cytokines—IL-13, IL-10, IL-5, and IL-4—were found to be unaltered in the plasma/serum and post-stimulated blood immune cells in autistic individuals as compared with controls. The frequencies of T cells, monocytes, B cells, and NK cells were unchanged in subjects with autism as opposed to controls, suggesting that abnormal cytokines were unlikely due to altered cell numbers but might be due to altered functioning of these cells in autism. Our results support existing studies of abnormal cytokines in autism and provide comprehensive evidence of potential cellular sources of these altered cytokines in the context of autism.
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11
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Zhang Q, Pan J, Cong Y, Mao J. Transcriptional Regulation of Endogenous Retroviruses and Their Misregulation in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710112. [PMID: 36077510 PMCID: PMC9456331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), deriving from exogenous retroviral infections of germ line cells occurred millions of years ago, represent ~8% of human genome. Most ERVs are highly inactivated because of the accumulation of mutations, insertions, deletions, and/or truncations. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that ERVs influence host biology through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms under particular physiological and pathological conditions, which provide both beneficial and deleterious effects for the host. For instance, certain ERVs expression is essential for human embryonic development. Whereas abnormal activation of ERVs was found to be involved in numbers of human diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of regulation of ERVs would provide insights into the role of ERVs in health and diseases. Here, we provide an overview of mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of ERVs and their dysregulation in human diseases.
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12
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Spreng A, Brüll M, Leisner H, Suciu I, Leist M. Distinct and Dynamic Transcriptome Adaptations of iPSC-Generated Astrocytes after Cytokine Stimulation. Cells 2022; 11:2644. [PMID: 36078052 PMCID: PMC9455058 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172644] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes (ACs) do not only play a role in normal neurogenesis and brain homeostasis, but also in inflammatory and neurodevelopmental disorders. We studied here the different patterns of inflammatory activation triggered by cytokines in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived ACs. An optimized differentiation protocol provided non-inflamed ACs. These cells reacted to TNFα with a rapid translocation of NFκB, while AC precursors showed little response. Transcriptome changes were quantified at seven time points (2–72 h) after stimulation with TNFα, IFNγ or TNFα plus IFNγ. TNFα triggered a strong response within 2 h. It peaked from 12–24 h and reverted towards the ground state after 72 h. Activation by IFNγ was also rapid, but the response pattern differed from that of TNFα. For instance, several chemokines up-regulated by TNFα were not affected by IFNγ. Instead, MHC-II-related antigen presentation was drastically enhanced. The combination of the two cytokines led to a stronger and more persistent response. For instance, TRIB3 up-regulation by the combination of TNFα plus IFNγ may have slowed NFκB inactivation. Additionally, highly synergistic regulation was observed for inflammation modifiers, such as CASP4, and for STAT1-controlled genes. The combination of the cytokines also increased oxidative stress markers (e.g., CHAC1), led to phenotypic changes in ACs and triggered markers related to cell death. In summary, these data demonstrate that there is a large bandwidth of pro-inflammatory AC states, and that single markers are not suitable to describe AC activation or their modulation in disease, development and therapy.
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13
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Carta A, Manca MA, Scoppola C, Simula ER, Noli M, Ruberto S, Conti M, Zarbo IR, Antonucci R, Sechi LA, Sotgiu S. Antihuman Endogenous Retrovirus Immune Response and Adaptive Dysfunction in Autism. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1365. [PMID: 35740387 PMCID: PMC9220180 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061365] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown aetiology but with a known contribution of pathogenic immune-mediated mechanisms. HERVs are associated with several neuropsychiatric diseases, including ASD. We studied anti-HERV-W, -K and -H-env immune profiles in ASD children to analyse differences between their respective mothers and child/mother control pairs and possible correlations to ASD severity and loss of adaptive abilities. Of the 84 studied individuals, 42 children (23 ASD and 19 neurotypical) and their paired mothers underwent clinical and neuropsychological evaluations. ASD severity was analysed with standardised tests. Adaptive functioning was studied with ABAS-II and GAC index. Plasma anti-env responses of HERV-K, -H and -W were tested with indirect ELISA. ASD and neurotypical children did not differ in age, gender, comorbidities and anti-HERV responses. In children with ASD, anti-HERV levels were not correlated to ASD severity, while a significant inverse correlation was found between anti-HERV-W-248-262 levels and adaptive/social abilities. Upregulation of anti-HERV-W response correlates to dysfunctional social and adaptive competences in ASD but not in controls, suggesting anti-HERV response plays a role in the appearance of peculiar ASD symptoms.
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Tovo PA, Davico C, Marcotulli D, Vitiello B, Daprà V, Calvi C, Montanari P, Carpino A, Galliano I, Bergallo M. Enhanced Expression of Human Endogenous Retroviruses, TRIM28 and SETDB1 in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5964. [PMID: 35682642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are relics of ancestral infections and represent 8% of the human genome. They are no longer infectious, but their activation has been associated with several disorders, including neuropsychiatric conditions. Enhanced expression of HERV-K and HERV-H envelope genes has been found in the blood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients, but no information is available on syncytin 1 (SYN1), SYN2, and multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV), which are thought to be implicated in brain development and immune responses. HERV activation is regulated by TRIM28 and SETDB1, which are part of the epigenetic mechanisms that organize the chromatin architecture in response to external stimuli and are involved in neural cell differentiation and brain inflammation. We assessed, through a PCR realtime Taqman amplification assay, the transcription levels of pol genes of HERV-H, -K, and -W families, of env genes of SYN1, SYN2, and MSRV, as well as of TRIM28 and SETDB1 in the blood of 33 ASD children (28 males, median 3.8 years, 25–75% interquartile range 3.0–6.0 y) and healthy controls (HC). Significantly higher expressions of TRIM28 and SETDB1, as well as of all the HERV genes tested, except for HERV-W-pol, were found in ASD, as compared with HC. Positive correlations were observed between the mRNA levels of TRIM28 or SETDB1 and every HERV gene in ASD patients, but not in HC. Overexpression of TRIM28/SETDB1 and several HERVs in children with ASD and the positive correlations between their transcriptional levels suggest that these may be main players in pathogenetic mechanisms leading to ASD.
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15
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Durnaoglu S, Lee SK, Ahnn J. Human Endogenous Retroviruses as Gene Expression Regulators: Insights from Animal Models into Human Diseases. Mol Cells 2021; 44:861-878. [PMID: 34963103 PMCID: PMC8718366 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2021.5016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The human genome contains many retroviral elements called human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), resulting from the integration of retroviruses throughout evolution. HERVs once were considered inactive junk because they are not replication-competent, primarily localized in the heterochromatin, and silenced by methylation. But HERVs are now clearly shown to actively regulate gene expression in various physiological and pathological conditions such as developmental processes, immune regulation, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders. Recent studies report that HERVs are activated in patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the current pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection. In this review, we describe internal and external factors that influence HERV activities. We also present evidence showing the gene regulatory activity of HERV LTRs (long terminal repeats) in model organisms such as mice, rats, zebrafish, and invertebrate models of worms and flies. Finally, we discuss several molecular and cellular pathways involving various transcription factors and receptors, through which HERVs affect downstream cellular and physiological events such as epigenetic modifications, calcium influx, protein phosphorylation, and cytokine release. Understanding how HERVs participate in various physiological and pathological processes will help develop a strategy to generate effective therapeutic approaches targeting HERVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serpen Durnaoglu
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Research Institute for Natural Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Sun-Kyung Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Research Institute for Natural Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Joohong Ahnn
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Research Institute for Natural Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
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16
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Mao J, Zhang Q, Cong YS. Human endogenous retroviruses in development and disease. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:5978-5986. [PMID: 34849202 PMCID: PMC8604659 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) represent ∼8% of human genome, deriving from exogenous retroviral infections of germ line cells occurred millions of years ago and being inherited by the offspring in a Mendelian fashion. Most of HERVs are nonprotein-coding because of the accumulation of mutations, insertions, deletions, and/or truncations. It has been long thought that HERVs were “junk DNA”. However, it is now known that HERVs are involved in various biological processes through encoding proteins, acting as promoters/enhancers, or lncRNAs to affect human health and disease. In this review, we summarized recent findings about HERVs, with implications in embryonic development, pluripotency, cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Mao
- Corresponding author at: Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 2318 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China.
| | | | - Yu-Sheng Cong
- Corresponding author at: Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 2318 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China.
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Schrier MS, Zhang Y, Trivedi MS, Deth RC. Decreased cortical Nrf2 gene expression in autism and its relationship to thiol and cobalamin status. Biochimie 2021; 192:1-12. [PMID: 34517051 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) promotes expression of a large number of antioxidant genes and multiple studies have described oxidative stress and impaired methylation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including decreased brain levels of methylcobalamin(III) (MeCbl). Here we report decreased expression of the Nrf2 gene (NFE2L2) in frontal cortex of ASD subjects, as well as differences in other genes involved in redox homeostasis. In pooled control and ASD correlation analyses, hydroxocobalamin(III) (OHCbl) was inversely correlated with NFE2L2 expression, while MeCbl and total cobalamin abundance were positively correlated with NFE2L2 expression. Levels of methionine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and cystathionine were positively correlated with NFE2L2 expression, while homocysteine (HCY) was negatively correlated. The relationship between Nrf2 activity and cobalamin was further supported by a bioinformatics-based comparison of cobalamin levels in different tissues with expression of a panel of 40 Nrf2-regulated genes, which yielded a strong correlation. Lastly, Nrf2-regulated gene expression was also correlated with expression of intracellular cobalamin trafficking and processing genes, such as MMADHC and MTRR. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized relationship between the antioxidant-promoting role of Nrf2 and cobalamin status, which is dysfunctional in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Scott Schrier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Yiting Zhang
- Biologics, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, MA, USA
| | - Malav Suchin Trivedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Richard Carlton Deth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
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Giménez-Orenga K, Oltra E. Human Endogenous Retrovirus as Therapeutic Targets in Neurologic Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:495. [PMID: 34073730 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient retroviral DNA sequences established into germline. They contain regulatory elements and encoded proteins few of which may provide benefits to hosts when co-opted as cellular genes. Their tight regulation is mainly achieved by epigenetic mechanisms, which can be altered by environmental factors, e.g., viral infections, leading to HERV activation. The aberrant expression of HERVs associates with neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), inflammatory processes and neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the recent advances on the epigenetic mechanisms controlling HERV expression and the pathogenic effects triggered by HERV de-repression. This article ends by describing new, promising therapies, targeting HERV elements, one of which, temelimab, has completed phase II trials with encouraging results in treating MS. The information gathered here may turn helpful in the design of new strategies to unveil epigenetic failures behind HERV-triggered diseases, opening new possibilities for druggable targets and/or for extending the use of temelimab to treat other associated diseases.
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Glinsky GV. Genomics-Guided Drawing of Molecular and Pathophysiological Components of Malignant Regulatory Signatures Reveals a Pivotal Role in Human Diseases of Stem Cell-Associated Retroviral Sequences and Functionally-Active hESC Enhancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:638363. [PMID: 33869024 PMCID: PMC8044830 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.638363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive DNA sequences (repeats) colonized two-third of human genome and a majority of repeats comprised of transposable genetic elements (TE). Evolutionary distinct categories of TE represent nucleic acid sequences that are repeatedly copied from and pasted into chromosomes at multiple genomic locations and acquired a multitude of regulatory functions. Here, genomics-guided maps of stemness regulatory signatures were drawn to dissect the contribution of TE to clinical manifestations of malignant phenotypes of human cancers. From patients’ and physicians’ perspectives, the clinical definition of a tumor’s malignant phenotype could be restricted to the early diagnosis of sub-types of malignancies with the increased risk of existing therapy failure and high likelihood of death from cancer. It is the viewpoint from which the understanding of stemness and malignant regulatory signatures is considered in this contribution. Genomics-guided analyses of experimental and clinical observations revealed the pivotal role of human stem cell-associated retroviral sequences (SCARS) in the origin and pathophysiology of clinically-lethal malignancies. SCARS were defined as the evolutionary- and biologically-related family of genomic regulatory sequences, the principal physiological function of which is to create and maintain the stemness phenotype during human preimplantation embryogenesis. For cell differentiation to occur, SCARS expression must be silenced and SCARS activity remains repressed in most terminally-differentiated human cells which are destined to perform specialized functions in the human body. Epigenetic reprogramming, de-repression, and sustained activity of SCARS results in various differentiation-defective phenotypes. One of the most prominent tissue- and organ-specific clinical manifestations of sustained SCARS activities is diagnosed as a pathological condition defined by a consensus of morphological, molecular, and genetic examinations as the malignant growth. Here, contemporary evidence are acquired, analyzed, and reported defining both novel diagnostic tools and druggable molecular targets readily amenable for diagnosis and efficient therapeutic management of clinically-lethal malignancies. These diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are based on monitoring of high-fidelity molecular signals of continuing SCARS activities in conjunction with genomic regulatory networks of thousands’ functionally-active embryonic enhancers affecting down-stream phenotype-altering genetic loci. Collectively, reported herein observations support a model of SCARS-activation triggered singular source code facilitating the intracellular propagation and intercellular (systemic) dissemination of disease states in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennadi V Glinsky
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States.,Department of Functional & Translational Genomics, OncoSCAR, Inc., Portland, OR, United States
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20
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Gröger V, Emmer A, Staege MS, Cynis H. Endogenous Retroviruses in Nervous System Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010070. [PMID: 33467098 PMCID: PMC7829834 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several nervous system disorders including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The toxicity of HERV-derived RNAs and proteins for neuronal cells has been demonstrated. The involvement of HERV in the pathogenesis of currently incurable diseases might offer new treatment strategies based on the inhibition of HERV activities by small molecules or therapeutic antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gröger
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Alexander Emmer
- Department of Neurology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Martin S. Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-557-7280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.)
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-557-7280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.)
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21
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Matteucci C, Minutolo A, Balestrieri E, Petrone V, Fanelli M, Malagnino V, Ianetta M, Giovinazzo A, Barreca F, Di Cesare S, De Marco P, Miele MT, Toschi N, Mastino A, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Bernardini S, Rogliani P, Sarmati L, Andreoni M, Grelli S, Garaci E. Thymosin Alpha 1 Mitigates Cytokine Storm in Blood Cells From Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 8:ofaa588. [PMID: 33506065 PMCID: PMC7798699 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by immune-mediated lung injury and complex alterations of the immune system, such as lymphopenia and cytokine storm, that have been associated with adverse outcomes underlining a fundamental role of host response in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and the pathogenesis of the disease. Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is one of the molecules used in the management of COVID-19, because it is known to restore the homeostasis of the immune system during infections and cancer. Methods In this study, we captured the interconnected biological processes regulated by Tα1 in CD8+ T cells under inflammatory conditions. Results Genes associated with cytokine signaling and production were upregulated in blood cells from patients with COVID-19, and the ex vivo treatment with Tα1-mitigated cytokine expression, and inhibited lymphocyte activation in a CD8+ T-cell subset specifically. Conclusion These data suggest the potential role of Tα1 in modulating the immune response homeostasis and the cytokine storm in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Fanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ianetta
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Barreca
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Cesare
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Immune and Infectious Diseases, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Childrens' Hospital-Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia De Marco
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, University Hospital Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antonio Mastino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy.,Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Rogliani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Respiratory Medicine Unit, University Hospital Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Virology Unit, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- University San Raffaele, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
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22
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Samborska-Mazur J, Kostiukow A, Miechowicz I, Sikorska D, Rutkowski R, Wyganowska-Świątkowska M, Błochowiak K. Salivary Cytokine Profile as a Possible Predictor of Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3101. [PMID: 32992922 PMCID: PMC7601503 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by neurodevelopmental disorders and alterations in immune function and cytokine levels. The aim of this study is to determine the salivary levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), Regulated on Activation, Normal T-cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES), and Eotaxin in children with ASD and in healthy controlsto assess their predictive potential. We explored correlations between the cytokine levels and the neurodevelopmental disorders related to ASD. The study comprised 19 children with ASD and 19 typically developing (TD) ones. We analyzed salivary levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, MCP-1, RANTES, and eotaxin on Luminex with custom-designed 7-plex kits. The level of RANTES in ASD children was significantly lower than those of TD. In TDs, the salivary levels of IL-1β, MCP-1, and TNFα correlated positively with age. In ASD, the cytokine levels did not correlate with age. There were statistically significant differences between the RANTES level and aggression and gait disturbances, between IL-8 level and fixations/stimulations, and between IL-1β level and no active speech. The levels of the cytokine detected can manifest both systemic and local changes related to ASD. The cytokine pattern cannot be used as a sole ASD predictor, but the salivary levels may be helpful in categorizing the ASD subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Samborska-Mazur
- Department of Oral Surgery and Periodontology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Bukowska 70 Street, 60812 Poznan, Poland; (J.S.-M.); (M.W.-Ś.)
| | - Anna Kostiukow
- Department of Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 28 Czerwca 1956 135 Street, 61545 Poznan, Poland; (A.K.); (D.S.)
| | - Izabela Miechowicz
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 7 Street, 60806 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Dorota Sikorska
- Department of Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 28 Czerwca 1956 135 Street, 61545 Poznan, Poland; (A.K.); (D.S.)
| | - Rafał Rutkowski
- Department of Pathophysiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 8 Street, 60806 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Marzena Wyganowska-Świątkowska
- Department of Oral Surgery and Periodontology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Bukowska 70 Street, 60812 Poznan, Poland; (J.S.-M.); (M.W.-Ś.)
| | - Katarzyna Błochowiak
- Department of Oral Surgery and Periodontology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Bukowska 70 Street, 60812 Poznan, Poland; (J.S.-M.); (M.W.-Ś.)
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23
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Geis FK, Goff SP. Silencing and Transcriptional Regulation of Endogenous Retroviruses: An Overview. Viruses 2020; 12:v12080884. [PMID: 32823517 PMCID: PMC7472088 DOI: 10.3390/v12080884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost half of the human genome is made up of transposable elements (TEs), and about 8% consists of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). ERVs are remnants of ancient exogenous retrovirus infections of the germ line. Most TEs are inactive and not detrimental to the host. They are tightly regulated to ensure genomic stability of the host and avoid deregulation of nearby gene loci. Histone-based posttranslational modifications such as H3K9 trimethylation are one of the main silencing mechanisms. Trim28 is one of the identified master regulators of silencing, which recruits most prominently the H3K9 methyltransferase Setdb1, among other factors. Sumoylation and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors seem to contribute to proper localization of Trim28 to ERV sequences and promote Trim28 interaction with Setdb1. Additionally, DNA methylation as well as RNA-mediated targeting of TEs such as piRNA-based silencing play important roles in ERV regulation. Despite the involvement of ERV overexpression in several cancer types, autoimmune diseases, and viral pathologies, ERVs are now also appreciated for their potential positive role in evolution. ERVs can provide new regulatory gene elements or novel binding sites for transcription factors, and ERV gene products can even be repurposed for the benefit of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska K. Geis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Stephen P. Goff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-212-305-3794
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24
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Ahmad SF, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Bakheet SA, Al-Ayadhi LY, Alasmari AF, Alanazi MM, Al-Mazroua HA, Attia SM. Involvement of CD45 cells in the development of autism spectrum disorder through dysregulation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, key inflammatory cytokines, and transcription factors. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 83:106466. [PMID: 32259699 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autismspectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex and multifactorial heterogeneous disorder. Previous investigations have revealed the association between the immune system and ASD, which is characterized by impaired communication skills. Inflammatory response through CD45 cells plays a key role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune disorders; however, the molecular mechanism of CD45 cells in ASD is not clearly defined.In this study, we investigated the role of CD45 signaling in children with ASD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible involvement of CD45 cells expressing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and inflammatory transcription factors in ASD. Flow cytometric analysis, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), revealed the numbers of GM-CSF-, IFN-γ-, IL-6-, IL-9-, IL-22-, T-bet-, pStat3-, Helios-, and Stat6-producing CD45+ cells in children with ASD and children in the control group. We further evaluated the mRNA and protein expression levels of GM-CSF in PBMC by RT-PCR and western blotting analysis. Our results revealed that the children with ASD exhibited significantly higher numbers of CD45+GM-CSF+, CD45+IFN-γ+, CD45+IL-6+, CD45+IL-9+, CD45+IL-22+, CD45+T-bet+, and CD45+pStat3+ cells compared with the control group. We also found that the children with ASD showed a lower number of CD45+Helios+ and CD45+Stat6+ cells compared with the control group. Furthermore, the children with ASD showed higher GM-CSF mRNA and protein expression levels compared with the control group. These results indicated that CD45 could play an essential role in the immune abnormalities of ASD. Further investigation of the role of CD45 in neurodevelopment in ASD is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haneen A Al-Mazroua
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Lu J, Xiao M, Guo X, Liang Y, Wang M, Xu J, Liu L, Wang Z, Zeng G, Liu K, Li L, Yao P. Maternal Diabetes Induces Immune Dysfunction in Autistic Offspring Through Oxidative Stress in Hematopoietic Stem Cells. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:576367. [PMID: 33101089 PMCID: PMC7495463 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.576367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been found to be associated with immune dysfunction and elevated cytokines, although the detailed mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we aim to investigate the potential mechanisms through a maternal diabetes-induced autistic mouse model. We found that maternal diabetes-induced autistic offspring have epigenetic changes on the superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) promoter with subsequent SOD2 suppression in both hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Bone marrow transplantation of normal HSC to maternal diabetes-induced autistic offspring transferred epigenetic modifications to PBMC and significantly reversed SOD2 suppression and oxidative stress and elevated inflammatory cytokine levels. Further, in vivo human study showed that SOD2 mRNA expression from PBMC in the ASD group was reduced to ~12% compared to typically developing group, and the SOD2 mRNA level-based ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve shows a very high sensitivity and specificity for ASD patients. We conclude that maternal diabetes induces immune dysfunction in autistic offspring through SOD2 suppression and oxidative stress in HSC. SOD2 mRNA expression in PBMC may be a good biomarker for ASD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Lu
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Kangning Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meifang Xiao
- Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaoling Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, Foshan Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Yujie Liang
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Kangning Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Wang
- Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China
| | - Jianchang Xu
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Kangning Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liyan Liu
- Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China
| | - Zichen Wang
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Kangning Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gang Zeng
- Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China
| | - Kelly Liu
- Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China
| | - Ling Li
- Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China
| | - Paul Yao
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Kangning Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China
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26
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Balestrieri E, Matteucci C, Cipriani C, Grelli S, Ricceri L, Calamandrei G, Vallebona PS. Endogenous Retroviruses Activity as a Molecular Signature of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E6050. [PMID: 31801288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are genetic elements resulting from relics of ancestral infection of germline cells, now recognized as cofactors in the etiology of several complex diseases. Here we present a review of findings supporting the role of the abnormal HERVs activity in neurodevelopmental disorders. The derailment of brain development underlies numerous neuropsychiatric conditions, likely starting during prenatal life and carrying on during subsequent maturation of the brain. Autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, and schizophrenia are neurodevelopmental disorders that arise clinically during early childhood or adolescence, currently attributed to the interplay among genetic vulnerability, environmental risk factors, and maternal immune activation. The role of HERVs in human embryogenesis, their intrinsic responsiveness to external stimuli, and the interaction with the immune system support the involvement of HERVs in the derailed neurodevelopmental process. Although definitive proofs that HERVs are involved in neurobehavioral alterations are still lacking, both preclinical models and human studies indicate that the abnormal expression of ERVs could represent a neurodevelopmental disorders-associated biological trait in affected individuals and their parents.
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