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Aubert A, Jung K, Hiroyasu S, Pardo J, Granville DJ. Granzyme serine proteases in inflammation and rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024:10.1038/s41584-024-01109-5. [PMID: 38689140 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-024-01109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Granzymes (granule-secreted enzymes) are a family of serine proteases that have been viewed as redundant cytotoxic enzymes since their discovery more than 30 years ago. Predominantly produced by cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells, granzymes are delivered into the cytoplasm of target cells through immunological synapses in cooperation with the pore-forming protein perforin. After internalization, granzymes can initiate cell death through the cleavage of intracellular substrates. However, evidence now also demonstrates the existence of non-cytotoxic, pro-inflammatory, intracellular and extracellular functions that are granzyme specific. Under pathological conditions, granzymes can be produced and secreted extracellularly by immune cells as well as by non-immune cells. Depending on the granzyme, accumulation in the extracellular milieu might contribute to inflammation, tissue injury, impaired wound healing, barrier dysfunction, osteoclastogenesis and/or autoantigen generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Aubert
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen Jung
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sho Hiroyasu
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Julian Pardo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA); Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Paediatrics and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Obasanmi G, Uppal M, Cui JZ, Xi J, Ju MJ, Song J, To E, Li S, Khan W, Cheng D, Zhu J, Irani L, Samad I, Zhu J, Yoo HS, Aubert A, Stoddard J, Neuringer M, Granville DJ, Matsubara JA. Granzyme B degrades extracellular matrix and promotes inflammation and choroidal neovascularization. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09909-9. [PMID: 38498232 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09909-9] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common retinal neurodegenerative disease among the elderly. Neovascular AMD (nAMD), a leading cause of AMD-related blindness, involves choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which can be suppressed by anti-angiogenic treatments. However, current CNV treatments do not work in all nAMD patients. Here we investigate a novel target for AMD. Granzyme B (GzmB) is a serine protease that promotes aging, chronic inflammation and vascular permeability through the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and tight junctions. Extracellular GzmB is increased in retina pigment epithelium (RPE) and mast cells in the choroid of the healthy aging outer retina. It is further increased in donor eyes exhibiting features of nAMD and CNV. Here, we show in RPE-choroidal explant cultures that exogenous GzmB degrades the RPE-choroid ECM, promotes retinal/choroidal inflammation and angiogenesis while diminishing anti-angiogenic factor, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). The pharmacological inhibition of either GzmB or mast-cell degranulation significantly reduces choroidal angiogenesis. In line with our in vitro data, GzmB-deficiency reduces the extent of laser-induced CNV lesions and the age-related deterioration of electroretinogram (ERG) responses in mice. These findings suggest that targeting GzmB, a serine protease with no known endogenous inhibitors, may be a potential novel therapeutic approach to suppress CNV in nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Obasanmi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Manjosh Uppal
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jing Z Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jeanne Xi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Myeong Jin Ju
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jun Song
- School of Biomedical Engineering, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eleanor To
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Siqi Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wania Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Darian Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lyden Irani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Isa Samad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julie Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hyung-Suk Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Aubert
- International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanne A Matsubara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Korhonen E. Inflammasome activation in response to aberrations of cellular homeostasis in epithelial cells from human cornea and retina. Acta Ophthalmol 2024; 102 Suppl 281:3-68. [PMID: 38386419 DOI: 10.1111/aos.16646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
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Ben-Eltriki M, Ahmadi AR, Nakao Y, Golla K, Lakschevitz F, Häkkinen L, Granville DJ, Kim H. Granzyme B promotes matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) release from gingival fibroblasts in a PAR1- and Erk1/2-dependent manner: A novel role in periodontal inflammation. J Periodontal Res 2024; 59:94-103. [PMID: 37873693 DOI: 10.1111/jre.13190] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To gain insights into how proteases signal to connective tissues cells in the periodontium. BACKGROUND The connective tissue degradation observed in periodontitis is largely due to matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) release by gingival fibroblasts. Granzyme B (GzmB) is a serine protease whose role in periodontitis is undefined. METHODS Human gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were obtained from sites with periodontal disease and healthy control sites. GzmB was quantified in the GCF ([GzmB]GCF ) by ELISA. Gingival fibroblasts (GF) were cultured in the presence or absence of recombinant GzmB. Culture supernatants were analyzed by ELISA to quantify GzmB-induced release of interstitial collagenase (MMP-1). In some experiments, cells were pre-treated with the inhibitor PD98059 to block MEK/ERK signaling. The protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) was blocked with ATAP-2 neutralizing antibody prior to GzmB stimulation. Systemic MMP-1 levels were measured in plasma from wild-type (WT) and granzyme-B-knockout (GzmB-/- ) mice. RESULTS The [GzmB]GCF in human samples was ~4-5 fold higher at sites of periodontal disease (gingivitis/periodontitis) compared to healthy control sites, suggesting an association between GzmB and localized matrix degradation. GzmB induced a ~4-5-fold increase in MMP-1 secretion by cultured fibroblasts. GzmB induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2, which was abrogated by PD98059. GzmB-induced upregulation of MMP-1 secretion was also reduced by PD98059. Blockade of PAR-1 function by ATAP-2 abrogated the increase in MMP-1 secretion by GF. Circulating MMP-1 was similar in WT and GzmB-/- mice, suggesting that GzmB's effects on MMP-1 release are not reflected systemically. CONCLUSION These data point to a novel GzmB-driven signaling pathway in fibroblasts in which MMP-1 secretion is upregulated in a PAR1- and Erk1/2-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ben-Eltriki
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amir Reza Ahmadi
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yuya Nakao
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kalyan Golla
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Flavia Lakschevitz
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lari Häkkinen
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David J Granville
- ICORD Centre and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hugh Kim
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Conedera FM, Runnels JM, Stein JV, Alt C, Enzmann V, Lin CP. Assessing the role of T cells in response to retinal injury to uncover new therapeutic targets for the treatment of retinal degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:206. [PMID: 37689689 PMCID: PMC10492418 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02867-x] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal degeneration is a disease affecting the eye, which is an immune-privileged site because of its anatomical and physiological properties. Alterations in retinal homeostasis-because of injury, disease, or aging-initiate inflammatory cascades, where peripheral leukocytes (PL) infiltrate the parenchyma, leading to retinal degeneration. So far, research on PL's role in retinal degeneration was limited to observing a few cell types at specific times or sectioning the tissue. This restricted our understanding of immune cell interactions and response duration. METHODS In vivo microscopy in preclinical mouse models can overcome these limitations enabling the spatio-temporal characterization of PL dynamics. Through in vivo imaging, we assessed structural and fluorescence changes in response to a focal injury at a defined location over time. We also utilized minimally invasive techniques, pharmacological interventions, and knockout (KO) mice to determine the role of PL in local inflammation. Furthermore, we investigated PL abundance and localization during retinal degeneration in human eyes by histological analysis to assess to which extent our preclinical study translates to human retinal degeneration. RESULTS We demonstrate that PL, especially T cells, play a detrimental role during retinal injury response. In mice, we observed the recruitment of helper and cytotoxic T cells in the parenchyma post-injury, and T cells also resided in the macula and peripheral retina in pathological conditions in humans. Additionally, we found that the pharmacological PL reduction and genetic depletion of T-cells reduced injured areas in murine retinas and rescued the blood-retina barrier (BRB) integrity. Both conditions promoted morphological changes of Cx3cr1+ cells, including microglial cells, toward an amoeboid phenotype during injury response. Interestingly, selective depletion of CD8+ T cells accelerated recovery of the BRB compared to broader depletions. After anti-CD8 treatment, the retinal function improved, concomitant to a beneficial immune response. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide novel insights into the adaptive immune response to retinal injury in mice and human retinal degeneration. Such information is fundamental to understanding retinal disorders and developing therapeutics to modulate immune responses to retinal degeneration safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica M Conedera
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Judith M Runnels
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jens V Stein
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Clemens Alt
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Charles P Lin
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Molcak H, Jiang K, Campbell CJ, Matsubara JA. Purinergic signaling via P2X receptors and mechanisms of unregulated ATP release in the outer retina and age-related macular degeneration. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1216489. [PMID: 37496736 PMCID: PMC10366617 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1216489] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease of the retina characterized by photoceptor loss and significant central visual impairment due to either choroidal neovascularization or geographic atrophy. The pathophysiology of AMD is complex and multifactorial, driven by a combination of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, molecular mechanisms, and cellular processes that contribute to overall disease onset, severity, and progression. Unfortunately, due to the structural, cellular, and pathophysiologic complexity, therapeutic discovery is challenging. While purinergic signaling has been investigated for its role in the development and treatment of ocular pathologies including AMD, the potential crosstalk between known contributors to AMD, such as the complement cascade and inflammasome activation, and other biological systems, such as purinergic signaling, have not been fully characterized. In this review, we explore the interactions between purinergic signaling, ATP release, and known contributors to AMD pathogenesis including complement dysregulation and inflammasome activation. We begin by identifying what is known about purinergic receptors in cell populations of the outer retina and potential sources of extracellular ATP required to trigger purinergic receptor activation. Next, we examine evidence in the literature that the purinergic system accelerates AMD pathogenesis leading to apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death in retinal cells. To fully understand the potential role that purinergic signaling plays in AMD, more research is needed surrounding the expression, distribution, functions, and interactions of purinergic receptors within cells of the outer retina as well as potential crosstalk with other systems. By determining how these processes are affected in the context of purinergic signaling, it will improve our understanding of the mechanisms that drive AMD pathogenesis which is critical in developing treatment strategies that prevent or slow progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydn Molcak
- Matsubara Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eye Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kailun Jiang
- Matsubara Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eye Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Joanne A. Matsubara
- Matsubara Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eye Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Markitantova Y, Simirskii V. Endogenous and Exogenous Regulation of Redox Homeostasis in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells: An Updated Antioxidant Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10776. [PMID: 37445953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) performs a range of necessary functions within the neural layers of the retina and helps ensure vision. The regulation of pro-oxidative and antioxidant processes is the basis for maintaining RPE homeostasis and preventing retinal degenerative processes. Long-term stable changes in the redox balance under the influence of endogenous or exogenous factors can lead to oxidative stress (OS) and the development of a number of retinal pathologies associated with RPE dysfunction, and can eventually lead to vision loss. Reparative autophagy, ubiquitin-proteasome utilization, the repair of damaged proteins, and the maintenance of their conformational structure are important interrelated mechanisms of the endogenous defense system that protects against oxidative damage. Antioxidant protection of RPE cells is realized as a result of the activity of specific transcription factors, a large group of enzymes, chaperone proteins, etc., which form many signaling pathways in the RPE and the retina. Here, we discuss the role of the key components of the antioxidant defense system (ADS) in the cellular response of the RPE against OS. Understanding the role and interactions of OS mediators and the components of the ADS contributes to the formation of ideas about the subtle mechanisms in the regulation of RPE cellular functions and prospects for experimental approaches to restore RPE functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Markitantova
- Koltsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Simirskii
- Koltsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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Obasanmi G, Zeglinski MR, Hardie E, Wilhelm AC, Turner CT, Hiroyasu S, Boivin WA, Tian Y, Zhao H, To E, Cui JZ, Xi J, Yoo HS, Uppal M, Granville DJ, Matsubara JA. Granzyme B Contributes to Choroidal Neovascularization and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Through Proteolysis of Thrombospondin-1. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100123. [PMID: 36849037 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100123] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible central vision loss in the elderly. The pathology of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), also known as wet AMD, is associated with an abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye and involves an imbalance of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. Thrombospondin (TSP)-1 and TSP-2 are endogenous matricellular proteins that inhibit angiogenesis. TSP-1 is significantly diminished in eyes with AMD, although the mechanisms involved in its reduction are unknown. Granzyme B (GzmB) is a serine protease with an increased extracellular activity in the outer retina and choroid of human eyes with nAMD-related choroidal neovascularization (CNV). This study investigated whether TSP-1 and TSP-2 are GzmB substrates using in silico and cell-free cleavage assays and explored the relationship between GzmB and TSP-1 in human eyes with nAMD-related CNV and the effect of GzmB on TSP-1 in retinal pigment epithelial culture and an explant choroid sprouting assay (CSA). In this study, TSP-1 and TSP-2 were identified as GzmB substrates. Cell-free cleavage assays substantiated the GzmB proteolysis of TSP-1 and TSP-2 by showing dose-dependent and time-dependent cleavage products. TSP-1 and TSP-2 proteolysis were hindered by the inhibition of GzmB. In the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid of human eyes with CNV, we observed a significant inverse correlation between TSP-1 and GzmB, as indicated by lower TSP-1 and higher GzmB immunoreactivity. In CSA, the vascular sprouting area increased significantly with GzmB treatment and reduced significantly with TSP-1 treatment. Western blot showed significantly reduced expression of TSP-1 in GzmB-treated retinal pigment epithelial cell culture and CSA supernatant compared with that in controls. Together, our findings suggest that the proteolysis of antiangiogenic factors such as TSP-1 by extracellular GzmB might represent a mechanism through which GzmB may contribute to nAMD-related CNV. Future studies are needed to investigate whether pharmacologic inhibition of extracellular GzmB can mitigate nAMD-related CNV by preserving intact TSP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Obasanmi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthew R Zeglinski
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ella Hardie
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anna-Catharina Wilhelm
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher T Turner
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sho Hiroyasu
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wendy A Boivin
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eleanor To
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jing Z Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeanne Xi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hyung-Suk Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Manjosh Uppal
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joanne A Matsubara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Wong JHC, Ma JYW, Jobling AI, Brandli A, Greferath U, Fletcher EL, Vessey KA. Exploring the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration: A review of the interplay between retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction and the innate immune system. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1009599. [PMID: 36408381 PMCID: PMC9670140 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1009599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the older population. Classical hallmarks of early and intermediate AMD are accumulation of drusen, a waste deposit formed under the retina, and pigmentary abnormalities in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). When the disease progresses into late AMD, vision is affected due to death of the RPE and the light-sensitive photoreceptors. The RPE is essential to the health of the retina as it forms the outer blood retinal barrier, which establishes ocular immune regulation, and provides support for the photoreceptors. Due to its unique anatomical position, the RPE can communicate with the retinal environment and the systemic immune environment. In AMD, RPE dysfunction and the accumulation of drusen drive the infiltration of retinal and systemic innate immune cells into the outer retina. While recruited endogenous or systemic mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) contribute to the removal of noxious debris, the accumulation of MPs can also result in chronic inflammation and contribute to AMD progression. In addition, direct communication and indirect molecular signaling between MPs and the RPE may promote RPE cell death, choroidal neovascularization and fibrotic scarring that occur in late AMD. In this review, we explore how the RPE and innate immune cells maintain retinal homeostasis, and detail how RPE dysfunction and aberrant immune cell recruitment contribute to AMD pathogenesis. Evidence from AMD patients will be discussed in conjunction with data from preclinical models, to shed light on future therapeutic targets for the treatment of AMD.
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Aubert A, Lane M, Jung K, Granville DJ. Granzyme B as a therapeutic target: an update in 2022. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:979-993. [PMID: 36542784 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2161890] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Granzyme B is a serine protease extensively studied for its implication in cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated apoptosis. In recent years, the paradigm that the role of granzyme B is restricted to immune cell-mediated killing has been challenged as extracellular roles for the protease have emerged. While mostly absent from healthy tissues, granzyme B levels are elevated in several autoimmune and/or chronic inflammatory conditions. In the skin, its accumulation significantly impairs proper wound healing. AREAS COVERED After an overview of the current knowledge on granzyme B, a description of newly identified functions will be presented, focussing on granzyme B ability to promote cell-cell and dermal-epidermal junction disruption, extracellular matrix degradation, vascular permeabilization, and epithelial barrier dysfunction. Progress in granzyme B inhibition, as well as the use of granzyme B inhibitors for the treatment of tissue damage, will be discussed. EXPERT OPINION The absence of endogenous extracellular inhibitors renders extracellular granzyme B accumulation deleterious for the proper healing of chronic wounds due to sustained proteolytic activity. Consequently, specific granzyme B inhibitors have been developed as new therapeutic approaches. Beyond applications in wound healing, other autoimmune and/or chronic inflammatory conditions related to exacerbated granzyme B activity may also benefit from the development of these inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Aubert
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Lane
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karen Jung
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Abstract
Granzymes are serine proteases previously believed to play exclusive and somewhat redundant roles in lymphocyte-mediated target cell death. However, recent studies have challenged this paradigm. Distinct substrate profiles and functions have since emerged for each granzyme while their dysregulated proteolytic activities have been linked to diverse pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katlyn C Richardson
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen Jung
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julian Pardo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatrics and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Christopher T Turner
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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12
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Obert E, Grek C, Ghatnekar G, Rohrer B. Evaluation of a connexin-based peptide for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11359. [PMID: 36387470 PMCID: PMC9660603 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical target in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which forms the outer blood-retina barrier (BRB). RPE-barrier dysfunction might result from the disruption of intercellular tight junctions (TJs). A Connexin43 (Cx43)-based peptide, aCT1, has been shown to prevent VEGF-induced loss of transepithelial resistance, choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and RPE-cell damage via the stabilization of TJs. Here, we probe the relative efficacies of aCT1 alone, anti-VEGF alone, and aCT1 with anti-VEGF in treating AMD pathologies. aCT1 monotherapy administered as topical eye drops with and without a VEGF blocking antibody administered systemically was tested in a mouse model of laser-induced CNV. The CNV mouse is the standard neovascular AMD model, reproducing hallmarks of its pathology. CNV lesion size and fluid accumulation were assessed using optical coherence tomography. During the angiogenesis phase of CNV lesion development, single applications of anti-VEGF or aCT1 reduced lesion and fluid dome size equally. The combinatorial aCT1/anti-VEGF strategy demonstrated lack of additive effects in this model. These data suggest that TJ stabilization by aCT1 is effective in ameliorating RPE dysfunction in a model of AMD-like angiogenesis, and that this strategy is as effective as the current clinical standard of care, anti-VEGF therapy. Critically, aCT1 holds potential as a new neovascular AMD treatment that can be administered using eye drops, which is preferable to the intravitreal injections required for standard anti-VEGF therapy.
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13
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Dubchak E, Obasanmi G, Zeglinski MR, Granville DJ, Yeung SN, Matsubara JA. Potential role of extracellular granzyme B in wet age-related macular degeneration and fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:980742. [PMID: 36204224 PMCID: PMC9531149 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.980742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related ocular diseases are the leading cause of blindness in developed countries and constitute a sizable socioeconomic burden worldwide. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) are some of the most common age-related diseases of the retina and cornea, respectively. AMD is characterized by a breakdown of the retinal pigment epithelial monolayer, which maintains retinal homeostasis, leading to retinal degeneration, while FECD is characterized by degeneration of the corneal endothelial monolayer, which maintains corneal hydration status, leading to corneal edema. Both AMD and FECD pathogenesis are characterized by disorganized local extracellular matrix (ECM) and toxic protein deposits, with both processes linked to aberrant protease activity. Granzyme B (GrB) is a serine protease traditionally known for immune-mediated initiation of apoptosis; however, it is now recognized that GrB is expressed by a variety of immune and non-immune cells and aberrant extracellular localization of GrB substantially contributes to various age-related pathologies through dysregulated cleavage of ECM, tight junction, and adherens junction proteins. Despite growing recognition of GrB involvement in multiple age-related pathologies, its role in AMD and FECD remains poorly understood. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of, and similarities between AMD and FECD, outlines the current knowledge of the role of GrB in AMD and FECD, as well as hypothesizes putative contributions of GrB to AMD and FECD pathogenesis and highlights the therapeutic potential of pharmacologically inhibiting GrB as an adjunctive treatment for AMD and FECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden Dubchak
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gideon Obasanmi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Matthew R. Zeglinski
- ICORD Centre and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David J. Granville
- ICORD Centre and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sonia N. Yeung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanne A. Matsubara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Joanne A. Matsubara,
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14
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Patel PN, Patel PA, Land MR, Bakerkhatib-taha I, Ahmed H, Sheth V. Targeting the Complement Cascade for Treatment of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1884. [PMID: 36009430 PMCID: PMC9405256 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly population. AMD is characterized in its late form by neovascularization (wet type) or geographic atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium cell layer (dry type). Regarding the latter type, there is growing evidence supporting an association between the pathophysiology of dry AMD and key proteins in the complement cascade. The complement cascade works as a central part of the innate immune system by defending against foreign pathogens and modified self-tissues. Through three distinct pathways, a series of plasma and membrane-associated serum proteins are activated upon identification of a foreign entity. Several of these proteins have been implicated in the development and progression of dry AMD. Potential therapeutic targets include C1q, C3, C5, complement factors (B, D, H, I), membrane attack complex, and properdin. In this review, we provide an understanding of the role of the complement system in dry AMD and discuss the emerging therapies in early phase clinical trials. The tentative hope is that these drugs may offer the potential to intervene at earlier stages in dry AMD pathogenesis, thereby preventing progression to late disease.
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15
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Chen M, Rong R, Xia X. Spotlight on pyroptosis: role in pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of ocular diseases. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:183. [PMID: 35836195 PMCID: PMC9281180 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [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: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death characterized by swift plasma membrane disruption and subsequent release of cellular contents and pro-inflammatory mediators (cytokines), including IL‐1β and IL‐18. It differs from other types of programmed cell death such as apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and NETosis in terms of its morphology and mechanism. As a recently discovered form of cell death, pyroptosis has been demonstrated to be involved in the progression of multiple diseases. Recent studies have also suggested that pyroptosis is linked to various ocular diseases. In this review, we systematically summarized and discussed recent scientific discoveries of the involvement of pyroptosis in common ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, AIDS-related human cytomegalovirus retinitis, glaucoma, dry eye disease, keratitis, uveitis, and cataract. We also organized new and emerging evidence suggesting that pyroptosis signaling pathways may be potential therapeutic targets in ocular diseases, hoping to provide a summary of overall intervention strategies and relevant multi-dimensional evaluations for various ocular diseases, as well as offer valuable ideas for further research and development from the perspective of pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meini Chen
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Rong
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Pączek S, Łukaszewicz-Zając M, Mroczko B. Granzymes-Their Role in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095277. [PMID: 35563668 PMCID: PMC9104098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common malignancies worldwide. CRC is considered a heterogeneous disease due to various clinical symptoms, biological behaviours, and a variety of mutations. A number of studies demonstrate that as many as 50% of CRC patients have distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. However, despite the fact that social and medical awareness of CRC has increased in recent years and screening programmes have expanded, there is still an urgent need to find new diagnostic tools for early detection of CRC. The effectiveness of the currently used classical tumour markers in CRC diagnostics is very limited. Therefore, new proteins that play an important role in the formation and progression of CRC are being sought. A number of recent studies show the potential significance of granzymes (GZMs) in carcinogenesis. These proteins are released by cytotoxic lymphocytes, which protect the body against viral infection as well specific signalling pathways that ultimately lead to cell death. Some studies suggest a link between GZMs, particularly the expression of Granzyme A, and inflammation. This paper summarises the role of GZMs in CRC pathogenesis through their involvement in the inflammatory process. Therefore, it seems that GZMs could become the focus of research into new CRC biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pączek
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University in Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (M.Ł.-Z.); (B.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-85-831-8587
| | - Marta Łukaszewicz-Zając
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University in Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (M.Ł.-Z.); (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University in Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (M.Ł.-Z.); (B.M.)
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University in Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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17
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Abstract
The predominant function of the skin is to serve as a barrier - to protect against external insults and to prevent water loss. Junctional and structural proteins in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, are critical to the integrity of the epidermal barrier as it balances ongoing outward migration, differentiation, and desquamation of keratinocytes in the epidermis. As such, epidermal barrier function is highly susceptible to upsurges of proteolytic activity in the stratum corneum and epidermis. Granzyme B is a serine protease scarce in healthy tissues but present at high levels in tissues encumbered by chronic inflammation. Discovered in the 1980s, Granzyme B is currently recognized for its intracellular roles in immune cell-mediated targeted apoptosis as well as extracellular roles in inflammation, chronic injuries, tissue remodeling, and processing of cytokines, matrix proteins, and autoantigens. Increasing evidence has emerged in recent years supporting a role for Granzyme B in promoting barrier dysfunction in the epidermis by direct cleavage of barrier proteins and eliciting immunoreactivity. Likewise, Granzyme B contributes to impaired epithelial function of the airways, retina, gut and vessels. In the present review, the role of Granzyme B in cutaneous epithelial dysfunction is discussed in the context of specific conditions with an overview of underlying mechanisms as well as utility of current experimental and therapeutic inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Jung
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, VCHRI, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Megan A Pawluk
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, VCHRI, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Lane
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, VCHRI, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Layla Nabai
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, VCHRI, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, VCHRI, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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18
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Napoli D, Strettoi E. Structural abnormalities of retinal pigment epithelial cells in a light‐inducible, rhodopsin mutant mouse. J Anat 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/joa.13667] [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] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Debora Napoli
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council, CNR Pisa Italy
- Regional Doctorate School of Neuroscience University of Florence Florence Italy
| | - Enrica Strettoi
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council, CNR Pisa Italy
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19
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Verschoor CP, Pawelec G, Haynes L, Loeb M, Andrew MK, Kuchel GA, McElhaney JE. Granzyme B: a double-edged sword in the response to influenza infection in vaccinated older adults. Front Aging 2021; 2:753767. [PMID: 35441156 PMCID: PMC9015675 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.753767] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Influenza-specific cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) have a critical role in clearing the virus from the lungs, but are poorly stimulated by current inactivated influenza vaccines. Our previous work suggests that granzyme B (GrB) activity predicts protection against laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (LCII) in older adults. However, basal GrB (bGrB) activity increases with age and the frequency of GrB+ CTL that do not co-express perforin increases following influenza infection, thereby acting as a potential contributor to immune pathology. Objectives Using data from a 4-year randomized trial of standard- versus high-dose influenza vaccination, we sought to determine whether measurements of GrB activity alone indicate a protective vs. pathologic response to influenza infection. We compared LCII to No-LCII subsets according to: pre-vaccination bGrB activity; and induced GrB activity in ex vivo influenza-challenged peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at 4- and 20-weeks post-vaccination. Results Over four influenza seasons (2014-2018), 27 of 608 adult participants aged 65 years and older developed influenza A/H3N2-LCII (n=18) or B-LCII (n=9). Pre-vaccination, there was a significant correlation between bGrB and ex vivo GrB activity in each of the H3N2-LCII, B-LCII, and No-LCII subsets. Although pre-vaccination ex vivo GrB activity was significantly higher in B-LCII vs. No-LCII with a trend for H3N2-LCII vs. No-LCII, there was no difference in the response to vaccination. In contrast, there was a trend toward increased pre-vaccination bGrB activity and LCII: Odds Ratio (OR) (95% confidence intervals) OR = 1.46 (0.94, 2.33). By 20-weeks post-vaccination, there were significant fold-increases in ex vivo GrB activity specific for the infecting subtype in H3N2-LCII: OR = 1.63 (1.35, 2.00) and B-LCII: OR = 1.73 (1.34, 2.23). Conclusions Our results suggest that the poor GrB responses to influenza vaccination that led to development of LCII can be attributed to inactivated formulations rather than the aging immune system since LCII cases generated robust ex vivo GrB responses following natural infection. Further, we identified bGrB as a biomarker of those who remain at risk for LCII following vaccination. Future studies will focus on understanding the mechanisms responsible for the shift in GrB-mediated protection vs. potential immune pathology caused by GrB release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris P. Verschoor
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Graham Pawelec
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Laura Haynes
- UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Mark Loeb
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - George A. Kuchel
- UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Janet E. McElhaney
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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20
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Cao D, Leong B, Messinger JD, Kar D, Ach T, Yannuzzi LA, Freund KB, Curcio CA. Hyperreflective Foci, Optical Coherence Tomography Progression Indicators in Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Include Transdifferentiated Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:34. [PMID: 34448806 PMCID: PMC8399556 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.10.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose By optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, hyperreflective foci (HRF) indicate progression risk for advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and are in part attributable to ectopic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We hypothesized that ectopic RPE are molecularly distinct from in-layer cells and that their cross-retinal course follows Müller glia. Methods In clinical OCT (61 eyes, 44 patients with AMD, 79.4 ± 7.7 years; 29 female; follow-up = 4.7 ± 0.9 years), one HRF type, RPE plume (n = 129 in 4 morphologies), was reviewed. Twenty eyes of 20 donors characterized by ex vivo OCT were analyzed by histology (normal, 4; early/intermediate AMD, 7; geographic atrophy, 6; neovascular AMD, 3). Cryosections were stained with antibodies to retinoid (RPE65, CRALPB) and immune (CD68, CD163) markers. In published RPE cellular phenotypes, red immunoreactivity was assessed semiquantitatively by one observer (none, some cells, all cells). Results Plume morphology evolved over time and many resolved (40%). Trajectories of RPE plume and cellular debris paralleled Müller glia, including near atrophy borders. RPE corresponding to HRF lost immunoreactivity for retinoid markers and gained immunoreactivity for immune markers. Aberrant immunoreactivity appeared in individual in-layer RPE cells and extended to all abnormal phenotypes. Müller glia remained CRALBP positive. Plume cells approached and contacted retinal capillaries. Conclusions HRF are indicators not predictors of overall disease activity. Gain and loss of function starts with individual in-layer RPE cells and extends to all abnormal phenotypes. Evidence for RPE transdifferentiation, possibly due to ischemia, supports a proposed process of epithelial–mesenchyme transition. Data can propel new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfeng Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Belinda Leong
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York, United States.,Retina Associates, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Messinger
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Deepayan Kar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Thomas Ach
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lawrence A Yannuzzi
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York, United States.,LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, New York, United States
| | - K Bailey Freund
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York, United States.,LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | - Christine A Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio‐targeting Theranostics National Center for International Research of Bio‐targeting Theranostics Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy Guangxi Medical University Nanning China
| | - Yong Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio‐targeting Theranostics National Center for International Research of Bio‐targeting Theranostics Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy Guangxi Medical University Nanning China
| | - Jian He
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio‐targeting Theranostics National Center for International Research of Bio‐targeting Theranostics Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy Guangxi Medical University Nanning China
| | - Liping Zhong
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio‐targeting Theranostics National Center for International Research of Bio‐targeting Theranostics Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy Guangxi Medical University Nanning China
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio‐targeting Theranostics National Center for International Research of Bio‐targeting Theranostics Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy Guangxi Medical University Nanning China
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22
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Verschoor CP, Haynes L, Pawelec G, Loeb M, Andrew MK, Kuchel GA, McElhaney JE. Key Determinants of Cell-Mediated Immune Responses: A Randomized Trial of High Dose Vs. Standard Dose Split-Virus Influenza Vaccine in Older Adults. Front Aging 2021; 2. [PMID: 35128529 PMCID: PMC8813165 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.649110] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Efforts to improve influenza vaccine effectiveness in older adults have resulted in some successes, such as the introduction of high-dose split-virus influenza vaccine (HD-SVV), yet studies of cell-mediated immune responses to these vaccines remain limited. We have shown that granzyme B (GrB) activity in influenza A/H3N2 challenged peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) correlates with protection against influenza following standard dose vaccination (SD-SVV) in older adults. Further, the interferon-γ (IFNγ) to interleukin-10 (IL-10) ratio can be a correlate of protection. Methods: In a double-blind trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02297542) older adults (≥65 years, n = 582) were randomized to receive SD-SVV or HD-SVV (Fluzone®) from 2014/15 to 2017/18. Young adults (20–40 years, n = 79) received SD-SVV. At 0, 4, 10, and 20 weeks post-vaccination, serum antibody titers, IFNγ, IL-10, and inducible GrB (iGrB) were measured in ex vivo influenza-challenged PBMC. iGrB is defined as the fold change in GrB activity from baseline levels (bGrB) in circulating T cells. Responses of older adults were compared to younger controls, and in older adults, we analyzed effects of age, sex, cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus, frailty, and vaccine dose. Results: Prior to vaccination, younger compared to older adults produced significantly higher IFNγ, IL-10, and iGrB levels. Relative to SD-SVV recipients, older HD-SVV recipients exhibited significantly lower IFNγ:IL-10 ratios at 4 weeks post-vaccination. In contrast, IFNγ and iGrB levels were higher in younger SD vs. older SD or HD recipients; only the HD group showed a significant IFNγ response to vaccination compared to the SD groups; all three groups showed a significant iGrB response to vaccination. In a regression analysis, frailty was associated with lower IFNγ levels, whereas female sex and HD-SVV with higher IL-10 levels. Age and SD-SVV were associated with lower iGrB levels. The effect of prior season influenza vaccination was decreased iGrB levels, and increased IFNγ and IL-10 levels, which correlated with influenza A/H3N2 hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers. Conclusion: Overall, HD-SVV amplified the IL-10 response consistent with enhanced antibody responses, with little effect on the iGrB response relative to SD-SVV in either younger or older adults. These results suggest that enhanced protection with HD-SVV is largely antibody-mediated. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02297542).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris P. Verschoor
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Laura Haynes
- UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Graham Pawelec
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mark Loeb
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa K. Andrew
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - George A. Kuchel
- UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Janet E. McElhaney
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Janet E. McElhaney,
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Napoli D, Biagioni M, Billeri F, Di Marco B, Orsini N, Novelli E, Strettoi E. Retinal Pigment Epithelium Remodeling in Mouse Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105381. [PMID: 34065385 PMCID: PMC8161377 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In retinitis pigmentosa (RP), one of many possible genetic mutations causes rod degeneration, followed by cone secondary death leading to blindness. Accumulating evidence indicates that rod death triggers multiple, non-cell-autonomous processes, which include oxidative stress and inflammation/immune responses, all contributing to cone demise. Inflammation relies on local microglia and recruitment of immune cells, reaching the retina through breakdowns of the inner blood retinal barrier (iBRB). Leakage in the inner retina vasculature suggests similarly altered outer BRB, formed by junctions between retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, which are crucial for retinal homeostasis, immune response, and privilege. We investigated the RPE structural integrity in three models of RP (rd9, rd10, and Tvrm4 mice) by immunostaining for zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), an essential regulatory component of tight junctions. Quantitative image analysis demonstrated discontinuities in ZO-1 profiles in all mutants, despite different degrees of photoreceptor loss. ZO-1 interruption zones corresponded to leakage of in vivo administered, fluorescent dextran through the choroid-RPE interface, demonstrating barrier dysfunction. Dexamethasone, administered to rd10 mice for rescuing cones, also rescued RPE structure. Thus, previously undetected, stereotyped abnormalities occur in the RPE of RP mice; pharmacological targeting of inflammation supports a feedback loop leading to simultaneous protection of cones and the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Napoli
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence: (D.N.); (E.S.); Tel.: +39-0503153157 (E.S.)
| | - Martina Biagioni
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
| | - Federico Billeri
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Di Marco
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
| | - Noemi Orsini
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
- Regional Doctorate School in Neuroscience, Universities of Florence, Pisa and Siena, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Novelli
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
| | - Enrica Strettoi
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence: (D.N.); (E.S.); Tel.: +39-0503153157 (E.S.)
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Wang W, Zou R, Qiu Y, Liu J, Xin Y, He T, Qiu Z. Interaction Networks Converging on Immunosuppressive Roles of Granzyme B: Special Niches Within the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:670324. [PMID: 33868318 PMCID: PMC8047302 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.670324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Granzyme B is a renowned effector molecule primarily utilized by CTLs and NK cells against ill-defined and/or transformed cells during immunosurveillance. The overall expression of granzyme B within tumor microenvironment has been well-established as a prognostic marker indicative of priming immunity for a long time. Until recent years, increasing immunosuppressive effects of granzyme B are unveiled in the setting of different immunological context. The accumulative evidence confounded the roles of granzyme B in immune responses, thereby arousing great interests in characterizing detailed feature of granzyme B-positive niche. In this paper, the granzyme B-related regulatory effects of major suppressor cells as well as the tumor microenvironment that defines such functionalities were longitudinally summarized and discussed. Multiplex networks were built upon the interactions among different transcriptional factors, cytokines, and chemokines that regarded to the initiation and regulation of granzyme B-mediated immunosuppression. The conclusions and prospect may facilitate better interpretations of the clinical significance of granzyme B, guiding the rational development of therapeutic regimen and diagnostic probes for anti-tumor purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jishuang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Xin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Tianzhu He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zhidong Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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Pinelli R, Biagioni F, Limanaqi F, Bertelli M, Scaffidi E, Polzella M, Busceti CL, Fornai F. A Re-Appraisal of Pathogenic Mechanisms Bridging Wet and Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration Leads to Reconsider a Role for Phytochemicals. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5563. [PMID: 32756487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Which pathogenic mechanisms underlie age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? Are they different for dry and wet variants, or do they stem from common metabolic alterations? Where shall we look for altered metabolism? Is it the inner choroid, or is it rather the choroid–retinal border? Again, since cell-clearing pathways are crucial to degrade altered proteins, which metabolic system is likely to be the most implicated, and in which cell type? Here we describe the unique clearing activity of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the relevant role of its autophagy machinery in removing altered debris, thus centering the RPE in the pathogenesis of AMD. The cell-clearing systems within the RPE may act as a kernel to regulate the redox homeostasis and the traffic of multiple proteins and organelles toward either the choroid border or the outer segments of photoreceptors. This is expected to cope with the polarity of various domains within RPE cells, with each one owning a specific metabolic activity. A defective clearance machinery may trigger unconventional solutions to avoid intracellular substrates’ accumulation through unconventional secretions. These components may be deposited between the RPE and Bruch’s membrane, thus generating the drusen, which remains the classic hallmark of AMD. These deposits may rather represent a witness of an abnormal RPE metabolism than a real pathogenic component. The empowerment of cell clearance, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activity of the RPE by specific phytochemicals is here discussed.
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