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Lam BYH, Cimino I, Polex-Wolf J, Nicole Kohnke S, Rimmington D, Iyemere V, Heeley N, Cossetti C, Schulte R, Saraiva LR, Logan DW, Blouet C, O'Rahilly S, Coll AP, Yeo GSH. Heterogeneity of hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin-expressing neurons revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Mol Metab 2017; 6:383-392. [PMID: 28462073 PMCID: PMC5404100 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [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: 01/28/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Arcuate proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons are critical nodes in the control of body weight. Often characterized simply as direct targets for leptin, recent data suggest a more complex architecture. Methods Using single cell RNA sequencing, we have generated an atlas of gene expression in murine POMC neurons. Results Of 163 neurons, 118 expressed high levels of Pomc with little/no Agrp expression and were considered “canonical” POMC neurons (P+). The other 45/163 expressed low levels of Pomc and high levels of Agrp (A+P+). Unbiased clustering analysis of P+ neurons revealed four different classes, each with distinct cell surface receptor gene expression profiles. Further, only 12% (14/118) of P+ neurons expressed the leptin receptor (Lepr) compared with 58% (26/45) of A+P+ neurons. In contrast, the insulin receptor (Insr) was expressed at similar frequency on P+ and A+P+ neurons (64% and 55%, respectively). Conclusion These data reveal arcuate POMC neurons to be a highly heterogeneous population. Accession Numbers: GSE92707. Hypothalamic POMC neurons are heterogeneous and can broadly divided into 4 groups. Cell surface receptors are major drivers for the segregation. Unexpectedly, 28% of POMC-cells show signatures typical of AgRP/NPY neurons. Only 12% express leptin receptor, indicating response to leptin is likely indirect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Y H Lam
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Irene Cimino
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Joseph Polex-Wolf
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Sara Nicole Kohnke
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Debra Rimmington
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Valentine Iyemere
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Nicholas Heeley
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Chiara Cossetti
- Flow Cytometry Core, Cambridge Institute of Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Reiner Schulte
- Flow Cytometry Core, Cambridge Institute of Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Luis R Saraiva
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Darren W Logan
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Clemence Blouet
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Stephen O'Rahilly
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Anthony P Coll
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Giles S H Yeo
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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Schulte R, Wilson NK, Prick JCM, Cossetti C, Maj MK, Gottgens B, Kent DG. Index sorting resolves heterogeneous murine hematopoietic stem cell populations. Exp Hematol 2015; 43:803-11. [PMID: 26051918 PMCID: PMC4571925 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in the cellular and molecular biology of single stem cells have uncovered significant heterogeneity in the functional properties of stem cell populations. This has prompted the development of approaches to study single cells in isolation, often performed using multiparameter flow cytometry. However, many stem cell populations are too rare to test all possible cell surface marker combinations, and virtually nothing is known about functional differences associated with varying intensities of such markers. Here we describe the use of index sorting for further resolution of the flow cytometric isolation of single murine hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Specifically, we associate single-cell functional assay outcomes with distinct cell surface marker expression intensities. High levels of both CD150 and EPCR associate with delayed kinetics of cell division and low levels of differentiation. Moreover, cells that do not form single HSC-derived clones appear in the 7AAD(dim) fraction, suggesting that even low levels of 7AAD staining are indicative of less healthy cell populations. These data indicate that when used in combination with single-cell functional assays, index sorting is a powerful tool for refining cell isolation strategies. This approach can be broadly applied to other single-cell systems, both to improve isolation and to acquire additional cell surface marker information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiner Schulte
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola K Wilson
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust/MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Janine C M Prick
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Cossetti
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michal K Maj
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Berthold Gottgens
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust/MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David G Kent
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust/MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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3
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Cossetti C, Iraci N, Mercer T, Leonardi T, Alpi E, Drago D, Alfaro-Cervello C, Saini H, Davis M, Schaeffer J, Vega B, Stefanini M, Zhao C, Muller W, Garcia-Verdugo J, Mathivanan S, Bachi A, Enright A, Mattick J, Pluchino S. Extracellular Vesicles from Neural Stem Cells Transfer IFN-γ via Ifngr1 to Activate Stat1 Signaling in Target Cells. Mol Cell 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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4
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Cossetti C, Iraci N, Mercer TR, Leonardi T, Alpi E, Drago D, Alfaro-Cervello C, Saini HK, Davis MP, Schaeffer J, Vega B, Stefanini M, Zhao C, Muller W, Garcia-Verdugo JM, Mathivanan S, Bachi A, Enright AJ, Mattick JS, Pluchino S. Extracellular vesicles from neural stem cells transfer IFN-γ via Ifngr1 to activate Stat1 signaling in target cells. Mol Cell 2014; 56:193-204. [PMID: 25242146 PMCID: PMC4578249 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2014.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The idea that stem cell therapies work only via cell replacement is challenged by the observation of consistent intercellular molecule exchange between the graft and the host. Here we defined a mechanism of cellular signaling by which neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) communicate with the microenvironment via extracellular vesicles (EVs), and we elucidated its molecular signature and function. We observed cytokine-regulated pathways that sort proteins and mRNAs into EVs. We described induction of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) pathway in NPCs exposed to proinflammatory cytokines that is mirrored in EVs. We showed that IFN-γ bound to EVs through Ifngr1 activates Stat1 in target cells. Finally, we demonstrated that endogenous Stat1 and Ifngr1 in target cells are indispensable to sustain the activation of Stat1 signaling by EV-associated IFN-γ/Ifngr1 complexes. Our study identifies a mechanism of cellular signaling regulated by EV-associated IFN-γ/Ifngr1 complexes, which grafted stem cells may use to communicate with the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cossetti
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PY Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PY Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tim R Mercer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Tommaso Leonardi
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PY Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK; The EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Emanuele Alpi
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Denise Drago
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Clara Alfaro-Cervello
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PY Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Harpreet K Saini
- The EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Matthew P Davis
- The EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Julia Schaeffer
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PY Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Beatriz Vega
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PY Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matilde Stefanini
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PY Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - CongJian Zhao
- Southwest Hospital, Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Werner Muller
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Verdugo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Comparada, Instituto Cavanilles, Universidad de Valencia, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Suresh Mathivanan
- Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Angela Bachi
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Anton J Enright
- The EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | | | - Stefano Pluchino
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0PY Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK.
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5
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Iraci N, Cossetti C, Mercer T, Leonardi T, Alpi E, Drago D, Alfaro-cervello C, Saini H, Davis M, Schaeffer J, Muller W, Garcia-verdugo JM, Mathivanan S, Bachi A, Enright A, Mattick J, Pluchino S. Extracellular vesicles from neural stem cells transfer the IFN-γ/IFNGR1 complex to activate Stat1-dependent signalling in target cells. J Neuroimmunol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.08.513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Abstract
Neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) are a promising stem cell source for transplantation approaches aiming at brain repair or restoration in regenerative neurology. This directive has arisen from the extensive evidence that brain repair is achieved after focal or systemic NPC transplantation in several preclinical models of neurological diseases. These experimental data have identified the cell delivery route as one of the main hurdles of restorative stem cell therapies for brain diseases that requires urgent assessment. Intraparenchymal stem cell grafting represents a logical approach to those pathologies characterized by isolated and accessible brain lesions such as spinal cord injuries and Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, this principle is poorly applicable to conditions characterized by a multifocal, inflammatory and disseminated (both in time and space) nature, including multiple sclerosis (MS). As such, brain targeting by systemic NPC delivery has become a low invasive and therapeutically efficacious protocol to deliver cells to the brain and spinal cord of rodents and nonhuman primates affected by experimental chronic inflammatory damage of the central nervous system (CNS). This alternative method of cell delivery relies on the NPC pathotropism, specifically their innate capacity to (i) sense the environment via functional cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokine and chemokine receptors; (ii) cross the leaking anatomical barriers after intravenous (i.v.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection; (iii) accumulate at the level of multiple perivascular site(s) of inflammatory brain and spinal cord damage; and (i.v.) exert remarkable tissue trophic and immune regulatory effects onto different host target cells in vivo. Here we describe the methods that we have developed for the i.v. and i.c.v. delivery of syngeneic NPCs in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), as model of chronic CNS inflammatory demyelination, and envisage the systemic stem cell delivery as a valuable technique for the selective targeting of the inflamed brain in regenerative neurology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Donegà
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Elena Giusto
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Chiara Cossetti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Julia Schaeffer
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Stefano Pluchino
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, UK;
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7
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Drago D, Cossetti C, Iraci N, Gaude E, Musco G, Bachi A, Pluchino S. The stem cell secretome and its role in brain repair. Biochimie 2013; 95:2271-85. [PMID: 23827856 PMCID: PMC4061727 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2013.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [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: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence exists that non-haematopoietic stem cells, including mesenchymal (MSCs) and neural/progenitor stem cells (NPCs), exert a substantial beneficial and therapeutic effect after transplantation in experimental central nervous system (CNS) disease models through the secretion of immune modulatory or neurotrophic paracrine factors. This paracrine hypothesis has inspired an alternative outlook on the use of stem cells in regenerative neurology. In this paradigm, significant repair of the injured brain may be achieved by injecting the biologics secreted by stem cells (secretome), rather than implanting stem cells themselves for direct cell replacement. The stem cell secretome (SCS) includes cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, and has gained increasing attention in recent years because of its multiple implications for the repair, restoration or regeneration of injured tissues. Thanks to recent improvements in SCS profiling and manipulation, investigators are now inspired to harness the SCS as a novel alternative therapeutic option that might ensure more efficient outcomes than current stem cell-based therapies for CNS repair. This review discusses the most recent identification of MSC- and NPC-secreted factors, including those that are trafficked within extracellular membrane vesicles (EVs), and reflects on their potential effects on brain repair. It also examines some of the most convincing advances in molecular profiling that have enabled mapping of the SCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Drago
- CNS Repair Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neurosciences, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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8
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Pluchino S, Cossetti C. How stem cells speak with host immune cells in inflammatory brain diseases. Glia 2013; 61:1379-401. [PMID: 23633288 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Advances in stem cell biology have raised great expectations that diseases and injuries of the central nervous system (CNS) may be ameliorated by the development of non-hematopoietic stem cell medicines. Yet, the application of adult stem cells as CNS therapeutics is challenging and the interpretation of some of the outcomes ambiguous. In fact, the initial idea that stem cell transplants work only via structural cell replacement has been challenged by the observation of consistent cellular signaling between the graft and the host. Cellular signaling is the foundation of coordinated actions and flexible responses, and arises via networks of exchanging and interacting molecules that transmit patterns of information between cells. Sustained stem cell graft-to-host communication leads to remarkable trophic effects on endogenous brain cells and beneficial modulatory actions on innate and adaptive immune responses in vivo, ultimately promoting the healing of the injured CNS. Among a number of adult stem cell types, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) are being extensively investigated for their ability to signal to the immune system upon transplantation in experimental CNS diseases. Here, we focus on the main cellular signaling pathways that grafted MSCs and NPCs use to establish a therapeutically relevant cross talk with host immune cells, while examining the role of inflammation in regulating some of the bidirectionality of these communications. We propose that the identification of the players involved in stem cell signaling might contribute to the development of innovative, high clinical impact therapeutics for inflammatory CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pluchino
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair and Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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9
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Cossetti C, Smith JA, Iraci N, Leonardi T, Alfaro-Cervello C, Pluchino S. Extracellular membrane vesicles and immune regulation in the brain. Front Physiol 2012; 3:117. [PMID: 22557978 PMCID: PMC3340916 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is characterized by a complex and integrated network of interacting cells in which cell-to-cell communication is critical for proper development and function. Initially considered as an immune privileged site, the brain is now regarded as an immune specialized system. Accumulating evidence reveals the presence of immune components in the brain, as well as extensive bidirectional communication that takes place between the nervous and the immune system both under homeostatic and pathological conditions. In recent years the secretion of extracellular membrane vesicles (EMVs) has been described as a new and evolutionary well-conserved mechanism of cell-to-cell communication, with EMVs influencing the microenvironment through the traffic of bioactive molecules that include proteins and nucleic acids, such as DNA, protein coding, and non-coding RNAs. Increasing evidence suggests that EMVs are a promising candidate to study cross-boundary cell-to-cell communication pathways. Herein we review the role of EMVs secreted by neural cells in modulating the immune response(s) within the brain under physiological and pathological circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cossetti
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
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10
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Cossetti C, Alfaro-Cervello C, Donegà M, Tyzack G, Pluchino S. New perspectives of tissue remodelling with neural stem and progenitor cell-based therapies. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 349:321-9. [PMID: 22322425 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1341-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Compelling evidence exists that neural stem cell-based therapies protect the central nervous system (CNS) from chronic inflammatory degeneration, such as that occurring in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and stroke. It was first assumed that stem cells directly replace lost cells but it is now becoming clearer that they might be able to protect the nervous system through mechanisms other than cell replacement. In immune-mediated experimental demyelination and stroke, transplanted neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) are able to mediate efficient bystander myelin repair and axonal rescue. This is dependent on multiple capacities that transplanted NPCs exhibit within specific microenvironments after transplantation. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which NPCs exert their therapeutic impact is lacking. Here we will review some of the most recent evidence--and discuss some of the likely mechanisms--that support the remarkable capacity of NPCs to cross-talk with endogenous cells and to remodel the injured nervous system when applied as novel therapeutic regimes. We foresee that the exploitation of the innate mechanisms regulating these modalities of cell-to-cell communication has realistic chances of revolutionizing most of the actual understanding of stem cell biology and its application to regenerative medicine and CNS repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cossetti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair and Cambridge Stem Cell Initiative, University of Cambridge, ED Adrian Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
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L’Episcopo F, Tirolo C, Testa N, Caniglia S, Morale M, Cossetti C, D’Adamo P, Zardini E, Andreoni L, Ihekwaba A, Serra P, Franciotta D, Martino G, Pluchino S, Marchetti B. Reactive astrocytes and Wnt/β-catenin signaling link nigrostriatal injury to repair in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine model of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 41:508-27. [PMID: 21056667 PMCID: PMC3558878 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2010.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [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: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence points to reactive glia as a pivotal factor in Parkinson's disease (PD) and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned mouse model of basal ganglia injury, but whether astrocytes and microglia activation may exacerbate dopaminergic (DAergic) neuron demise and/or contribute to DAergic repair is presently the subject of much debate. Here, we have correlated the loss and recovery of the nigrostriatal DAergic functionality upon acute MPTP exposure with extensive gene expression analysis at the level of the ventral midbrain (VM) and striata (Str) and found a major upregulation of pro-inflammatory chemokines and wingless-type MMTV integration site1 (Wnt1), a key transcript involved in midbrain DAergic neurodevelopment. Wnt signaling components (including Frizzled-1 [Fzd-1] and β-catenin) were dynamically regulated during MPTP-induced DAergic degeneration and reactive glial activation. Activated astrocytes of the ventral midbrain were identified as candidate source of Wnt1 by in situ hybridization and real-time PCR in vitro. Blocking Wnt/Fzd signaling with Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) counteracted astrocyte-induced neuroprotection against MPP(+) toxicity in primary mesencephalic astrocyte-neuron cultures, in vitro. Moreover, astroglial-derived factors, including Wnt1, promoted neurogenesis and DAergic neurogenesis from adult midbrain stem/neuroprogenitor cells, in vitro. Conversely, lack of Wnt1 transcription in response to MPTP in middle-aged mice and failure of DAergic neurons to recover were reversed by pharmacological activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, in vivo, thus suggesting MPTP-reactive astrocytes in situ and Wnt1 as candidate components of neuroprotective/neurorescue pathways in MPTP-induced nigrostriatal DAergic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. L’Episcopo
- OASI Institute for Research and Care on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Neuropharmacology Section, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina (EN) Italy
| | - C. Tirolo
- OASI Institute for Research and Care on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Neuropharmacology Section, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina (EN) Italy
| | - N. Testa
- OASI Institute for Research and Care on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Neuropharmacology Section, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina (EN) Italy
| | - S. Caniglia
- OASI Institute for Research and Care on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Neuropharmacology Section, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina (EN) Italy
| | - M.C. Morale
- OASI Institute for Research and Care on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Neuropharmacology Section, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina (EN) Italy
| | - C. Cossetti
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair Department of Clinical Neurosciences ED Adrian Building Forvie Site Robinson Way Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - P. D’Adamo
- Molecular Genetics of Mental Retardation Unit, San Raffaele Institute, Via Olgettina, 58 I-20132 Milan, Italy
| | - E. Zardini
- Neuroimmunology Unit, National Neurological Instititute C. Mondino, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - L. Andreoni
- Neuroimmunology Unit, National Neurological Instititute C. Mondino, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - A.E.C. Ihekwaba
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair Department of Clinical Neurosciences ED Adrian Building Forvie Site Robinson Way Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - P.A. Serra
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Sassari, Medical School, Viale S. Pietro 43, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - D. Franciotta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Sassari, Medical School, Viale S. Pietro 43, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - G. Martino
- San Raffaele Institute, Neuroimmunology Unit, DIBIT2 and Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Via Olgettina, 58 I-20132 Milan, Italy
| | - S. Pluchino
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair Department of Clinical Neurosciences ED Adrian Building Forvie Site Robinson Way Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - B. Marchetti
- OASI Institute for Research and Care on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Neuropharmacology Section, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina (EN) Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Pharmacology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy
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12
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Gagliano N, Costa F, Cossetti C, Pettinari L, Bassi R, Chiriva-Internati M, Cobos E, Gioia M, Pluchino S. Glioma-astrocyte interaction modifies the astrocyte phenotype in a co-culture experimental model. Oncol Rep 2010; 22:1349-56. [PMID: 19885586 DOI: 10.3892/or_00000574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
As the majority of gliomas arise through malignant transformation of astrocytes, we aimed at investigating the interaction between malignant glioma cells and astrocytes in a co-culture experimental model. For this purpose we analyzed the expression of genes and proteins involved in tumor promotion and invasion, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 (TIMP-2), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), and connexin 43 (CX43). Co-cultures of human neural stem cell-derived astrocytes and U87 MG astrocytoma cells were performed in a transwell system. Gene expression was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR, and protein analysis was performed by Western blotting, SDS-zymography, and immunofluorescence. GFAP tended to be up-regulated in astrocytes co-cultivated with U87, suggesting a reactive response induced by glioma cells. CX43 mRNA tended to be down- regulated in co-cultured astrocytes, as well as the non-phosphorylated isoform at the protein level. MMP-2 mRNA tended to be up-regulated, and MMP-2 protein levels were significantly increased in astrocytes co-cultivated with U87. TIMP-2 and SPARC mRNA decreased in astrocytes co-cultivated with U87, showing lower expression in glioma cells. By contrast, SPARC protein expression was strongly induced in supernatants of co-cultured astrocytes. TGF-beta1 was not modified. Our results suggest that U87 cells elicit phenotype modifications in the neighbouring resident astrocytes very likely mediated by soluble factors. Glioma/astrocyte interaction could possibly trigger an astrocyte phenotype modification consistent with a malignant transformation, and favouring a more permissive environment for glioma cells invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Gagliano
- Department of Human Morphology and Biomedical Sciences Città Studi, Extracellular Matrix Laboratory-EML, School of Medicine, University of Milan, Milano, Italy.
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13
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Pluchino S, Gritti A, Blezer E, Amadio S, Brambilla E, Borsellino G, Cossetti C, Del Carro U, Comi G, 't Hart B, Vescovi A, Martino G. Human neural stem cells ameliorate autoimmune encephalomyelitis in non-human primates. Ann Neurol 2009; 66:343-54. [PMID: 19798728 DOI: 10.1002/ana.21745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transplanted neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) display peculiar therapeutic plasticity in vivo. Although the replacement of cells was first expected as the prime therapeutic mechanism of stem cells in regenerative medicine, it is now clear that transplanted NPCs simultaneously instruct several therapeutic mechanisms, among which replacement of cells might not necessarily prevail. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanism(s) by which NPCs exert their therapeutic plasticity is lacking. This study was designed as a preclinical approach to test the feasibility of human NPC transplantation in an outbreed nonhuman primate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model approximating the clinical and complex neuropathological situation of human multiple sclerosis (MS) more closely than EAE in the standard laboratory rodent. METHODS We examined the safety and efficacy of the intravenous (IV) and intrathecal (IT) administration of human NPCs in common marmosets affected by human myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 1-125-induced EAE. Treatment commenced upon the occurrence of detectable brain lesions on a 4.7T spectrometer. RESULTS EAE marmosets injected IV or IT with NPCs accumulated lower disability and displayed increased survival, as compared with sham-treated controls. Transplanted NPCs persisted within the host central nervous system (CNS), but were also found in draining lymph nodes, for up to 3 months after transplantation and exhibited remarkable immune regulatory capacity in vitro. INTERPRETATION Herein, we provide the first evidence that human CNS stem cells ameliorate EAE in nonhuman primates without overt side effects. Immune regulation (rather than neural differentiation) is suggested as the major putative mechanism by which NPCs ameliorate EAE in vivo. Our findings represent a critical step toward the clinical use of human NPCs in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pluchino
- Neuroimmunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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14
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Pluchino S, Zanotti L, Brambilla E, Rovere-Querini P, Capobianco A, Alfaro-Cervello C, Salani G, Cossetti C, Borsellino G, Battistini L, Ponzoni M, Doglioni C, Garcia-Verdugo JM, Comi G, Manfredi AA, Martino G. Immune regulatory neural stem/precursor cells protect from central nervous system autoimmunity by restraining dendritic cell function. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5959. [PMID: 19543526 PMCID: PMC2694997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [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: 02/13/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The systemic injection of neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) provides remarkable amelioration of the clinico-pathological features of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This is dependent on the capacity of transplanted NPCs to engage concurrent mechanisms of action within specific microenvironments in vivo. Among a wide range of therapeutic actions alternative to cell replacement, neuroprotective and immune modulatory capacities of transplanted NPCs have been described. However, lacking is a detailed understanding of the mechanisms by which NPCs exert their therapeutic plasticity. This study was designed to identify the first candidate that exemplifies and sustains the immune modulatory capacity of transplanted NPCs. Methodology/Principal Findings To achieve the exclusive targeting of the peripheral immune system, SJL mice with PLP-induced EAE were injected subcutaneously with NPCs and the treatment commenced prior to disease onset. NPC-injected EAE mice showed significant clinical improvement, as compared to controls. Exogenous NPCs lacking the expression of major neural antigens were reliably (and for long-term) found at the level of draining lymph nodes, while establishing sophisticated anatomical interactions with lymph node cells. Importantly, injected NPCs were never found in organs other than lymph nodes, including the brain and the spinal cord. Draining lymph nodes from transplanted mice showed focal up-regulation of major developmental stem cell regulators, such as BMP-4, Noggin and Sonic hedgehog. In lymph nodes, injected NPCs hampered the activation of myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) and steadily restrained the expansion of antigen-specific encephalitogenic T cells. Both ex vivo and in vitro experiments identified a novel highly NPC-specific–BMP-4-dependent–mechanism hindering the DC maturation. Conclusion/Significance The study described herein, identifies the first member of the TGF β/BMP family of stem cell regulators as a novel tolerogenic factor released by NPCs. Full exploitation of this pathway as an efficient tool for vaccination therapy in autoimmune inflammatory conditions is underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pluchino
- Neuroimmunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
- DIBIT II and Institute of Experimental Neurology (InSpe), San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail: (SP); (GM)
| | - Lucia Zanotti
- Neuroimmunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
- DIBIT II and Institute of Experimental Neurology (InSpe), San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Brambilla
- Neuroimmunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
- DIBIT II and Institute of Experimental Neurology (InSpe), San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Rovere-Querini
- Clinical Immunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Capobianco
- Clinical Immunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Alfaro-Cervello
- Department Comparative Neurobiology, Instituto Cavanilles, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Giuliana Salani
- Neuroimmunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
- DIBIT II and Institute of Experimental Neurology (InSpe), San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Cossetti
- Neuroimmunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
- Instituto de Ciências Biomedicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Giovanna Borsellino
- Neuroimmunology Unit, European Brain Research Institute, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Battistini
- Neuroimmunology Unit, European Brain Research Institute, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurilio Ponzoni
- Pathology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Pathology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Verdugo
- Department Comparative Neurobiology, Instituto Cavanilles, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- DIBIT II and Institute of Experimental Neurology (InSpe), San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo A. Manfredi
- Clinical Immunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvito Martino
- Neuroimmunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
- DIBIT II and Institute of Experimental Neurology (InSpe), San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita–Salute, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail: (SP); (GM)
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Penna G, Fibbi B, Amuchastegui S, Cossetti C, Aquilano F, Laverny G, Gacci M, Crescioli C, Maggi M, Adorini L. Human benign prostatic hyperplasia stromal cells as inducers and targets of chronic immuno-mediated inflammation. J Immunol 2009; 182:4056-64. [PMID: 19299703 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0801875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a highly prevalent prostatic condition, could involve an inflammatory component in disease pathogenesis. In this study, we show that human stromal prostate cells obtained from BPH tissue can actively contribute to the inflammatory process by secreting proinflammatory cytokines as well as chemokines able to recruit lymphomonuclear cells and by acting as APCs. BPH cells express all of the TLRs and their ligation leads to the secretion of CXCL8/IL-8, CXCL10, and IL-6. In addition, BPH cells express costimulatory as well as class I and class II MHC molecules, which activate alloreactive CD4(+) cells that in turn markedly up-regulate IL-12/IL-23p40 and IL-12p75 secretion by BPH cells. Alloreactive CD4(+) cells activated by BPH cells secrete IFN-gamma and IL-17. These cytokines up-regulate IL-6, IL-8, and CXCL10 production by BPH cells, creating a positive feedback loop that can amplify inflammation. IL-8 induces autocrine/paracrine proliferation of BPH cells, indicating also a growth-promoting activity of this chemokine in disease pathogenesis. These results show that human BPH cells represent nonprofessional APCs able to induce and sustain chronic inflammatory processes, supporting the relevance of inflammation in BPH pathogenesis.
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16
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Penna G, Amuchastegui S, Cossetti C, Aquilano F, Mariani R, Giarratana N, De Carli E, Fibbi B, Adorini L. Spontaneous and Prostatic Steroid Binding Protein Peptide-Induced Autoimmune Prostatitis in the Nonobese Diabetic Mouse. J Immunol 2007; 179:1559-67. [PMID: 17641022 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.3.1559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is a poorly defined syndrome of putative autoimmune origin. To further understand its pathogenesis, we have analyzed autoimmune prostatitis in the NOD mouse, a strain genetically prone to develop different organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Spontaneous development of autoimmune prostatitis in the NOD male, defined by lymphomonuclear cell infiltration in the prostate gland, is well-established by approximately 20 wk of age and is stably maintained afterward. Disease development is indistinguishable in NOD and NOR mice, but is markedly delayed in IFN-gamma-deficient NOD mice. A T cell response to the prostate-specific autoantigen prostatic steroid-binding protein (PSBP) can be detected in NOD males before development of prostate infiltration, indicating lack of tolerance to this self Ag. The intraprostatic inflammatory infiltrate is characterized by Th1-type CD4(+) T cells, which are able to transfer autoimmune prostatitis into NOD.SCID recipients. We characterize here experimental autoimmune prostatitis, detected by intraprostatic infiltrate and PSBP-specific T cell responses, induced in 6- to 8-wk-old NOD males by immunization with synthetic peptides corresponding to the C1 subunit of PSBP. Three PSBP peptides induce in NOD mice vigorous T and B cell responses, paralleled by a marked lymphomononuclear cell infiltration in the prostate. Two of these peptides, PSBP(21-40) and PSBP(61-80), correspond to immunodominant self epitopes naturally processed in NOD mice after immunization with PSBP, whereas peptide PSBP(91-111) represents a cryptic epitope. These model systems address pathogenetic mechanisms in autoimmune prostatitis and will facilitate testing and mechanistic analysis of therapeutic approaches in this condition.
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Adorini L, Penna G, Amuchastegui S, Cossetti C, Aquilano F, Mariani R, Fibbi B, Morelli A, Uskokovic M, Colli E, Maggi M. Inhibition of prostate growth and inflammation by the vitamin D receptor agonist BXL-628 (elocalcitol). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2007; 103:689-93. [PMID: 17241782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2006.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2006] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The prostate is a target organ of vitamin D receptor (VDR) agonists and represents an extra-renal site of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) synthesis, but its capacity to respond to VDR agonists has, so far, been almost exclusively probed for the treatment of prostate cancer. We have analyzed the capacity of VDR agonists to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a complex syndrome characterized by a static component related to prostate overgrowth, a dynamic one responsible for urinary irritative symptoms, and an inflammatory component. Preclinical data demonstrate that VDR agonists, and notably BXL-628 (elocalcitol), reduce the static component of BPH by inhibiting the activity of intra-prostatic growth factors downstream of the androgen receptor, and the dynamic component by targeting bladder cells. In addition, BXL-628 inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by human BPH cells. These data have led to a proof-of-concept clinical study that has successfully shown arrest of prostate growth in BPH patients treated with BXL-628, with excellent safety. We have documented the anti-inflammatory effects of BXL-628 also in animal models of autoimmune prostatitis, observing a significant reduction of intra-prostatic cell infiltrate following administration of this VDR agonist, at normocalcemic doses, in mice with already established disease. These data extend the potential use of VDR agonists to novel indications that represent important unmet medical needs, and provide a sound rationale for further clinical testing.
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Penna G, Amuchastegui S, Cossetti C, Aquilano F, Mariani R, Sanvito F, Doglioni C, Adorini L. Treatment of experimental autoimmune prostatitis in nonobese diabetic mice by the vitamin D receptor agonist elocalcitol. J Immunol 2007; 177:8504-11. [PMID: 17142748 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.12.8504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
On the basis of on the marked inhibitory activity of the vitamin D receptor agonist Elocalcitol on basal and growth factor-induced proliferation of human prostate cells and on its potent anti-inflammatory properties, we have tested its capacity to treat experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) induced by injection of prostate homogenate-CFA in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. Administration of Elocalcitol, at normocalcemic doses, for 2 wk in already established EAP significantly inhibits the intraprostatic cell infiltrate, leading to a profound reduction in the number of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and I-A(g7)-positive cells. Immunohistological analysis demonstrates reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis of resident and infiltrating cells. Significantly decreased production of the proinflammatory cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-17 is observed in prostate-draining lymph node T cells from Elocalcitol-treated NOD mice stimulated by TCR ligation. In addition, Elocalcitol treatment reduces IFN-gamma production by prostate-infiltrating CD4(+) T cells and draining lymph node T cells specific for an immunodominant peptide naturally processed from prostate steroid-binding protein, a prostate-specific autoantigen. Finally, CD4(+) splenic T cells from Elocalcitol-treated NOD mice show decreased ability, upon adoptive transfer into NOD.SCID recipients, to induce autoimmune prostatitis, paralleled by a reduced capacity to produce IFN-gamma in response to prostate steroid-binding protein. The results indicate that Elocalcitol is able to interfere with key pathogenic events in already established EAP in the NOD mouse. These data show a novel indication for vitamin D receptor agonists and indicate that treatment with Elocalcitol may inhibit the intraprostatic inflammatory response in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients.
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Macor P, Mezzanzanica D, Cossetti C, Alberti P, Figini M, Canevari S, Tedesco F. Complement Activated by Chimeric Anti–Folate Receptor Antibodies Is an Efficient Effector System to Control Ovarian Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2006; 66:3876-83. [PMID: 16585216 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-3434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Two chimeric monoclonal antibodies (mAb), cMOV18 and cMOV19, recognizing distinct epitopes of folate receptor highly expressed on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells were analyzed for their ability to activate complement (C) as a means to enhance their antitumor activity. The individual cMOVs failed to activate C on six EOC cell lines as documented by the marginal deposition of C components and the negligible C-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Conversely, the mixture of cMOVs was more effective, although the percentage of cell killing did not exceed 25%. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of EOC cells for surface expression of the membrane C regulatory proteins (mCRP) revealed high levels of CD46, variable expression of CD59, and absence of CD55. This finding was confirmed in tumor tissue specimens obtained from advanced-stage EOC patients and analyzed for the expression of mCRPs mRNA using a cDNA microarray and for the presence of proteins by immunohistochemistry. Incubation of EOC cells with neutralizing mAbs to CD46 and CD59 led to a significant increase in the CDC from 10%-20% to 45%-50%. The relative contribution of antibody-dependent cell cytoxicity (ADCC) and C-dependent killing of two EOC cell lines induced by the mixture of cMOV18 and cMOV19 was about 15% and 25%-35%, respectively, bringing the total killing to about 40%-50%. This value increased to 60%-70% after neutralization of CD46 and CD59 without an appreciable change of ADCC. These results suggest that C is the major contributor to the killing of EOC cells induced by the mixture of cMOV18 and cMOV19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Macor
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, University of Trieste, Via Fleming 22, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Penna G, Amuchastegui S, Cossetti C, Aquilano F, Mariani R, Adorini L. 109: Spontaneous and Induced Autoimmune Prostatitis in the Non-Obese Diabetic Mouse. J Urol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5347(18)32376-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Penna G, Cossetti C, Amuchastegui S, Fibbi B, Crescioli C, Maggi M, Adorini L. 1451: Human Prostate Cells as Inducers and Targets of Chronic Autoimmune Inflammation. J Urol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5347(18)33655-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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