1
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Bradford SD, Ryan KJ, Divens AM, Povroznik JM, Bonigala S, Robinson CM. IL-27 alters inflammatory cytokine expression and limits protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a neonatal BCG vaccination model. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1217098. [PMID: 38390338 PMCID: PMC10881868 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1217098] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Efforts to control tuberculosis (TB), caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), have been hampered by the immense variability in protection from BCG vaccination. While BCG protects young children from some forms of TB disease, long-term protection against pulmonary disease is more limited, suggesting a poor memory response. New vaccines or vaccination strategies are required to have a realistic chance of eliminating TB disease. In TB endemic areas, routine immunization occurs during the neonatal period and as such, we hypothesized that inadequate protective immunity elicited by BCG vaccination could be the result of the unique early-life immune landscape. Interleukin (IL)-27 is a heterodimeric cytokine with immune suppressive activity that is elevated in the neonatal period. Objective We investigated the impact of IL-27 on regulation of immune responses during neonatal BCG vaccination and protection against Mtb. Methods Here, we used a novel model of neonatal vaccination and adult aerosol challenge that models the human timeline of vaccine delivery and disease transmission. Results Overall, we observed improved control of Mtb in mice unresponsive to IL-27 (IL-27Rα-/-) that was consistent with altered expression patterns of IFN-γ and IL-17 in the lungs. The balance of these cytokines with TNF-α expression may be key to effective bacterial clearance. Conclusions Our findings suggest the importance of evaluating new vaccines and approaches to combat TB in the neonatal population most likely to receive them as part of global vaccination campaigns. They further indicate that temporal strategies to antagonize IL-27 during early life vaccination may improve protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby D. Bradford
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Kenneth J. Ryan
- Department of Statistics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Ashley M. Divens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Jessica M. Povroznik
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Sunilkanth Bonigala
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Cory M. Robinson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
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2
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Povroznik JM, Akhter H, Vance JK, Annamanedi M, Dziadowicz SA, Wang L, Divens AM, Hu G, Robinson CM. Interleukin-27-dependent transcriptome signatures during neonatal sepsis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1124140. [PMID: 36891292 PMCID: PMC9986606 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1124140] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human newborns exhibit increased vulnerability and risk of mortality from infection that is consistent with key differences in the innate and adaptive immune responses relative to those in adult cells. We have previously shown an increase in the immune suppressive cytokine, IL-27, in neonatal cells and tissues from mice and humans. In a murine model of neonatal sepsis, mice deficient in IL-27 signaling exhibit reduced mortality, increased weight gain, and better control of bacteria with reduced systemic inflammation. To explore a reprogramming of the host response in the absence of IL-27 signaling, we profiled the transcriptome of the neonatal spleen during Escherichia coli-induced sepsis in wild-type (WT) and IL-27Rα-deficient (KO) mice. We identified 634 genes that were differentially expressed, and those most upregulated in WT mice were associated with inflammation, cytokine signaling, and G protein coupled receptor ligand binding and signaling. These genes failed to increase in the IL-27Rα KO mice. We further isolated an innate myeloid population enriched in macrophages from the spleens of control and infected WT neonates and observed similar changes in gene expression aligned with changes in chromatin accessibility. This supports macrophages as an innate myeloid population contributing to the inflammatory profile in septic WT pups. Collectively, our findings highlight the first report of improved pathogen clearance amidst a less inflammatory environment in IL-27Rα KO. This suggests a direct relationship between IL-27 signaling and bacterial killing. An improved response to infection that is not reliant upon heightened levels of inflammation offers new promise to the potential of antagonizing IL-27 as a host-directed therapy for neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Povroznik
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Halima Akhter
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Jordan K. Vance
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Madhavi Annamanedi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Sebastian A. Dziadowicz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Ashley M. Divens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Gangqing Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Cory M. Robinson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
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3
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Engler-Chiurazzi EB, Russell AE, Povroznik JM, McDonald KO, Porter KN, Wang DS, Hammock J, Billig BK, Felton CC, Yilmaz A, Schreurs BG, O'Callaghan JD, Zwezdaryk KJ, Simpkins JW. Intermittent systemic exposure to lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation disrupts hippocampal long-term potentiation and impairs cognition in aging male mice. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:279-291. [PMID: 36549577 PMCID: PMC10019559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related cognitive decline, a common component of the brain aging process, is associated with significant impairment in daily functioning and quality of life among geriatric adults. While the complexity of mechanisms underlying cognitive aging are still being elucidated, microbial exposure and the multifactorial inflammatory cascades associated with systemic infections are emerging as potential drivers of neurological senescence. The negative cognitive and neurobiological consequences of a single pathogen-associated inflammatory experience, such as that modeled through treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are well documented. Yet, the brain aging impacts of repeated, intermittent inflammatory challenges are less well studied. To extend the emerging literature assessing the impact of infection burden on cognitive function among normally aging mice, here, we repeatedly exposed adult mice to intermittent LPS challenges during the aging period. Male 10-month-old C57BL6 mice were systemically administered escalating doses of LPS once every two weeks for 2.5 months. We evaluated cognitive consequences using the non-spatial step-through inhibitory avoidance task, and both spatial working and reference memory versions of the Morris water maze. We also probed several potential mechanisms, including cortical and hippocampal cytokine/chemokine gene expression, as well as hippocampal neuronal function via extracellular field potential recordings. Though there was limited evidence for an ongoing inflammatory state in cortex and hippocampus, we observed impaired learning and memory and a disruption of hippocampal long-term potentiation. These data suggest that a history of intermittent exposure to LPS-induced inflammation is associated with subtle but significantly impaired cognition among normally aging mice. The broader impact of these findings may have important implications for standard of care involving infections in aging individuals or populations at-risk for dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Engler-Chiurazzi
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70114, USA; Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA.
| | - A E Russell
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; Department of Biology, School of Science, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Erie, PA 16563, USA; Magee Women's Research Institute, Allied Member, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - J M Povroznik
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - K O McDonald
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70114, USA
| | - K N Porter
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - D S Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - J Hammock
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - B K Billig
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - C C Felton
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - A Yilmaz
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - B G Schreurs
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - J D O'Callaghan
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - K J Zwezdaryk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70114, USA
| | - J W Simpkins
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
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4
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Bradford SD, Witt MR, Povroznik JM, Robinson CM. Interleukin-27 impairs BCG antigen clearance and T cell stimulatory potential by neonatal dendritic cells. Current Research in Microbial Sciences 2022; 4:100176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2022.100176] [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: 12/05/2022] Open
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5
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Miller NW, Seman BG, Akers SM, Povroznik JM, Brundage K, Fang W, Robinson CM. The impact of opioid exposure during pregnancy on the human neonatal immune profile. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:1566-1574. [PMID: 35288639 PMCID: PMC8920062 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02014-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing magnitude of the opioid crisis and rising rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) diagnoses highlight the need for increased research into how maternal substance use during pregnancy can impact the neonatal immune profile and its functionality. We hypothesized that neonates with opioid exposure would have reduced proportions of some immune cells, an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile, reduced T cell proliferation, and monocyte bacterial killing activity compared to the control population. METHODS The present study compares immune cell populations, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels in the serum, and monocyte and T cell functional activity using umbilical cord samples from neonates with known opioid exposure during gestation and from control neonates without known exposure. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated a significant reduction in neutrophils, decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the serum, and reduced IL-2 production during in vitro CD4+ T cell proliferation in neonates exposed to opioids compared to controls. The neutrophil findings were supported by retrospective analysis of an extended network of deidentified patient records. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first of its kind to evaluate differences in neonatal immunity as a result of opioid exposure in the human population that will inform continued mechanistic studies. IMPACT The opioid epidemic has become a public health crisis in the United States, and the corresponding incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) have risen accordingly. New research is required to understand the short and long-term health impacts of opioid exposure to the neonate. This is the first human study to investigate the immunologic profile and functionality in neonates with known opioid exposure in utero. The abundance of neutrophils and the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes is significantly reduced along with inflammatory cytokines and chemokines following opioid exposure during pregnancy. The immune profile in opioid-exposed neonates may promote susceptibility to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W. Miller
- grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
| | - Brittany G. Seman
- grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
| | - Stephen M. Akers
- grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
| | - Jessica M. Povroznik
- grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA ,grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
| | - Kathleen Brundage
- grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
| | - Wei Fang
- grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
| | - Cory M. Robinson
- grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA ,grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
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6
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Vance JK, Rawson TW, Povroznik JM, Brundage KM, Robinson CM. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Gain Suppressive Function during Neonatal Bacterial Sepsis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137047. [PMID: 34208904 PMCID: PMC8268718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137047] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonates are at an increased risk of an infectious disease. This is consistent with an increased abundance of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) compared with older children and adults. Using a murine model of neonatal bacterial sepsis, we demonstrate that MDSCs modulate their activity during an infection to enhance immune suppressive functions. A gene expression analysis shows that MDSCs increased NOS2, Arg-1 and IL-27p28 expression in vitro and in vivo in response to Escherichia coli O1:K1:H7 and this is regulated at the level of the gene expression. Changes in the effector gene expression are consistent with increased enzymatic activity and cytokine secretion. The neonatal MDSCs express toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, 4 and 5 capable of recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) on E. coli. However, a variable level of effector expression was achieved in response to LPS, peptidoglycan or flagellin. Individual bacterial PAMPs did not stimulate the expression of Arg-l and IL-27p28 equivalently to E. coli. However, the upregulation of NOS2 was achieved in response to LPS, peptidoglycan and flagella. The increased immune suppressive profile translated to an enhanced suppression of CD4+ T cell proliferation. Collectively, these findings increase our understanding of the dynamic nature of MDSC activity and suggest that these cells abundant in early life can acquire activity during an infection that suppresses protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan K. Vance
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (J.K.V.); (T.W.R.); (J.M.P.); (K.M.B.)
| | - Travis W. Rawson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (J.K.V.); (T.W.R.); (J.M.P.); (K.M.B.)
| | - Jessica M. Povroznik
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (J.K.V.); (T.W.R.); (J.M.P.); (K.M.B.)
| | - Kathleen M. Brundage
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (J.K.V.); (T.W.R.); (J.M.P.); (K.M.B.)
| | - Cory M. Robinson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (J.K.V.); (T.W.R.); (J.M.P.); (K.M.B.)
- Vaccine Development Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- Correspondence:
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7
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Abstract
Neonates are at an increased risk of bacterial sepsis due to the unique immune profile they display in the first months of life. We have established a protocol for studying the pathogenesis of E. coli O1:K1:H7, a serotype responsible for high mortality rates in neonates. Our method utilizes intravital imaging of neonatal pups at different time points during the progression of infection. This imaging, paralleled by measurement of bacteria in the blood, inflammatory profiling, and tissue histopathology, signifies a rigorous approach to understanding infection dynamics during sepsis. In the current report, we model two infectious inoculums for comparison of bacterial burdens and severity of disease. We find that subscapular infection leads to disseminated infection by 10 h post-infection. By 24 h, infection of luminescent E. coli was abundant in the blood, lungs, and other peripheral tissues. Expression of inflammatory cytokines in the lungs is significant at 24 h, and this is followed by cellular infiltration and evidence of tissue damage that increases with infectious dose. Intravital imaging does have some limitations. This includes a luminescent signal threshold and some complications that can arise with neonates during anesthesia. Despite some limitations, we find that our infection model offers an insight for understanding longitudinal infection dynamics during neonatal murine sepsis, that has not been thoroughly examined to date. We expect this model can also be adapted to study other critical bacterial infections during early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany G Seman
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine
| | - Jessica M Povroznik
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine; Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center
| | - Jordan K Vance
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine
| | - Travis W Rawson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine
| | - Cory M Robinson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine; Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center;
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8
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Abstract
IL-27 is a pleiotropic cytokine capable of influencing both innate and adaptive immune responses. With anti- and pro-inflammatory activity, IL-27 exerts its opposing effects in a cell-dependent and infectious context-specific manner. Upon pathogenic stimuli, IL-27 regulates innate immune cells, such as monocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Immune responses involving these innate cells that are negatively regulated by IL-27 signaling include inflammatory cytokine production, phagolysosomal acidification following phagocytosis, oxidative burst and autophagy. IL-27 signaling is crucial in maintaining the subtle balance between Th1 and Th2 immunity, in which protective inflammation is upregulated within the early stages of infection and subsequently downregulated once microbial growth is controlled. The immunomodulatory effects of IL-27 provide promising therapeutic targets for multiple disease types. A primary role of IL-27 is to communicate between various immune cells to initiate different immune responses. Among these responses are those involved with destroying and eliminating microbial pathogens and then turning off inflammatory responses when the infectious threat has been resolved. IL-27 possesses both anti- and pro-inflammatory activity that varies with context, immune cell and pathogen stimulus. Depending on the precise formula of these details, there are important implications for IL-27 in disease outcomes. As such, harnessing or opposing IL-27 activity may have the potential to treat a variety of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Povroznik
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.,Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Cory M Robinson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.,Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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9
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Quintana DD, Ren X, Hu H, Engler-Chiurazzi EB, Rellick SL, Lewis SE, Povroznik JM, Simpkins JW, Alvi M. Gradual common carotid artery occlusion as a novel model for cerebrovascular Hypoperfusion. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:2039-2044. [PMID: 30267298 PMCID: PMC6342504 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0312-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cerebrovascular hypoperfusion results in vascular dementia and increases predisposition to lacunar infarcts. However, there are no suitable animal models. In this study, we developed a novel model for chronic irreversible cerebral hypoperfusion in mice. Briefly, an ameroid constrictor was placed on the right carotid artery to gradually occlude the vessel, while a microcoil was placed on the left carotid artery to prevent compensation of the blood flow. This procedure resulted in a gradual hypoperfusion developing over a period of 34 days with no cerebral blood flow recovery. Histological analysis of the brain revealed neuronal and axonal degeneration as well as necrotic lesions. The most severely affected regions were located in the hippocampus and the corpus callosum. Overall, our paradigm is a viable model to study brain pathology resulting from gradual cerebrovascular hypoperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic D Quintana
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Xuefang Ren
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
- Experimental Stroke Core, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
- One Medical Center Drive, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
| | - Heng Hu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Experimental Stroke Core, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Engler-Chiurazzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Stephanie L Rellick
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Sara E Lewis
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Jessica M Povroznik
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - James W Simpkins
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Experimental Stroke Core, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Mohammad Alvi
- One Medical Center Drive, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
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10
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Abstract
Stroke is a worldwide leading cause of death and long-term disability with concurrent secondary consequences that are largely comprised of mood dysfunction, as well as sensory, motor, and cognitive deficits. This review focuses on the cognitive deficits associated with stroke specific to executive dysfunction (including decision making, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) in humans, nonhuman primates, and additional animal models. Further, we review some of the cellular and molecular underpinnings of the individual components of executive dysfunction and their neuroanatomical substrates after stroke, with an emphasis on the changes that occur during biogenic monoamine neurotransmission. We concentrate primarily on changes in the catecholaminergic (dopaminergic and noradrenergic) and serotonergic systems at the levels of neurotransmitter synthesis, distribution, reuptake, and degradation. We also discuss potential secondary stroke-related behavioral deficits (specifically, poststroke depression as well as drug-abuse potential and addiction) and their relationship with stroke-induced deficits in executive function, an especially important consideration given that the average age of the human stroke population is decreasing. In the final sections, we address pharmacological considerations for the treatment of ischemia and the subsequent functional impairment, as well as current limitations in the field of stroke and executive function research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Povroznik
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Rodent Behavior Core, Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jenny E. Ozga
- Injury and Recovery Laboratory, Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Cole Vonder Haar
- Injury and Recovery Laboratory, Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Elizabeth B. Engler-Chiurazzi
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Rodent Behavior Core, Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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11
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Brichacek AL, Jun S, Povroznik JM, Nwafor DC, Benkovic SA, Wang W, Quintana DD, Hu H, Ren X, Engler-Chiurazzi EB, Brown CM. Abstract TP254: Effects of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase on Behavior and Functional Outcomes in a Novel “Humanized” Transgenic Mouse Model of Ischemic Stroke. Stroke 2018. [DOI: 10.1161/str.49.suppl_1.tp254] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction:
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a critical regulator of brain and systemic inflammatory responses in many neurological disorders. Intriguingly,
iNOS
null mice have produced equivocal outcomes in mouse models of ischemic stroke, a result that may be due, in part, to species-specific differences between the mouse and human
iNOS
genes. Due to numerous differences at the gene regulatory level, mouse
iNOS
naturally produces much higher levels of nitric oxide (NO) than the human gene. To resolve the functional differences between mouse and human iNOS in ischemic stroke, we employed a novel mouse that expresses human
iNOS
on a mouse
iNOS
null genetic background, termed the HN mouse. Our study objective was to compare functional and behavioral outcomes following ischemic stroke between wildtype (WT) and HN mice.
Hypothesis:
We hypothesized that post-stroke functional outcomes would be more severe in HN male mice than in WT mice.
Methods:
Male C57BL/6J (WT) and HN mice (4-6 months) were subjected to 60 minutes of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) followed by reperfusion and behavioral assessments at seven-day intervals for 30 days. Laser-Doppler flowmetry pre- and post-tMCAO was used to assess the effect of iNOS on blood flow. A comprehensive neurological battery was used to assess sensorimotor ability, reflexes, and balance, followed by open field, wire hang, and rotarod testing to evaluate locomotor activity, limb strength, and coordination.
Results and Conclusion:
Blood flow was significantly decreased in the ipsilateral hemisphere of both WT and HN mice following acute ischemic stroke; however, HN mice exhibited a sustained global decrease in blood flow following reperfusion. HN mice also demonstrated decreased locomotor activity and coordination, as well as greater neurological deficits compared to WT mice. Overall, these results suggest that the HN mouse model recapitulates more neurological deficits associated with human ischemic stroke than WT mice. Thus, the HN mouse may represent a more “humanized” model of ischemic stroke than more commonly used mouse models that express the mouse
iNOS
gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Brichacek
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV
| | - Sujung Jun
- Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV
| | - Jessica M Povroznik
- Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV
| | - Divine C Nwafor
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV
| | - Stanley A Benkovic
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV
| | - Wei Wang
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV
| | - Dominic D Quintana
- Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV
| | - Heng Hu
- Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV
| | - Xuefang Ren
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV
| | | | - Candice M Brown
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV
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12
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Povroznik JM, Engler-Chiurazzi EB, Nanavati T, Pergami P. Absolute lymphocyte and neutrophil counts in neonatal ischemic brain injury. SAGE Open Med 2018; 6:2050312117752613. [PMID: 29375880 PMCID: PMC5777550 DOI: 10.1177/2050312117752613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to identify differences in absolute neutrophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio between neonates with two forms of ischemic brain injury, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and acute ischemic stroke, compared to controls. We also aimed to determine whether this neutrophil/lymphocyte response pattern is associated with disease severity or is a consequence of the effects of total-body cooling, an approved treatment for moderate-to-severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 101 neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy + total-body cooling (n = 26), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (n = 12), acute ischemic stroke (n = 15), and transient tachypnea of the newborn (n = 48) was conducted; transient tachypnea of the newborn neonates were used as the control group. Absolute neutrophil count and absolute lymphocyte count at three time-intervals (0–12, 12–36, and 36–60 h after birth) were collected, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was calculated. Results: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy + total-body cooling neonates demonstrated significant time-interval-dependent changes in absolute lymphocyte count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio levels compared to transient tachypnea of the newborn and acute ischemic stroke patients. Pooled analysis of absolute lymphocyte count for neonates with acute ischemic stroke and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (not hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy + total-body cooling) revealed that absolute lymphocyte count changes occurring at 0–12 h are likely due to disease progression, rather than total-body cooling treatment. Conclusion: These data suggest that the neutrophil/lymphocyte response is modulated following neonatal ischemic brain injury, representing a possible target for therapeutic intervention. However, initial severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy among these patients could also account for the observed changes in the immune response to injury. Thus, additional work to clarify the contributions of cooling therapy and disease severity to neutrophil/lymphocyte response following hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in neonates is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Povroznik
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Engler-Chiurazzi
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Tania Nanavati
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Paola Pergami
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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13
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Engler-Chiurazzi EB, Brown CM, Povroznik JM, Simpkins JW. Estrogens as neuroprotectants: Estrogenic actions in the context of cognitive aging and brain injury. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 157:188-211. [PMID: 26891883 PMCID: PMC4985492 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [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: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There is ample empirical evidence to support the notion that the biological impacts of estrogen extend beyond the gonads to other bodily systems, including the brain and behavior. Converging preclinical findings have indicated a neuroprotective role for estrogen in a variety of experimental models of cognitive function and brain insult. However, the surprising null or even detrimental findings of several large clinical trials evaluating the ability of estrogen-containing hormone treatments to protect against age-related brain changes and insults, including cognitive aging and brain injury, led to hesitation by both clinicians and patients in the use of exogenous estrogenic treatments for nervous system outcomes. That estrogen-containing therapies are used by tens of millions of women for a variety of health-related applications across the lifespan has made identifying conditions under which benefits with estrogen treatment will be realized an important public health issue. Here we provide a summary of the biological actions of estrogen and estrogen-containing formulations in the context of aging, cognition, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. We have devoted special attention to highlighting the notion that estrogen appears to be a conditional neuroprotectant whose efficacy is modulated by several interacting factors. By developing criteria standards for desired beneficial peripheral and neuroprotective outcomes among unique patient populations, we can optimize estrogen treatments for attenuating the consequences of, and perhaps even preventing, cognitive aging and brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Engler-Chiurazzi
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
| | - C M Brown
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
| | - J M Povroznik
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States; Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
| | - J W Simpkins
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
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14
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Povroznik JM, Faith RE, Kessler MJ, Ali FN, Kosik J, Prince S, Engler-Chiurazzi EB. Locomotor effects of a low-frequency fire alarm on C57BL/6 male mice: a preliminary study. Lab Anim 2017. [PMID: 28650259 DOI: 10.1177/0023677217711966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining appropriate acoustic conditions for animal welfare and data collection are crucial in biomedical research facilities. Negative impacts of disruptive sound are known and can include auditory damage, immune function changes, and behavioral alterations. One type of disruptive sound occurring in research facilities is that of fire alarms. To ameliorate this problem, many facilities have incorporated the use of low-frequency fire alarms that emit tones outside the rodent audible range. The impact of these devices has been assumed to be negligible. However, this has yet to be evaluated with controlled behavioral experiments. Thus, our objective was to investigate the impact of low-frequency fire alarm exposure on locomotor behavior in the open field, a test sensitive to acoustic stimuli disruption. Male mice were randomized to three alarm exposure groups (No-Alarm; Alarm-During; and Alarm-After) and placed in individual photobeam-activated locomotor chambers. The Alarm-During group displayed significantly reduced horizontal locomotion, with a trend towards reduced vertical locomotion. These data suggest that a low-frequency brief alarm tone can temporarily disrupt movement, a valuable insight should an alarm be deployed. Further, findings support close collaboration between researchers and institutional facility staff to ensure appropriate acoustic conditions are maintained, whenever possible, for research animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Povroznik
- 1 Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, Morgantown, WV, USA
- 2 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Morgantown, WV, USA
- 3 Rodent Behavior Core, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Robert E Faith
- 4 Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Matthew J Kessler
- 4 Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Frank N Ali
- 4 Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - James Kosik
- 5 Office of Facilities Management, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Stephen Prince
- 5 Office of Facilities Management, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Engler-Chiurazzi
- 1 Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, Morgantown, WV, USA
- 2 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Morgantown, WV, USA
- 3 Rodent Behavior Core, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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