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Andreasson LM, Dyhre-Petersen N, Hvidtfeldt M, Jørgensen GØ, Von Bülow A, Klein DK, Uller L, Erjefält J, Porsbjerg C, Sverrild A. Airway hyperresponsiveness correlates with airway TSLP in asthma independent of eosinophilic inflammation. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:988-997.e11. [PMID: 38081546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.11.915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is released from the airway epithelium in response to various environmental triggers, inducing a type-2 inflammatory response, and is associated with airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and exacerbations. TSLP may also induce AHR via a direct effect on airway smooth muscle and mast cells, independently of type-2 inflammation, although association between airway TSLP and AHR across asthma phenotypes has been described sparsely. OBJECTIVES This study sought to investigate the association between AHR and levels of TSLP in serum, sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with asthma with and without type-2 inflammation. METHODS A novel ultrasensitive assay was used to measure levels of TSLP in patients with asthma (serum, n = 182; sputum, n = 81; bronchoalveolar lavage, n = 85) and healthy controls (serum, n = 47). The distribution and association among airway and systemic TSLP, measures of AHR, type-2 inflammation, and severity of disease were assessed. RESULTS TSLP in sputum was associated with AHR independently of levels of eosinophils and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (ρ = 0.49, P = .005). Serum TSLP was higher in both eosinophil-high and eosinophil-low asthma compared to healthy controls: geometric mean: 1600 fg/mL (95% CI: 1468-1744 fg/mL) and 1294 fg/mL (95% CI: 1167-1435 fg/mL) versus 846 fg/mL (95% CI: 661-1082 fg/mL), but did not correlate with the level of AHR. Increasing age, male sex, and eosinophils in blood were associated with higher levels of TSLP in serum, whereas lung function, inhaled corticosteroid dose, and symptom score were not. CONCLUSIONS The association between TSLP in sputum and AHR to mannitol irrespective of markers of type-2 inflammation further supports a role of TSLP in AHR that is partially independent of eosinophilic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Munkholm Andreasson
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nanna Dyhre-Petersen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Hvidtfeldt
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gustav Ørting Jørgensen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Von Bülow
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ditte Kjærsgaard Klein
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lena Uller
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Celeste Porsbjerg
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Asger Sverrild
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Abdillahi SM, Tati R, Nordin SL, Baumgarten M, Hallgren O, Bjermer L, Erjefält J, Westergren-Thorsson G, Singh B, Riesbeck K, Mörgelin M. Corrigendum: The pulmonary extracellular matrix is a bactericidal barrier against Haemophilus influenzae in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): implications for an in vivo innate host defense function of collagen VI. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1283161. [PMID: 37828985 PMCID: PMC10565563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1283161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01988.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Suado M. Abdillahi
- Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ramesh Tati
- Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara L. Nordin
- Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Baumgarten
- Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oskar Hallgren
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Airway Inflammation and Immunology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Birendra Singh
- Clinical Microbiology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Kristian Riesbeck
- Clinical Microbiology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Matthias Mörgelin
- Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Colzyx AB, Medicon Village, Lund, Sweden
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Hvidtfeldt M, Sverrild A, Pulga A, Frøssing L, Silberbrandt A, Hostrup M, Thomassen M, Sanden C, Clausson CM, Siddhuraj P, Bornesund D, Nieto-Fontarigo JJ, Uller L, Erjefält J, Porsbjerg C. Airway hyperresponsiveness reflects corticosteroid-sensitive mast cell involvement across asthma phenotypes. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:107-116.e4. [PMID: 36907566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway hyperresponsiveness is a hallmark of asthma across asthma phenotypes. Airway hyperresponsiveness to mannitol specifically relates to mast cell infiltration of the airways, suggesting inhaled corticosteroids to be effective in reducing the response to mannitol, despite low levels of type 2 inflammation. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the relationship between airway hyperresponsiveness and infiltrating mast cells, and the response to inhaled corticosteroid treatment. METHODS In 50 corticosteroid-free patients with airway hyperresponsiveness to mannitol, mucosal cryobiopsies were obtained before and after 6 weeks of daily treatment with 1600 μg of budesonide. Patients were stratified according to baseline fractional exhaled nitric oxide (Feno) with a cutoff of 25 parts per billion. RESULTS Airway hyperresponsiveness was comparable at baseline and improved equally with treatment in both patients with Feno-high and Feno-low asthma: doubling dose, 3.98 (95% CI, 2.49-6.38; P < .001) and 3.85 (95% CI, 2.51-5.91; P < .001), respectively. However, phenotypes and distribution of mast cells differed between the 2 groups. In patients with Feno-high asthma, airway hyperresponsiveness correlated with the density of chymase-high mast cells infiltrating the epithelial layer (ρ, -0.42; P = .04), and in those with Feno-low asthma, it correlated with the density in the airway smooth muscle (ρ, -0.51; P = .02). The improvement in airway hyperresponsiveness after inhaled corticosteroid treatment correlated with a reduction in mast cells, as well as in airway thymic stromal lymphopoietin and IL-33. CONCLUSIONS Airway hyperresponsiveness to mannitol is related to mast cell infiltration across asthma phenotypes, correlating with epithelial mast cells in patients with Feno-high asthma and with airway smooth muscle mast cells in patients with Feno-low asthma. Treatment with inhaled corticosteroids was effective in reducing airway hyperresponsiveness in both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Hvidtfeldt
- Respiratory Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Asger Sverrild
- Respiratory Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexis Pulga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laurits Frøssing
- Respiratory Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Morten Hostrup
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Thomassen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lena Uller
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Unit of Airway Inflammation, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Celeste Porsbjerg
- Respiratory Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Alyamani M, Kadivar M, Erjefält J, Johansson-Lindbom B, Duan RD, Nilsson Å, Marsal J. Alkaline sphingomyelinase (NPP7) impacts the homeostasis of intestinal T lymphocyte populations. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1050625. [PMID: 36741374 PMCID: PMC9894718 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1050625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Alkaline sphingomyelinase (NPP7) is expressed by intestinal epithelial cells and is crucial for the digestion of dietary sphingomyelin. NPP7 also inactivates proinflammatory mediators including platelet-activating factor and lysophosphatidylcholine. The aim of this study was to examine a potential role for NPP7 in the homeostasis of the intestinal immune system. Methods We quantified the numbers of B-lymphocytes, plasma cells, T-lymphocytes including regulatory T-lymphocytes (Tregs), natural killer cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, in the small and large intestines, the mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleens of heterozygous and homozygous NPP7 knockout (KO) and wildtype (WT) mice. Tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry and stainings quantified using computerized image analysis. Results The numbers of both small and large intestinal CD3ε+, CD4+, and CD8α+ T-lymphocytes were significantly higher in NPP7 KO compared to WT mice (with a dose-response relationship in the large intestine), whereas Treg numbers were unchanged, and dendritic cell numbers reduced. In contrast, the numbers of CD3ε+ and CD4+ T-lymphocytes in mesenteric lymph nodes were significantly reduced in NPP7 KO mice, while no differences were observed in spleens. The numbers of B-lymphocytes, plasma cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils were similar between genotypes. Conclusion NPP7 contributes to the regulation of dendritic cell and T-lymphocyte numbers in mesenteric lymph nodes and both the small and large intestines, thus playing a role in the homeostasis of gut immunity. Although it is likely that the downstream effects of NPP7 activity involve the sphingomyelin metabolites ceramide and spingosine-1-phosphate, the exact mechanisms behind this regulatory function of NPP7 need to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manar Alyamani
- Immunology Section, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Unit of Airway Inflammation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Kadivar
- Immunology Section, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Unit of Airway Inflammation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bengt Johansson-Lindbom
- Immunology Section, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Rui-Dong Duan
- Section of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Åke Nilsson
- Section of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Department of Gastroenterology, Skane University Hospital, Lund/Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jan Marsal
- Immunology Section, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Section of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Department of Gastroenterology, Skane University Hospital, Lund/Malmö, Sweden,*Correspondence: Jan Marsal,
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van der Burg N, Stenberg H, Ekstedt S, Diamant Z, Bornesund D, Ankerst J, Kumlien Georén S, Cardell LO, Bjermer L, Erjefält J, Tufvesson E. Neutrophil phenotypes in bronchial airways differentiate single from dual responding allergic asthmatics. Clin Exp Allergy 2023; 53:65-77. [PMID: 35437872 PMCID: PMC10083921 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allergic asthmatics with both an early (EAR) and a late allergic reaction (LAR) following allergen exposure are termed 'dual responders' (DR), while 'single responders' (SR) only have an EAR. Mechanisms that differentiate DR from SR are largely unknown, particularly regarding the role and phenotypes of neutrophils. Therefore, we aimed to study neutrophils in DR and SR asthmatics. METHODS Thirty-four allergic asthmatics underwent an inhaled allergen challenge, samples were collected before and up to 24 h post-challenge. Cell differentials were counted from bronchial lavage, alveolar lavage and blood; and tissue neutrophils were quantified in immune-stained bronchial biopsies. Lavage neutrophil nuclei lobe segmentation was used to classify active (1-4 lobes) from suppressive neutrophils (≥5 lobes). Levels of transmigration markers: soluble (s)CD62L and interleukin-1Ra, and activity markers: neutrophil elastase (NE), DNA-histone complex and dsDNA were measured in lavage fluid and plasma. RESULTS Compared with SR at baseline, DR had more neutrophils in their bronchial airways at baseline, both in the lavage (p = .0031) and biopsies (p = .026) and elevated bronchial neutrophils correlated with less antitransmigratory IL-1Ra levels (r = -0.64). DR airways had less suppressive neutrophils and more 3-lobed (active) neutrophils (p = .029) that correlated with more bronchial lavage histone (p = .020) and more plasma NE (p = .0016). Post-challenge, DR released neutrophil extracellular trap factors in the blood earlier and had less pro-transmigratory sCD62L during the late phase (p = .0076) than in SR. CONCLUSION DR have a more active airway neutrophil phenotype at baseline and a distinct neutrophil response to allergen challenge that may contribute to the development of an LAR. Therefore, neutrophil activity should be considered during targeted diagnosis and bio-therapeutic development for DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole van der Burg
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henning Stenberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sandra Ekstedt
- Division of ENT Diseases, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zuzana Diamant
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Microbiology Immunology & Transplantation, KU Leuven, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daisy Bornesund
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Cell and Tissue biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jaro Ankerst
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Susanna Kumlien Georén
- Division of ENT Diseases, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars-Olaf Cardell
- Division of ENT Diseases, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Cell and Tissue biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ellen Tufvesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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6
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Hvidtfeldt M, Sverrild A, Pulga A, Frøssing L, Silberbrandt A, Sanden C, Clausson CM, Bornesund D, Erjefält J, Porsbjerg C. Mucosal Cryobiopsies – A new Method for Studying Airway Pathology in Asthma. ERJ Open Res 2022; 8:00666-2021. [PMID: 35350284 PMCID: PMC8943287 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00666-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In vivo studies of airway pathology in obstructive lung disease are limited by poor quality of specimens obtained with forceps. Obtainment of cryobiopsies has increased diagnostic yield in cancer and interstitial lung disease but has not been used in patients with asthma. In a recent pilot study, we found mucosal cryobiopsies to be larger and more intact than conventional forceps biopsies. The aim of the present study was to compare quality and safety of mucosal cryobiopsies versus conventional forceps biopsies in patients with asthma. Methods Endobronchial biopsies were obtained with forceps and cryoprobe from patients with asthma not currently treated with inhaled steroids and evaluated histologically. Results A total of 240 cryobiopsies and 288 forceps biopsies were obtained from 48 patients. Bleeding from the biopsy site was common but self-limiting. No major complications related to the procedure were seen. Cryobiopsy cross areas were four times larger compared with forceps. Stretches of intact epithelium were detected in all cryobiopsies compared to 33% in forceps biopsies. Further, the length of intact epithelium was on average four times longer in the cryobiopsies. Importantly, there was a good preservation of both antigens and mRNA in the cryobiopsies ensuring a suitability and robustness for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation. Conclusion Obtainment of mucosal cryobiopsies in patients with asthma is safe and yields biopsies that are significantly larger and morphologically better preserved compared with traditional forceps biopsies. The cryotechnique thus seems to be a promising tool for future in vivo studies of airway pathology. The cryotechnique is a promising, safe tool for obtaining mucosal biopsies in patients with asthma, yielding larger and better-preserved specimens compared with forceps biopsies, increasing utility for evaluating airway pathologyhttps://bit.ly/3sHlVzd
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Sverrild A, Hansen S, Hvidtfeldt M, Clausson CM, Cozzolino O, Cerps S, Uller L, Backer V, Erjefält J, Porsbjerg C. The effect of tezepelumab on airway hyperresponsiveness to mannitol in asthma (UPSTREAM). Eur Respir J 2021; 59:13993003.01296-2021. [PMID: 34049943 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01296-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial upstream cytokine, initiates production of type-2 (T2) cytokines with eosinophilia and possibly airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma.This study aimed to determine whether tezepelumab (a human monoclonal antibody targeting TSLP) decreases AHR and airway inflammation in patients with symptomatic asthma on maintenance treatment with inhaled corticosteroids. METHODS AND MEASUREMENTS In this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial adult patients with asthma and AHR to mannitol received either 700 mg tezepelumab or placebo intravenously at 4-week intervals for 12 weeks. AHR to mannitol was assessed, and a bronchoscopy was performed at baseline and after 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in AHR from baseline to week-12 and secondary outcomes were changes in airway inflammation. RESULTS Forty patients were randomised to receive either tezepelumab (n=20) or placebo (n=20). The mean change in PD15 with tezepelumab was 1.9 DD (95% CI 1.2 to 2.5) versus 1·0 (95% CI 0.3 to 1.6) with placebo; p=0.06. Nine (45%) tezepelumab and three (16%) placebo patients had a negative PD15 test at week-12, p=0.04. Airway tissue and BAL eosinophils decreased by 74% (95% CI -53 to -86) and 75% (95% CI -53 to -86) respectively with tezepelumab compared with an increase of 28% (95% CI -39 to 270) and a decrease of 7% (95% CI -49 to 72) respectively with placebo, p=0.004 and p=0.01. CONCLUSIONS Inhibiting TSLP-signalling with tezepelumab reduced the proportion of patients with AHR and decreased eosinophilic inflammation in BAL and airway tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asger Sverrild
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Hansen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Hvidtfeldt
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Olga Cozzolino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Samuel Cerps
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lena Uller
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Vibeke Backer
- Department of ENT and Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Celeste Porsbjerg
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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Åkerud A, Axelsson J, Yadav M, Erjefält J, Ekman-Ordeberg G, Malmström A, Fischer H. Heparin fragments induce cervical inflammation by recruiting immune cells through Toll-like receptor 4 in nonpregnant mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaab004. [PMID: 33508081 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a hallmark in the human cervix remodelling. A possible candidate inducing the inflammatory driven ripening of the cervix is the matrix component heparan sulphate, which has been shown to be elevated in late pregnancy in the cervix and uterus. Heparin and a glycol-split low molecular weight heparin (gsHep) with low anticoagulant potency has been shown to enhance myometrial contraction and interleukin (IL)-8 production by cervical fibroblasts. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which heparin promotes cervical inflammation. Wild-type, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)-deficient mice were treated by deposition of gsHep into the vaginas of nonpregnant mice. To identify which cells that responded to the heparin fragments, a rhodamine fluorescent construct of gsHep was used, which initially did bind to the epithelial cells and were at later time points located in the sub-mucosa. The heparin fragments induced a strong local inflammatory response in wild-type mice shown by a rapid infiltration of neutrophils and to a lesser extent macrophages into the epithelium and the underlying extracellular matrix of the cervix. Further, a marked migration into the cervical and vaginal lumen was seen by both neutrophils and macrophages. The induced mucosal inflammation was strongly reduced in TLR4- and IRF3-deficient mice. In conclusion, our findings suggest that a TLR4/IRF3-mediated innate immune response in the cervical mucosa is induced by gsHep. This low anticoagulant heparin version, a novel TLR4 agonist, could contribute to human cervical ripening during the initiation of labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Åkerud
- Division of Matrixbiology, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jakob Axelsson
- Division of Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Manisha Yadav
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology (MIG), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Universitye, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Division of Airway Inflammation, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gunvor Ekman-Ordeberg
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Malmström
- Division of Matrixbiology, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hans Fischer
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology (MIG), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Universitye, Lund, Sweden
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Jiménez-Saiz R, Anipindi VC, Galipeau H, Ellenbogen Y, Chaudhary R, Koenig JF, Gordon ME, Walker TD, Mandur TS, Abed S, Humbles A, Chu DK, Erjefält J, Ask K, Verdú EF, Jordana M. Microbial Regulation of Enteric Eosinophils and Its Impact on Tissue Remodeling and Th2 Immunity. Front Immunol 2020; 11:155. [PMID: 32117293 PMCID: PMC7033414 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Eosinophils have emerged as multifaceted cells that contribute to tissue homeostasis. However, the impact of the microbiota on their frequency and function at mucosal sites remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the microbiota in the regulation of enteric eosinophils. We found that small intestinal (SI) eosinophilia was significantly greater in germ-free (GF) mice compared to specific pathogen free (SPF) controls. This was associated with changes in the production of enteric signals that regulate eosinophil attraction and survival, and was fully reversed by complex colonization. Additionally, SI eosinophils of GF mice exhibited more cytoplasmic protrusions and less granule content than SPF controls. Lastly, we generated a novel strain of eosinophil-deficient GF mice. These mice displayed intestinal fibrosis and were less prone to allergic sensitization as compared to GF controls. Overall, our study demonstrates that commensal microbes regulate intestinal eosinophil frequency and function, which impacts tissue repair and allergic sensitization to food antigens. These data support a critical interplay between the commensal microbiota and intestinal eosinophils in shaping homeostatic, innate, and adaptive immune processes in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Jiménez-Saiz
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology & Oncology, National Center for Biotechnology (CNB)-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Varun C. Anipindi
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Galipeau
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yosef Ellenbogen
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Roopali Chaudhary
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua F. Koenig
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa E. Gordon
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tina D. Walker
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Talveer S. Mandur
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Soumeya Abed
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Alison Humbles
- Department of Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Derek K. Chu
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kjetil Ask
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Elena F. Verdú
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Manel Jordana
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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10
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Abdillahi SM, Tati R, Nordin SL, Baumgarten M, Hallgren O, Bjermer L, Erjefält J, Westergren-Thorsson G, Singh B, Riesbeck K, Mörgelin M. The Pulmonary Extracellular Matrix Is a Bactericidal Barrier Against Haemophilus influenzae in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Implications for an in vivo Innate Host Defense Function of Collagen VI. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1988. [PMID: 30233584 PMCID: PMC6127292 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01988] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a Gram-negative human commensal commonly residing in the nasopharynx of preschool children. It occasionally causes upper respiratory tract infection such as acute otitis media, but can also spread to the lower respiratory tract causing bronchitis and pneumonia. There is increasing recognition that NTHi has an important role in chronic lower respiratory tract inflammation, particularly in persistent infection in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we set out to assess the innate protective effects of collagen VI, a ubiquitous extracellular matrix component, against NTHi infection in vivo. In vitro, collagen VI rapidly kills bacteria through pore formation and membrane rupture, followed by exudation of intracellular content. This effect is mediated by specific binding of the von Willebrand A (VWA) domains of collagen VI to the NTHi surface adhesins protein E (PE) and Haemophilus autotransporter protein (Hap). Similar observations were made in vivo specimens from murine airways and COPD patient biopsies. NTHi bacteria adhered to collagen fibrils in the airway mucosa and were rapidly killed by membrane destabilization. The significance in host-pathogen interplay of one of these molecules, PE, was highlighted by the observation that it confers partial protection from bacterial killing. Bacteria lacking PE were more prone to antimicrobial activity than NTHi expressing PE. Altogether the data shed new light on the carefully orchestrated molecular events of the host-pathogen interplay in COPD and emphasize the importance of the extracellular matrix as a novel branch of innate host defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suado M. Abdillahi
- Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ramesh Tati
- Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara L. Nordin
- Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Baumgarten
- Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oskar Hallgren
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Airway Inflammation and Immunology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Birendra Singh
- Clinical Microbiology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Kristian Riesbeck
- Clinical Microbiology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Matthias Mörgelin
- Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Colzyx AB, Medicon Village, Lund, Sweden
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11
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Abdillahi SM, Bober M, Nordin S, Hallgren O, Baumgarten M, Erjefält J, Westergren-Thorsson G, Bjermer L, Riesbeck K, Egesten A, Mörgelin M. Collagen VI Is Upregulated in COPD and Serves Both as an Adhesive Target and a Bactericidal Barrier for Moraxella catarrhalis. J Innate Immun 2015; 7:506-17. [PMID: 25925694 DOI: 10.1159/000381213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Moraxella catarrhalis is a Gram-negative human mucosal commensal and pathogen. It is a common cause of exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During the process of infection, host colonization correlates with recognition of host molecular patterns. Importantly, in COPD patients with compromised epithelial integrity the underlying extracellular matrix is exposed and provides potential adhesive targets. Collagen VI is a ubiquitous fibrillar component in the airway mucosa and has been attributed both adhesive and killing properties against Gram-positive bacteria. However, less is known regarding Gram-negative microorganisms. Therefore, in the present study, the interaction of M. catarrhalis with collagen VI was characterized. We found that collagen VI is upregulated in the airways of COPD patients and exposed upon epithelial desquamation. Ex vivo, we inoculated airway biopsies and fibroblasts from COPD patients with M. catarrhalis. The bacteria specifically adhered to collagen VI-containing matrix fibrils. In vitro, purified collagen VI microfibrils bound to bacterial surface structures. The primary adhesion target was mapped to the collagen VI α2-chain. Upon exposure to collagen VI, bacteria were killed by membrane destabilization in physiological conditions. These previously unknown properties of collagen VI provide novel insights into the extracellular matrix innate immunity by quickly entrapping and killing pathogen intruders.
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12
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Anders B, Andersson C, Hoffmann H, Mori M, Shikhagaie M, Krohn IK, Dahl R, Bjermer L, Erjefält J. Leukocyte infiltration patterns and structural changes in severe asthmatics with variable degree of clinical control. Clin Transl Allergy 2015. [PMCID: PMC4407075 DOI: 10.1186/2045-7022-5-s2-o7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bergqvist Anders
- Lund universityDepartment of Respiratory Medicine and AllergologyLundSweden
| | - Cecilia Andersson
- Lund universityDepartment of Respiratory Medicine and AllergologyLundSweden
| | | | - Michiko Mori
- Lund universityDepartment of Experimental MedicineLundSweden
| | | | | | - Ronald Dahl
- Aarhus universityDepartment of Respiratory DiseaseAarhusDenmark
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Lund university hospitalDepartment of Respiratory Medicine and AllergologyLundSweden
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Lund universityDepartment of Experimental MedicineLundSweden
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13
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Weitoft M, Andersson C, Andersson-Sjöland A, Tufvesson E, Bjermer L, Erjefält J, Westergren-Thorsson G. Controlled and uncontrolled asthma display distinct alveolar tissue matrix compositions. Respir Res 2014; 15:67. [PMID: 24950767 PMCID: PMC4089934 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-15-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Whether distal inflammation in asthmatics also leads to structural changes in the alveolar parenchyma remains poorly examined, especially in patients with uncontrolled asthma. We hypothesized that patients who do not respond to conventional inhaled corticosteroid therapy have a distinct tissue composition, not only in central, but also in distal lung. METHODS Bronchial and transbronchial biopsies from healthy controls, patients with controlled atopic and patients with uncontrolled atopic asthma were processed for immunohistochemical analysis of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix molecules: collagen, versican, biglycan, decorin, fibronectin, EDA-fibronectin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue-inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-3. RESULTS In central airways we found increased percentage areas of versican and decorin in patients with uncontrolled asthma compared to both healthy controls and patients with controlled asthma. Percentage area of biglycan was significantly higher in both central airways and alveolar parenchyma of patients with uncontrolled compared to controlled asthma. Ratios of MMP-9/TIMP-3 were decreased in both uncontrolled and controlled asthma compared to healthy controls. In the alveolar parenchyma, patients with uncontrolled asthma had increased percentage areas of collagen, versican and decorin compared to patients with controlled asthma. Patients with uncontrolled asthma had significantly higher numbers of myofibroblasts in both central airways and alveolar parenchyma compared to patients with controlled asthma. CONCLUSIONS Tissue composition differs, in both central and distal airways, between patients with uncontrolled and controlled asthma on equivalent doses of ICS. This altered structure and possible change in tissue elasticity may lead to abnormal mechanical properties, which could be a factor in the persistent symptoms for patients with uncontrolled asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Weitoft
- Lung Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC, D12, Lund University, Lund, SE-221 84, Sweden.
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14
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Linge HM, Andersson C, Nordin SL, Olin AI, Petersson AC, Mörgelin M, Welin A, Bylund J, Bjermer L, Erjefält J, Egesten A. Midkine is expressed and differentially processed during chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations and ventilator-associated pneumonia associated with Staphylococcus aureus infection. Mol Med 2013; 19:314-23. [PMID: 24043271 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2013.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is sometimes isolated from the airways during acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but more commonly recognized as a cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Antimicrobial proteins, among them midkine (MK), are an important part of innate immunity in the airways. In this study, the levels and possible processing of MK in relation to S. aureus infection of the airways were investigated, comparing COPD and VAP, thus comparing a state of disease with preceding chronic inflammation and remodeling (COPD) with acute inflammation (that is, VAP). MK was detected in the small airways and alveoli of COPD lung tissue but less so in normal lung tissue. MK at below micromolar concentrations killed S. aureus in vitro. Proteolytic processing of MK by the staphylococcal metalloprotease aureolysin (AL), but not cysteine protease staphopain A (SA), resulted in impaired bactericidal activity. Degradation was seen foremost in the COOH-terminal portion of the molecule that harbors high bactericidal activity. In addition, MK was detected in sputum from patients suffering from VAP caused by S. aureus but less so in sputum from COPD exacerbations associated with the same bacterium. Recombinant MK was degraded more rapidly in sputum from the COPD patients than from the VAP patients and a greater proteolytic activity in COPD sputum was confirmed by zymography. Taken together, proteases of both bacteria and the host contribute to degradation of the antibacterial protein MK, resulting in an impaired defense of the airways, in particular, in COPD where the state of chronic inflammation could be of importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M Linge
- Section for Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Andersson
- Section for Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara L Nordin
- Section for Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders I Olin
- Section for Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ann-Cathrine Petersson
- Clinical Microbiology, Regional Laboratories of Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Matthias Mörgelin
- Section for Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Amanda Welin
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Johan Bylund
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Section for Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Section for Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Arne Egesten
- Section for Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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15
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Subramaniyam D, Hollander C, Westin U, Erjefält J, Stevens T, Janciauskiene S. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor inhibits neutrophil apoptosis. Respirology 2011; 16:300-7. [PMID: 21077989 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2010.01901.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is a major anti-elastase barrier at the epithelial surfaces of upper respiratory tract. In addition to its anti-protease activity, SLPI has been shown to express anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. METHODS We measured SLPI concentration in nasal lavage fluid of healthy volunteers after challenge with endotoxin (LPS) and evaluated SLPI effects in vitro on neutrophil chemotaxis, adhesion, cytokine (IL-8) release and apoptosis. RESULTS SLPI concentration in nasal lavage (n = 9) 2, 6 and 24 h after the challenge with LPS (25 µg) increased from 32% to 238% compared with baseline (226 ± 71 ng/mL). In vitro, SLPI (20-80 µg/mL) induced neutrophil chemotaxis (sixfold, P < 0.001) and decreased neutrophil apoptosis by 73% (P = 0.006), relative to controls. However, SLPI had no affect on IL-8 release or neutrophil adhesion to fibronectin. SLPI-positive immunoreactivity was co-localized with neutrophils in lung specimens from patients with COPD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate upregulation of SLPI in response to LPS in nasal secretions and show anti-apoptotic effects of SLPI in primary human neutrophils suggesting a new role of SLPI during neutrophilic inflammation.
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16
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Shakirova Y, Mori M, Ekman M, Erjefält J, Uvelius B, Swärd K. Human urinary bladder smooth muscle is dependent on membrane cholesterol for cholinergic activation. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 634:142-8. [PMID: 20176011 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2009] [Revised: 12/09/2009] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Voiding is mediated by muscarinic receptors in urinary bladder smooth muscle cells. Lipid rafts and caveolae are cholesterol enriched membrane domains that modulate the activity of G protein-coupled receptors and second messenger systems. Conflicting findings regarding sensitivity of muscarinic signalling to cholesterol desorption, which perturbs lipid rafts and caveolae, have been reported, and no study has used human urinary bladder. Here, the dependence of human bladder muscarinic receptor signalling on plasma membrane cholesterol was examined. Nerve-mediated contraction, elicited by electrical field stimulation of human bladder strips, was impaired by desorption of cholesterol using methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, and the concentration-response curve for the muscarinic agonist carbachol was right-shifted. No effect of cholesterol desorption was observed in rat, and in mouse increased maximum contraction was seen. Expression of caveolin-1, PLCbeta1 and M3 muscarinic receptors did not differ between species in a manner that would explain the differential sensitivity to cholesterol desorption. In human bladder, threshold depolarisation eliminated the difference between cyclodextrin-treated and control preparations. Contraction elicited by depolarisation per se was not affected. M3 muscarinic receptors appeared clustered along plasma membrane profiles as shown by immunohistochemical staining of human bladder, but no redistribution in association with cholesterol reduction was seen. Thus, muscarinic receptor-induced contraction of the urinary bladder exhibits species-specific differences in its sensitivity to cholesterol desorption suggesting differential roles of lipid rafts/caveolae in muscarinic receptor signalling between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Shakirova
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Biomedical Centre, BMC D12, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden.
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17
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Greiff L, Ahlström-Emanuelsson C, Bahl A, Bengtsson T, Dahlström K, Erjefält J, Widegren H, Andersson M. Effects of a dual CCR3 and H1-antagonist on symptoms and eosinophilic inflammation in allergic rhinitis. Respir Res 2010; 11:17. [PMID: 20144207 PMCID: PMC2833142 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-11-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2009] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CC-chemokine receptor-3 (CCR3) has emerged as a target molecule for pharmacological intervention in allergic inflammation. OBJECTIVE To examine whether a dual CCR3 and H1-receptor antagonist (AZD3778) affects allergic inflammation and symptoms in allergic rhinitis. METHODS Patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were subjected to three seven days' allergen challenge series. Treatment with AZD3778 was given in a placebo and antihistamine-controlled design. Symptoms and nasal peak inspiratory flow (PIF) were monitored in the morning, ten minutes post challenge, and in the evening. Nasal lavages were carried out at the end of each challenge series and alpha2-macroglobulin, ECP, and tryptase were monitored as indices of allergic inflammation. RESULTS Plasma levels of AZD3778 were stable throughout the treatment series. AZD3778 and the antihistamine (loratadine) reduced rhinitis symptoms recorded ten minutes post challenge during this period. AZD3778, but not the anti-histamine, also improved nasal PIF ten minutes post challenge. Furthermore, scores for morning and evening nasal symptoms from the last five days of the allergen challenge series showed statistically significant reductions for AZD3778, but not for loratadine. ECP was reduced by AZD3778, but not by loratadine. CONCLUSIONS AZD3778 exerts anti-eosinophil and symptom-reducing effects in allergic rhinitis and part of this effect can likely be attributed to CCR3-antagonism. The present data are of interest with regard to the potential use of AZD3778 in allergic rhinitis and to the relative importance of eosinophil actions to the symptomatology of allergic rhinitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT No: 2005-002805-21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Greiff
- Department of ORL, Head & Neck Surgery, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
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18
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Mobini R, Andersson BA, Erjefält J, Hahn-Zoric M, Langston MA, Perkins AD, Cardell LO, Benson M. A module-based analytical strategy to identify novel disease-associated genes shows an inhibitory role for interleukin 7 Receptor in allergic inflammation. BMC Syst Biol 2009; 3:19. [PMID: 19216740 PMCID: PMC2653464 DOI: 10.1186/1752-0509-3-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background The identification of novel genes by high-throughput studies of complex diseases is complicated by the large number of potential genes. However, since disease-associated genes tend to interact, one solution is to arrange them in modules based on co-expression data and known gene interactions. The hypothesis of this study was that such a module could be a) found and validated in allergic disease and b) used to find and validate one ore more novel disease-associated genes. Results To test these hypotheses integrated analysis of a large number of gene expression microarray experiments from different forms of allergy was performed. This led to the identification of an experimentally validated reference gene that was used to construct a module of co-expressed and interacting genes. This module was validated in an independent material, by replicating the expression changes in allergen-challenged CD4+ cells. Moreover, the changes were reversed following treatment with corticosteroids. The module contained several novel disease-associated genes, of which the one with the highest number of interactions with known disease genes, IL7R, was selected for further validation. The expression levels of IL7R in allergen challenged CD4+ cells decreased following challenge but increased after treatment. This suggested an inhibitory role, which was confirmed by functional studies. Conclusion We propose that a module-based analytical strategy is generally applicable to find novel genes in complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Mobini
- Unit for Clinical Systems Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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19
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Widegren H, Erjefält J, Korsgren M, Andersson M, Greiff L. Effects of intranasal TNFalpha on granulocyte recruitment and activity in healthy subjects and patients with allergic rhinitis. Respir Res 2008; 9:15. [PMID: 18234086 PMCID: PMC2253533 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-9-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2007] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background TNFα may contribute to the pathophysiology of airway inflammation. For example, we have recently shown that nasal administration of TNFα produces late phase co-appearance of granulocyte and plasma exudation markers on the mucosal surface. The objective of the present study was to examine indices of granulocyte presence and activity in response to intranasal TNFα challenge. Methods Healthy subjects and patients with allergic rhinitis (examined out of season) were subjected to nasal challenge with TNFα (10 μg) in a sham-controlled and crossover design. Nasal lavages were carried out prior to and 24 hours post challenge. Nasal biopsies were obtained post challenge. Nasal lavage fluid levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were analyzed as indices of neutrophil and eosinophil activity. Moreover, IL-8 and α2-macroglobulin were analyzed as markers of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and plasma exudation. Nasal biopsy numbers of neutrophils and eosinophils were monitored. Results Nasal lavage fluid levels of MPO recorded 24 hours post TNFα challenge were increased in healthy subjects (p = 0.0081) and in patients with allergic rhinitis (p = 0.0081) (c.f. sham challenge). Similarly, α2-macroglobulin was increased in healthy subjects (p = 0.014) and in patients with allergic rhinitis (p = 0.0034). Lavage fluid levels of ECP and IL-8 were not affected by TNFα challenge. TNFα increased the numbers of subepithelial neutrophils (p = 0.0021), but not the numbers of eosinophils. Conclusion TNFα produces a nasal inflammatory response in humans that is characterised by late phase (i.e., 24 hours post challenge) neutrophil activity and plasma exudation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Widegren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
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20
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Fransson M, Adner M, Erjefält J, Jansson L, Uddman R, Cardell LO. Up-regulation of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 in allergic rhinitis. Respir Res 2005; 6:100. [PMID: 16146574 PMCID: PMC1243240 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-6-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2005] [Accepted: 09/07/2005] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toll-like receptors enable the host to recognize a large number of pathogen-associated molecular patterns such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide, viral RNA, CpG-containing DNA and flagellin. Toll-like receptors have also been shown to play a pivotal role in both innate and adaptive immune responses. The role of Toll-like receptors as a primary part of our microbe defense system has been shown in several studies, but their possible function as mediators in allergy and asthma remains to be established. The present study was designed to examine the expression of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 in the nasal mucosa of patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis, focusing on changes induced by exposure to pollen. METHODS 27 healthy controls and 42 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis volunteered for the study. Nasal biopsies were obtained before and during pollen season as well as before and after allergen challenge. The seasonal material was used for mRNA quantification of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 with real-time polymerase chain reaction, whereas specimens achieved in conjunction with allergen challenge were used for immunohistochemical localization and quantification of corresponding proteins. RESULTS mRNA and protein representing Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 could be demonstrated in all specimens. An increase in protein expression for all three receptors could be seen following allergen challenge, whereas a significant increase of mRNA only could be obtained for Toll-like receptor 3 during pollen season. CONCLUSION The up-regulation of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 in the nasal mucosa of patients with symptomatic allergic rhinitis supports the idea of a role for Toll-like receptors in allergic airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Fransson
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Allergy Research, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Mikael Adner
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Allergy Research, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jonas Erjefält
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University Hospital, Lund University, Sweden
| | | | - Rolf Uddman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Allergy Research, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lars-Olaf Cardell
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Allergy Research, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Abstract
In inflammatory airway diseases, granulocytes such as eosinophils and neutrophils infiltrate the tissue where they are thought to exert pathogenic activities. To avoid a catastrophic accumulation of activated granulocytes, their recruitment must be balanced by efficient cell clearance mechanisms. In this regard, the focus has been on elimination through apoptosis and subsequent engulfment of apoptotic cells by phagocytes. However, novel data suggest that in the airways, powerful non-apoptotic mechanisms are also critically involved in cell clearance. One such mechanism is transepithelial migration into the airway lumen where the mucociliary escalator executes the final elimination. The physiological clearance of tissue granulocytes is normally silent, but can under certain situations shift to become a pro-inflammatory event. For example, apoptotic cells that escape phagocytosis, disintegrate in a pro-inflammatory process called secondary necrosis. In other situations, granulocytes are triggered to undergo an active and violent cytolytic death. This delicate balance in vivo, between silent and violent properties of granulocyte demise, complicates the design of pro-apoptotic pharmacological interventions. On the other hand, this insight may also open possibilities to new exciting treatment strategies. In this context, promoting transepithelial migration, prevention of secondary necrosis, and boosting the macrophage phagocytic system appear as exciting treatment avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Erjefält
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University Hospital, 221 84, Lund, Sweden.
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22
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Hasala H, Hasela H, Malm-Erjefält M, Erjefält J, Giembycz MA, Zhang X, Moilanen E, Kankaanranta H. Ketotifen Induces Primary Necrosis of Human Eosinophils. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2005; 21:318-27. [PMID: 16117696 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2005.21.318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Eosinophils are considered essential in the pathogenesis of allergy. Reduced eosinophil apoptosis is considered to be a key element in the formation of eosinophilia in allergic conditions. Antihistamines are widely used in the treatment of allergic disorders, but their effects on eosinophil apoptosis are poorly understood. The histamine H1-receptor antagonist, ketotifen, is available orally and as eye drops for the treatment of allergic symptoms. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible effect of ketotifen on constitutive eosinophil apoptosis and on interleukin (IL)-5-mediated eosinophil survival. Isolated peripheral blood eosinophils were cultured with or without the survival-prolonging cytokine IL-5 and ketotifen. Apoptosis was assessed by measuring the relative DNA content and by morphological analysis. Ketotifen was found to reverse eosinophil survival induced by interleukin-5. However, the flow cytometry histogram of DNA in propidium iodide-stained cells was not typical to apoptosis. Morphological analysis of the eosinophils by bright-field microscopy suggested that the effect of ketotifen was due to the induction of primary necrosis rather than apoptosis. Histological assessment of eosinophil ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy confirmed signs of advanced necrosis. In summary, our results suggest that at clinically relevant drug concentrations, ketotifen induces primary necrosis in IL-5-treated human eosinophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannele Hasala
- The Immunopharmacological Research Group, Medical School, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
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Andersson M, Greiff L, Erjefält J, Svensson C, Wollmer P, Persson C. Allergic and Infectious
Rhinitis - Similarities and Disparities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1027/0838-1925.11.1.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Karlsson JA, Zackrisson C, Erjefält J, Forsberg K. Relationship of airway responsiveness to agents causing bronchoconstriction and cough in sensitized guinea-pigs. Pulm Pharmacol 1992; 5:191-8. [PMID: 1446141 DOI: 10.1016/0952-0600(92)90040-n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between airway responsiveness to bronchoconstrictor- and cough-inducing stimuli has been examined in Ascaris suum-sensitized conscious guinea-pigs. Guinea-pigs were sensitized to Ascaris suum [4000 PNU and 100 mg Al(OH)3 i.p. on days 1 and 7] and then challenged with aerosolized antigen on days 21, 28 and 35. At day 35, antigen-exposure produced an early bronchoconstrictor response (EBR) and in about 50% of the animals also a late bronchoconstrictor response (LBR) commencing 4-8 h later. The bronchial responsiveness to inhaled histamine was increased in sensitized guinea-pigs and increased further 20-24 h after acute antigen challenge. Guinea-pigs developing only EBR were equally sensitive to histamine as those having both EBR and LBR. In contrast, the cough and reflex bronchoconstriction produced by inhaled citric acid (0.40 M, acting on capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons) and cigarette smoke (3 min exposure; exciting both capsaicin-sensitive neurons and rapidly adapting stretch receptors) were not altered by sensitization. Furthermore, acute antigen challenge did not alter the effect of citric acid as measured 24 h later. The antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine was not accompanied by an altered sensitivity of airway sensory nerves mediating cough (and reflex bronchoconstriction), demonstrating that bronchial- (airway obstruction) and sensory- (cough) hyperresponsiveness involve separate and independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Karlsson
- Department of Exploratory Pharmacology, AB Draco, Lund, Sweden
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