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van Os BW, Kusters PJH, den Toom M, Beckers L, van Tiel CM, Vos WG, de Jong E, Kieser A, van Roomen C, Binder CJ, Reiche ME, de Winther MP, Bosmans LA, Lutgens E. Deficiency of germinal center kinase TRAF2 and NCK-interacting kinase (TNIK) in B cells does not affect atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1171764. [PMID: 37215541 PMCID: PMC10196212 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1171764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of many cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. B cells, and their production of pro- and anti-atherogenic antibodies, play an important role in atherosclerosis. In B cells, TRAF2 and NCK-interacting Kinase (TNIK), a germinal center kinase, was shown to bind to TNF-receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and to be involved in JNK and NF-κB signaling in human B cells, a pathway associated with antibody production. Objective We here investigate the role of TNIK-deficient B cells in atherosclerosis. Results ApoE-/-TNIKfl/fl (TNIKBWT) and ApoE-/-TNIKfl/flCD19-cre (TNIKBKO) mice received a high cholesterol diet for 10 weeks. Atherosclerotic plaque area did not differ between TNIKBKO and TNIKBWT mice, nor was there any difference in plaque necrotic core, macrophage, T cell, α-SMA and collagen content. B1 and B2 cell numbers did not change in TNIKBKO mice, and marginal zone, follicular or germinal center B cells were unaffected. Total IgM and IgG levels, as well as oxidation specific epitope (OSE) IgM and IgG levels, did not change in absence of B cell TNIK. In contrast, plasma IgA levels were decreased in TNIKBKO mice, whereas the number of IgA+ B cells in intestinal Peyer's patches increased. No effects could be detected on T cell or myeloid cell numbers or subsets. Conclusion We here conclude that in hyperlipidemic ApoE-/- mice, B cell specific TNIK deficiency does not affect atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram W. van Os
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pascal J. H. Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Myrthe den Toom
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Linda Beckers
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Claudia M. van Tiel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Winnie G. Vos
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elize de Jong
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arnd Kieser
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Cindy van Roomen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christoph J. Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Myrthe E. Reiche
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Menno P. de Winther
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laura A. Bosmans
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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2
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Seijkens TTP, Poels K, Meiler S, van Tiel CM, Kusters PJH, Reiche M, Atzler D, Winkels H, Tjwa M, Poelman H, Slütter B, Kuiper J, Gijbels M, Kuivenhoven JA, Matic LP, Paulsson-Berne G, Hedin U, Hansson GK, Nicolaes GAF, Daemen MJAP, Weber C, Gerdes N, de Winther MPJ, Lutgens E. Deficiency of the T cell regulator Casitas B-cell lymphoma-B aggravates atherosclerosis by inducing CD8+ T cell-mediated macrophage death. Eur Heart J 2020; 40:372-382. [PMID: 30452556 PMCID: PMC6340101 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The E3-ligase CBL-B (Casitas B-cell lymphoma-B) is an important negative regulator of T cell activation that is also expressed in macrophages. T cells and macrophages mediate atherosclerosis, but their regulation in this disease remains largely unknown; thus, we studied the function of CBL-B in atherogenesis. Methods and results The expression of CBL-B in human atherosclerotic plaques was lower in advanced lesions compared with initial lesions and correlated inversely with necrotic core area. Twenty weeks old Cblb−/−Apoe−/− mice showed a significant increase in plaque area in the aortic arch, where initial plaques were present. In the aortic root, a site containing advanced plaques, lesion area rose by 40%, accompanied by a dramatic change in plaque phenotype. Plaques contained fewer macrophages due to increased apoptosis, larger necrotic cores, and more CD8+ T cells. Cblb−/−Apoe−/− macrophages exhibited enhanced migration and increased cytokine production and lipid uptake. Casitas B-cell lymphoma-B deficiency increased CD8+ T cell numbers, which were protected against apoptosis and regulatory T cell-mediated suppression. IFNγ and granzyme B production was enhanced in Cblb−/−Apoe−/− CD8+ T cells, which provoked macrophage killing. Depletion of CD8+ T cells in Cblb−/−Apoe−/− bone marrow chimeras rescued the phenotype, indicating that CBL-B controls atherosclerosis mainly through its function in CD8+ T cells. Conclusion Casitas B-cell lymphoma-B expression in human plaques decreases during the progression of atherosclerosis. As an important regulator of immune responses in experimental atherosclerosis, CBL-B hampers macrophage recruitment and activation during initial atherosclerosis and limits CD8+ T cell activation and CD8+ T cell-mediated macrophage death in advanced atherosclerosis, thereby preventing the progression towards high-risk plaques. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom T P Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Room K1-110, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilians University, Pettenkoferstraße 8a & 9, Munich, Germany
| | - Kikkie Poels
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Room K1-110, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Svenja Meiler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Room K1-110, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia M van Tiel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Room K1-110, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal J H Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Room K1-110, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Myrthe Reiche
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Room K1-110, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dorothee Atzler
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilians University, Pettenkoferstraße 8a & 9, Munich, Germany.,Walther-Straub-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Goethestraße 33D, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Pettenkoferstraße 8a & 9, Munich, Germany
| | - Holger Winkels
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilians University, Pettenkoferstraße 8a & 9, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Tjwa
- Laboratory of Vascular Hematology/Angiogenesis, Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Sandhofstraße 1D, Germany
| | - Hessel Poelman
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Room K1-110, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Slütter
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einstein weg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Kuiper
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einstein weg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marion Gijbels
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Room K1-110, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Albert Kuivenhoven
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Postbus 72, AB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ljubica Perisic Matic
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabrielle Paulsson-Berne
- Department of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Solna SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulf Hedin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Göran K Hansson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gerry A F Nicolaes
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Room K1-110, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mat J A P Daemen
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilians University, Pettenkoferstraße 8a & 9, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Pettenkoferstraße 8a & 9, Munich, Germany
| | - Norbert Gerdes
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilians University, Pettenkoferstraße 8a & 9, Munich, Germany.,Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5m 0225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Menno P J de Winther
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Room K1-110, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilians University, Pettenkoferstraße 8a & 9, Munich, Germany
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Room K1-110, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilians University, Pettenkoferstraße 8a & 9, Munich, Germany
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3
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Poels K, van Leent MMT, Reiche ME, Kusters PJH, Huveneers S, de Winther MPJ, Mulder WJM, Lutgens E, Seijkens TTP. Antibody-Mediated Inhibition of CTLA4 Aggravates Atherosclerotic Plaque Inflammation and Progression in Hyperlipidemic Mice. Cells 2020; 9:E1987. [PMID: 32872393 PMCID: PMC7565685 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell-driven inflammation plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The co-inhibitory protein Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Associated protein (CTLA) 4 is an important negative regulator of T cell activation. Here, we studied the effects of the antibody-mediated inhibition of CTLA4 on experimental atherosclerosis by treating 6-8-week-old Ldlr-/- mice, fed a 0.15% cholesterol diet for six weeks, biweekly with 200 μg of CTLA4 antibodies or isotype control for six weeks. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography showed no effect of the CTLA4 inhibition of activity in the aorta, spleen, and bone marrow, indicating that monocyte/macrophage-driven inflammation was unaffected. Correspondingly, flow cytometry demonstrated that the antibody-mediated inhibition of CTLA4 did not affect the monocyte populations in the spleen. αCTLA4 treatment induced an activated T cell profile, characterized by a decrease in naïve CD44-CD62L+CD4+ T cells and an increase in CD44+CD62L- CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the blood and lymphoid organs. Furthermore, αCTLA4 treatment induced endothelial activation, characterized by increased ICAM1 expression in the aortic endothelium. In the aortic arch, which mainly contained early atherosclerotic lesions at this time point, αCTLA4 treatment induced a 2.0-fold increase in the plaque area. These plaques had a more advanced morphological phenotype and an increased T cell/macrophage ratio, whereas the smooth muscle cell and collagen content decreased. In the aortic root, a site that contained more advanced plaques, αCTLA4 treatment increased the plaque T cell content. The short-term antibody-mediated inhibition of CTLA4 thus accelerated the progression of atherosclerosis by inducing a predominantly T cell-driven inflammation, and resulted in the formation of plaques with larger necrotic cores and less collagen. This indicates that existing therapies that are based on αCTLA4 antibodies may promote CVD development in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kikkie Poels
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (K.P.); (M.M.T.v.L.); (M.E.R.); (P.J.H.K.); (S.H.); (M.P.J.d.W.); (W.J.M.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Mandy M. T. van Leent
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (K.P.); (M.M.T.v.L.); (M.E.R.); (P.J.H.K.); (S.H.); (M.P.J.d.W.); (W.J.M.M.); (E.L.)
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Myrthe E. Reiche
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (K.P.); (M.M.T.v.L.); (M.E.R.); (P.J.H.K.); (S.H.); (M.P.J.d.W.); (W.J.M.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Pascal J. H. Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (K.P.); (M.M.T.v.L.); (M.E.R.); (P.J.H.K.); (S.H.); (M.P.J.d.W.); (W.J.M.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Stephan Huveneers
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (K.P.); (M.M.T.v.L.); (M.E.R.); (P.J.H.K.); (S.H.); (M.P.J.d.W.); (W.J.M.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Menno P. J. de Winther
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (K.P.); (M.M.T.v.L.); (M.E.R.); (P.J.H.K.); (S.H.); (M.P.J.d.W.); (W.J.M.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Willem J. M. Mulder
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (K.P.); (M.M.T.v.L.); (M.E.R.); (P.J.H.K.); (S.H.); (M.P.J.d.W.); (W.J.M.M.); (E.L.)
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (K.P.); (M.M.T.v.L.); (M.E.R.); (P.J.H.K.); (S.H.); (M.P.J.d.W.); (W.J.M.M.); (E.L.)
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilian’s University, 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Tom T. P. Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (K.P.); (M.M.T.v.L.); (M.E.R.); (P.J.H.K.); (S.H.); (M.P.J.d.W.); (W.J.M.M.); (E.L.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081AV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081AV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Bosmans LA, Bosch L, Kusters PJH, Lutgens E, Seijkens TTP. The CD40-CD40L Dyad as Immunotherapeutic Target in Cardiovascular Disease. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2020; 14:13-22. [PMID: 32222950 PMCID: PMC7892683 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-020-09994-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation drives the development of atherosclerosis. Despite optimal treatment of classical cardiovascular risk factors, a substantial portion of the population has elevated inflammatory biomarkers and develops atherosclerosis-related complications, indicating that a residual inflammatory risk drives atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in these patients. Additional anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies are therefore required. The co-stimulatory molecule CD40 and its ligand CD40L (CD154) have a central role in the regulation of the inflammatory response during the development of atherosclerosis by modulating the interaction between immune cells and between immune cells and non-immune cells. In this review, we discuss the role of the CD40-CD40L dyad in atherosclerosis, and we discuss recent studies on the therapeutic potential of novel CD40-CD40L targeting strategies in cardiovascular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Bosmans
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lena Bosch
- Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal J H Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilian's University, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Tom T P Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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5
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Seijkens TTP, van Tiel CM, Kusters PJH, Atzler D, Soehnlein O, Zarzycka B, Aarts SABM, Lameijer M, Gijbels MJ, Beckers L, den Toom M, Slütter B, Kuiper J, Duchene J, Aslani M, Megens RTA, van 't Veer C, Kooij G, Schrijver R, Hoeksema MA, Boon L, Fay F, Tang J, Baxter S, Jongejan A, Moerland PD, Vriend G, Bleijlevens B, Fisher EA, Duivenvoorden R, Gerdes N, de Winther MPJ, Nicolaes GA, Mulder WJM, Weber C, Lutgens E. Targeting CD40-Induced TRAF6 Signaling in Macrophages Reduces Atherosclerosis. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019; 71:527-542. [PMID: 29406859 PMCID: PMC5800892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Disrupting the costimulatory CD40-CD40L dyad reduces atherosclerosis, but can result in immune suppression. The authors recently identified small molecule inhibitors that block the interaction between CD40 and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 6 (TRAF-STOPs), while leaving CD40-TRAF2/3/5 interactions intact, thereby preserving CD40-mediated immunity. Objectives This study evaluates the potential of TRAF-STOP treatment in atherosclerosis. Methods The effects of TRAF-STOPs on atherosclerosis were investigated in apolipoprotein E deficient (Apoe−/−) mice. Recombinant high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) nanoparticles were used to target TRAF-STOPs to macrophages. Results TRAF-STOP treatment of young Apoe−/− mice reduced atherosclerosis by reducing CD40 and integrin expression in classical monocytes, thereby hampering monocyte recruitment. When Apoe−/− mice with established atherosclerosis were treated with TRAF-STOPs, plaque progression was halted, and plaques contained an increase in collagen, developed small necrotic cores, and contained only a few immune cells. TRAF-STOP treatment did not impair “classical” immune pathways of CD40, including T-cell proliferation and costimulation, Ig isotype switching, or germinal center formation, but reduced CD40 and β2-integrin expression in inflammatory monocytes. In vitro testing and transcriptional profiling showed that TRAF-STOPs are effective in reducing macrophage migration and activation, which could be attributed to reduced phosphorylation of signaling intermediates of the canonical NF-κB pathway. To target TRAF-STOPs specifically to macrophages, TRAF-STOP 6877002 was incorporated into rHDL nanoparticles. Six weeks of rHDL-6877002 treatment attenuated the initiation of atherosclerosis in Apoe−/− mice. Conclusions TRAF-STOPs can overcome the current limitations of long-term CD40 inhibition in atherosclerosis and have the potential to become a future therapeutic for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom T P Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia M van Tiel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pascal J H Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dorothee Atzler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; Walther-Straub-Institut for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Soehnlein
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Zarzycka
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne A B M Aarts
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marnix Lameijer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marion J Gijbels
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Genetics, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Linda Beckers
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Myrthe den Toom
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Slütter
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Kuiper
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Duchene
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Aslani
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Remco T A Megens
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis van 't Veer
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs Kooij
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roy Schrijver
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Marten A Hoeksema
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Francois Fay
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jun Tang
- Bioceros BV, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Samantha Baxter
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Perry D Moerland
- Department of Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gert Vriend
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics (CMBI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Boris Bleijlevens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Edward A Fisher
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Marc and Ruti Bell Program in Vascular Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Raphael Duivenvoorden
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Norbert Gerdes
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Menno P J de Winther
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerry A Nicolaes
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Willem J M Mulder
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
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Kusters PJH, Lutgens E, Seijkens TTP. Exploring immune checkpoints as potential therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 114:368-377. [PMID: 29309533 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decades, the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis has been well-recognized and despite the development of therapeutic strategies targeted at its classical risk factors such as dyslipidemia and hypertension, atherosclerosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Additional strategies targeting the chronic inflammatory pathways underlying the development of atherosclerosis are therefore required. Interactions between different immune cells result in the secretion of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines, and fuel atherogenesis. Immune checkpoint proteins have a critical role in facilitating immune cell interactions and play an essential role in the development of atherosclerosis. Although the therapeutic potential of these molecules is well-recognized in clinical oncology, the use of immune checkpoint modulators in atherosclerosis is still limited to experimental models. Here, we review recent insights on the role of immune checkpoint proteins in atherosclerosis. Additionally, we explore the therapeutic potential and challenges of immune checkpoint modulating strategies in cardiovascular medicine and we discuss novel therapeutic approaches to target these proteins in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal J H Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilian's University (LMU), Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Tom T P Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilian's University (LMU), Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Kusters PJH, Seijkens TTP, Beckers L, Lievens D, Winkels H, de Waard V, Duijvestijn A, Lindquist Liljeqvist M, Roy J, Daugherty A, Newby A, Gerdes N, Lutgens E. CD40L Deficiency Protects Against Aneurysm Formation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2018. [PMID: 29519940 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.310640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The mechanisms underlying formation of arterial aneurysms remain incompletely understood. Because inflammation is a common feature during the progressive degeneration of the aortic wall, we studied the role of the costimulatory molecule CD40L, a major driver of inflammation, in aneurysm formation. APPROACH AND RESULTS Transcriptomics data obtained from human abdominal aortic aneurysms and normal aortas revealed increased abundance of both CD40L and CD40 in media of thrombus-free and thrombus-covered human abdominal aortic aneurysms samples. To further unravel the role of CD40L in aneurysm formation, apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe-/-) and Cd40l-/-Apoe-/- mice were infused with angiotensin II for 7 and 28 days. Only a minority of Cd40l-/-Apoe-/- mice (33% and 17%) developed (dissecting) aneurysms compared with 75% and 67% of Apoe-/- littermates after 7 and 28 days of infusion, respectively. Total vessel area of the aorta at the suprarenal level was 52% smaller in angiotensin II-infused Cd40l-/-Apoe-/- mice compared with that in angiotensin II-infused Apoe-/- mice. Chimeric Apoe-/- mice repopulated with Cd40l-/-Apoe-/- bone marrow afforded a similar protection against dissecting aneurysm formation. Moreover, lack of CD40L protected mice from fatal aneurysm rupture. T helper cell and macrophage accumulation in aneurysmal tissue was reduced in Cd40l-/-Apoe-/- mice with a concomitant decrease in expression of proinflammatory chemo- and cytokines. In addition, aneurysms of Cd40l-/-Apoe-/- mice displayed reduced abundance of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and an increase in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 while activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 was diminished. CONCLUSIONS Deficiency of (hematopoietic) CD40L protects against dissecting aneurysm formation and reduces the incidence of fatal rupture. This is associated with a decreased accumulation and activation of inflammatory cells and a dampened protease activity in the arterial wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal J H Kusters
- From the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands (P.J.H.K., T.T.P.S., L.B., D.L., H.W., V.d.W., E.L.)
| | - Tom T P Seijkens
- From the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands (P.J.H.K., T.T.P.S., L.B., D.L., H.W., V.d.W., E.L.).,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany (T.T.P.S., D.L., H.W., N.G., E.L.)
| | - Linda Beckers
- From the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands (P.J.H.K., T.T.P.S., L.B., D.L., H.W., V.d.W., E.L.)
| | - Dirk Lievens
- From the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands (P.J.H.K., T.T.P.S., L.B., D.L., H.W., V.d.W., E.L.).,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany (T.T.P.S., D.L., H.W., N.G., E.L.)
| | - Holger Winkels
- From the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands (P.J.H.K., T.T.P.S., L.B., D.L., H.W., V.d.W., E.L.).,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany (T.T.P.S., D.L., H.W., N.G., E.L.)
| | - Vivian de Waard
- From the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands (P.J.H.K., T.T.P.S., L.B., D.L., H.W., V.d.W., E.L.)
| | | | - Moritz Lindquist Liljeqvist
- Vascular Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (M.L.L., J.R.)
| | - Joy Roy
- Vascular Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (M.L.L., J.R.)
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington (A.D.)
| | - Andrew Newby
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, United Kingdom (A.N.)
| | - Norbert Gerdes
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany (T.T.P.S., D.L., H.W., N.G., E.L.).,Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany (N.G.)
| | - Esther Lutgens
- From the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands (P.J.H.K., T.T.P.S., L.B., D.L., H.W., V.d.W., E.L.) .,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany (T.T.P.S., D.L., H.W., N.G., E.L.)
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van den Berg SM, van Dam AD, Kusters PJH, Beckers L, den Toom M, van der Velden S, Van den Bossche J, van Die I, Boon MR, Rensen PCN, Lutgens E, de Winther MPJ. Helminth antigens counteract a rapid high-fat diet-induced decrease in adipose tissue eosinophils. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 59:245-255. [PMID: 28694301 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation and white adipose tissue (WAT) beiging can increase energy expenditure and have the potential to reduce obesity and associated diseases. The immune system is a potential target in mediating brown and beige adipocyte activation. Type 2 and anti-inflammatory immune cells contribute to metabolic homeostasis within lean WAT, with a prominent role for eosinophils and interleukin (IL)-4-induced anti-inflammatory macrophages. We determined eosinophil numbers in epididymal WAT (EpAT), subcutaneous WAT (ScAT) and BAT after 1 day, 3 days or 1 week of high-fat diet (HFD) feeding in C57Bl/6 mice. One day of HFD resulted in a rapid drop in eosinophil numbers in EpAT and BAT, and after 3 days, in ScAT. In an attempt to restore this HFD-induced drop in adipose tissue eosinophils, we treated 1-week HFD-fed mice with helminth antigens from Schistosoma mansoni or Trichuris suis and evaluated whether the well-known protective metabolic effects of helminth antigens involves BAT activation or beiging. Indeed, antigens of both helminth species induced high numbers of eosinophils in EpAT, but failed to induce beiging. In ScAT, Schistosoma mansoni antigens induced mild eosinophilia, which was accompanied by slightly more beiging. No effects were observed in BAT. To study type 2 responses on brown adipocytes directly, T37i cells were stimulated with IL-4. This increased Ucp1 expression and strongly induced the production of eosinophil chemoattractant CCL11 (+26-fold), revealing that brown adipocytes themselves can attract eosinophils. Our findings indicate that helminth antigen-induced eosinophilia fails to induce profound beiging of white adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M van den Berg
- Department of Medical BiochemistryExperimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea D van Dam
- Department of MedicineDivision Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular MedicineLeiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal J H Kusters
- Department of Medical BiochemistryExperimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Beckers
- Department of Medical BiochemistryExperimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Myrthe den Toom
- Department of Medical BiochemistryExperimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia van der Velden
- Department of Medical BiochemistryExperimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Van den Bossche
- Department of Medical BiochemistryExperimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irma van Die
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and ImmunologyVU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariëtte R Boon
- Department of MedicineDivision Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular MedicineLeiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick C N Rensen
- Department of MedicineDivision Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular MedicineLeiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical BiochemistryExperimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK)Ludwig Maximilian's University, Munich, Germany
| | - Menno P J de Winther
- Department of Medical BiochemistryExperimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK)Ludwig Maximilian's University, Munich, Germany
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9
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Aarts SABM, Seijkens TTP, Kusters PJH, van der Pol SMA, Zarzycka B, Heijnen PDAM, Beckers L, den Toom M, Gijbels MJJ, Boon L, Weber C, de Vries HE, Nicolaes GAF, Dijkstra CD, Kooij G, Lutgens E. Inhibition of CD40-TRAF6 interactions by the small molecule inhibitor 6877002 reduces neuroinflammation. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:105. [PMID: 28494768 PMCID: PMC5427621 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0875-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The influx of leukocytes into the central nervous system (CNS) is a key hallmark of the chronic neuro-inflammatory disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Strategies that aim to inhibit leukocyte migration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are therefore regarded as promising therapeutic approaches to combat MS. As the CD40L-CD40 dyad signals via TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in myeloid cells to induce inflammation and leukocyte trafficking, we explored the hypothesis that specific inhibition of CD40-TRAF6 interactions can ameliorate neuro-inflammation. Methods Human monocytes were treated with a small molecule inhibitor (SMI) of CD40-TRAF6 interactions (6877002), and migration capacity across human brain endothelial cells was measured. To test the therapeutic potential of the CD40-TRAF6-blocking SMI under neuro-inflammatory conditions in vivo, Lewis rats and C57BL/6J mice were subjected to acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and treated with SMI 6877002 for 6 days (rats) or 3 weeks (mice). Results We here show that a SMI of CD40-TRAF6 interactions (6877002) strongly and dose-dependently reduces trans-endothelial migration of human monocytes. Moreover, upon SMI treatment, monocytes displayed a decreased production of ROS, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin (IL)-6, whereas the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased. Disease severity of EAE was reduced upon SMI treatment in rats, but not in mice. However, a significant reduction in monocyte-derived macrophages, but not in T cells, that had infiltrated the CNS was eminent in both models. Conclusions Together, our results indicate that SMI-mediated inhibition of the CD40-TRAF6 pathway skews human monocytes towards anti-inflammatory cells with reduced trans-endothelial migration capacity, and is able to reduce CNS-infiltrated monocyte-derived macrophages during neuro-inflammation, but minimally ameliorates EAE disease severity. We therefore conclude that SMI-mediated inhibition of the CD40-TRAF6 pathway may represent a beneficial treatment strategy to reduce monocyte recruitment and macrophage activation in the CNS and has the potential to be used as a co-treatment to combat MS. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-017-0875-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne A B M Aarts
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom T P Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal J H Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne M A van der Pol
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Zarzycka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Maastricht, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Priscilla D A M Heijnen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Beckers
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Myrthe den Toom
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marion J J Gijbels
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology and Department of Molecular Genetics, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Louis Boon
- Bioceros, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Pettenkoferstraße 9, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Helga E de Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerry A F Nicolaes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Maastricht, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christine D Dijkstra
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs Kooij
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Pettenkoferstraße 9, 80336, Munich, Germany.
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10
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Döring Y, Noels H, van der Vorst EPC, Neideck C, Egea V, Drechsler M, Mandl M, Pawig L, Jansen Y, Schröder K, Bidzhekov K, Megens RTA, Theelen W, Klinkhammer BM, Boor P, Schurgers L, van Gorp R, Ries C, Kusters PJH, van der Wal A, Hackeng TM, Gäbel G, Brandes RP, Soehnlein O, Lutgens E, Vestweber D, Teupser D, Holdt LM, Rader DJ, Saleheen D, Weber C. Vascular CXCR4 Limits Atherosclerosis by Maintaining Arterial Integrity: Evidence From Mouse and Human Studies. Circulation 2017; 136:388-403. [PMID: 28450349 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.117.027646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [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: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CXCL12/CXCR4 chemokine ligand/receptor axis controls (progenitor) cell homeostasis and trafficking. So far, an atheroprotective role of CXCL12/CXCR4 has only been implied through pharmacological intervention, in particular, because the somatic deletion of the CXCR4 gene in mice is embryonically lethal. Moreover, cell-specific effects of CXCR4 in the arterial wall and underlying mechanisms remain elusive, prompting us to investigate the relevance of CXCR4 in vascular cell types for atheroprotection. METHODS We examined the role of vascular CXCR4 in atherosclerosis and plaque composition by inducing an endothelial cell (BmxCreERT2-driven)-specific or smooth muscle cell (SMC, SmmhcCreERT2- or TaglnCre-driven)-specific deficiency of CXCR4 in an apolipoprotein E-deficient mouse model. To identify underlying mechanisms for effects of CXCR4, we studied endothelial permeability, intravital leukocyte adhesion, involvement of the Akt/WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and relevant phosphatases in VE-cadherin expression and function, vascular tone in aortic rings, cholesterol efflux from macrophages, and expression of SMC phenotypic markers. Finally, we analyzed associations of common genetic variants at the CXCR4 locus with the risk for coronary heart disease, along with CXCR4 transcript expression in human atherosclerotic plaques. RESULTS The cell-specific deletion of CXCR4 in arterial endothelial cells (n=12-15) or SMCs (n=13-24) markedly increased atherosclerotic lesion formation in hyperlipidemic mice. Endothelial barrier function was promoted by CXCL12/CXCR4, which triggered Akt/WNT/β-catenin signaling to drive VE-cadherin expression and stabilized junctional VE-cadherin complexes through associated phosphatases. Conversely, endothelial CXCR4 deficiency caused arterial leakage and inflammatory leukocyte recruitment during atherogenesis. In arterial SMCs, CXCR4 sustained normal vascular reactivity and contractile responses, whereas CXCR4 deficiency favored a synthetic phenotype, the occurrence of macrophage-like SMCs in the lesions, and impaired cholesterol efflux. Regression analyses in humans (n=259 796) identified the C-allele at rs2322864 within the CXCR4 locus to be associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease. In line, C/C risk genotype carriers showed reduced CXCR4 expression in carotid artery plaques (n=188), which was furthermore associated with symptomatic disease. CONCLUSIONS Our data clearly establish that vascular CXCR4 limits atherosclerosis by maintaining arterial integrity, preserving endothelial barrier function, and a normal contractile SMC phenotype. Enhancing these beneficial functions of arterial CXCR4 by selective modulators might open novel therapeutic options in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Noels
- From Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), LMU Munich, Germany (Y.D., E.P.C.v.d.V., C.N., V.E., M.D., M.M., Y.J., K.B., R.T.A.M., C.R., O.S., E.T., C.W.); Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), RWTH Aachen University, Germany (H.N., L.P., W.T.); Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Vascular Research Centre, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (K.S., R.P.B.); Division of Nephrology and Immunology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Germany (B.M.K., P.B.); Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Biochemistry, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (R.T.A.M., R.v.G., T.M.H., C.W.); Academic Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University, the Netherlands (P.J.H.K., A.v.D.W., E.T.); Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, LMU Munich, Germany (G.G.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Frankfurt am Main, Germany (R.P.B.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (O.S., C.W.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinksa Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (O.S.); Max-Plank-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany (D.V.); Institute for Laboratory Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany (D.T., L.M.H.); and Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (D.J.R., D.S.)
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van den Berg SM, Seijkens TTP, Kusters PJH, Beckers L, den Toom M, Smeets E, Levels J, de Winther MPJ, Lutgens E. Diet-induced obesity in mice diminishes hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in the bone marrow. FASEB J 2016; 30:1779-88. [PMID: 26813974 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201500175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, characterized by leukocytosis and inflammation in the adipose tissue. Continuous activation of the immune system is a stressor for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow (BM). Here we studied how diet-induced obesity (DIO) affects HSPC population dynamics in the BM. Eight groups of age-matched C57Bl/6 mice received a high-fat diet (45% kilocalories from fat) ranging from 1 d up to 18 wk. The obesogenic diet caused decreased proliferation of lineage(-)Sca-1(+)c-Kit(+) (LSK) cells in the BM and a general suppression of progenitor cell populations including common lymphoid progenitors and common myeloid progenitors. Within the LSK population, DIO induced a shift in stem cells that are capable of self-renewal toward maturing multipotent progenitor cells. The higher differentiation potential resulted in increased lymphoid and myeloid ex vivo colony-forming capacity. In a competitive BM transplantation, BM from obese animals showed impaired multilineage reconstitution when transplanted into chow-fed mice. Our data demonstrate that obesity stimulates the differentiation and reduces proliferation of HSPCs in the BM, leading to a decreased HSPC population. This implies that the effects of obesity on HSPCs hampers proper functioning of the immune system.-Van den Berg, S. M., Seijkens, T. T. P., Kusters, P. J. H., Beckers, L., den Toom, M., Smeets, E., Levels, J., de Winther, M. P. J., Lutgens, E. Diet-induced obesity in mice diminishes hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in the bone marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M van den Berg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom T P Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal J H Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Beckers
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Myrthe den Toom
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Smeets
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Levels
- Department of Experimental Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and
| | - Menno P J de Winther
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig Maximillians University, Munich, Germany
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13
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Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the vessel wall characterized by activation of the innate immune system, with macrophages as the main players, as well as the adaptive immune system, characterized by a Th1-dominant immune response. Cytokines play a major role in the initiation and regulation of inflammation. In recent years, many studies have investigated the role of these molecules in experimental models of atherosclerosis. While some cytokines such as TNF or IFNγ clearly had atherogenic effects, others such as IL-10 were found to be atheroprotective. However, studies investigating the different cytokines in experimental atherosclerosis revealed that the cytokine system is complex with both disease stage-dependent and site-specific effects. In this review, we strive to provide an overview of the main cytokines involved in atherosclerosis and to shed light on their individual role during atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal J H Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, L01-146.1, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Munich, Germany.
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van den Berg SM, Seijkens TTP, Kusters PJH, Zarzycka B, Beckers L, den Toom M, Gijbels MJJ, Chatzigeorgiou A, Weber C, de Winther MPJ, Chavakis T, Nicolaes GAF, Lutgens E. Blocking CD40-TRAF6 interactions by small-molecule inhibitor 6860766 ameliorates the complications of diet-induced obesity in mice. Int J Obes (Lond) 2014; 39:782-90. [PMID: 25394307 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2014.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune processes contribute to the development of obesity and its complications, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Approaches that target the inflammatory response are promising therapeutic strategies for obesity. In this context, we recently demonstrated that the interaction between the costimulatory protein CD40 and its downstream adaptor protein tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) promotes adipose tissue inflammation, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in mice in the course of diet-induced obesity (DIO). METHODS Here we evaluated the effects of a small-molecule inhibitor (SMI) of the CD40-TRAF6 interaction, SMI 6860766, on the development of obesity and its complications in mice that were subjected to DIO. RESULTS Treatment with SMI 6860766 did not result in differences in weight gain, but improved glucose tolerance. Moreover, SMI 6860766 treatment reduced the amount of CD45(+) leucocytes in the epididymal adipose tissue by 69%. Especially, the number of adipose tissue CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, as well as macrophages, was significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that small-molecule-mediated inhibition of the CD40-TRAF6 interaction is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of metabolic complications of obesity by improving glucose tolerance, by reducing the accumulation of immune cells to the adipose tissue and by skewing of the immune response towards a more anti-inflammatory profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M van den Berg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T T P Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P J H Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B Zarzycka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - L Beckers
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M den Toom
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M J J Gijbels
- 1] Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands [2] Department of Pathology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands [3] Department of Molecular Genetics, Maastricht University, Maastricht,The Netherlands
| | - A Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Clinical Pathobiochemistry and Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - C Weber
- 1] Department of Biochemistry, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands [2] Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilian's University, Munich, Germany
| | - M P J de Winther
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T Chavakis
- Department of Clinical Pathobiochemistry and Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - G A F Nicolaes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - E Lutgens
- 1] Department of Medical Biochemistry, Subdivision of Experimental Vascular Biology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands [2] Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilian's University, Munich, Germany
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