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Xie J, Wang J, Cui X. Research progress on estrogen and estrogen receptors in the occurrence and progression of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2025; 24:103803. [PMID: 40089093 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2025.103803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2025] [Revised: 03/11/2025] [Accepted: 03/11/2025] [Indexed: 03/17/2025]
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is a category of disease related to sex differences, with a significantly higher incidence in women than in men. In addition to X chromosome inactivation abnormalities, Estrogen and estrogen receptors may lead to the sex differences in AITD. Estrogen, estrogen receptors and estrogen receptor-mediated signaling pathways can affect the number and function of immune cells and the function of the thyroid to promote the development of AITD. This article describes the role of estrogen in regulating the composition ratio and the function of immune cells and the role of estrogen in promoting thyroid cell proliferation and thyroxine-binding protein and thyroid antibody production; the role of estrogen in stimulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid gland axis; and the role of estrogen and the estrogen receptor in the progression of AITD. These roles offer a new perspective for understanding the pathological mechanism of AITD and provide new targets for future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewen Xie
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Xuejiao Cui
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.
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2
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Dong Z, Wang R, Yi J, Wei W, Wang M, Wei X, Shen Y, Wang Z, Jin S, Liu Z. A novel role for the regulatory NRP1 in immune and inflammatory reactions during radiation-induced lung injury. Int J Biol Macromol 2025; 308:142307. [PMID: 40118426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.142307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2025] [Accepted: 03/18/2025] [Indexed: 03/23/2025]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane protein with diverse functions in tumor biology and immune system regulation. Despite extensive research, its specific function in radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the influence of NRP1 on immune and inflammatory responses mediated by regulatory T cells (Tregs) in RILI. Initial findings revealed that radiation increases the number of NRP1-expressing Tregs, which correlated with RILI severity. Inhibiting Tregs in mice effectively suppressed radiation-induced Treg differentiation and promoted helper T cell 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokine expression, thereby shifting T cell polarization toward a Th1 phenotype and slowing RILI progression. However, Treg inhibition alone did not entirely prevent RILI, as skin damage and inflammatory factor expression persisted. Subsequent specific NRP1 knockdown in alveolar epithelial cell-II altered the inflammatory gene network, suppressed TGF-β signaling, reduced Treg levels, decreased IL-17 A and INF-γ expression, and shifted Th cell polarization toward Th2, alleviating RILI. In conclusion, this study reveals a novel mechanism by which NRP1 regulates immune and inflammatory responses in RILI, offering a promising avenue for developing innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Dong
- Cancer Center, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Guangzhou 510280, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Tumors, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Rui Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Junxuan Yi
- Cancer Center, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Guangzhou 510280, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Tumors, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Radiotherapy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Xinfeng Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Yannan Shen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Shunzi Jin
- Cancer Center, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Guangzhou 510280, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China.
| | - Zhigang Liu
- Cancer Center, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Guangzhou 510280, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Tumors, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China.
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3
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Yong C, Liang Y, Wang M, Jin W, Fan X, Wang Z, Cao K, Wu T, Li Q, Chang C. Alternative splicing: A key regulator in T cell response and cancer immunotherapy. Pharmacol Res 2025; 215:107713. [PMID: 40147681 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2025] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS), a key post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism, is frequently dysregulated in cancer, driving both tumor progression and immune modulation. Aberrant AS influences antigen presentation, T cell activation, immune checkpoint regulation, and cytokine signaling, contributing to immune evasion but also presenting unique therapeutic vulnerabilities. Targeting AS has emerged as a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy. Splicing-derived neoantigens have been identified as potent inducers of CD8⁺ T cell responses, offering potential for personalized treatment. AS modulators such as PRMT5 inhibitor GSK3326595 enhance immunotherapy efficacy by upregulating MHC class II expression and promoting T cell infiltration, while RBM39 inhibitor indisulam induces tumor-specific neoantigens. Furthermore, combining AS-targeting drugs with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has demonstrated synergistic effects, improved response rates and overcoming resistance in preclinical models. Despite these advances, challenges remain in optimizing drug specificity and minimizing toxicity. Future efforts should focus on refining AS-targeting therapies, identifying predictive biomarkers, and integrating these approaches into clinical applications. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of AS modulation in cancer immunotherapy and its implications for advancing precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyu Yong
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China
| | - Yexin Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China
| | - Minmin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China
| | - Weiwei Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China
| | - Xuefei Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China
| | - Zhengwen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China
| | - Kui Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China
| | - Tong Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China
| | - Cunjie Chang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, PR China.
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4
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Kashkoulinejad Kouhi T. Exosome-mediated communication between T cells and dendritic cells: Implications for therapeutic strategies. Cytokine 2025; 189:156914. [PMID: 40073808 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2025.156914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2025] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025]
Abstract
Cell communication is crucial for coordinating physiological functions in multicellular organisms, with exosomes playing a significant role. Exosomes mediate intercellular communication by transporting proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells. These small, membrane-bound vesicles, derived from the endosomal pathway, are integral to various biological processes, including signal transmission and cellular behavior modulation. Recent advances highlight the potential of exosomes, especially dendritic cell-derived exosomes (DEXs), for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer immunotherapy. DEXs are distinguished by their ability to present antigens and stimulate immune responses more effectively than exosomes from other cell types. They carry a cargo rich in immunostimulatory molecules and MHC-peptide complexes, which facilitate robust T-cell activation and enhance tumor-specific immune responses. The unique properties of DEXs, such as their ability to cross biological barriers and resist tumor-induced immunosuppression, position them as promising candidates for therapeutic applications. Here, I review the reports on the bidirectional interaction between dendritic cells and T cells through exosomes and their role in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Kashkoulinejad Kouhi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; CTOAM | Cancer Treatment Options & Management, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Miller S, Eizenberg-Magar I, Reich-Zeliger S, Rimer J, Zaretsky I, Reshef D, Kopitman E, Friedman N, Antebi YE. Independent and temporally separated dynamics for RORγt and Foxp3 during Th17 differentiation. Front Immunol 2025; 16:1462045. [PMID: 40356912 PMCID: PMC12066577 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1462045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025] Open
Abstract
T helper 17 and Regulatory T cells (Th17 and Treg, respectively) are two well-described lymphocyte subsets with opposing actions. The divergent fates of Th17 and Treg cells are accounted for, at least in part, by molecular antagonism that occurs between their respective specific transcription factors, RORγt and Foxp3. An imbalance between Th17 and Treg cells may lead to tissue inflammation and is associated with certain types of autoimmunity. In order to understand the heterogeneity and dynamics of the differentiation process, we studied Th17/Treg cell differentiation of naïve cells in vitro, using RORγtGFPFoxp3RFP dual-reporter mouse. Flow cytometry revealed the consistent emergence of a population of double positive RORγt+Foxp3+ (DP) cells during the early stages of Th17 cell differentiation. These DP cells are closely related to RORγt+ single positive (SPR) cells in terms of global gene expression. Nevertheless, for some genes, DP cells share an expression pattern with Foxp3+ single positive (SPF) Treg cells, most importantly by reducing IL17 levels. Using time-lapse microscopy, we could delineate the expression dynamics of RORγt and Foxp3 at a clonal level. While the RORγt expression level elevates early during differentiation, Foxp3 rises later and is more stable upon environmental changes. These distinct expression profiles are independent of each other. During differentiation and proliferation, individual cells transit between SPR, DP, and SPF states. Nevertheless, the differentiation of sister cells within a clone progeny was highly correlated. We further demonstrated that sorted SPR and DP populations were not significantly affected by changes in their environment, suggesting that the correlated fate decision emerged at early time points before the first division. Overall, this study provides the first quantitative analysis of differentiation dynamics during the generation of DP RORγt+Foxp3+ cells. Characterizing these dynamics and the differentiation trajectory could provide a profound understanding and be used to better define the distinct fates of T cells, critical mediators of the immune response.
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MESH Headings
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/immunology
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation/immunology
- Th17 Cells/immunology
- Th17 Cells/cytology
- Th17 Cells/metabolism
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/immunology
- Mice
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/cytology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
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Affiliation(s)
- Stav Miller
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | - Jacob Rimer
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Irina Zaretsky
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dan Reshef
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ekaterina Kopitman
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nir Friedman
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yaron E Antebi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Stüve P, Godoy GJ, Ferreyra FN, Hellriegel F, Boukhallouk F, Kao YS, More TH, Matthies AM, Akimova T, Abraham WR, Kaever V, Schmitz I, Hiller K, Lochner M, Salomon BL, Beier UH, Rehli M, Sparwasser T, Berod L. ACC1 is a dual metabolic-epigenetic regulator of Treg stability and immune tolerance. Mol Metab 2025; 94:102111. [PMID: 39929287 PMCID: PMC11893314 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2025.102111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2025] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 02/17/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential in maintaining immune tolerance and controlling inflammation. Treg stability relies on transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms, including histone acetylation at the Foxp3 locus and FoxP3 protein acetylation. Additionally, Tregs depend on specific metabolic programs for differentiation, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We aimed to investigate the role of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) in the differentiation, stability, and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). METHODS We used either T cell-specific ACC1 knockout mice or ACC1 inhibition via a pharmacological agent to examine the effects on Treg differentiation and stability. The impact of ACC1 inhibition on Treg function was assessed in vivo through adoptive transfer models of Th1/Th17-driven inflammatory diseases. RESULTS Inhibition or genetic deletion of ACC1 led to an increase in acetyl-CoA availability, promoting enhanced histone and protein acetylation, and sustained FoxP3 transcription even under inflammatory conditions. Mice with T cell-specific ACC1 deletion exhibited an enrichment of double positive RORγt+FoxP3+ cells. Moreover, Tregs treated with an ACC1 inhibitor demonstrated superior long-term stability and an enhanced capacity to suppress Th1/Th17-driven inflammatory diseases in adoptive transfer models. CONCLUSIONS We identified ACC1 as a metabolic checkpoint in Treg biology. Our data demonstrate that ACC1 inhibition promotes Treg differentiation and long-term stability in vitro and in vivo. Thus, ACC1 serves as a dual metabolic and epigenetic hub, regulating immune tolerance and inflammation by balancing de novo lipid synthesis and protein acetylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Stüve
- Institute of Infection Immunology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Germany; A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover 30625, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany; Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz 55122, Germany
| | - Gloria J Godoy
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz 55131, Germany
| | - Fernando N Ferreyra
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz 55131, Germany; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Florencia Hellriegel
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz 55131, Germany; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fatima Boukhallouk
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz 55122, Germany
| | - Yu-San Kao
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz 55122, Germany
| | - Tushar H More
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, BRICS, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Matthies
- Systems-Oriented Immunology and Inflammation Research Group, Department of Experimental Immunology, HZI, Braunschweig 38124, Germany; Institute for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg 39106, Germany; Institute for Molecular Immunology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum 44801, Germany
| | - Tatiana Akimova
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wolf-Rainer Abraham
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, BRICS, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Chemical Microbiology, HZI, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Volkhard Kaever
- Research Core Unit Metabolomics, MHH, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Ingo Schmitz
- Systems-Oriented Immunology and Inflammation Research Group, Department of Experimental Immunology, HZI, Braunschweig 38124, Germany; Institute for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg 39106, Germany; Institute for Molecular Immunology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum 44801, Germany
| | - Karsten Hiller
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, BRICS, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Matthias Lochner
- Institute of Infection Immunology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Germany; A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover 30625, Germany; Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, MHH, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Benoît L Salomon
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Paris 75013, France
| | - Ulf H Beier
- Division of Nephrology and Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Rehli
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tim Sparwasser
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz 55122, Germany; Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Luciana Berod
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz 55131, Germany; Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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7
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Tang CT, Wu Y, Tao Q, Zeng CY, Chen YX. Thalidomide mitigates Crohn's disease colitis by modulating gut microbiota, metabolites, and regulatory T cell immunity. J Pharm Anal 2025; 15:101121. [PMID: 40309194 PMCID: PMC12041782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.101121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide (THA) is renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to elucidate its underlying mechanisms in the context of Crohn's disease (CD) development. Mouse colitis models were established by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment. Fecal microbiota and metabolites were analyzed by metagenomic sequencing and mass spectrometry, respectively. Antibiotic-treated mice served as models for microbiota depletion and transplantation. The expression of forkhead box P3+ (FOXP3+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) was measured by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical assay in colitis model and patient cohort. THA inhibited colitis in DSS-treated mice by altering the gut microbiota profile, with an increased abundance of probiotics Bacteroides fragilis, while pathogenic bacteria were depleted. In addition, THA increased beneficial metabolites bile acids and significantly restored gut barrier function. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that THA inhibited interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-1β and cell cycle signaling. Fecal microbiota transplantation from THA-treated mice to microbiota-depleted mice partly recapitulated the effects of THA. Specifically, increased level of gut commensal B. fragilis was observed, correlated with elevated levels of the microbial metabolite 3alpha-hydroxy-7-oxo-5beta-cholanic acid (7-ketolithocholic acid, 7-KA) following THA treatment. This microbial metabolite may stable FOXP3 expression by targeting the receptor FMR1 autosomal homolog 1 (FXR1) to inhibit autophagy. An interaction between FOXP3 and FXR1 was identified, with binding regions localized to the FOXP3 domain (aa238-335) and the FXR1 domain (aa82-222), respectively. Conclusively, THA modulates the gut microbiota and metabolite profiles towards a more beneficial composition, enhances gut barrier function, promotes the differentiation of FOXP3+ Tregs and curbs pro-inflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Tao Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yonghui Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Qing Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Chun-Yan Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Province Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanchang, 330003, China
| | - You-Xiang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
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8
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Chauhan G, Rieder F. The Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Surg Clin North Am 2025; 105:201-215. [PMID: 40015812 PMCID: PMC11868724 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2024.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2025]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are relapsing, remitting inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract. Familial aggregation and genome-wide association studies revealed susceptibility variants that point toward a combination of innate immune and adaptive immune dysregulation that in concert with environmental factors, such as our microbiome, can initiate and perpetuate inflammation. Innate immune perturbations include functional abnormalities in the intestinal barrier, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and abnormal recognition of microbes. Adaptive immune changes include dysregulation of cytokines, regulatory T cells, and leukocyte migration. IBD is linked with an abnormal wound-healing response leading to fibrosis. This article summarizes key pathogenic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of IBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Chauhan
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases Institute; Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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9
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Hong Y, Cui J, Xu G, Li N, Peng G. Intestinal IL-17 family orchestrates microbiota-driven histone deacetylation and promotes Treg differentiation to mediate the alleviation of asthma by Ma-Xing-Shi-Gan decoction. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 142:156656. [PMID: 40311598 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2025.156656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2025] [Accepted: 03/15/2025] [Indexed: 05/03/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut microbiota imbalance is well-known as one important trigger of allergic asthma. Ma-Xing-Shi-Gan decoction (MXSG) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription with ideal clinical efficacy on asthma. However, whether and how MXSG exerts its efficacy on asthma through gut microbiota remains unclear. PURPOSE To investigate the underlying mechanism of MXSG against asthma using multi-omics technologies. METHODS An asthma model was established using 8-week-old C57BL/6 J mice, after which they were daily administrated with high-, medium- and low-dose MXSG for 7 days. Histopathological examinations and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the effects of MXSG on lung immune injury. Key regulatory pathways were predicted via network pharmacology and verified using 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, metabolomics, and in vivo experiments including the knockout of the targeting gene. RESULTS MXSG alleviated asthma symptoms, elevated intestinal microbial diversities, and enriched potential beneficial microbes such as Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus. Network pharmacology and experimental validation highlighted the IL-17/Treg signaling as crucial for asthma treatment. IL-17 knockout experiments revealed its necessity for Treg differentiation during asthma. Moreover, IL-17-deficient asthmatic mice exhibited lower levels of Lactobacillus and significant changes in microbial genes involving histone deacetylases (HDAC) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Finally, MXSG significantly boosted SCFA production and reduced HDAC9 expression, which were correlated with Treg cell ratios. CONCLUSION Our study delineates a novel mechanism where MXSG synergizes with the IL-17 family to enrich intestinal beneficial microbes (e.g. Lactobacillus) and SCFAs. This inhibits the expression of SCFA-downstream HDAC9 to promote Treg differentiation, and thus potentially alleviates asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Hong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, PR China
| | - Jiaqi Cui
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, PR China
| | - Guichuan Xu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, PR China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, PR China.
| | - Guiying Peng
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, PR China.
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10
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Yang Q, Kang Y, Tang W, Li M, Zhao C. Interplay of gut microbiota in Kawasaki disease: role of gut microbiota and potential treatment strategies. Future Microbiol 2025; 20:357-369. [PMID: 40013895 PMCID: PMC11938985 DOI: 10.1080/17460913.2025.2469432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2025] [Indexed: 02/28/2025] Open
Abstract
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic immune vasculitis with predominant involvement of the medium and small arteries. It mostly affects pediatric patients, representing the most common form of pediatric vasculitis in children less than 5 years old. Numerous diseases, especially those related to the immune system, have established links with the intestinal flora. Recent studies have investigated the intestinal flora changes throughout the management of KD. There was gut microbiota dysbiosis in pediatric KD at the acute phase, particularly the downregulation of short-chain fat acids-producing microbiota and the over-proliferation of opportunistic pathogens. The relationship between the response to therapies in individuals with KD and specific microbiota remains uncertain. Targeted microbial supplements and dietary regulation may serve as potential measures to alleviate KD complications and thus improve prognosis. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the interplay of the gut microbiota and KD. Furthermore, it discusses the possibility of altering the gut microbiota to reinstate a healthy condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yaqing Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cuifen Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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11
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Ramón-Vázquez A, Flood P, Cashman TL, Patil P, Ghosh S. T lymphocyte plasticity in chronic inflammatory diseases: The emerging role of the Ikaros family as a key Th17-Treg switch. Autoimmun Rev 2025; 24:103735. [PMID: 39719186 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2024] [Revised: 12/14/2024] [Accepted: 12/20/2024] [Indexed: 12/26/2024]
Abstract
T helper (Th) 17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells are highly plastic CD4+ Th cell subsets, being able not only to actively adapt to their microenvironment, but also to interconvert, acquiring mixed identity markers. These phenotypic changes are underpinned by transcriptional control mechanisms, chromatin reorganization events and epigenetic modifications, that can be hereditable and stable over time. The Ikaros family of transcription factors have a predominant role in T cell subset specification through mechanisms of transcriptional program regulation that enable phenotypical diversification. They are crucial factors in maintaining Th17/Treg balance and therefore, homeostatic conditions in the tissues. However, they are also implicated in pathogenic processes, where their transcriptional repression contributes to the control of autoimmune processes. In this review, we discuss how T cell fate, specifically in humans, is regulated by the Ikaros family and its interplay with additional factors like the Notch signaling pathway, gut microbiota and myeloid-T cell interactions. Further, we highlight how the transcriptional activity of the Ikaros family impacts the course of T cell mediated chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis. We conclude by discussing recently developed therapeutics designed to target Ikaros family members.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P Flood
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - T L Cashman
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - P Patil
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - S Ghosh
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland; College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland
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12
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Tan Z, Qin G, Jia J, Mao Z, Du L, Song R, Xue H, Jia Z. Exploring Si-Ni-San's therapeutic mechanism in autoimmune thyroid diseases: A network pharmacology approach and experimental evidence. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 338:119004. [PMID: 39490709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.119004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 10/20/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), a group of prevalent and persistent immune-mediated disorders affecting the endocrine system, can progressively result in total thyroid failure, thereby drastically impacting metabolic processes. Given the inadequacies of current clinical approaches to managing AITD, The exigency to investigate novel therapeutic strategies demands immediate attention, given the limitations and potential resistances associated with conventional approaches. Si-Ni-San (SNS), first chronicled in the esteemed Eastern Han Dynasty medical text " Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases" circa 200-210 AD, is a time-honored remedy known for its harmonizing effects on the liver and invigorating properties for the spleen. Research indicates that saikosaponins and peony glycosides, two primary constituents of SNS, possess anti-inflammatory properties and can ameliorate immune dysfunction in the treatment of AITD. Despite initial insights, a comprehensive exploration of the underlying mechanisms by which SNS alleviates AITD symptoms requires further in-depth investigation to decipher their intricate interplay. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to identify the key therapeutic components of SNS for the treatment of AITD and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, revealing potential targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS We initially screened prospective components of SNS for AITD therapy through comprehensive database exploration, followed by an evaluation of the results via PPI networks. To illuminate the therapeutic mechanisms of SNS in AITD, we employed GO enrichment analysis and surveyed the KEGG pathways. Employing UHPLC-QE-MS, we conducted an in-depth analysis of SNS's principal elements, complemented by molecular docking studies to unravel their interaction dynamics. Finally, we substantiated the central therapeutic pathway of SNS in the treatment of AITD using an experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) mouse model, validated meticulously through in vivo experimentation. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed 32 common targets from the overlap between SNS and AITD-related targets. Based on subsequent PPI network and KEGG analysis, we focused on the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/IL-17 pathway, which drives the differentiation of Th17 cells, as a central therapeutic target of SNS in AITD. Crucially, our in vivo findings, substantiated through immunohistochemical, Western blot, RT-qPCR analyses and Flow cytometry analysis, reveal SNS's therapeutic potential in AITD. It effectively dampens IL-6 production, inhibits IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/IL-17 pathway activation, and rebalances the Th17/Treg cell ratio, thus elucidating its anti-inflammatory mechanism. CONCLUSIONS The protective effect of SNS against AITD is likely mediated through the modulation of the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/IL-17 pathway and the restoration of balance within the Th17/Treg ratio. This suggests that SNS may exert its therapeutic effects on AITD by targeting these key molecular mechanisms, thereby providing a novel perspective for the treatment of AITD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Tan
- Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China; Binzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Gaofeng Qin
- Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Jianying Jia
- Binzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenzhen Mao
- Binzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Lijuan Du
- Binzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Rongqiang Song
- Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
| | - Haibo Xue
- Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
| | - Zaijin Jia
- Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China; Binzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
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13
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He M, Feng Y. Elusive modes of Foxp3 activity in versatile regulatory T cells. Front Immunol 2025; 15:1533823. [PMID: 39882241 PMCID: PMC11774722 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1533823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2025] Open
Abstract
Foxp3-expressing CD4 regulatory T (Treg) cells play a crucial role in suppressing autoimmunity, tolerating food antigens and commensal microbiota, and maintaining tissue integrity. These multifaceted functions are guided by environmental cues through interconnected signaling pathways. Traditionally, Treg fate and function were believed to be statically determined by the forkhead box protein Foxp3 that directly binds to DNA. However, this model has not been rigorously tested in physiological and pathological conditions where Treg cells adapt their function in response to environmental cues, raising questions about the contribution of Foxp3-dependent gene regulation to their versatility. Recent research indicates that Foxp3 primarily functions as a transcriptional cofactor, whose chromatin interaction is influenced by other DNA-binding proteins that respond to cell activation, stimulation, or differentiation. This new perspective offers an opportunity to reevaluate Foxp3's activity modes in diverse biological contexts. By exploring this paradigm, we aim to unravel the fundamental principles of Treg cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yongqiang Feng
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
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14
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Sekiguchi A, Shimokawa C, Kato T, Uchiyama A, Yokoyama Y, Ogino S, Torii R, Hisaeda H, Ohno H, Motegi SI. Inhibition of skin fibrosis via regulation of Th17/Treg imbalance in systemic sclerosis. Sci Rep 2025; 15:1423. [PMID: 39789188 PMCID: PMC11717915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-85895-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2025] [Indexed: 01/12/2025] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an idiopathic systemic connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, with growing interest in the imbalance between Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the disease's pathogenesis. Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Hp), a natural intestinal parasite of mice, is known to induce Tregs in the host. We aimed to investigate the effects of Hp-induced Tregs on bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis and clarify the role of the Th17/Treg balance in SSc fibrosis. Infection with Hp suppressed the development of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis and the infiltration of CD3+ T cells and CD68+ macrophages. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that Hp infection increased Tregs and inhibited the induction of bleomycin-induced Th17 cells. Treg depletion nullified these effects, suggesting that Hp-induced Tregs may prevent bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis and inflammation. Analysis of the intestinal microbiota showed that bacteria positively correlated with Tregs exhibited a negative correlation with Th17 cells and dermal fibrosis in mice. SSc patients with severe fibrosis displayed a distinct microbiota profile. These results suggest that alterations in the intestinal microbiota may contribute to the Th17/Treg imbalance in SSc and its progression. Enhancing Tregs to regulate the Th17/Treg imbalance may present a promising strategy for suppressing fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Sekiguchi
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Chikako Shimokawa
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kato
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Akihiko Uchiyama
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Yoko Yokoyama
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Sachiko Ogino
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Ryoko Torii
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hajime Hisaeda
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohno
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Sei-Ichiro Motegi
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.
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15
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Dabas S, Khurana A, Singh I, Pathak VK, Goyal P, Sardana K, Panesar S, Sharath S. Th17 and T Regulatory Cytokines in Serum, Lesional Skin, and Stimulated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Culture Supernatants from Type 1 Leprosy Reaction Patients. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2025; 112:128-134. [PMID: 39471504 PMCID: PMC11720801 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.24-0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 11/01/2024] Open
Abstract
There are conflicting reports regarding the roles of T helper-17 (Th17) and T regulatory (Treg) cells in type 1 leprosy reactions (T1Rs). Also, literature on the correlation of immunological parameters with a validated scoring system and the effect of treatment on cytokines is lacking. Adult patients with untreated T1R and nonreactional spectrum-matched controls were included in the study for comparison of levels of Th17 and Treg pathway cytokines in serum, skin lesions (reactional), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) culture supernatants. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and after resolution of reaction (post treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] or steroids) for serum cytokine estimation and PBMC stimulation assays, and lesional (reactional) skin biopsy for cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) estimation. Thirty-two cases of T1R were recruited (23 patients completed follow-up). Serum levels of cytokines were not significantly different between cases and controls or between pre- and post-treatment samples. Tissue mRNA and Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) antigen-stimulated PBMC culture supernatant levels of Interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F, IL-6, and IL-23 were significantly higher in T1R than in controls. Levels of IL-10 and Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) were comparable among the two groups. The levels of all cytokines were significantly reduced after treatment. There was no significant difference in magnitude of the fall between those treated with steroids versus NSAIDs. This study suggests heightened Th17 response in T1R, with a prominent inability of the regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β to control the associated inflammation. The dynamics of change after resolution of T1R were comparable between NSAID and oral steroid treatment groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srishti Dabas
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ananta Khurana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Itu Singh
- Stanley Browne Laboratory, The Leprosy Mission Community Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Vinay Kumar Pathak
- Stanley Browne Laboratory, The Leprosy Mission Community Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Parul Goyal
- Department of Biochemistry, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Kabir Sardana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjeet Panesar
- Department of Community Medicine, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Savitha Sharath
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
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16
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Merzbach S, Schumacher-Klinger A, Klazas M, Hoffman A, Lazarovici P, Gilon C, Nussbaum G, Amer R. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Clarstatin, a Shared-Epitope-Antagonistic Cyclic Peptide, on Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis in Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2025; 66:13. [PMID: 39775697 PMCID: PMC11724373 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.66.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 11/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2025] Open
Abstract
Purpose Polymorphism and mutations of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) and calreticulin are risk factors for uveitis. Here, we sought to determine the therapeutic effects of Clarstatin, a cyclic peptide antagonist of the HLA shared-epitope-calreticulin interaction, in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) models. Methods Mice were injected with Clarstatin intraperitoneally and its effect was compared to that of corticosteroid. EAU was evaluated clinically and histologically. Ocular infiltration of CD45+ hematopoietic cells and splenocyte CD4+ expression were determined using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry (fluorescence-activated cell sorting [FACS]). ELISA was used to measure the ocular level of the proinflammatory cytokines. Results Clarstatin significantly ameliorated the severity of EAU in the C57BL/6J mild and the B10.RIII severe mice models. There was a significant dose and time-dependent decrease, in the range of 30% to 80%, in the clinical score (P < 0.05), histological score (P < 0.05), and number of retinal and spleen CD45+ cells (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively), a comparable effect to corticosteroid. Clarstatin reduced the intraocular levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6; P < 0.05) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1; P < 0.01) by 41% and 59%, respectively. Conclusions Systemic delivery of Clarstatin significantly improved mild and severe EAU. Its potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects represent a novel mode of treatment in ocular inflammation. It may also be a relevant treatment modality in systemic autoimmune conditions in which calreticulin plays a role in their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Merzbach
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Schumacher-Klinger
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Klazas
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amnon Hoffman
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Philip Lazarovici
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Chaim Gilon
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gabriel Nussbaum
- Institute of Dental Sciences, Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Radgonde Amer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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17
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Schnell JT, Briviesca RL, Kim T, Charbonnier LM, Henderson LA, van Wijk F, Nigrovic PA. The 'T reg paradox' in inflammatory arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2025; 21:9-21. [PMID: 39653758 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-024-01190-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 12/12/2024]
Abstract
Classic regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing CD4 and the hallmark transcription factor FOXP3 are integral to the prevention of multi-system autoimmunity. However, immune-mediated arthritis is often associated with increased numbers of Treg cells in the inflamed joints. To understand these seemingly conflicting observations, which we collectively describe as 'the Treg paradox', we provide an overview of Treg cell biology with a focus on Treg cell heterogeneity, function and dysfunction in arthritis. We discuss how the inflamed environment constrains the immunosuppressive activity of Treg cells while also promoting the differentiation of TH17-like Treg cell, exTreg cell (effector T cells that were formerly Treg cells), and osteoclastogenic Treg cell subsets that mediate tissue injury. We present a new framework to understand Treg cells in joint inflammation and define potential strategies for Treg cell-directed interventions in human inflammatory arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia T Schnell
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Taehyeung Kim
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Femke van Wijk
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A Nigrovic
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Jeon HH, Huang X, Rojas Cortez L, Sripinun P, Lee JM, Hong JJ, Graves DT. Inflammation and mechanical force-induced bone remodeling. Periodontol 2000 2024. [PMID: 39740162 DOI: 10.1111/prd.12619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 09/25/2024] [Accepted: 10/27/2024] [Indexed: 01/02/2025]
Abstract
Periodontitis arises from imbalanced host-microbe interactions, leading to dysbiosis and destructive inflammation. The host's innate and adaptive immune responses produce pro-inflammatory mediators that stimulate destructive events, which cause loss of alveolar bone and connective tissue attachment. There is no consensus on the factors that lead to a conversion from gingivitis to periodontitis, but one possibility is the proximity of the inflammation to the bone, which promotes bone resorption and inhibits subsequent bone formation during coupled bone formation. Conversely, orthodontic tooth movement is triggered by the mechanical force applied to the tooth, resulting in bone resorption on the compression side and new bone formation on the tension side. However, the environment around orthodontic brackets readily retains dental plaque and may contribute to inflammation and bone remodeling. The immune, epithelial, stromal, endothelial and bone cells of the host play an important role in setting the stage for bone remodeling that occurs in both periodontitis and orthodontic tooth movement. Recent advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing have provided new insights into the roles and interactions of different cell types in response to challenges. In this review, we meticulously examine the functions of key cell types such as keratinocytes, leukocytes, stromal cells, osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts involved in inflammation- and mechanical force-driven bone remodeling. Moreover, we explore the combined effects of these two conditions: mechanical force-induced bone remodeling combined with periodontal disease (chronic inflammation) and periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (acute transient inflammation). This comprehensive review enhances our understanding of inflammation- and mechanical force-induced bone remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeran Helen Jeon
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xin Huang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leticia Rojas Cortez
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Puttipong Sripinun
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jung-Me Lee
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Julie J Hong
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dana T Graves
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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19
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Weinstein KN, Domeier PP, Ziegler SF. A splice of life: the discovery, function, and clinical implications of FOXP3 isoforms in autoimmune disease. Int Immunol 2024; 37:83-90. [PMID: 39136284 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxae049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subset of CD4+ T cells essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and prevention of autoimmunity. Treg lineage and functions are programmed by the X-chromosome encoded transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3). In humans, multiple FOXP3 isoforms are generated through alternative splicing. A full-length isoform containing all coding exons (FOXP3-FL) and a version lacking the second exon (FOXP3-ΔE2) are the predominant FOXP3 isoforms. Additionally, there are two minor isoforms lacking either exon 7 (FOXP3-ΔE7) and both exons 2 and 7 (FOXP3-ΔE2ΔE7). Although healthy humans express approximately equal levels of the FOXP3-FL and FOXP3-ΔE2 isoforms, sole expression of FOXP3-ΔE2 results in the development of a systemic autoimmune disease that resembles immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome. These clinical observations strongly suggest functional defects in suppression by Tregs programmed by the FOXP3-ΔE2 isoform. Work from the past two decades has provided phenotypic and functional evidence of differences between Tregs programmed by the FOXP3-FL, FOXP3-ΔE2, and FOXP3-ΔE7 isoforms. In this review, we discuss the discovery of the FOXP3 isoforms, differences in the phenotype and function of Tregs programmed by different FOXP3 isoforms, and the role that these isoforms are known to play in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin N Weinstein
- Center for Fundamental Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Phillip P Domeier
- Center for Fundamental Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Steven F Ziegler
- Center for Fundamental Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
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20
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Ielpo S, Barberini F, Dabbagh Moghaddam F, Pesce S, Cencioni C, Spallotta F, De Ninno A, Businaro L, Marcenaro E, Bei R, Cifaldi L, Barillari G, Melaiu O. Crosstalk and communication of cancer-associated fibroblasts with natural killer and dendritic cells: New frontiers and unveiled opportunities for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 131:102843. [PMID: 39442289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2024] [Revised: 10/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DCs) are critical mediators of anti-cancer immune responses. In addition to their individual roles, NK cells and DCs are involved in intercellular crosstalk which is essential for the initiation and coordination of adaptive immunity against cancer. However, NK cell and DC activity is often compromised in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, much attention has been paid to one of the major components of the TME, the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which not only contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and tumor progression but also suppress immune cell functions. It is now well established that CAFs support T cell exclusion from tumor nests and regulate their cytotoxic activity. In contrast, little is currently known about their interaction with NK cells, and DCs. In this review, we describe the interaction of CAFs with NK cells and DCs, by secreting and expressing various mediators in the TME of adult solid tumors. We also provide a detailed overview of ongoing clinical studies evaluating the targeting of stromal factors alone or in combination with immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors. Finally, we discuss currently available strategies for the selective depletion of detrimental CAFs and for a better understanding of their interaction with NK cells and DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Ielpo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Barberini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Farnaz Dabbagh Moghaddam
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Cencioni
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "A. Ruberti", National Research Council (IASI-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Spallotta
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Sapienza University, 00185, Rome, Italy; Pasteur Institute Italy-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Italy
| | - Adele De Ninno
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Businaro
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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21
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Dietz S, Hebel J, Rühle J, Huff A, Eltzschig HK, Lajqi T, Poets CF, Gille C, Köstlin‐Gille N. Impact of the adenosine receptor A2BR expressed on myeloid cells on immune regulation during pregnancy. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2451149. [PMID: 39460389 PMCID: PMC11628929 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202451149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 10/04/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the maternal immune system must carefully balance protection against pathogens with tolerance toward the semiallogeneic fetus. Dysfunctions of the immune system can lead to severe complications such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, or pregnancy loss. Adenosine plays a role in physiological processes and plasma-level increase during pregnancy. The adenosine receptor A2B (A2BR), which is expressed on both, immune and nonimmune cells, is activated by high adenosine concentrations, achieved during pregnancy. We investigated the impact of A2BR expressed on myeloid cells on immune regulation during pregnancy using a mouse model with myeloid deficiency for A2BR. We demonstrate systemic changes in myeloid and lymphoid cell populations during pregnancy in A2BR-KO (Adora2B923f/f-LysMCre) mice with increased monocytes, neutrophils, and T cells but decreased B cells as well as altered T-cell subpopulations with decreased Th1 cells and Tregs and increased Th17 cells. Lack of A2BR on myeloid cells caused an increased systemic expression of IL-6 but decreased systemic accumulation and function of MDSC and reduced numbers of uterine natural killer cells. The pregnancy outcome was only marginally affected. Our results demonstrate that A2BR on myeloid cells plays a role in immune regulation during pregnancy, but the clinical impact on pregnancy remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Dietz
- Department of NeonatologyTuebingen University Children's HospitalTuebingenGermany
- Department of NeonatologyHeidelberg University, Medical FacultyHeidelbergGermany
| | - Janine Hebel
- Department of NeonatologyTuebingen University Children's HospitalTuebingenGermany
| | - Jessica Rühle
- Department of NeonatologyTuebingen University Children's HospitalTuebingenGermany
| | - Alisha Huff
- Department of NeonatologyTuebingen University Children's HospitalTuebingenGermany
| | | | - Trim Lajqi
- Department of NeonatologyHeidelberg University, Medical FacultyHeidelbergGermany
| | - Christian F. Poets
- Department of NeonatologyTuebingen University Children's HospitalTuebingenGermany
| | - Christian Gille
- Department of NeonatologyHeidelberg University, Medical FacultyHeidelbergGermany
| | - Natascha Köstlin‐Gille
- Department of NeonatologyTuebingen University Children's HospitalTuebingenGermany
- Department of NeonatologyHeidelberg University, Medical FacultyHeidelbergGermany
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22
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Vats D, Rani G, Arora A, Sharma V, Rathore I, Mubeen SA, Singh A. Tuberculosis and T cells: Impact of T cell diversity in tuberculosis infection. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2024; 149:102567. [PMID: 39305817 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2024.102567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 09/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024]
Abstract
Tuberculosis is a global threat and is still a leading cause of death due to an infectious agent. The infection is spread through inhalation of M. tb containing aerosol droplets. Bacteria after reaching the lung alveoli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages, leading to an immune response. Then, pro-inflammatory cytokines are released by these macrophages, recruiting other antigen-presenting cells like dendritic cells. These cells phagocytose the bacteria and present mycobacterial antigens to naïve T cells. After activation by DCs, T cells differentiate into various T cells subsets, viz. CD4+, CD8+, Th17, Treg, Tfh cells and others display enormous diversification in their characteristics and functions. This review comprises a comprehensive literature on conventional and unconventional T cells, highlighting the polyfunctional T cells as well, their role in controlling TB infection, and their implications in the spectrum of TB infection. While some subsets such as CD4+ T cells are extensively studied, some T cell subsets such as gamma delta T cells and Tfh cells remain poorly understood in the pathophysiology of tuberculosis, despite having significant potential implications. The goal of TB eradication can be assisted by development of better vaccines against TB, which can effectively induce a robust and long-term T cells memory. The same has been discussed in the latter part of this review. BCG being the standalone commercialised TB vaccine so far has its limitations. Strategies for the enhancement of BCG along with novel studies in vaccine development, has also been discussed in great detail. Lastly, T cells display a complex interplay of an adaptive immune response against TB, with activation and enhancement of the innate immune responses. Therefore, it is critical to fully understand the role of various T cells subsets in pathophysiology of tuberculosis to provide better therapeutic inventions and improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Vats
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Geeta Rani
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Alisha Arora
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vidushi Sharma
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Isha Rathore
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Archana Singh
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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23
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Mangani D, Subramanian A, Huang L, Cheng H, Krovi SH, Wu Y, Yang D, Moreira TG, Escobar G, Schnell A, Dixon KO, Krishnan RK, Singh V, Sobel RA, Weiner HL, Kuchroo VK, Anderson AC. Transcription factor TCF1 binds to RORγt and orchestrates a regulatory network that determines homeostatic Th17 cell state. Immunity 2024; 57:2565-2582.e6. [PMID: 39447575 PMCID: PMC11614491 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024]
Abstract
T helper (Th) 17 cells encompass a spectrum of cell states, including cells that maintain homeostatic tissue functions and pro-inflammatory cells that can drive autoimmune tissue damage. Identifying regulators that determine Th17 cell states can identify ways to control tissue inflammation and restore homeostasis. Here, we found that interleukin (IL)-23, a cytokine critical for inducing pro-inflammatory Th17 cells, decreased transcription factor T cell factor 1 (TCF1) expression. Conditional deletion of TCF1 in mature T cells increased the pro-inflammatory potential of Th17 cells, even in the absence of IL-23 receptor signaling, and conferred pro-inflammatory potential to homeostatic Th17 cells. Conversely, sustained TCF1 expression decreased pro-inflammatory Th17 potential. Mechanistically, TCF1 bound to RORγt, thereby interfering with its pro-inflammatory functions, and orchestrated a regulatory network that determined Th17 cell state. Our findings identify TCF1 as a major determinant of Th17 cell state and provide important insight for the development of therapies for Th17-driven inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Mangani
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona 6500, Switzerland
| | - Ayshwarya Subramanian
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Linglin Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hanning Cheng
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - S Harsha Krovi
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yufan Wu
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Dandan Yang
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thais G Moreira
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Giulia Escobar
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexandra Schnell
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Karen O Dixon
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rajesh K Krishnan
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Raymond A Sobel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Howard L Weiner
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vijay K Kuchroo
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ana C Anderson
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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24
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Singer M, Elsayed AM, Husseiny MI. Regulatory T-cells: The Face-off of the Immune Balance. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2024; 29:377. [PMID: 39614434 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2911377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 12/01/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis, ensuring a balanced immune response. Tregs primarily operate in an antigen-specific fashion, facilitated by their distinct distribution within discrete niches. Tregs have been studied extensively, from their point of origin in the thymus origin to their fate in the periphery or organs. Signals received from antigen-presenting cells (APCs) stimulate Tregs to dampen inflammation. Almost all tumors are characterized by a pathological abundance of immune suppression in their microenvironment. Conversely, the lack thereof proves detrimental to immunological disorders. Achieving a balanced expression of Tregs in relation to other immune compartments is important in establishing an effective and adaptable immune tolerance towards cancer cells and autoantigens. In the context of cancer, it is essential to decrease the frequency of Tregs to overcome tumor suppression. A lower survival rate is associated with the presence of excessive exhausted effector immune cells and an increased frequency of regulatory cells. However, when it comes to treating graft rejection and autoimmune diseases, the focus lies on immune tolerance and the transfer of Tregs. Here, we explore the complex mechanisms that Tregs use in human disease to balance effector immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Singer
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Ahmed M Elsayed
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Mohamed I Husseiny
- Department of Translational Research & Cellular Therapeutics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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25
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Xia Y, Yang Q, Li Q, Wen J, Li M, Wu Z, Nie L, Huang Z, Wu SY, Du J. Metallothionein-1 mitigates the advancement of osteoarthritis by regulating Th17/Treg balance. Cell Immunol 2024; 405-406:104877. [PMID: 39305580 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2024.104877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 12/02/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disorder characterized by cartilage degradation and bone remodeling. This study investigated the regulatory role of metallothionein 1 (MT1) in modulating immune responses and the balance between regulatory T cells (Treg) and T helper 17 cells (Th17) in OA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals and OA patients were assessed for cytokine expression linked to Treg/Th17 homeostasis. OA was induced in wild-type (WT) and Mt1 knockout (MT1KO) mice via surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus. Clinical scores, pathological features, inflammatory cytokines, and Treg/Th17 balance were evaluated. MT1KO mice showed significantly elevated Mt1, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) and exacerbated OA progression, characterized by increased knee joint diameter, inflammatory infiltration, and cartilage destruction. Mechanistically, disrupted Treg/Th17 balance played a pivotal role in OA exacerbation, with MT1KO promoting Th17 differentiation and reducing Treg populations. Additionally, the compensatory elevation of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) in OA patients hinted at a nuanced immune regulatory mechanism. The study illuminates intricate interactions involving MT1, Treg/Th17 cells, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in OA pathogenesis, suggesting MT1's potential as a pivotal regulatory factor and a therapeutic target for mitigating immune dysregulation in OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen China
| | - Qiannan Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen China
| | - Jiahao Wen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen China
| | - Mingyang Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen China
| | - Zhicheng Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen China
| | - Liping Nie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen China
| | - Zhong Huang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Shang Ying Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen China.
| | - Jing Du
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen China.
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26
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Ghosh R, Bishayi B. Neutralization of TLR2 in combination with either TNF-α or IL-1β antibody reduces the severity of septic arthritis through STAT3/mTOR signalling in lymphocytes. Cell Immunol 2024; 405-406:104878. [PMID: 39312873 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2024.104878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus induced Septic arthritis is considered a medical concern. S.aureus binds TLR2 to induce an array of inflammatory responses. Generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines induces T cell responses and control Th17/Treg cell balance. Regulation of T cell-mediated immunity in response to inflammation is significantly influenced by mTOR. Presence of elevated TNF-α, IL-1β decreases Treg cell activity through STAT3/mTOR, promoting proliferation of T cells towards Th17 cells. Therefore, we postulated, neutralizing TLR2 with either TNF-α or IL-1β in combination could be useful in modifying Th17/Treg cell ratio in order to treat septic arthritis by suppressing expression of mTOR/STAT3. To date, no studies have reported effects of neutralization of TLR2 along with either TNF-α or IL-1β on amelioration of arthritis correlating with mTOR/STAT3 expression. Contribution of T lymphocytes collected from blood, spleen, synovial tissues, their derived cytokines IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17, TGF-β, IL-10 were noted. Expression of TLR2, TNFR1, TNFR2, NF-κB along with mTOR/STAT3 also recorded. Neutralization of TLR2 along with TNF-α and IL-1β were able to shift Th17 cells into immunosuppressive Treg cells. Furthermore,elevated expression of IL-10, TNFR2 and demoted expression of mTOR/ STAT3 along with NF-κB in lymphocytes confirms its role in resolution of arthritis. It was also effective in reducing oxidative stress via increasing expression of the antioxidant enzymes. As a result, it can be inferred that Treg-derived IL-10, which may mitigate inflammatory effects of septic arthritis by influencing the mTOR/STAT3 interaction in lymphocytes, may be selected as a different therapeutic strategy for reducing the impact of septic arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rituparna Ghosh
- Department of Physiology, Immunology laboratory, University of Calcutta, University Colleges of Science and Technology, 92 APC Road, Calcutta 700009, West Bengal, India.
| | - Biswadev Bishayi
- Department of Physiology, Immunology laboratory, University of Calcutta, University Colleges of Science and Technology, 92 APC Road, Calcutta 700009, West Bengal, India.
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27
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Wojtacha P, Bogdańska-Chomczyk E, Majewski MK, Obremski K, Majewski MS, Kozłowska A. Renal Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Abnormalities During the Initial Stages of Hypertension in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Cells 2024; 13:1771. [PMID: 39513878 PMCID: PMC11545559 DOI: 10.3390/cells13211771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2024] [Revised: 10/03/2024] [Accepted: 10/17/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Hypertension is a major cause of mortality worldwide. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid volume. The relationship between the kidneys and hypertension is complex, involving factors such as the renin-angiotensin system, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study aims to assess the levels of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and metabolic factors in the kidneys, focusing on their potential role in early renal damage and their association with the development of hypertension. Methods: This study was designed to compare the levels of selected inflammatory markers, e.g., interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor, and serine/threonine-protein (mTOR); oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde, sulfhydryl group, and glucose (GLC); and metabolic markers among other enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), hexokinase II (HK-II), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), as well as creatinine in the kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR/NCrl, n = 12) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY/NCrl, n = 12). Both juvenile (5 weeks old) and maturing (10 weeks old) specimens were examined using spectrophotometric methods, e.g., ELISA. Results: Juvenile SHRs exhibited reduced renal levels of all studied cytokines and chemokines, with lower oxidative stress and deficits in the mTOR and HK-II levels compared to the age-matched WKYs. Maturing SHRs showed increased renal levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, alongside elevated carbonyl stress and increased HIF-1α as opposed to their control peers. The levels of all other studied markers were normalized in these animals, except for ALT (increased), ALP, and GLC (both reduced). Conclusions: This study underscores the significant impact of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and metabolic marker changes on renal function. Juvenile SHRs display lower marker levels, indicating an immature immune response and potential subclinical kidney damage that may contribute to hypertension development. In contrast, mature SHRs exhibit chronic inflammation, oxidative dysregulation, and metabolic disturbances, suggesting cellular damage. These changes create a feedback loop that worsens kidney function and accelerates hypertension progression, highlighting the kidneys' crucial role in both initiating and exacerbating this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Wojtacha
- Department of Psychology and Sociology of Health and Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury, Warszawska Av, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewelina Bogdańska-Chomczyk
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Warszawska Av, 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland; (E.B.-C.); (M.K.M.)
| | - Mariusz Krzysztof Majewski
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Warszawska Av, 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland; (E.B.-C.); (M.K.M.)
| | - Kazimierz Obremski
- Department of Veterinary Prevention and Feed Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 13/29, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Michał Stanisław Majewski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Warszawska Av, 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Anna Kozłowska
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Warszawska Av, 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland; (E.B.-C.); (M.K.M.)
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28
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Duddu AS, Andreas E, Bv H, Grover K, Singh VR, Hari K, Jhunjhunwala S, Cummins B, Gedeon T, Jolly MK. Multistability and predominant hybrid phenotypes in a four node mutually repressive network of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg differentiation. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:123. [PMID: 39448615 PMCID: PMC11502801 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00433-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the emergent dynamics of cellular differentiation networks is crucial to understanding cell-fate decisions. Toggle switch - a network of mutually repressive lineage-specific transcription factors A and B - enables two phenotypes from a common progenitor: (high A, low B) and (low A, high B). However, the dynamics of networks enabling differentiation of more than two phenotypes from a progenitor cell has not been well-studied. Here, we investigate the dynamics of a four-node network A, B, C, and D inhibiting each other, forming a toggle tetrahedron. Our simulations show that this network is multistable and predominantly allows for the co-existence of six hybrid phenotypes where two of the nodes are expressed relatively high as compared to the remaining two, for instance (high A, high B, low C, low D). Finally, we apply our results to understand naïve CD4+ T cell differentiation into Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg subsets, suggesting Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg decision-making to be a two-step process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Andreas
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Harshavardhan Bv
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
- IISc Mathematics Initiative, Indian Institute of Science, 560012, Bangalore, India
| | - Kaushal Grover
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Vivek Raj Singh
- Undergraduate Program, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Kishore Hari
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, MA, 02115, Boston, USA
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, MA, 02115, Boston, USA
| | | | - Breschine Cummins
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA.
| | - Tomas Gedeon
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA.
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.
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Liu L, Hu J, Lei H, Qin H, Wang C, Gui Y, Xu D. Regulatory T Cells in Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2024; 38:999-1015. [PMID: 37184744 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-023-07463-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is linked to immune-inflammatory injury, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in suppressing immune-inflammatory responses. However, the precise role of Tregs in pathological cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To summarize the current knowledge on the role and mechanisms of Tregs in pathological cardiac hypertrophy and explore their perspectives and challenges as a new therapeutic approach. RESULTS Treg cells may play an important protective role in pressure overload (hypertension, aortic stenosis), myocardial infarction, metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity), acute myocarditis, cardiomyopathy (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, storage diseases), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Although some challenges remain, the safety and efficacy of Treg-based therapies have been confirmed in some clinical trials, and engineered antigen-specific Treg cells may have better clinical application prospects due to stronger immunosuppressive function and stability. CONCLUSION Targeting the immune-inflammatory response via Treg-based therapies might provide a promising and novel future approach to the prevention and treatment of pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiling Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jiahui Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Lei
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Huali Qin
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Chunfang Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yajun Gui
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Danyan Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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Shi Y, Zhang W, Jia Q, Zhong X, Iyer P, Wu H, Yuan YC, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Wang L, Jia Z, Kuo YH, Sun Z. Cancer-associated SF3B1-K700E mutation controls immune responses by regulating T reg function via aberrant Anapc13 splicing. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado4274. [PMID: 39303038 PMCID: PMC11414738 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado4274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent somatic mutations in spliceosome factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) are identified in hematopoietic malignancies, with SF3B1-K700E being the most common one. Here, we show that regulatory T cell (Treg)-specific expression of SF3B1-K700E (Sf3b1K700Efl/+/Foxp3YFP-Cre) results in spontaneous autoimmune phenotypes. CD4+ T cells from Sf3b1K700Efl/+/Foxp3YFP-Cre mice display defective Treg differentiation and inhibitory function, which is demonstrated by failed prevention of adoptive transfer colitis by Sf3b1K700Efl/+/Foxp3YFP-Cre Tregs. Mechanically, SF3B1-K700E induces an aberrant splicing event that results in reduced expression of a cell proliferation regulator Anapc13 due to the insertion of a 231-base pair DNA fragment to the 5' untranslated region. Forced expression of the Anapc13 gene restores the differentiation and ability of Sf3b1K700Efl/+/Foxp3YFP-Cre Tregs to prevent adoptive transfer colitis. In addition, acute myeloid leukemia grows faster in aged, but not young, Sf3b1K700Efl/+/Foxp3YFP-Cre mice compared to Foxp3YFP-Cre mice. Our results highlight the impact of cancer-associated SF3B1 mutation on immune responses, which affect cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Shi
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Wencan Zhang
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Qiong Jia
- Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92527, USA
| | - Xiancai Zhong
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Prajish Iyer
- Department of System Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Hongmin Wu
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yate-Ching Yuan
- Translational Bioinformatics, Department of Computational Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yuqi Zhao
- Integrated Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Lianjun Zhang
- Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, Department of Hematological Malignancies Translational Science, Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of System Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zhenyu Jia
- Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92527, USA
| | - Ya-Huei Kuo
- Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, Department of Hematological Malignancies Translational Science, Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zuoming Sun
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Hizal M, Tufan A, Mercan R, Pasaoglu OT, Pasaoglu H, Haznedaroglu S, Goker B, Ozturk MA. Interleukin-21 and Interleukin-23 levels in familial Mediterranean Fever before and after treatment: the role of cytokines in disease pathogenesis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21351. [PMID: 39266694 PMCID: PMC11393097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72736-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, it has been shown that the population of Th17 lymphocytes was increased in patients with FMF. IL-21 and IL-23 play significant roles in the production and differentiation of Th17 cells. In this study, we aimed to evaluate serum levels of IL-21 and IL-23 in FMF patients both at diagnosis and after treatment, and to compare these levels with those of healthy controls. Twenty-seven newly diagnosed patients with FMF in attack-free periods and twenty-seven healthy volunteers enrolled in the study. The groups were comparable with respect to age and gender. IL-21 and IL-23 levels in serum samples from patients at the time of diagnosis, in remission after treatment, and from the control groups were analysed using the ELISA method. There was no significant difference between the cytokine levels of the patient group at the time of diagnosis and the cytokine levels of the control group (for IL-21, p: 0.28 and for IL-23, p: 0.56). Similarly, there was no significant difference between the patients' cytokine levels at the time of diagnosis and after treatment (for IL-21, p: 0.99 and for IL-23, p: 0.08). Interleukin levels at the time of diagnosis did not differ among patient groups based on the presence of clinical findings or the M694V genotype. Our results suggest that IL-21 and IL-23 do not play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, while interpreting these findings, it should be considered that patients with active episodes were excluded and cytokine levels were not measured in tissue samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutlu Hizal
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Abdurrahman Tufan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ridvan Mercan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozge Tugce Pasaoglu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye, Turkey
| | - Hatice Pasaoglu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye, Turkey
| | - Seminur Haznedaroglu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Berna Goker
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Akif Ozturk
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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Ruan H, Long M, Li J, Zhang D, Feng N, Zhang Y. Sustained-Release Hydrogen-Powered Bilateral Microneedles Integrating CD-MOFs for In Situ Treating Allergic Rhinitis. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2400637. [PMID: 38749484 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are widely used for treating allergic rhinitis, but conventional intranasal administration encounters unfavorable nasal cilia clearance and nasal mucosal barrier. Herein, a bilateral microneedle patch is fabricated for delivering cyclodextrin-based metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOF) encapsulating dexamethasone (DXMS) and paeonol (Pae), while NaH particles are mounted on the basal part of each microneedle. By intranasal administration, the microneedles are propelled into the nasal mucosa by NaH-generated hydrogen and then swell to form a hydrogel for sustainedly releasing drugs. The DXMS/Pae combination is demonstrated to be superior to more than the twofold dose of DXMS alone for improving allergic rhinitis in rats. It involves reducing mast cell degranulation and modulating Treg/Th17 cell homeostasis, whereas inhibiting Th1 to Th2 differentiation is associated with regulating the GATA3/T-bet pathway, as well as repairing epithelial barrier function by increasing MUC1 and downregulating periostin. In addition, this delivery system modulates the lipid metabolism of the nasal mucosa. Notably, the newly designed device significantly enhances the drug's therapeutic effect, and NaH-generated hydrogen may have the potential adjunctive therapeutic effect. Collectively, such an emerging microneedle-mediated nasal drug delivery creates a new form for alleviating immune inflammation and contributes a promising solution to reduce clinical glucocorticoid abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Ruan
- School of pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1200 Cailun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Meng Long
- School of pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1200 Cailun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- School of pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1200 Cailun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Di Zhang
- School of pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1200 Cailun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Nianping Feng
- School of pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1200 Cailun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yongtai Zhang
- School of pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1200 Cailun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
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Duarte LH, Peixoto HA, Cardoso EM, Esgalhado AJ, Arosa FA. IL-10 and TGF-β, but Not IL-17A or IFN-γ, Potentiate the IL-15-Induced Proliferation of Human T Cells: Association with a Decrease in the Expression of β2m-Free HLA Class I Molecules Induced by IL-15. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9376. [PMID: 39273322 PMCID: PMC11394758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
IL-15 is a homeostatic cytokine for human T and NK cells. However, whether other cytokines influence the effect of IL-15 is not known. We studied the impact that IL-10, TGF-β, IL-17A, and IFN-γ have on the IL-15-induced proliferation of human T cells and the expression of HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were labeled with CFSE and stimulated for 12 days with IL-15 in the absence or presence of the other cytokines. The proportion of proliferating T cells and the expression of cell surface HLA-I molecules were analyzed using flow cytometry. The IL-15-induced proliferation of T cells was paralleled by an increase in the expression of HC-10-reactive HLA-I molecules, namely on T cells that underwent ≥5-6 cycles of cell division. It is noteworthy that the IL-15-induced proliferation of T cells was potentiated by IL-10 and TGF-β but not by IL-17 or IFN-γ and was associated with a decrease in the expression of HC-10-reactive molecules. The cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β potentiate the proliferative capacity that IL-15 has on human T cells in vitro, an effect that is associated with a reduction in the amount of HC-10 reactive HLA class I molecules induced by IL-15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila H. Duarte
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.H.D.); (H.A.P.); (E.M.C.); (A.J.E.)
| | - Hugo A. Peixoto
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.H.D.); (H.A.P.); (E.M.C.); (A.J.E.)
| | - Elsa M. Cardoso
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.H.D.); (H.A.P.); (E.M.C.); (A.J.E.)
- ESS-IPG, School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - André J. Esgalhado
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.H.D.); (H.A.P.); (E.M.C.); (A.J.E.)
| | - Fernando A. Arosa
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.H.D.); (H.A.P.); (E.M.C.); (A.J.E.)
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
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Wenzek C, Siemes D, Hönes GS, Pastille E, Härting N, Kaiser F, Moeller LC, Engel DR, Westendorf AM, Führer D. Lack of canonical thyroid hormone receptor α signaling changes regulatory T cell phenotype in female mice. iScience 2024; 27:110547. [PMID: 39175769 PMCID: PMC11340620 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system has emerged as an important target of thyroid hormones (THs); however, the role of TH in T cells has so far remained elusive. In this study, we assessed the effect of TH receptor α (TRα) signaling on activation and function of T cells. Our findings show that lack of canonical TRα action not only increased the frequency of regulatory T cells (Treg) but propelled an activated and migratory Treg phenotype and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation in Treg. Conversely, canonical TRα action reduced activation of the NF-κB pathway previously shown to play a pivotal role in Treg differentiation and function. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that TRα impacts T cell differentiation and phenotype. Given the well-known interaction of inflammation, immune responses, and TH axis in e.g., severe illness, altered TH-TRα signaling may have an important role in regulating T cell responses during disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Wenzek
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Devon Siemes
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - G. Sebastian Hönes
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Eva Pastille
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Nina Härting
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Frank Kaiser
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Lars C. Moeller
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel R. Engel
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Astrid M. Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Führer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Jheng MJ, Kita H. Control of Asthma and Allergy by Regulatory T Cells. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2024; 186:87-102. [PMID: 39154634 PMCID: PMC11729466 DOI: 10.1159/000540407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial barriers, such as the lungs and skin, face the challenge of providing the tissues' physiological function and maintaining tolerance to the commensal microbiome and innocuous environmental factors while defending the host against infectious microbes. Asthma and allergic diseases can result from maladaptive immune responses, resulting in exaggerated and persistent type 2 immunity and tissue inflammation. SUMMARY Among the diverse populations of tissue immune cells, CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are central to controlling immune responses and inflammation and restoring tissue homeostasis. Humans and mice that are deficient in Treg cells experience extensive inflammation in their mucosal organs and skin. During past decades, major progress has been made toward understanding the immunobiology of Treg cells and the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control their differentiation and function. It is now clear that Treg cells are not a single cell type and that they demonstrate diversity and plasticity depending on their differentiation stages and tissue environment. They could also take on a proinflammatory phenotype in certain conditions. KEY MESSAGES Treg cells perform distinct functions, including the induction of immune tolerance, suppression of inflammation, and promotion of tissue repair. Subsets of Treg cells in mucosal tissues are regulated by their differentiation stage and tissue inflammatory milieu. Treg cell dysfunction likely plays roles in persistent immune responses and tissue inflammation in asthma and allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jhen Jheng
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - Hirohito Kita
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ
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Abdelnabi MN, Hassan GS, Shoukry NH. Role of the type 3 cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 in modulating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1437046. [PMID: 39156888 PMCID: PMC11327067 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1437046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) comprises a spectrum of liver diseases that span simple steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and fibrosis and may progress to cirrhosis and cancer. The pathogenesis of MASLD is multifactorial and is driven by environmental, genetic, metabolic and immune factors. This review will focus on the role of the type 3 cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 in MASLD pathogenesis and progression. IL-17 and IL-22 are produced by similar adaptive and innate immune cells such as Th17 and innate lymphoid cells, respectively. IL-17-related signaling is upregulated during MASLD resulting in increased chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines in the liver microenvironment, enhanced recruitment of myeloid cells and T cells leading to exacerbation of inflammation and liver disease progression. IL-17 may also act directly by activating hepatic stellate cells resulting in increased fibrosis. In contrast, IL-22 is a pleiotropic cytokine with a dominantly protective signature in MASLD and is currently being tested as a therapeutic strategy. IL-22 also exhibits beneficial metabolic effects and abrogates MASH-related inflammation and fibrosis development via inducing the production of anti-oxidants and anti-apoptotic factors. A sex-dependent effect has been attributed to both cytokines, most importantly to IL-22 in MASLD or related conditions. Altogether, IL-17 and IL-22 are key effectors in MASLD pathogenesis and progression. We will review the role of these two cytokines and cells that produce them in the development of MASLD, their interaction with host factors driving MASLD including sexual dimorphism, and their potential therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed N. Abdelnabi
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ghada S. Hassan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Fuhri Snethlage CM, de Wit D, Wortelboer K, Rampanelli E, Hanssen NMJ, Nieuwdorp M. Can fecal microbiota transplantations modulate autoimmune responses in type 1 diabetes? Immunol Rev 2024; 325:46-63. [PMID: 38752578 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease targeting insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. T1D is a multifactorial disease incorporating genetic and environmental factors. In recent years, the advances in high-throughput sequencing have allowed researchers to elucidate the changes in the gut microbiota taxonomy and functional capacity that accompany T1D development. An increasing number of studies have shown a role of the gut microbiota in mediating immune responses in health and disease, including autoimmunity. Fecal microbiota transplantations (FMT) have been largely used in murine models to prove a causal role of the gut microbiome in disease progression and have been shown to be a safe and effective treatment in inflammatory human diseases. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent research regarding the gut microbiota-host interactions in T1D, the current advancement in therapies for T1D, and the usefulness of FMT studies to explore microbiota-host immunity encounters in murine models and to shape the course of human type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coco M Fuhri Snethlage
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe de Wit
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koen Wortelboer
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Rampanelli
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AII), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nordin M J Hanssen
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Diabeter Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Max Nieuwdorp
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Diabeter Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Tani-Ichi S, Obwegs D, Yoshikawa A, Watanabe H, Kitano S, Ejima A, Hatano S, Miyachi H, Cui G, Shimba A, Abe S, Hori S, Kondoh G, Sagar, Yoshikai Y, Ikuta K. A RORE-dependent Intronic Enhancer in the IL-7 Receptor-α Locus Controls Glucose Metabolism via Vγ4+ γδT17 Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 213:283-295. [PMID: 39140825 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The IL-7R regulates the homeostasis, activation, and distribution of T cells in peripheral tissues. Although several transcriptional enhancers that regulate IL-7Rα expression in αβ T cells have been identified, enhancers active in γδ T cells remain unknown. In this article, we discovered an evolutionarily conserved noncoding sequence (CNS) in intron 2 of the IL-7Rα-chain (IL-7Rα) locus and named this region CNS9. CNS9 contained a conserved retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor (ROR)-responsive element (RORE) and exerted RORγt-dependent enhancer activity in vitro. Mice harboring point mutations in the RORE in CNS9 (CNS9-RORmut) showed reduced IL-7Rα expression in IL-17-producing Vγ4+ γδ T cells. In addition, the cell number and IL-17A production of Vγ4+ γδ T cells were reduced in the adipose tissue of CNS9-RORmut mice. Consistent with the reduction in IL-17A, CNS9-RORmut mice exhibited decreased IL-33 expression in the adipose tissue, resulting in fewer regulatory T cells and glucose intolerance. The CNS9-ROR motif was partially responsible for IL-7Rα expression in RORγt+ regulatory T cells, whereas IL-7Rα expression was unaffected in RORγt-expressing Vγ2+ γδ T cells, Th17 cells, type 3 innate lymphoid cells, and invariant NKT cells. Our results indicate that CNS9 is a RORΕ-dependent, Vγ4+ γδ T cell-specific IL-7Rα enhancer that plays a critical role in adipose tissue homeostasis via regulatory T cells, suggesting that the evolutionarily conserved RORΕ in IL-7Rα intron 2 may influence the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- Introns/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- Enhancer Elements, Genetic/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/metabolism
- Glucose/metabolism
- Receptors, Interleukin-7/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-7/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Th17 Cells/immunology
- Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Interleukin-17/genetics
- Humans
- Adipose Tissue/metabolism
- Adipose Tissue/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizue Tani-Ichi
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - David Obwegs
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alice Yoshikawa
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hitomi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Integrative Biological Science, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satsuki Kitano
- Reproductive Engineering Team, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Aki Ejima
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinya Hatano
- Division of Immunology and Genome Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Miyachi
- Reproductive Engineering Team, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Guangwei Cui
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akihiro Shimba
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinya Abe
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shohei Hori
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gen Kondoh
- Laboratory of Integrative Biological Science, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sagar
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yasunobu Yoshikai
- Division of Host Defense, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koichi Ikuta
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Wang Y, Liu L. Immunological factors, important players in the development of asthma. BMC Immunol 2024; 25:50. [PMID: 39060923 PMCID: PMC11282818 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-024-00644-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, and its development is the result of a combination of factors, including genetic factors, environmental factors, immune dysfunction and other factors. Its specific mechanism has not yet been fully investigated. With the improvement of disease models, research on the pathogenesis of asthma has made great progress. Immunological disorders play an important role in asthma. Previously, we thought that asthma was mainly caused by an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 immune responses, but this theory cannot fully explain the pathogenesis of asthma. Recent studies have shown that T-cell subsets such as Th1 cells, Th2 cells, Th17 cells, Tregs and their cytokines contribute to asthma through different mechanisms. For the purpose of the present study, asthma was classified into distinct phenotypes based on airway inflammatory cells, such as eosinophilic asthma, characterized by predominant eosinophil aggregates, and neutrophilic asthma, characterized by predominant neutrophil aggregates. This paper will examine the immune mechanisms underlying different types of asthma, and will utilize data from animal models and clinical studies targeting specific immune pathways to inform more precise treatments for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Children's Medical Center,The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Children's Medical Center,The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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40
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van Haaren MJH, Steller LB, Vastert SJ, Calis JJA, van Loosdregt J. Get Spliced: Uniting Alternative Splicing and Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8123. [PMID: 39125692 PMCID: PMC11311815 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune responses demand the rapid and precise regulation of gene protein expression. Splicing is a crucial step in this process; ~95% of protein-coding gene transcripts are spliced during mRNA maturation. Alternative splicing allows for distinct functional regulation, as it can affect transcript degradation and can lead to alternative functional protein isoforms. There is increasing evidence that splicing can directly regulate immune responses. For several genes, immune cells display dramatic changes in isoform-level transcript expression patterns upon activation. Recent advances in long-read RNA sequencing assays have enabled an unbiased and complete description of transcript isoform expression patterns. With an increasing amount of cell types and conditions that have been analyzed with such assays, thousands of novel transcript isoforms have been identified. Alternative splicing has been associated with autoimmune diseases, including arthritis. Here, GWASs revealed that SNPs associated with arthritis are enriched in splice sites. In this review, we will discuss how alternative splicing is involved in immune responses and how the dysregulation of alternative splicing can contribute to arthritis pathogenesis. In addition, we will discuss the therapeutic potential of modulating alternative splicing, which includes examples of spliceform-based biomarkers for disease severity or disease subtype, splicing manipulation using antisense oligonucleotides, and the targeting of specific immune-related spliceforms using antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice J. H. van Haaren
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Levina Bertina Steller
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan J. Vastert
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jorg J. A. Calis
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jorg van Loosdregt
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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41
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Morys J, Małecki A, Nowacka-Chmielewska M. Stress and the gut-brain axis: an inflammatory perspective. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1415567. [PMID: 39092201 PMCID: PMC11292226 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1415567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut-brain axis (GBA) plays a dominant role in maintaining homeostasis as well as contributes to mental health maintenance. The pathways that underpin the axis expand from macroscopic interactions with the nervous system, to the molecular signals that include microbial metabolites, tight junction protein expression, or cytokines released during inflammation. The dysfunctional GBA has been repeatedly linked to the occurrence of anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors development. The importance of the inflammatory aspects of the altered GBA has recently been highlighted in the literature. Here we summarize current reports on GBA signaling which involves the immune response within the intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB). We also emphasize the effect of stress response on altering barriers' permeability, and the therapeutic potential of microbiota restoration by probiotic administration or microbiota transplantation, based on the latest animal studies. Most research performed on various stress models showed an association between anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, dysbiosis of gut microbiota, and disruption of intestinal permeability with simultaneous changes in BBB integrity. It could be postulated that under stress conditions impaired communication across BBB may therefore represent a significant mechanism allowing the gut microbiota to affect brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Nowacka-Chmielewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
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42
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Liu X, Wang Y, Wen Q. Bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most cited articles on Th17/Treg balance and rheumatoid arthritis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32832. [PMID: 38988555 PMCID: PMC11233957 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. The role of Th17/Treg balance in RA pathogenesis has been increasingly emphasized. In this study, bibliometric and visualization analyses of the top 100 most cited articles on Th17/Treg balance in the field of RA were conducted. Methods By searching the Web of Science Core Collection database, the top 100 most cited articles of related studies were included, and the authors, countries, institutions, journals, keywords and other information were extracted for analysis using VOSviewer software. Results The top 100 most cited papers had a total of 7185 citations, with an average citation frequency of 72 (range 21-730). All of them were published between 2011 and 2022. The most influential paper, with 730 citations, was written by "Komatsu, Noriko" in 2014 and published in NATURE MEDICINE. The author with the highest output was "Cho, Mi-La" (n = 24). China was the country with the highest number of publications (n = 42). Catholic University of Korea was the institution with the highest number of publications (n = 24). ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM (n = 7), ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY (n = 7) and INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY (n = 7) were the journals that published the most literature. "Expression" (cytokines and transcription factors, etc) and "differentiation" (T cells, Treg cells, and Th17 cells) were the themes of the research. "Mechanisms", "gut microbiota", "STAT3", "interleukin-6", "synovial fibroblasts" were the hot spots of research in recent years. Conclusions For the first time, the top 100 most cited articles were analyzed using bibliometric methods. We aimed to grasp the current development and research trends of RA and Th17/Treg-related studies. It is hoped that this study will provide direction and support for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu Eighth People’s Hospital (Geriatric Hospital of Chengdu Medical College), Chengdu, China
| | - Yilan Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Quan Wen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu Eighth People’s Hospital (Geriatric Hospital of Chengdu Medical College), Chengdu, China
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43
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Honing DY, Luiten RM, Matos TR. Regulatory T Cell Dysfunction in Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7171. [PMID: 39000278 PMCID: PMC11241405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a suppressive subpopulation of T cells, are potent mediators of peripheral tolerance, responsible for immune homeostasis. Many autoimmune diseases exhibit disruptions in Treg function or quantity, resulting in an imbalance between protective and pathogenic immune cells. Selective expansion or manipulation of Tregs is a promising therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases. However, the extensive diversity of Treg subpopulations and the multiple approaches used for Treg identification leads to high complexity, making it difficult to develop a successful treatment capable of modulating Tregs. In this review, we describe the suppressive mechanisms, subpopulations, classification, and identification methodology for Tregs, and their role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionne Y Honing
- Department of Dermatology, Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosalie M Luiten
- Department of Dermatology, Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tiago R Matos
- Department of Dermatology, Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Sanofi, 1105 BP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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44
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Wang Y, Yang Y, Xie L, An X, Zhang L. MiR-24-3p enhances the Treg/Th17 balance to improve cerebral ischemic injury by suppressing acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 expression. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 390:578344. [PMID: 38640826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting ACC1 (acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 1) to restore the balance between T-helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) through metabolic reprogramming has emerged as a promising strategy for reducing neuroinflammation following stroke. We examined the roles of potential miRNAs in regulating ACC1 expression in Tregs and treating ischemic stroke. METHODS The expression of miR-24-3p in CD4+T cells of mice was confirmed. Then the protective effects of Ago-24-3p in a mouse model of prolonged occlusion of the distal middle cerebral artery (dMCAO) were examined. We analyzed the infiltration of Tregs and CD3+T cells into the brain and evaluated the improvement of neurological deficits induced by Ago-24-3p using the Modified Garcia Score and foot fault testing. RESULTS Our investigation revealed that miR-24-3p specifically targets ACC1. Elevated levels of miR-24-3p have been demonstrated to increase the population of Tregs and enhance their proliferation and suppressive capabilities. Conversely, targeted reduction of ACC1 in CD4+T cells has been shown to counteract the improved functionality of Tregs induced by miR-24-3p. In a murine model of dMCAO, administration of Ago-24-3p resulted in a substantial reduction in the size of the infarct within the ischemic brain area. This effect was accompanied by an upregulation of Tregs and a downregulation of CD3+T cells in the ischemic brain region. In ACC1 conditional knockout mice, the ability of Ago-24-3p to enhance infiltrating Treg cells and diminish CD3+T cells in the ischemic brain area has been negated. Furthermore, its capacity to reduce infarct volume has been reversed. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Ago-24-3p sustained improvement in post-stroke neurological deficits for up to 4 weeks after the MCAO procedure. CONCLUSIONS MiR-24-3p shows promise in the potential to reduce ACC1 expression, enhance the immunosuppressive activity of Tregs, and alleviate injuries caused by ischemic stroke. These discoveries imply that miR-24-3p could be a valuable therapeutic option for treating ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No.9 Anxiang Beili, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zibo Central Hospital, No.54 Gongqingtuanxi Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255020, China
| | - Lijun Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zibo Central Hospital, No.54 Gongqingtuanxi Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255020, China
| | - Xiaona An
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zibo Central Hospital, No.54 Gongqingtuanxi Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255020, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zibo Central Hospital, No.54 Gongqingtuanxi Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255020, China.
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Lassoued N, Yero A, Jenabian MA, Soret R, Pilon N. Efficient enzyme-free method to assess the development and maturation of the innate and adaptive immune systems in the mouse colon. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11063. [PMID: 38744932 PMCID: PMC11094196 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61834-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Researchers who aim to globally analyze the gastrointestinal immune system via flow cytometry have many protocol options to choose from, with specifics generally tied to gut wall layers of interest. To get a clearer idea of the approach we should use on full-thickness colon samples from mice, we first undertook a systematic comparison of three tissue dissociation techniques: two based on enzymatic cocktails and the other one based on manual crushing. Using flow cytometry panels of general markers of lymphoid and myeloid cells, we found that the presence of cell-surface markers and relative cell population frequencies were more stable with the mechanical method. Both enzymatic approaches were associated with a marked decrease of several cell-surface markers. Using mechanical dissociation, we then developed two minimally overlapping panels, consisting of a total of 26 antibodies, for serial profiling of lymphoid and myeloid lineages from the mouse colon in greater detail. Here, we highlight how we accurately delineate these populations by manual gating, as well as the reproducibility of our panels on mouse spleen and whole blood. As a proof-of-principle of the usefulness of our general approach, we also report segment- and life stage-specific patterns of immune cell profiles in the colon. Overall, our data indicate that mechanical dissociation is more suitable and efficient than enzymatic methods for recovering immune cells from all colon layers at once. Additionally, our panels will provide researchers with a relatively simple tool for detailed immune cell profiling in the murine gastrointestinal tract, regardless of life stage or experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nejia Lassoued
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexis Yero
- Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Human Immuno-Virology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mohammad-Ali Jenabian
- Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Human Immuno-Virology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rodolphe Soret
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Nicolas Pilon
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Zong Y, Deng K, Chong WP. Regulation of Treg cells by cytokine signaling and co-stimulatory molecules. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1387975. [PMID: 38807592 PMCID: PMC11131382 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1387975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), a vital component of the immune system, are responsible for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing excessive immune responses. This review explores the signaling pathways of the cytokines that regulate Treg cells, including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and IL-35, which foster the differentiation and enhance the immunosuppressive capabilities of Tregs. It also examines how, conversely, signals mediated by IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor -alpha (TNF-α) can undermine Treg suppressive functions or even drive their reprogramming into effector T cells. The B7 family comprises indispensable co-stimulators for T cell activation. Among its members, this review focuses on the capacity of CTLA-4 and PD-1 to regulate the differentiation, function, and survival of Tregs. As Tregs play an essential role in maintaining immune homeostasis, their dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This review delves into the potential of employing Treg-based immunotherapy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and cancer. By shedding light on these topics, this article aims to enhance our understanding of the regulation of Tregs by cytokines and their therapeutic potential for various pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaihang Deng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Po Chong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Shenzhen, China
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Wang H, He Y, Dang D, Zhao Y, Zhao J, Lu W. Gut Microbiota-Derived Tryptophan Metabolites Alleviate Allergic Asthma Inflammation in Ovalbumin-Induced Mice. Foods 2024; 13:1336. [PMID: 38731707 PMCID: PMC11082989 DOI: 10.3390/foods13091336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a prevalent respiratory disease. The present study is designed to determine whether gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites alleviate allergic asthma inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice and explore the effect and potential mechanism therein. Asthma model mice were constructed by OVA treatment, and kynurenine (KYN), indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), in-dole-3-carbaldehyde (I3C), and indole acetic acid (IAA) were administered by intraperitoneal injection. The percent survival, weight and asthma symptom score of mice were recorded. The total immunoglobulin E and OVA-specific (s)IgE in the serum and the inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by the corresponding ELISA kits. The composition of the gut microbiota and tryptophan-targeted metabolism in mouse feces were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics, respectively. The four tryptophan metabolites improved the percent survival, weight and asthma symptoms of mice, and reduced the inflammatory cells in lung tissues, especially I3C. I3C and IAA significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated the levels of OVA-IgE and inflammatory cytokines. KYN was observed to help restore gut microbiota diversity. Additionally, I3C, KYN, and ILA increased the relative abundance of Anaeroplasma, Akkermansia, and Ruminococcus_1, respectively, which were connected with tryptophan metabolic pathways. IAA also enhanced capability of tryptophan metabolism by the gut microbiota, restoring tryptophan metabolism and increasing production of other tryptophan metabolites. These findings suggest that tryptophan metabolites may modulate asthma through the gut microbiota, offering potential benefits for clinical asthma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yuan He
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Danting Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yurong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wenwei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
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Danielpour D. Advances and Challenges in Targeting TGF-β Isoforms for Therapeutic Intervention of Cancer: A Mechanism-Based Perspective. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:533. [PMID: 38675493 PMCID: PMC11054419 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β family is a group of 25 kDa secretory cytokines, in mammals consisting of three dimeric isoforms (TGF-βs 1, 2, and 3), each encoded on a separate gene with unique regulatory elements. Each isoform plays unique, diverse, and pivotal roles in cell growth, survival, immune response, and differentiation. However, many researchers in the TGF-β field often mistakenly assume a uniform functionality among all three isoforms. Although TGF-βs are essential for normal development and many cellular and physiological processes, their dysregulated expression contributes significantly to various diseases. Notably, they drive conditions like fibrosis and tumor metastasis/progression. To counter these pathologies, extensive efforts have been directed towards targeting TGF-βs, resulting in the development of a range of TGF-β inhibitors. Despite some clinical success, these agents have yet to reach their full potential in the treatment of cancers. A significant challenge rests in effectively targeting TGF-βs' pathological functions while preserving their physiological roles. Many existing approaches collectively target all three isoforms, failing to target just the specific deregulated ones. Additionally, most strategies tackle the entire TGF-β signaling pathway instead of focusing on disease-specific components or preferentially targeting tumors. This review gives a unique historical overview of the TGF-β field often missed in other reviews and provides a current landscape of TGF-β research, emphasizing isoform-specific functions and disease implications. The review then delves into ongoing therapeutic strategies in cancer, stressing the need for more tools that target specific isoforms and disease-related pathway components, advocating mechanism-based and refined approaches to enhance the effectiveness of TGF-β-targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Danielpour
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Laboratories, The Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; ; Tel.: +1-216-368-5670; Fax: +1-216-368-8919
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Institute of Urology, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Gilad Y, Shimon O, Han SJ, Lonard DM, O’Malley BW. Steroid receptor coactivators in Treg and Th17 cell biology and function. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1389041. [PMID: 38698860 PMCID: PMC11063348 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1389041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) are master regulators of transcription that play key roles in human physiology and pathology. SRCs are particularly important for the regulation of the immune system with major roles in lymphocyte fate determination and function, macrophage activity, regulation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcriptional activity and other immune system biology. The three members of the p160 SRC family comprise a network of immune-regulatory proteins that can function independently or act in synergy with each other, and compensate for - or moderate - the activity of other SRCs. Recent evidence indicates that the SRCs are key participants in governing numerous aspects of CD4+ T cell biology. Here we review findings that establish the SRCs as essential regulators of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells, with a focus on their crucial roles in Treg immunity in cancer and Treg-Th17 cell phenotypic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosi Gilad
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ortal Shimon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sang Jun Han
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Nuclear Receptor, Transcription and Chromatin Biology Program, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David M. Lonard
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Nuclear Receptor, Transcription and Chromatin Biology Program, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bert W. O’Malley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Nuclear Receptor, Transcription and Chromatin Biology Program, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Elkoshi Z. TGF-β, IL-1β, IL-6 levels and TGF-β/Smad pathway reactivity regulate the link between allergic diseases, cancer risk, and metabolic dysregulations. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371753. [PMID: 38629073 PMCID: PMC11019030 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The risk of cancer is higher in patients with asthma compared to those with allergic rhinitis for many types of cancer, except for certain cancers where a contrasting pattern is observed. This study offers a potential explanation for these observations, proposing that the premalignant levels of circulating transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), IL-1β, and IL-6 as well as the reactivity of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway at the specific cancer site, are crucial factors contributing to the observed disparities. Circulating TGF-β, IL- β and IL-6 levels also help clarify why asthma is positively associated with obesity, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and insulin resistance, whereas allergic rhinitis is negatively linked to these conditions. Furthermore, TGF-β/Smad pathway reactivity explains the dual impact of obesity, increasing the risk of certain types of cancer while offering protection against other types of cancer. It is suggested that the association of asthma with cancer and metabolic dysregulations is primarily linked to the subtype of neutrophilic asthma. A binary classification of TGF-β activity as either high (in the presence of IL-1β and IL-6) or low (in the presence or absence of IL-1β and IL-6) is proposed to differentiate between allergy patients prone to cancer and metabolic dysregulations and those less prone. Glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, the two major metabolic pathways utilized by cells for energy exploitation, potentially underlie this dichotomous classification by reprogramming metabolic pathways in immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeev Elkoshi
- Research and Development Department, Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Haifa, Israel
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