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JCI Insight Jun 2024Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are first responders to tissue injury, where they prime naive T cells. The role of pDCs in physiologic wound repair has been...
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are first responders to tissue injury, where they prime naive T cells. The role of pDCs in physiologic wound repair has been examined, but little is known about pDCs in diabetic wound tissue and their interactions with naive CD4+ T cells. Diabetic wounds are characterized by increased levels of inflammatory IL-17A cytokine, partly due to increased Th17 CD4+ cells. This increased IL-17A cytokine, in excess, impairs tissue repair. Here, using human tissue and murine wound healing models, we found that diabetic wound pDCs produced excess IL-6 and TGF-β and that these cytokines skewed naive CD4+ T cells toward a Th17 inflammatory phenotype following cutaneous injury. Further, we identified that increased IL-6 cytokine production by diabetic wound pDCs is regulated by a histone demethylase, Jumonji AT-rich interactive domain 1C histone demethylase (JARID1C). Decreased JARID1C increased IL-6 transcription in diabetic pDCs, and this process was regulated upstream by an IFN-I/TYK2/JAK1,3 signaling pathway. When inhibited in nondiabetic wound pDCs, JARID1C skewed naive CD4+ T cells toward a Th17 phenotype and increased IL-17A production. Together, this suggests that diabetic wound pDCs are epigenetically altered to increase IL-6 expression that then affects T cell phenotype. These findings identify a therapeutically manipulable pathway in diabetic wounds.
Topics: Th17 Cells; Animals; Interleukin-6; Mice; Humans; Dendritic Cells; Wound Healing; Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases; Interleukin-17; Male; Female; Mice, Inbred C57BL
PubMed: 38912581
DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172959 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Therapeutic vaccinations are designed to prevent cancer by inducing immune responses against tumor antigens. in cancer cells, tumor-associated antigens (TAA) or... (Review)
Review
Therapeutic vaccinations are designed to prevent cancer by inducing immune responses against tumor antigens. in cancer cells, tumor-associated antigens (TAA) or tumor-specific (mutated) derived peptides are presented within the clefts of main histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or class II molecules, they either activate cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs), CD4 T or CD8 T lymphocytes, which release cytokines that can suppress tumor cells growth. In cancer immunotherapies, CD8 T lymphocytes are a major mediator of tumor repression. The effect of peptide-based vaccinations on cytokines in the activating CD8 T cell against targeted tumor antigens is the subject of this review. It is believed that peptide-based vaccines increased IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12, secreting CTL line by interacting with dendritic cell (DC), supposed to stimulate immune system. Additionally, mechanisms of CTL activation and dysfunction were also studied. According to most of the data resulted from in vivo and in vitro research works, it is assumed that peptide-based vaccines increased IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12.
PubMed: 38912474
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32249 -
Heliyon Jun 2024The development of tumor vaccines has become a hot topic in immunotherapy for osteosarcoma (OS); however, more tumor antigens with stronger immunogenicity need to be...
PURPOSE
The development of tumor vaccines has become a hot topic in immunotherapy for osteosarcoma (OS); however, more tumor antigens with stronger immunogenicity need to be identified.
METHODS
We downloaded six sets of gene expression profile data from online databases. The overexpressed genes were analyzed, intersected, and used to calculate the immune infiltration abundance in the TARGET OS dataset based on their expression matrix. Potential tumor antigen genes were identified based on whether they exhibited a high correlation with the antigen-presenting cells (APCs). A total of 1330 immune-related genes (IRGs) from the ImmPort website were retrieved based on their expression, and the Consensus Cluster method was used to obtain immune subtypes of the OS samples. Prognosis, immune microenvironment, and sensitivity to drugs were compared among the immune subtypes.
RESULTS
In total, 680 genes were overexpressed in at least two datasets, of which and were positively correlated with different APCs. Based on the expression matrix of 1330 IRGs in TARGET-OS, two immune subtypes, IS1 and IS2, were identified. The prognosis of the IS1 subtype was better than that of IS2, the expression of immune checkpoint (ICP)-related genes was higher in patients with the IS1 subtype, and immune cell infiltration and sensitivity to 16 drugs were generally higher in IS1 subtype patients.
CONCLUSION
We identified three APC-correlated genes that can be considered to code for potential novel tumor antigens for OS vaccines. Two immune subtypes in patients with OS were identified to implement personalized treatments using mRNA vaccines.
PubMed: 38912457
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32231 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) maintains peripheral immune tolerance by preventing T cell continuous activation. Aiming to understand the extent of PD-1...
OBJECTIVES
Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) maintains peripheral immune tolerance by preventing T cell continuous activation. Aiming to understand the extent of PD-1 expression in inflammatory arthritis beyond its involvement with T cells, we assess its presence on various circulating single cells.
METHODS
Mass cytometry analysis of patients with active seropositive/seronegative rheumatoid (RA; n=9/8) and psoriatic (PsA; n=9) arthritis versus healthy controls (HC; n=13), re-evaluating patients after 3 months of anti-rheumatic treatment.
RESULTS
PD-1 was expressed in all leukocyte subpopulations, with the highest PD-1 cell frequencies in eosinophils (59-73%) and T cells (50-60%), and the lowest in natural-killer cells (1-3%). PD-1 cell frequencies and PD-1 median expression were comparable between patient subgroups and HC, in the majority of cell subsets. Exceptions included increases in certain T cell/B cell subsets of seropositive RA and specific monocyte subsets and dendritic cells of PsA; an expanded PD-1CD4CD45RACD27CD28 T subset, denoting exhausted T cells, was common across patient subgroups. Strikingly, significant inverse correlations between individual biomarkers of systemic inflammation (ESR and/or serum CRP) and PD-1 cell frequencies and/or median expression were evident in several innate and adaptive immunity cell subsets of RA and PsA patients. Furthermore, all inverse correlations noted in individuals with active arthritis were no longer discernible in those who attained remission/low disease activity post-treatment.
CONCLUSION
PD-1 expression may be insufficient, relative to the magnitude of the concomitant systemic inflammatory response on distinct leukocyte subsets, varying between RA and PsA. Our results point to the potential therapeutic benefits of pharmacological PD-1 activation, to rebalance the autoimmune response and reduce inflammation.
Topics: Humans; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Single-Cell Analysis; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Arthritis, Psoriatic; Proteomics; Aged; Adult; Autoimmunity; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38911848
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1403680 -
Frontiers in Systems Biology 2024Crosstalk between dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells plays a crucial role in modulating immune responses in natural and pathological conditions. DC-T cell crosstalk is...
Crosstalk between dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells plays a crucial role in modulating immune responses in natural and pathological conditions. DC-T cell crosstalk is achieved through contact-dependent (i.e., immunological synapse) and contact-independent mechanisms (i.e., cytokines). Activated DCs upregulate co-stimulatory signals and secrete proinflammatory cytokines to orchestrate T cell activation and differentiation. Conversely, activated T helper cells "license" DCs towards maturation, while regulatory T cells (Tregs) silence DCs to elicit tolerogenic immunity. Strategies to efficiently modulate the DC-T cell crosstalk can be harnessed to promote immune activation for cancer immunotherapy or immune tolerance for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Here, we review the natural crosstalk mechanisms between DC and T cells. We highlight bioengineering approaches to modulate DC-T cell crosstalk, including conventional vaccines, synthetic vaccines, and DC-mimics, and key seminal studies leveraging these approaches to steer immune response for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
PubMed: 38911455
DOI: 10.3389/fsysb.2024.1372995 -
Transplantation Direct Jul 2024The mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi) therapy after kidney transplantation is solely monitored pharmacokinetically, not necessarily reflecting...
BACKGROUND
The mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi) therapy after kidney transplantation is solely monitored pharmacokinetically, not necessarily reflecting PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway blockade efficacy leading to potential under-or overimmunosuppression.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, phosphoflow cytometry was used to determine the efficacy of mTOR inhibition in peripheral T- and B-lymphocyte subsets by assessing p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) phosphorylation in renal transplant recipients upon treatment with a combination of either mTORi and calcineurin inhibitors (n = 18), or mTORi with mycophenolic acid (n = 9). Nine dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease and 17 healthy age-matched volunteers served as controls.
RESULTS
mTORi treatment reduced p70S6K phosphorylation in CD4, CD8 T, and CD19 B cells compared with healthy controls (HCs). Subpopulation analysis of CD4 T cells and CD19 B cells revealed a significant reduction of p70S6K phosphorylation in CD4CD45RACD25 Th cells ( < 0.05), CD24CD38 transitional B cells ( < 0.001), CD24CD38 memory B cells ( < 0.001), and CD24CD38-naive B cells ( < 0.05) upon mTORi treatment, whereas CD4CD45RACD25CD127 regulatory T cells and CD24CD38 plasmablasts were not affected. Compared with mTORi + mycophenolic acid therapy, mTORi + calcineurin inhibitor treatment exhibited an even stronger inhibition of p70S6K phosphorylation in CD4CD45RACD25 Th cells and CD8 T cells. However, trough levels of mTORi did not correlate with p70S6K phosphorylation.
CONCLUSIONS
mTORi selectively inhibited p70S6K phosphorylation in select lymphocyte subtypes. Assessing p70S6K phosphorylation by phosphoflow cytometry may serve as an approach to understand cell subset specific effects of mTORi providing detailed pharmacodynamic information for individualizing immunosuppression.
PubMed: 38911271
DOI: 10.1097/TXD.0000000000001666 -
Cellular Immunology Jun 2024CD147 is a T cell activation-associated molecule which is closely involved in the formation of the immune synapse (IS). However, the precise role of CD147 in T cell...
CD147 is a T cell activation-associated molecule which is closely involved in the formation of the immune synapse (IS). However, the precise role of CD147 in T cell activation and IS formation remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that CD147 translocated to the IS upon T cell activation and was primarily distributed in the peripheral super molecular cluster (p-SMAC). The knock down of CD147 expression in T cells, but not in B cells, impaired IS formation. CD147 participated in IS formation between T cells and different types of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including macrophages and dendritic cells. Ligation of CD147 with its monoclonal antibody (mAb) HAb18 effectively inhibited T cell activation and IL-2 secretion. CD98, a critical molecule interacting with CD147, was distributed in IS in a CD147-dependent way. Phosphorylation levels of T cell receptor (TCR) related molecules, like ZAP-70, ERK, and cJun, were down-regulated by CD147 ligation, which is crucial for the interaction of CD147 and TCR signaling transduction. CD147 is indispensable for the formation of immune synapses and plays an important role in the regulation of its function.
PubMed: 38909549
DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2024.104845 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jun 2024The induction of immunological tolerance is a promising strategy for managing autoimmune diseases, allergies, and transplant rejection. Tregitopes, a class of peptides,... (Review)
Review
The induction of immunological tolerance is a promising strategy for managing autoimmune diseases, allergies, and transplant rejection. Tregitopes, a class of peptides, have emerged as potential agents for this purpose. They activate regulatory T cells, which are pivotal in reducing inflammation and promoting tolerance, by binding to MHC II molecules and facilitating their processing and presentation to Treg cells, thereby encouraging their proliferation. Moreover, Tregitopes influence the phenotype of antigen-presenting cells by attenuating the expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II while enhancing ILT3, resulting in the inhibition of NF-kappa B signaling pathways. Various techniques, including in vitro and in silico methods, are applied to identify Tregitope candidates. Currently, Tregitopes play a vital role in balancing immune activation and tolerance in clinical applications such as Pompe disease, diabetes-related antigens, and the prevention of spontaneous abortions in autoimmune diseases. Similarly, Tregitopes can induce antigen-specific regulatory T cells. Their anti-inflammatory effects are significant in conditions such as autoimmune encephalomyelitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Additionally, Tregitopes have been leveraged to enhance vaccine design and efficacy. Recent advancements in understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks of IVIG and the discovery of the function and mechanism of Tregitopes have introduced Tregitopes as a popular option for immune system modulation. It is expected that they will bring about a significant revolution in the management and treatment of autoimmune and immunological diseases. This article is a comprehensive review of Tregitopes, concluding with the potential of these epitopes as a therapeutic avenue for immunological disorders.
PubMed: 38908205
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116983 -
BMC Medical Genomics Jun 2024Collagen (COL) genes, play a key role in tumor invasion and metastasis, are involved in tumor extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interactions and focal adhesion...
BACKGROUND
Collagen (COL) genes, play a key role in tumor invasion and metastasis, are involved in tumor extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interactions and focal adhesion pathways. However, studies focusing on the diagnostic value of the COL4 family in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) are currently lacking.
METHODS
The TCGA database was employed to retrieve the clinical features and RNA sequencing expression profiles of patients with STAD. We conducted an investigation to examine the expression disparities between STAD and adjacent normal tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was utilized to assess their prognostic significance, while Spearman correlation analysis was employed to determine their association with immune checkpoint genes and immunomodulatory molecules. Furthermore, GO and KEGG analyses were performed on the COL4s-related genes, revealing potential biological pathways through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Subsequently, we explored the extent of immune infiltration of the COL4 family in STAD using the TIMER database. Lastly, the expression levels of the COL4 family in STAD were further validated through quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot techniques.
RESULTS
The expression levels of COL4A1/2 were significantly upregulated, while COL4A5/6 were conspicuously downregulated in STAD. The survival analysis revealed that the upregulated COL4s indicated poorer overall survival, first progression and post-progression survival outcomes. Additionally, our findings demonstrated a positive correlation between the expressions of COL4A1/2/3/4 and the infiltration of immune cells, including CD8 + T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils and CD4 + T cells. Further correlation analysis uncovered a favorable association between the expression of COL4A1/2/3/4 and various crucial immunomodulatory molecules, immunological checkpoint molecules, and chemokines. Quantitative PCR analysis confirmed that the expression patterns of COL4A1/3/4/6 genes aligned with the finding from the TCGA database. However, gastric cancer cells exhibited downregulation of COL4A2. Consistently, the protein level of COL4A1 was elevated, whereas the protein level of COL4A2 was reduced in the gastric cancer cell lines.
CONCLUSION
COL4s could potentially serve as biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of STAD.
Topics: Stomach Neoplasms; Humans; Adenocarcinoma; Prognosis; Collagen Type IV; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Male; Female; Biomarkers, Tumor; Middle Aged; Kaplan-Meier Estimate
PubMed: 38907304
DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01934-3 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects more than 95% of adults worldwide and is closely associated with various malignancies. Considering the complex life cycle of EBV,...
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects more than 95% of adults worldwide and is closely associated with various malignancies. Considering the complex life cycle of EBV, developing vaccines targeting key entry glycoproteins to elicit robust and durable adaptive immune responses may provide better protection. EBV gHgL-, gB- and gp42-specific antibodies in healthy EBV carriers contributed to sera neutralizing abilities in vitro, indicating that they are potential antigen candidates. To enhance the immunogenicity of these antigens, we formulate three nanovaccines by co-delivering molecular adjuvants (CpG and MPLA) and antigens (gHgL, gB or gp42). These nanovaccines induce robust humoral and cellular responses through efficient activation of dendritic cells and germinal center response. Importantly, these nanovaccines generate high levels of neutralizing antibodies recognizing vulnerable sites of all three antigens. IgGs induced by a cocktail vaccine containing three nanovaccines confer superior protection from lethal EBV challenge in female humanized mice compared to IgG elicited by individual NP-gHgL, NP-gB and NP-gp42. Importantly, serum antibodies elicited by cocktail nanovaccine immunization confer durable protection against EBV-associated lymphoma. Overall, the cocktail nanovaccine shows robust immunogenicity and is a promising candidate for further clinical trials.
Topics: Animals; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Humans; Female; Mice; Antibodies, Viral; Glycoproteins; Nanoparticles; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Lymphoma; Nanovaccines
PubMed: 38906867
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49546-w