scholarly journals Blockade of IL-7 signaling suppresses inflammatory responses and reverses alopecia areata in C3H/HeJ mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (14) ◽  
pp. eabd1866
Author(s):  
Zhenpeng Dai ◽  
Eddy Hsi Chun Wang ◽  
Lynn Petukhova ◽  
Yuqian Chang ◽  
Eunice Yoojin Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Alopecia Areata ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Clinical Investigation ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Interleukin 7

The interleukin-7 (IL-7) signaling pathway plays an important role in regulation of T cell function and survival. We detected overexpression of IL-7 in lesional skin from both humans and C3H/HeJ mice with alopecia areata (AA), a T cell–mediated autoimmune disease of the hair follicle. We found that exogenous IL-7 accelerated the onset of AA by augmenting the expansion of alopecic T cells. Conversely, blockade of IL-7 stopped the progression of AA and reversed early AA in C3H/HeJ mice. Mechanistically, we observed that IL-7Rα blockade substantially reduced the total number of most T cell subsets, but relative sparing of regulatory T cells (Tregs). We postulated that short-term anti–IL-7Rα treatment in combination with a low dose of Treg-tropic cytokines might improve therapeutic efficacy in AA. We demonstrated that short-term IL-7Rα blockade in combination with low doses of Treg-tropic cytokines enhanced therapeutic effects in the treatment of AA, and invite further clinical investigation.

scholarly journals CD40/CD40L contributes to hypercholesterolemia-induced microvascular inflammation

2009 ◽  
Vol 296 (3) ◽  
pp. H689-H697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Y. Stokes ◽  
LeShanna Calahan ◽  
Candiss M. Hamric ◽  
Janice M. Russell ◽  
D. Neil Granger
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Blood Cell ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Microvascular Dysfunction ◽  
Cd40 Ligand ◽  
Scid Mice ◽  
Endothelial Cell Function

Hypercholesterolemia is associated with phenotypic changes in endothelial cell function that lead to a proinflammatory and prothrombogenic state in different segments of the microvasculature. CD40 ligand (CD40L) and its receptor CD40 are ubiquitously expressed and mediate inflammatory responses and platelet activation. The objective of this study was to determine whether CD40/CD40L, in particular T-cell CD40L, contributes to microvascular dysfunction induced by hypercholesterolemia. Intravital microscopy was used to quantify blood cell adhesion in cremasteric postcapillary venules, endothelium-dependent vasodilation responses in arterioles, and microvascular oxidative stress in wild-type (WT) C57BL/6, CD40-deficient (−/−), CD40L−/−, or severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice placed on a normal (ND) or high-cholesterol (HC) diet for 2 wk. WT-HC mice exhibited an exaggerated leukocyte and platelet recruitment in venules and impaired vasodilation responses in arterioles compared with ND counterparts. A deficiency of CD40, CD40L, or lymphocytes attenuated these responses to HC. The HC phenotype was rescued in CD40L−/− and SCID mice by a transfer of WT T cells. Bone marrow chimeras revealed roles for both vascular- and blood cell-derived CD40 and CD40L in the HC-induced vascular responses. Hypercholesterolemia induced an oxidative stress in both arterioles and venules of WT mice, which was abrogated by either CD40 or CD40L deficiency. The transfer of WT T cells into CD40L−/− mice restored the oxidative stress. These results implicate CD40/CD40L interactions between circulating cells and the vascular wall in both the arteriolar and venular dysfunction elicited by hypercholesterolemia and identify T-cell-associated CD40L as a key mediator of these responses.

scholarly journals Neuropilin-1: a checkpoint target with unique implications for cancer immunology and immunotherapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e000967 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher A Chuckran ◽  
Chang Liu ◽  
Tullia C Bruno ◽  
Creg J Workman ◽  
Dario AA Vignali
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Immune Modulation ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Peripheral Tolerance ◽  
Neuropilin 1

Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy established a new paradigm in cancer treatment: for certain patients curative treatment requires immune reinvigoration. Despite this monumental advance, only 20%–30% of patients achieve an objective response to standard of care immunotherapy, necessitating the consideration of alternative targets. Optimal strategies will not only stimulate CD8+ T cells, but concomitantly modulate immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), most notably regulatory T cells (Treg cells). In this context, the immunoregulatory receptor Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is garnering renewed attention as it reinforces intratumoral Treg cell function amidst inflammation in the TME. Loss of NRP1 on Treg cells in mouse models restores antitumor immunity without sacrificing peripheral tolerance. Enrichment of NRP1+ Treg cells is observed in patients across multiple malignancies with cancer, both intratumorally and in peripheral sites. Thus, targeting NRP1 may safely undermine intratumoral Treg cell fitness, permitting enhanced inflammatory responses with existing immunotherapies. Furthermore, NRP1 has been recently found to modulate tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Emerging data suggest that NRP1 restricts CD8+ T cell reinvigoration in response to checkpoint inhibitors, and more importantly, acts as a barrier to the long-term durability of CD8+ T cell-mediated tumor immunosurveillance. These novel and distinct regulatory mechanisms present an exciting therapeutic opportunity. This review will discuss the growing literature on NRP1-mediated immune modulation which provides a strong rationale for categorizing NRP1 as both a key checkpoint in the TME as well as an immunotherapeutic target with promise either alone or in combination with current standard of care therapeutic regimens.

Exogenous IL-7 increases recent thymic emigrants in peripheral lymphoid tissue without enhanced thymic function

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
pp. 1110-1119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Waye Chu ◽  
Sarfraz A. Memon ◽  
Susan O. Sharrow ◽  
Frances T. Hakim ◽  
Michael Eckhaus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Recent Thymic Emigrants ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Thymic Function ◽  
Immune Organs ◽  
Interleukin 7 ◽  
Thymectomized Mice

AbstractInterleukin 7 (IL-7) is critical in maintaining thymic-dependent and thymic-independent pathways of T-cell homeostasis. T-cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement excision circles (TRECs) have been used as markers for recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) in assessing human thymic function. To study the thymic and peripheral effects of IL-7 on RTEs, we measured TREC content and peripheral naive T-cell subsets and turnover in IL-7-treated mice. Short-term administration of IL-7 into thymus-intact mice resulted in increased total TREC numbers, consistent with RTE accumulation. Decreases in TREC frequency were attributable to dilution secondary to increased cell turnover. Significantly, IL-7 administration into thymectomized mice resulted in patterns of decreased TREC frequency and increased total TREC number similar to those in IL-7-treated thymus-intact mice. Distinct patterns of naive cell and RTE distribution among peripheral immune organs and altered expression of CD11a were observed following IL-7 treatment in thymus-intact and thymectomized mice. These results demonstrate (1) that total TREC number and not TREC frequency accurately reflects quantitative changes in RTEs; (2) that short-term IL-7 administration results in preferential accumulations of RTEs among peripheral immune organs, accounting for the increase in TRECs in the total peripheral lymphoid pool; and (3) no evidence for regulation of thymic function by short-term IL-7 administration. (Blood. 2004;104:1110-1119)

Cellular immunity, low-density lipoprotein and atherosclerosis: Break of tolerance in the artery wall

2011 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 779-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Ketelhuth ◽  
Göran Hansson
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cellular Immunity ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Research Field ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Low Density

SummaryAtherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Atherosclerotic plaques contain abundant immune cells that can dictate and effect inflammatory responses. Among them, T cells are present during all stages of the disease suggesting that they are essential in the initiation as well as the progression of plaque. Experimental as well as clinical research has demonstrated different T cell subsets, i.e. CD4+ Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg as well as CD8+ and NKT cells in the plaque. Moreover, candidate antigens inducing T cell responses have been identified. Knowledge about the pathological role of these cells in atherogenesis may lead to development of new therapies. This review provides an overview of the research field of cellular immunity in atherosclerosis. It emphasises the events and findings involving antigen specific T cells, in particular low-density lipoprotein-specific T cells.

scholarly journals Primary CLL Xenograft: A Model System to Study the Role of T-Cells in CLL Biology and Therapeutic Response

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 3284-3284
Author(s):  
Ceri E Oldreive ◽  
Anna Skowronska ◽  
Angelo Agathanggelou ◽  
Helen M Parry ◽  
Sergey Krysov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Cell Phenotype

Abstract The interaction between chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells and T-cells is an important aspect of CLL biology. CLL cells require T-cell support for their proliferation and in addition induce proliferation of regulatory and cytotoxic (CD8+) T-cells. T-cell number and repertoire are both markedly affected by CLL therapy and there is considerable interest in how current treatments modulate the interaction between T-cells and the tumour clone. In this study we investigated whether this relationship was maintained in a xenotransplantation model. CLL engraftment in NOG mice was facilitated by humanisation of the murine microenvironment by allogeneic CD34+ umbilical cord cells or CD14+ monocytes. Accelerated engraftment of both CLL and T-cell compartments was observed in xenografts derived from patients with progressive CLL, suggesting that the biological properties of both subsets are maintained in the murine model. Furthermore, the distribution of helper (CD4+), cytotoxic (CD8+) and regulatory (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) T-cells was maintained within the xenografts, including retention of the CD4:CD8 ratio. Interestingly, the anergic PD-1+CD160+CD244+TIM3+ T-cell phenotype reported in CLL patients was also evident in T-cells expanded in xenograft models. Consistent with an anergic T-cell phenotype, T-cells from CLL xenografts lacked anti-tumour activity in vitro. Importantly, such anergic cells were observed when T-cells were reconstituted from allogeneic cord blood cells as well as autologous cells, suggesting that CLL cells have the ability to shape T-cell populations of different origin in diverse microenvironments. Finally, to investigate the interaction between specific T-cell subsets and engrafted CLL cells, CD4+, CD8+, and CD25+ T-cells were depleted prior to generation of xenografts. CD8+ T-cell depletion significantly prolonged CLL engraftment (p≤0.01) whereas neither depletion of CD4+ nor CD25+cells had a significant impact. In summary, our results demonstrate that the relationship between CLL tumour cells and reactive T-cells is accurately maintained in a murine xenograft model. Such models will be of great value for investigation of aspects of T-cell function in CLL biology. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Elevated coinhibitory molecule TIGIT mediates T cell exhaustion in septic patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yini Sun ◽  
Renyu Ding ◽  
Yukun Chang ◽  
Jiuming Li ◽  
Xiaochun Ma
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
T Cell Exhaustion ◽  
Cell Exhaustion

Abstract Background: Sepsis-induced T cell exhaustion that is characterized by upregulated coinhibitory molecules and decreased cytokines release plays a crucial role in the immunosuppression during sepsis. Although PD-1 has shown a promising target to interfere with T cells dysfunction, the role of other coinhibitory receptors in sepsis remains largely elusive. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the coinhibitory molecule TIGIT more reliably identified exhausted T cells than PD-1. The aim of the study was to identify the expression of TIGIT on lymphocytes and the crucial role of TIGIT in modulating T cell function in septic patients. Methods: Twenty-five patients with sepsis and seventeen healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Peripheral blood was obtained from septic patients within 24 hours after diagnosis of sepsis, as were healthy controls. TIGIT and other coinhibitory/costimulatory molecules expression on lymphocyte subsets was quantitated by flow cytometry. The relationship between TIGIT expression and clinical parameters was simultaneously evaluated. The function T cell from septic patients was assayed via stimulated cytokine secretion. Ex vivo functional assays were also conducted.Results: In the early stage of sepsis, patients exhibited higher levels of TIGIT on T cells relative to healthy donors, especially in the septic shock patients. Elevated frequencies of TIGIT + T cells positively correlated with the severity of organ failure and inflammatory responses in septic patients. TIGIT + T cells expressed higher levels of PD-1 and lower CD226. Further, elevated expression of TIGIT inhibited the release of cytokines including TNF, IFN-γ and IL-2 by CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. Strikingly, ex vivo blockade of TIGIT using anti-TIGIT antibody restored the frequencies of cytokine-producing T cells. Conclusions: These data illustrate TIGIT as a novel marker of exhausted T cells and suggest TIGIT may be a novel immunotherapeutic target during sepsis.

scholarly journals Piezo1 channels restrain regulatory T cells but are dispensable for effector CD4+ T cell responses

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (28) ◽  
pp. eabg5859
Author(s):  
Amit Jairaman ◽  
Shivashankar Othy ◽  
Joseph L. Dynes ◽  
Andriy V. Yeromin ◽  
Angel Zavala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
T Helper 1 ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Mechanosensitive Ion Channel

T lymphocytes encounter complex mechanical cues during an immune response. The mechanosensitive ion channel, Piezo1, drives inflammatory responses to bacterial infections, wound healing, and cancer; however, its role in helper T cell function remains unclear. In an animal model for multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we found that mice with genetic deletion of Piezo1 in T cells showed diminished disease severity. Unexpectedly, Piezo1 was not essential for lymph node homing, interstitial motility, Ca2+ signaling, T cell proliferation, or differentiation into proinflammatory T helper 1 (TH1) and TH17 subsets. However, Piezo1 deletion in T cells resulted in enhanced transforming growth factor–β (TGFβ) signaling and an expanded pool of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Moreover, mice with deletion of Piezo1 specifically in Treg cells showed significant attenuation of EAE. Our results indicate that Piezo1 selectively restrains Treg cells, without influencing activation events or effector T cell functions.

scholarly journals Recombinant Interleukin-7 Induces Proliferation of Naive Macaque CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells In Vivo

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (18) ◽  
pp. 9740-9749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Moniuszko ◽  
Terry Fry ◽  
Wen-Po Tsai ◽  
Michel Morre ◽  
Brigitte Assouline ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Memory Cell ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Effector Memory ◽  
Phenotypic Change ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Interleukin 7

ABSTRACT Interleukin-7 (IL-7) regulates T-cell homeostasis, and its availability is augmented in lymphopenic hosts. Naive CD8+ T cells transferred to lymphopenic mice acquire a memory-like phenotype, raising the possibility that IL-7 is the biological mediator of this effect. Here, we provide direct evidence that IL-7 induces the acquisition of memory-cell markers not only in CD8+ T cells but also in CD4+ T-cell subsets in immune-competent Indian rhesus macaques. The increase of these memory-like populations was dependent on the dose of the cytokine, and these cells were found in the blood as well as secondary lymphoid organs. Memory-like CD4+ and CD8+ T cells acquired the ability to secrete tumor necrosis factor alpha and, to a lesser extent, gamma interferon following stimulation with a cognate antigen. The phenotypic change observed in naive T cells was promptly reversed after discontinuation of IL-7. Importantly, IL-7 induced cycling of both CD4+ and CD8+ central memory and effector memory T cells, demonstrating its contribution to the maintenance of the entire T-cell pool. Thus, IL-7 may be of benefit in the treatment of iatrogenic or virus-induced T-cell depletion.

scholarly journals Upregulation of Phosphodiesterase 2A Augments T Cell Activation by Changing cGMP/cAMP Cross-Talk

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Kurelic ◽  
Paula F. Krieg ◽  
Jana K. Sonner ◽  
Gloria Bhaiyan ◽  
Gustavo C. Ramos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cross Talk ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Activation Markers ◽  
Tcr Activation ◽  
Camp Levels

3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is well-known for its diverse immunomodulatory properties, primarily inhibitory effects during T cell activation, proliferation, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A decrease in cAMP levels, due to the hydrolyzing activity of phosphodiesterases (PDE), is favoring inflammatory responses. This can be prevented by selective PDE inhibitors, which makes PDEs important therapeutic targets for autoimmune disorders. In this study, we investigated the specific roles of PDE2A and PDE3B in the regulation of intracellular cAMP levels in different mouse T cell subsets. Unexpectedly, T cell receptor (TCR) activation led to a selective upregulation of PDE2A at the protein level in conventional T cells (Tcon), whereas no changes were detected in regulatory T cells (Treg). In contrast, protein expression of PDE3B was significantly higher in both non-activated and activated Tcon subsets as compared to Treg, with no changes upon TCR engagement. Live-cell imaging of T cells expressing a highly sensitive Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor, Epac1-camps, has enabled cAMP measurements in real time and revealed stronger responses to the PDE2A inhibitors in activated vs non-activated Tcon. Importantly, stimulation of intracellular cGMP levels with natriuretic peptides led to an increase of cAMP in non-activated and a decrease of cAMP in activated Tcon, suggesting that TCR activation changes the PDE3B-dependent positive to PDE2A-dependent negative cGMP/cAMP cross-talk. Functionally, this switch induced higher expression of early activation markers CD25 and CD69. This constitutes a potentially interesting feed-forward mechanism during autoimmune and inflammatory responses that may be exploited therapeutically.

scholarly journals Age-Related Gene Alteration in Naïve and Memory T cells Using Precise Age-Tracking Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofeng Yang ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
Lei Lei ◽  
Lina Sun ◽  
Anjun Jiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Memory T Cells ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Transcriptional Analysis ◽  
Immune Checkpoints ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Tracking Model

In aged individuals, age-related changes in immune cells, especially T cell deficiency, are associated with an increased incidence of infection, tumor, and autoimmune disease, as well as an impaired response to vaccination. However, the features of gene expression levels in aged T cells are still unknown. Our previous study successfully tracked aged T cells generated from one wave of developing thymocytes of young age by a lineage-specific and inducible Cre-controlled reporter (TCRδCreERR26ZsGreen mouse strain). In this study, we utilized this model and genome-wide transcriptomic analysis to examine changes in gene expression in aged naïve and memory T cell populations during the aging process. We identified profound gene alterations in aged CD4 and CD8 T cells. Both aged CD4+ and CD8+ naïve T cells showed significantly decreased organelle function. Importantly, genes associated with lymphocyte activation and function demonstrated a significant increase in aged memory T cells, accompanied by upregulation of immunosuppressive markers and immune checkpoints, revealing an abnormal T cell function in aged cells. Furthermore, aging significantly affects T cell survival and death signaling. While aged CD4 memory T cells exhibited pro-apoptotic gene signatures, aged CD8 memory T cells expressed anti-apoptotic genes. Thus, the transcriptional analysis of gene expression and signaling pathways in aged T cell subsets shed light on our understanding of altered immune function with aging, which will have great potential for clinical interventions for older adults.

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