Activin A skews macrophage polarization by promoting a proinflammatory phenotype and inhibiting the acquisition of anti-inflammatory macrophage markers

Abstract M-CSF favors the generation of folate receptor β–positive (FRβ+), IL-10–producing, immunosuppressive, M2-polarized macrophages [M2 (M-CSF)], whereas GM-CSF promotes a proinflammatory, M1-polarized phenotype [M1 (GM-CSF)]. In the present study, we found that activin A was preferentially released by M1 (GM-CSF) macrophages, impaired the acquisition of FRβ and other M2 (M-CSF)–specific markers, down-modulated the LPS-induced release of IL-10, and mediated the tumor cell growth–inhibitory activity of M1 (GM-CSF) macrophages, in which Smad2/3 is constitutively phosphorylated. The contribution of activin A to M1 (GM-CSF) macrophage polarization was evidenced by the capacity of a blocking anti–activin A antibody to reduce M1 (GM-CSF) polarization markers expression while enhancing FRβ and other M2 (M-CSF) markers mRNA levels. Moreover, an inhibitor of activin receptor-like kinase 4/5/7 (ALK4/5/7 or SB431542) promoted M2 (M-CSF) marker expression but limited the acquisition of M1 (GM-CSF) polarization markers, suggesting a role for Smad2/3 activation in macrophage polarization. In agreement with these results, expression of activin A and M2 (M-CSF)–specific markers was oppositely regulated by tumor ascites. Therefore, activin A contributes to the proinflammatory macrophage polarization triggered by GM-CSF and limits the acquisition of the anti-inflammatory phenotype in a Smad2-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that activin A–initiated Smad signaling skews macrophage polarization toward the acquisition of a proinflammatory phenotype.

Download Full-text

GM-CSF Expression and Macrophage Polarization in Joints of Undifferentiated Arthritis Patients Evolving to Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-34812/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sara Fuentelsaz-Romero ◽

Andrea Cuervo ◽

Lizbeth Estrada-Capetillo ◽

Raquel Celis ◽

Raquel García-Campos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Synovial Fluid ◽

Inflammatory Marker ◽

Macrophage Polarization ◽

Activin A ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Undifferentiated Arthritis ◽

Gm Csf ◽

Macrophage Density ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Background and Aims: GM-CSF-dependent macrophage polarization hasbeen demonstrated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our aim was to seek diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for undifferentiated arthritis (UA) by analyzing GM-CSF expression and source, macrophage polarization and density in joints of patients with UA evolving to RA or PsA compared with established RA or PsA, respectively.Methods:Synovial tissue (ST)from patients with UA evolving to RA (UA>RA, n=8), PsA (UA>PsA, n=9), persistent UA (UA, n=16), established RA (n=12) and PsA (n=10), and healthy controls (n=6), were analyzed. Cell source and quantitative expression of GM-CSF and proteins associated with pro-inflammatory (GM-CSF-driven) and anti-inflammatory (M-CSF-driven) macrophage polarization (activin A, TNFα, MMP12 and CD209, respectively) were assessed in ST CD163+ macrophages by multicolor immunofluorescence. GM-CSF and activin A levels were also quantified in paired synovial fluid samples. CD163+ macrophage density was determined in all groups by immunofluorescence.Results:Synovial stromal cells (FAP+ fibroblast, CD90+ endothelial cells) and CD163+ sublining macrophages were the sources of GM-CSF. ST CD163+ macrophages from all groups expressed pro-inflammatory polarization markers (activin A, TNFα and MMP12). Expression of the M-CSF-dependent anti-inflammatory marker CD209 identified two macrophage subsets (CD163+ CD209high and CD163+ CD209low/-). CD209+ macrophages were more abundant in ST from healthy controls and PsA patients, although both macrophage subtypesshowed similar levels of pro-inflammatory markers in all groups. In paired synovial fluid samples, activin A was detected in all patients, with higher levels in UA>RA and RA, while GM-CSF was infrequently detected. ST CD163+ macrophage density was comparable between UA>RA and UA>PsA patients, but significantly higher than in persistent UA and established RA and PsA patients, respectively.Conclusions: GM-CSF is highly expressed by sublining CD90+ FAP+ synovial fibroblasts, CD90+ activated endothelium and CD163+ macrophages in different types of arthritis. The polarization state of ST macrophages was similar in all UA and established arthritis groups, with a predominance of pro-inflammatory GM-CSF-associated markers. CD163+ macrophage density was significantly higher in the UA phases of RA and PsA compared with persistent UA. Taken together, our findings support the idea that GM-CSF is a strong driver of macrophage polarization and a potential therapeutic target not only in RA but also in PsA and all types of UA.

Download Full-text

GM-CSF Expression and Macrophage Polarization in Joints of Undifferentiated Arthritis Patients Evolving to Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis

Frontiers in Immunology ◽

10.3389/fimmu.2020.613975 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Sara Fuentelsaz-Romero ◽

Andrea Cuervo ◽

Lizbeth Estrada-Capetillo ◽

Raquel Celis ◽

Raquel García-Campos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Synovial Fluid ◽

Inflammatory Marker ◽

Macrophage Polarization ◽

Activin A ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Undifferentiated Arthritis ◽

Gm Csf ◽

Macrophage Density ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Background and AimsGM-CSF-dependent macrophage polarization has been demonstrated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our aim was to seek diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for undifferentiated arthritis (UA) by analyzing GM-CSF expression and source, macrophage polarization and density in joints of patients with UA evolving to RA or PsA compared with established RA or PsA, respectively.MethodsSynovial tissue (ST) from patients with UA evolving to RA (UA>RA, n=8), PsA (UA>PsA, n=9), persistent UA (UA, n=16), established RA (n=12) and PsA (n=10), and healthy controls (n=6), were analyzed. Cell source and quantitative expression of GM-CSF and proteins associated with pro-inflammatory (GM-CSF-driven) and anti-inflammatory (M-CSF-driven) macrophage polarization (activin A, TNFα, MMP12, and CD209, respectively) were assessed in ST CD163+ macrophages by multicolor immunofluorescence. GM-CSF and activin A levels were also quantified in paired synovial fluid samples. CD163+ macrophage density was determined in all groups by immunofluorescence.ResultsSynovial stromal cells (FAP+ CD90+ fibroblast, CD90+ endothelial cells) and CD163+ sublining macrophages were the sources of GM-CSF. ST CD163+ macrophages from all groups expressed pro-inflammatory polarization markers (activin A, TNFα, and MMP12). Expression of the M-CSF-dependent anti-inflammatory marker CD209 identified two macrophage subsets (CD163+ CD209high and CD163+ CD209low/-). CD209+ macrophages were more abundant in ST from healthy controls and PsA patients, although both macrophage subtypes showed similar levels of pro-inflammatory markers in all groups. In paired synovial fluid samples, activin A was detected in all patients, with higher levels in UA>RA and RA, while GM-CSF was infrequently detected. ST CD163+ macrophage density was comparable between UA>RA and UA>PsA patients, but significantly higher than in persistent UA.ConclusionsGM-CSF is highly expressed by sublining CD90+ FAP+ synovial fibroblasts, CD90+ activated endothelium and CD163+ macrophages in different types of arthritis. The polarization state of ST macrophages was similar in all UA and established arthritis groups, with a predominance of pro-inflammatory GM-CSF-associated markers. CD163+ macrophage density was significantly higher in the UA phases of RA and PsA compared with persistent UA. Taken together, our findings support the idea that GM-CSF is a strong driver of macrophage polarization and a potential therapeutic target not only in RA but also in PsA and all types of UA.

Download Full-text

Microvesicles carrying LRP5 induce macrophage polarization to an anti‐inflammatory phenotype

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine ◽

10.1111/jcmm.16723 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aureli Luquero ◽

Gemma Vilahur ◽

Javier Crespo ◽

Lina Badimon ◽

Maria Borrell‐Pages

Keyword(s):

Macrophage Polarization ◽

Inflammatory Phenotype ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Download Full-text

Comparative Phenotypic and Functional Analyses of the Effects of IL-10 or TGF-β on Porcine Macrophages

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11041098 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1098

Author(s):

Tania Carta ◽

Elisabetta Razzuoli ◽

Floriana Fruscione ◽

Susanna Zinellu ◽

Dionigia Meloni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Macrophage Polarization ◽

Phagocytic Cells ◽

Mhc Ii ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Regulated Expression ◽

Inflammatory Phenotype ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Functional Analyses ◽

The Impact ◽

Immunosuppressive Cytokines

Macrophages are phagocytic cells involved in maintaining tissue homeostasis and defense against pathogens. Macrophages may be polarized into different functionally specialized subsets. M2c macrophages arise following stimulation with IL-10 or TGF-β and mediate anti-inflammatory and tissue repair functions. M2c macrophages remain poorly characterized in the pig, thus we investigated the impact of these regulatory cytokines on porcine monocyte-derived macrophages (moMΦ). The phenotype and functionality of these cells was characterized though confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, and RT-qPCR. Both cytokines induced CD14 and MHC II DR down-regulation and reduced IL-6, TNF-α, and CD14 expression, suggestive of an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Interestingly, neither IL-10 or TGF-β were able to trigger IL-10 induction or release by moMΦ. Differences between these cytokines were observed: stimulation with IL-10, but not TGF-β, induced up-regulation of both CD16 and CD163 on moMΦ. In addition, IL-10 down-regulated expression of IL-1β and IL-12p40 4h post-stimulation and induced a stronger impairment of moMΦ ability to respond to either TLR2 or TLR4 agonists. Overall, our results provide an overview of porcine macrophage polarization by two immunosuppressive cytokines, revealing differences between IL-10 and TGF-β, and reporting some peculiarity of swine, which should be considered in translational studies.

Download Full-text

Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates lipopolysaccharide-altered polarizations of RAW264.7 cells and alveolar macrophages in mouse lungs

European Journal of Inflammation ◽

10.1177/20587392211059362 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 ◽

pp. 205873922110593

Author(s):

Jiali Yang ◽

Ying Wang ◽

Dandan Yang ◽

Jia Ma ◽

Shuang Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alveolar Macrophage ◽

Alveolar Macrophages ◽

Macrophage Polarization ◽

Raw264.7 Cells ◽

M1 Polarization ◽

Inflammatory Phenotype ◽

Inflammatory State ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Introduction Macrophages are capable of exerting both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions in response to distinct environmental stimuli, by polarizing into classically inflammatory state (M1) and anti-inflammatory phenotype (M2), respectively. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays an important role in the tissue homeostasis and immune regulations, including the macrophage polarizations. However, the molecular mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulating alveolar macrophage polarization in an inflammatory state remains unclear. Methods The Wnt/β-catenin signaling-altered phenotypes of murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells in vitro and alveolar macrophage in vivo in both of naïve and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation states were accessed by immunoblotting and immunostaining assays. Results The activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibited macrophage M1 polarization, but promoted alternative M2 polarization in murine RAW264.7 cells under a naïve state. Interestingly, in an LPS-induced inflammation condition, the enhanced Wnt/β-catenin activity suppressed both M1 and M2 polarizations in RAW264.7 cells in vitro, and primary alveolar macrophages of LPS-challenged mice in vivo. Molecular analysis further demonstrated an involvement of Stat signing in regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling-altered polarizations in mouse alveolar macrophages. Conclusion These results suggest a mechanism by which Wnt/β-catenin signaling modulates macrophage polarization in an inflammation state by regulating the Stat signaling pathway.

Download Full-text

Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment Modulates Human Monocytes/Macrophages Responsiveness

Plasma ◽

10.3390/plasma1020023 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 261-276 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Letizia Crestale ◽

Romolo Laurita ◽

Anna Liguori ◽

Augusto Stancampiano ◽

Maria Talmon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plasma Treatment ◽

Macrophage Polarization ◽

Immune Surveillance ◽

Atmospheric Pressure Plasma ◽

Atmospheric Plasma ◽

Viability Analysis ◽

Inflammatory Phenotype ◽

Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Inflammatory Macrophages

Monocytes are involved in innate immune surveillance, establishment and resolution on inflammation, and can polarize versus M1 (pro-inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) macrophages. The possibility to control and drive immune cells activity through plasma stimulation is therefore attractive. We focused on the effects induced by cold-atmospheric plasma on human primary monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages. Monocytes resulted more susceptible than monocyte-derived macrophages to the plasma treatment as demonstrated by the increase in reactive oxygen (ROS) production and reduction of viability. Macrophages instead were not induced to produce ROS and presented a stable viability. Analysis of macrophage markers demonstrated a time-dependent decrease of the M1 population and a correspondent increase of M2 monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). These findings suggest that plasma treatment may drive macrophage polarization towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype.

Download Full-text

Allium porrum Extract Decreases Effector Cell Degranulation and Modulates Airway Epithelial Cell Function

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11061303 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1303 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sara Benedé ◽

Ana Gradillas ◽

Mayte Villalba ◽

Eva Batanero

Keyword(s):

Cell Function ◽

Total Phenolic ◽

Allium Porrum ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Airway Epithelial ◽

Allergy Treatment ◽

Lower Permeability ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

High Concentrations

Allium genus plants, such as leek (Allium porrum), are rich sources of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant secondary metabolites; this is of interest because it demonstrates their suitability as pharmacological alternatives for inflammatory processes, including allergy treatment. The composition of methanolic leek extract (LE) was analyzed by GC–MS and LC–IT/MS, and the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were quantified by colorimetric methods. Its pharmacological potential was analyzed in human bronchial epithelial Calu-3 cells, human mast cells LAD2, and humanized rat basophiles RBL-2H3. LE exhibited a cytotoxic effect on Calu-3 cells and HumRBL-2H3 cells only at high concentrations and in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, LE decreased the degranulation of LAD2 and HumRBL-2H3 cells. LE treatment also significantly prevented alterations in transepithelial electrical resistance values and mRNA levels of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), c-Jun, and NFκB after treatment with H2O2 in ALI-cultured Calu-3 cells. Finally, ALI-cultured Calu-3 cells treated with LE showed lower permeability to Ole e 1 compared to untreated cells. A reduction in IL-6 secretion in ALI-cultured Calu-3 cells treated with LE was also observed. In summary, the results obtained in this work suggest that A. porrum extract may have potential anti-allergic effects due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study provides several important insights into how LE can protect against allergy.

Download Full-text

Quercetin Inhibits Inflammatory Response Induced by LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis in Human Gingival Fibroblasts via Suppressing NF-κB Signaling Pathway

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2019/6282635 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Gang Xiong ◽

Wansheng Ji ◽

Fei Wang ◽

Fengxiang Zhang ◽

Peng Xue ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Porphyromonas Gingivalis ◽

Interleukin 1 ◽

Human Gingival Fibroblasts ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Peroxisome Proliferator ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Gingival Fibroblasts ◽

Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Quercetin, a natural flavonol existing in many food resources, has been reported to be an effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent for restricting the inflammation in periodontitis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin on Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). HGFs were pretreated with quercetin prior to LPS stimulation. Cell viability was evaluated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), along with chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8), were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IκBα, p65 subunit of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), liver X receptor α (LXRα), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The protein levels of IκBα, p-IκBα, p65, p-p65, PPAR-γ, LXRα, and TLR4 were characterized by Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that quercetin inhibited the LPS-induced production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. It also suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation mediated by TLR4. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin were reversed by the PPAR-γ antagonist of GW9662. In conclusion, these results suggested that quercetin attenuated the production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in P. gingivalis LPS-treated HGFs by activating PPAR-γ which subsequently suppressed the activation of NF-κB.

Download Full-text

Quercetin inhibits the growth of leukemic progenitors and induces the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in these cells

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v85.12.3654.bloodjournal85123654 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 85 (12) ◽

pp. 3654-3661 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

LM Larocca ◽

L Teofili ◽

S Sica ◽

M Piantelli ◽

N Maggiano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽

Inhibitory Activity ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Tgf Beta ◽

Acute Leukemias ◽

Growth Inhibitory ◽

Growth Inhibitory Activity ◽

Growth Factor Beta

We previously showed that quercetin (3,3′,4′,5,7 pentahydroxyflavone) inhibits in a dose-dependent manner the growth of acute leukemias and is able to enhance the antiproliferative activity of cytosine arabinoside. We show here that quercetin inhibits the clonogenic activity of 20 of 22 acute leukemias (AL; 4 M1-AML, 3 M2-AML, 2 M3-AML, 3 M4-AML, 3 M5-AML, and 7 ALL). In the present report, we show that the induction of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in leukemic blasts is one of the growth-inhibitory mechanisms of quercetin in these cells. This observation was supported by the following data. (1) Quercetin-sensitive leukemic blasts, when treated with quercetin, secrete large amounts of TGF-beta 1 in the medium and show positivity for TGF-beta 1-immunoreactive material in the cytoplasm. (2) At a concentration of 8 mumol/L, antisense TGF-beta 1 oligonucleotides prevent the growth-inhibitory action of quercetin. (3) Anti-TGF-beta 1 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies can prevent almost completely the growth-inhibitory activity of quercetin. The analysis of quercetin-resistant cases confirmed as well the central role of TGF-beta 1 in the growth-inhibitory activity of quercetin. In conclusion, quercetin can act as a cytostatic agent for leukemic cells by modulating the production of TGF-beta 1.

Download Full-text