scholarly journals Dissect the immunity using cytokine profiling and NF-kB target gene analysis in systemic inflammatory minipig model

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252947
Author(s):  
Han Na Suh ◽  
Young Kyu Kim ◽  
Ju Young Lee ◽  
Goo-Hwa Kang ◽  
Jeong Ho Hwang

Minipigs have remarkably similar physiology to humans, therefore, they it can be a good animal model for inflammation study. Thus, the conventional (serum chemistry, histopathology) and novel analytic tools [immune cell identification in tissue, cytokine level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and serum, NF-kB target gene analysis in tissue] were applied to determine inflammation in Chicago Miniature Swine (CMS) minipig. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute systemic inflammation caused liver and kidney damage in serum chemistry and histopathology. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) also showed an increase of immune cell distribution in spleen and lung during inflammation. Moreover, NF-kB-target gene expression was upregulated in lung and kidney in acute inflammation and in heart, liver, and intestine in chronic inflammation. Cytokine mRNA was elevated in PBMC under acute inflammation along with elevated absolute cytokine levels in serum. Overall, LPS-mediated systemic inflammation affects the various organs, and can be detected by IHC of immune cells, gene analysis in PBMC, and measuring the absolute cytokine in serum along with conventional inflammation analytic tools.

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 514
Author(s):  
Denise Utami Putri ◽  
Cheng-Hui Wang ◽  
Po-Chun Tseng ◽  
Wen-Sen Lee ◽  
Fu-Lun Chen ◽  
...  

The heterogeneity of immune response to COVID-19 has been reported to correlate with disease severity and prognosis. While so, how the immune response progress along the period of viral RNA-shedding (VRS), which determines the infectiousness of disease, is yet to be elucidated. We aim to exhaustively evaluate the peripheral immune cells to expose the interplay of the immune system in uncomplicated COVID-19 cases with different VRS periods and dynamic changes of the immune cell profile in the prolonged cases. We prospectively recruited four uncomplicated COVID-19 patients and four healthy controls (HCs) and evaluated the immune cell profile throughout the disease course. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected and submitted to a multi-panel flowcytometric assay. CD19+-B cells were upregulated, while CD4, CD8, and NK cells were downregulated in prolonged VRS patients. Additionally, the pro-inflammatory-Th1 population showed downregulation, followed by improvement along the disease course, while the immunoregulatory cells showed upregulation with subsequent decline. COVID-19 patients with longer VRS expressed an immune profile comparable to those with severe disease, although they remained clinically stable. Further studies of immune signature in a larger cohort are warranted.


Author(s):  
Adjimon G Lokossou ◽  
Caroline Toudic ◽  
Phuong Trang Nguyen ◽  
Xavier Elisseeff ◽  
Amandine Vargas ◽  
...  

Abstract Modulation of the activation status of immune cell populations during pregnancy depends on placental villous cytotrophoblast (VCT) cells and the syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Failure in the establishment of this immunoregulatory function leads to pregnancy complications. Our laboratory has been studying Syncytin-2 (Syn-2), an endogenous retroviral protein expressed in placenta and on the surface of placental exosomes. This protein plays an important role not only in STB formation through its fusogenic properties, but also through its immunosuppressive domain (ISD). Considering that Syn-2 expression is importantly reduced in preeclamptic placentas, we were interested in addressing its possible immunoregulatory effects on T cells. Activated Jurkat T cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with monomeric or dimerized version of a control or a Syn-2 ISD peptide. Change in phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 MAP kinases was selectively noted in Jurkat cells treated with the dimerized ISD peptide. Upon incubation with the dimerized Syn-2 ISD peptide, significant reduction in Th1 cytokine production was further demonstrated by ELISA and Human Th1/Th2 Panel Multi-Analyte Flow Assay. To determine if exosome-associated Syn-2 could also be immunosuppressive placental exosomes were incubated with activated Jurkat and PBMCs. Quantification of Th1 cytokines in the supernatants revealed severe reduction in T cell activation. Interestingly, exosomes from Syn-2-silenced VCT incubated with PBMCs were less suppressive when compared with exosome derived from VCT transfected with control small interfering RNA (siRNA). Our results suggest that Syn-2 is an important immune regulator both locally and systemically, via its association with placental exosomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e001762
Author(s):  
Punit Upadhyaya ◽  
Johanna Lahdenranta ◽  
Kristen Hurov ◽  
Sailaja Battula ◽  
Rachel Dods ◽  
...  

BackgroundIn contrast to immune checkpoint inhibitors, the use of antibodies as agonists of immune costimulatory receptors as cancer therapeutics has largely failed. We sought to address this problem using a new class of modular synthetic drugs, termed tumor-targeted immune cell agonists (TICAs), based on constrained bicyclic peptides (Bicycles).MethodsPhage libraries displaying Bicycles were panned for binders against tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily receptors CD137 and OX40, and tumor antigens EphA2, Nectin-4 and programmed death ligand 1. The CD137 and OX40 Bicycles were chemically conjugated to tumor antigen Bicycles with different linkers and stoichiometric ratios of binders to obtain a library of low molecular weight TICAs (MW <8 kDa). The TICAs were evaluated in a suite of in vitro and in vivo assays to characterize their pharmacology and mechanism of action.ResultsLinking Bicycles against costimulatory receptors (e.g., CD137) to Bicycles against tumor antigens (e.g., EphA2) created potent agonists that activated the receptors selectively in the presence of tumor cells expressing these antigens. An EphA2/CD137 TICA (BCY12491) efficiently costimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro in the presence of EphA2 expressing tumor cell lines as measured by the increased secretion of interferon γ and interleukin-2. Treatment of C57/Bl6 mice transgenic for the human CD137 extracellular domain (huCD137) bearing EphA2-expressing MC38 tumors with BCY12491 resulted in the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, elimination of tumors and generation of immunological memory. BCY12491 was cleared quickly from the circulation (plasma t1/2 in mice of 1–2 hr), yet intermittent dosing proved effective.ConclusionTumor target-dependent CD137 agonism using a novel chemical approach (TICAs) afforded elimination of tumors with only intermittent dosing suggesting potential for a wide therapeutic index in humans. This work unlocks a new path to effective cancer immunotherapy via agonism of TNF superfamily receptors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 315 (6) ◽  
pp. R1210-R1219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Étienne Myette-Côté ◽  
Cody Durrer ◽  
Helena Neudorf ◽  
Tyler D. Bammert ◽  
José Diego Botezelli ◽  
...  

Lowering carbohydrate consumption effectively lowers glucose, but impacts on inflammation are unclear. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine whether reducing hyperglycemia by following a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LC) diet could lower markers of innate immune cell activation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 2) examine if the combination of an LC diet with strategically timed postmeal walking was superior to an LC diet alone. Participants with T2D ( n = 11) completed a randomized crossover study involving three 4-day diet interventions: 1) low-fat low-glycemic index (GL), 2) and 3) LC with 15-min postmeal walks (LC+Ex). Four-day mean glucose was significantly lower in the LC+Ex group as compared with LC (−5%, P < 0.05), whereas both LC+Ex (−16%, P < 0.001) and LC (−12%, P < 0.001) conditions were lower than GL. A significant main effect of time was observed for peripheral blood mononuclear cells phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase ( P < 0.001), with decreases in all three conditions (GL: −32%, LC: −45%, and LC+Ex: −44%). A significant condition by time interaction was observed for monocyte microparticles ( P = 0.040) with a significant decrease in GL (−76%, P = 0.035) and a tendency for a reduction in LC (−70%, P = 0.064), whereas there was no significant change in LC+Ex (0.5%, P = 0.990). Both LC (−27%, P = 0.001) and LC+Ex (−35%, P = 0.005) also led to significant reductions in circulating proinsulin. An LC diet improved 4-day glycemic control and fasting proinsulin levels when compared with GL, with added glucose-lowering benefits when LC was combined with postmeal walking.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Run-Ze Li ◽  
Xing-Xing Fan ◽  
Ze-Bo Jiang ◽  
Jumin Huang ◽  
Hu-Dan Pan ◽  
...  

Abstract The response to immunotherapy could be better predicted by using a wide set of biomarkers, including serum tumor markers; however, robust immune markers associated with efficacy have yet to be validated. In this study, changes in immune cell subsets from NSCLC patients treated with anti-PD1 therapy were longitudinally monitored by high-dimensional cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) and Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) multi-cytokines kits. The frequencies of circulating CD8+ and CD8+CD101hiTIM3+ (CCT T) subsets were significantly correlated with clinical response and survival. Enrichment of these populations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) indicated a poor clinical response to ICB therapy. Cell function assays revealed that these subsets were remarkably impaired, which supported the poor outcomes observed. Additionally, longitudinal analysis showed that KLRG1 expression and cytokines were associated with the response to therapy. Overall, our results provide novel potential biomarkers for guiding the management of NSCLC patients eligible to anti-PD-1 therapy, and contribute insights for new therapeutic strategies.


PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Pérez-Pérez ◽  
María Inmaculada Domínguez-Mozo ◽  
Aitana Alonso-Gómez ◽  
Silvia Medina ◽  
Noelia Villarrubia ◽  
...  

Background Gut microbiota has been related to multiple sclerosis (MS) etiopathogenesis. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are compounds derived from microbial metabolism that have a role in gut-brain axis. Objectives To analyse SCFA levels in plasma of MS patients and healthy donors (HD), and the possible link between these levels and both clinical data and immune cell populations. Methods Ninety-five MS patients and 54 HD were recruited. Patients were selected according to their score in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (49 EDSS ≤ 1.5, 46 EDSS ≥ 5.0). SCFA were studied in plasma samples by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were studied by flow cytometry. Gender, age, treatments, EDSS and Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) were evaluated at the recruitment. Results Plasma acetate levels were higher in patients than in HD (p = 0.003). Patients with EDSS ≥ 5.0 had higher acetate levels than those with EDSS≤ 1.5 (p = 0.029), and HD (p = 2.97e–4). Acetate levels correlated with EDSS (r = 0.387; p = 1.08e–4) and MSSS (r = 0.265; p = 0.011). In untreated MS patients, acetate levels correlated inversely with CD4+ naïve T cells (r =  − 0.550, p = 0.001) and directly with CD8+ IL-17+ cells (r = 0.557; p = 0.001). Conclusions Plasma acetate levels are higher in MS patients than in HD. In MS there exists a correlation between plasma acetate levels, EDSS and increased IL-17+ T cells. Future studies will elucidate the role of SCFA in the disease.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhibin Li ◽  
chengcheng Sun ◽  
Fei Wang ◽  
Xiran Wang ◽  
Jiacheng Zhu ◽  
...  

Background: Immune cells play important roles in mediating immune response and host defense against invading pathogens. However, insights into the molecular mechanisms governing circulating immune cell diversity among multiple species are limited. Methods: In this study, we compared the single-cell transcriptomes of 77 957 immune cells from 12 species using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). Distinct molecular profiles were characterized for different immune cell types, including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells. Results: The results revealed the heterogeneity and compositions of circulating immune cells among 12 different species. Additionally, we explored the conserved and divergent cellular cross-talks and genetic regulatory networks among vertebrate immune cells. Notably, the ligand and receptor pair VIM-CD44 was highly conserved among the immune cells. Conclusions: This study is the first to provide a comprehensive analysis of the cross-species single-cell atlas for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This research should advance our understanding of the cellular taxonomy and fundamental functions of PBMCs, with important implications in evolutionary biology, developmental biology, and immune system disorders


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Huang ◽  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Wujian Ke ◽  
Xiaohui Zhang ◽  
Wentao Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Treponema pallidum ( T. pallidum ) infection evokes significant immune responses, resulting in tissue damage. The immune mechanism underlying T. pallidum infection is still unclear, although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to influence immune cell function and, consequently, the generation of antibody responses during other microbe infections. However, these mechanisms are unknown for T. pallidum . Methods In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs in healthy individuals, untreated patients with syphilis, patients in the serofast state, and serologically cured patients. miRNAs were profiled from the peripheral blood of patients obtained at the time of serological diagnosis. Then, both the target sequence analysis of these different miRNAs and pathway analysis were performed to identify important immune and cell signaling pathways. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for microRNA analysis. Results A total of 89 differentially regulated miRNAs were identified. Following RT-qPCR confirmation, three miRNAs (hsa-miR-195-5p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-589-3p) showed significant differences in the serofast and serologically cured states ( P <0.05). One miRNA (hsa-miR-195-5p) showed significant differences between untreated patients and healthy individuals. Conclusions This is the first study of miRNA expression differences in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in different stages of T. pallium infection. Our study suggests that the combination of three miRNAs has great potential to serve as a non-invasive biomarker of T. pallium infections, which will facilitate better diagnosis and treatment of T. pallium infections.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Stefanie A.G. Black ◽  
Anastasiia A. Stepanchuk ◽  
George W. Templeton ◽  
Yda Hernandez ◽  
Tomoko Ota ◽  
...  

Background: Toxic amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides aggregate into higher molecular weight assemblies and accumulate not only in the extracellular space, but also in the walls of blood vessels in the brain, increasing their permeability, and promoting immune cell migration and activation. Given the prominent role of the immune system, phagocytic blood cells may contact pathological brain materials. Objective: To develop a novel method for early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) detection, we used blood leukocytes, that could act as “sentinels” after trafficking through the brain microvasculature, to detect pathological amyloid by labelling with a conformationally-sensitive fluorescent amyloid probe and imaging with confocal spectral microscopy. Methods: Formalin-fixed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from cognitively healthy control (HC) subjects, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients were stained with the fluorescent amyloid probe K114, and imaged. Results were validated against cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and clinical diagnosis. Results: K114-labeled leukocytes exhibited distinctive fluorescent spectral signatures in MCI/AD subjects. Comparing subjects with single CSF biomarker-positive AD/MCI to negative controls, our technique yielded modest AUCs, which improved to the 0.90 range when only MCI subjects were included in order to measure performance in an early disease state. Combining CSF Aβ 42 and t-Tau metrics further improved the AUC to 0.93. Conclusion: Our method holds promise for sensitive detection of AD-related protein misfolding in circulating leukocytes, particularly in the early stages of disease.


eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlies P Noz ◽  
Siroon Bekkering ◽  
Laszlo Groh ◽  
Tim MJ Nielen ◽  
Evert JP Lamfers ◽  
...  

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Monocyte-derived macrophages are the most abundant immune cells in atherosclerotic plaques. In patients with atherosclerotic CVD, leukocytes have a hyperinflammatory phenotype. We hypothesize that immune cell reprogramming in these patients occurs at the level of myeloid progenitors. We included 13 patients with coronary artery disease due to severe atherosclerosis and 13 subjects without atherosclerosis in an exploratory study. Cytokine production capacity after ex vivo stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) and bone marrow MNCs was higher in patients with atherosclerosis. In BM-MNCs this was associated with increased glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. The BM composition was skewed towards myelopoiesis and transcriptome analysis of HSC/GMP cell populations revealed enrichment of neutrophil- and monocyte-related pathways. These results show that in patients with atherosclerosis, activation of innate immune cells occurs at the level of myeloid progenitors, which adds exciting opportunities for novel treatment strategies.


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