scholarly journals Modeling COVID-19 with Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cells Reveals Synergistic Effects of Anti-inflammatory Macrophages with ACE2 Inhibition Against SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuyu Duan ◽  
Liyan Guo ◽  
Liuliu Yang ◽  
Yuling Han ◽  
Abhimanyu Thakur ◽  
...  

Abstract Dysfunctional immune responses contribute critically to the progression of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) from mild to severe stages including fatality, with pro-inflammatory macrophages as one of the main mediators of lung hyper-inflammation. Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand the interactions among SARS-CoV-2 permissive cells, macrophage, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thereby offering important insights into new therapeutic strategies. Here, we used directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to establish a lung and macrophage co-culture system and model the host-pathogen interaction and immune response caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among the hPSC-derived lung cells, alveolar type II and ciliated cells are the major cell populations expressing the viral receptor ACE2 and co-effector TMPRSS2, and both were highly permissive to viral infection. We found that alternatively polarized macrophages (M2) and classically polarized macrophages (M1) had similar inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, only M1 macrophages significantly up-regulated inflammatory factors including IL-6 and IL-18, inhibiting growth and enhancing apoptosis of lung cells. Inhibiting viral entry into target cells using an ACE2 blocking antibody enhanced the activity of M2 macrophages, resulting in nearly complete clearance of virus and protection of lung cells. These results suggest a potential therapeutic strategy, in that by blocking viral entrance to target cells while boosting anti-inflammatory action of macrophages at an early stage of infection, M2 macrophages can eliminate SARS-CoV-2, while sparing lung cells and suppressing the dysfunctional hyper-inflammatory response mediated by M1 macrophages.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuyu Duan ◽  
Liyan Guo ◽  
Liuliu Yang ◽  
Yuling Han ◽  
Abhimanyu Thakur ◽  
...  

Abstract Dysfunctional immune responses contribute critically to the progression of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) from mild to severe stages including fatality, with pro-inflammatory macrophages as one of the main mediators of lung hyper-inflammation. Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand the interactions among SARS-CoV-2 permissive cells, macrophage, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thereby offering important insights into new therapeutic strategies. Here, we used directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to establish a lung and macrophage co-culture system and model the host-pathogen interaction and immune response caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among the hPSC-derived lung cells, alveolar type II and ciliated cells are the major cell populations expressing the viral receptor ACE2 and co-effector TMPRSS2, and both were highly permissive to viral infection. We found that alternatively polarized macrophages (M2) and classically polarized macrophages (M1) had similar inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, only M1 macrophages significantly up-regulated inflammatory factors including IL-6 and IL-18, inhibiting growth and enhancing apoptosis of lung cells. Inhibiting viral entry into target cells using an ACE2 blocking antibody enhanced the activity of M2 macrophages, resulting in nearly complete clearance of virus and protection of lung cells. These results suggest a potential therapeutic strategy, in that by blocking viral entrance to target cells while boosting anti-inflammatory action of macrophages at an early stage of infection, M2 macrophages can eliminate SARS-CoV-2, while sparing lung cells and suppressing the dysfunctional hyper-inflammatory response mediated by M1 macrophages.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huan Xia ◽  
Yitong Liu ◽  
Guiyang Xia ◽  
Yi Liu ◽  
Sheng Lin ◽  
...  

Macrophages play a critical role in innate and adaptive immunity, and the regulation of macrophage function in inflammatory disease treatment has been widely studied. Litsea cubeba is an important Chinese medicinal plant used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, the inflammatory bioactive ingredients in L. cubeba and underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Herein, we first obtained and elucidated a novel isoquinoline alkaloid, Litcubanine A (LA), from L. cubeba. An in vitro study indicated that LA could significantly inhibit LPS-induced activation of inflammatory macrophages via the NF-κB pathway, leading to the decrease of inflammatory factors including iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Moreover, LA showed an inhibiting effect on the expression of NO in macrophages by directly binding to iNOS protein. Molecular simulation docking also demonstrated that active LA created an interaction with GLU 371 residue of iNOS via attractive charge derived from the N→O group, revealing its highly selective inhibition toward iNOS. By using the IκK inhibitor and iNOS inhibitor, these two regulatory targets of LA on inflammatory macrophages were verified in vitro. Finally, by using a caudal fin resection model in zebrafish larvae, and the skin wound healing model in mice, we proved in vivo that LA down-regulated the secretion of local inflammatory factors by inhibiting macrophage recruitment and activation at the early stage of the injury. Collectively, our study demonstrated that the novel isoquinoline alkaloid LA suppresses LPS-induced activation of inflammatory macrophages by modulating the NF-κB pathway, suggesting that inflammatory macrophage activation pathway is an effective target for inflammation treatment, and LA is a new pharmacophore for the development of novel and effective anti-inflammatory agents to regulate local macrophages.


Author(s):  
Roddy Hiram ◽  
Feng Xiong ◽  
Patrice Naud ◽  
Jiening Xiao ◽  
Martin Sirois ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Inflammation plays a role in atrial fibrillation (AF), but classical anti-inflammatory molecules are ineffective. Recent evidence suggests that failure of inflammation-resolution causes persistent inflammatory signalling and that a novel drug-family called resolvins promotes inflammation-resolution. Right heart disease (RHD) is associated with AF; experimental RHD shows signs of atrial inflammatory-pathway activation. Here, we evaluated resolvin-therapy effects on atrial arrhythmogenic remodelling in experimental RHD. Methods and results Pulmonary hypertension and RHD were induced in rats with an intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg monocrotaline (MCT). An intervention group received daily resolvin-D1 (RvD1), starting 1 day before MCT administration. Right atrial (RA) conduction and gene-expression were analysed respectively by optical mapping and qPCR/gene-microarray. RvD1 had no or minimal effects on MCT-induced pulmonary artery or right ventricular remodelling. Nevertheless, in vivo transoesophageal pacing induced atrial tachyarrhythmias in no CTRL rats vs. 100% MCT-only rats, and only 33% RvD1-treated MCT rats (P < 0.001 vs. MCT-only). Conduction velocity was significantly decreased by MCT, an effect prevented by RvD1. RHD caused RA dilation and fibrosis. RvD1 strongly attenuated RA fibrosis but had no effect on RA dilation. MCT increased RA expression of inflammation- and fibrosis-related gene-expression pathways on gene-microarray transcriptomic analysis, effects significantly attenuated by RvD1 (334 pathways enriched in MCT-rats vs. control; only 177 dysregulated by MCT with RvD1 treatment). MCT significantly increased RA content of type 1 (proinflammatory) CD68-positive M1 macrophages without affecting type 2 (anti-inflammatory) M2 macrophages. RvD1-treated MCT-rat RA showed significant reductions in proinflammatory M1 macrophages and increases in anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages vs. MCT-only. MCT caused statistically significant increases in protein-expression (western blot) of COL3A1, ASC, CASP1, CASP8, IL1β, TGFβ3, CXCL1, and CXCL2, and decreases in MMP2, vs. control. RvD1-treatment suppressed all these MCT-induced protein-expression changes. Conclusion The inflammation-resolution enhancing molecule RvD1 prevents AF-promoting RA remodelling, while suppressing inflammatory changes and fibrotic/electrical remodelling, in RHD. Resolvins show potential promise in combating atrial arrhythmogenic remodelling by suppressing ongoing inflammatory signalling.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shenghua Yu ◽  
ZhiBao Lv ◽  
Zhimei Gao ◽  
Jingyi Shi ◽  
Qingfeng Sheng ◽  
...  

Background: Hydrogen is protective against intestinal injury in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), mainly through to alleviate inflammation response. The M1 macrophages can promote inflammation. We hypothesized that hydrogen would promote the M1 macrophages conversion during the polarization and reduce the inflammatory factors in NEC.Methods: We used M1 and M2 macrophages induced from RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages, models of NEC and macrophages derived from spleens, abdominal lymph nodes and lamina propria in model mice. Cytokines, CD16/32 and CD206 were measured by quantitative PCR, flow cytometry. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 were determined by western blot. Histology staining were used to assess the severity of NEC.Results: Macrophages were successfully polarized to M1 or M2 by assessing the expression of inflammatory factors. Pro-inflammatory factors and CD16/32 in M1 macrophages were decreased, and the expression of CD16/32 in lamina propria were inhibited after treatment with hydrogen, but the changes has no effects in other tissues. Hydrogen inhibited the NF-κB p65 in M1 macrophages nucleus and distal ileum of NEC. HE staining showed hydrogen could attenuate the severity of NEC.Conclusion: Hydrogen could attenuate the severity of NEC through promoting M1 macrophages conversion by inhibited the expression of NF-κB p65 in the nucleus.


Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinender K. Singla ◽  
Taylor A. Johnson ◽  
Zahra Tavakoli Dargani

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective antineoplastic agent used to treat cancers, but its use is limited as Dox induces adverse cardiotoxic effects. Dox-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) can lead to heart failure and death. There is no study that investigates whether embryonic stem cell-derived exosomes (ES-Exos) in DIC can attenuate inflammation-induced pyroptosis, pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, inflammatory cell signaling, and adverse cardiac remodeling. For this purpose, we transplanted ES-Exos and compared with ES-cells (ESCs) to examine pyroptosis, inflammation, cell signaling, adverse cardiac remodeling, and their influence on DIC induced cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, we used C57BL/6J mice ages 10 ± 2 weeks and divided them into four groups (n = 6–8/group): Control, Dox, Dox + ESCs, and Dox + ES-Exos. Our data shows that the Dox treatment significantly increased expression of inflammasome markers (TLR4 and NLRP3), pyroptotic markers (caspase-1, IL1-β, and IL-18), cell signaling proteins (MyD88, p-P38, and p-JNK), pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, and TNF-α cytokine. This increased pyroptosis, inflammation, and cell signaling proteins were inhibited with ES-Exos or ESCs. Moreover, ES-Exos or ESCs increased M2 macrophages and anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Additionally, ES-Exos or ESCs treatment inhibited significantly cytoplasmic vacuolization, myofibril loss, hypertrophy, and improved heart function. In conclusion, for the first time we demonstrated that Dox-induced pyroptosis and cardiac remodeling are ameliorated by ES-Exos or ESCs.


2010 ◽  
Vol 299 (3) ◽  
pp. H656-H663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fina Lovren ◽  
Yi Pan ◽  
Adrian Quan ◽  
Paul E. Szmitko ◽  
Krishna K. Singh ◽  
...  

Altered macrophage kinetics is a pivotal mechanism of visceral obesity-induced inflammation and cardiometabolic risk. Because monocytes can differentiate into either proatherogenic M1 macrophages or anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, approaches that limit M1 while promoting M2 differentiation represent a unique therapeutic strategy. We hypothesized that adiponectin may prime human monocytes toward the M2 phenotype. Adiponectin promoted the alternative activation of human monocytes into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages as opposed to the classically activated M1 phenotype. Adiponectin-treated cells displayed increased M2 markers, including the mannose receptor (MR) and alternative macrophage activation-associated CC chemokine-1. Incubation of M1 macrophages with adiponectin-treated M2-derived culture supernatant resulted in a pronounced inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 secretion. Activation of human monocytes into M2 macrophages by adiponectin was mediated, in addition to AMP-activated protein kinase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, via PPAR-α. Furthermore, macrophages isolated from adiponectin knockout mice demonstrated diminished levels of M2 markers such as MR, which were restored with adiponectin treatment. We report a novel immunoregulatory mechanism through which adiponectin primes human monocyte differentiation into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Conditions associated with low adiponectin levels, such as visceral obesity and insulin resistance, may promote atherosclerosis, in part through aberrant macrophage kinetics.


Author(s):  
Izabela Woś ◽  
Jacek Tabarkiewicz

AbstractRheumatic diseases are complex autoimmune diseases which include among others rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). These diseases are characterized by prolonged and increased secretion of inflammatory factors, eventually leading to inflammation. This is often accompanied by persistent pain and stiffness in the joint and finally bone destruction and osteoporosis. These diseases can occur at any age, regardless of gender or origin. Autoimmune arthritis is admittedly associated with long-term treatment, and discontinuation of medication is associated with unavoidable relapse. Therefore, it is important to detect the disease at an early stage and apply appropriate preventative measures. During inflammation, pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukins (IL)-6, -17, -21, -22, and -23 are secreted, while anti-inflammatory factors including IL-10 are downregulated. Research conducted over the past several years has focused on inhibiting inflammatory pathways and activating anti-inflammatory factors to improve the quality of life of people with rheumatic diseases. The aim of this paper is to review current knowledge on stimulatory and inhibitory pathways involving the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). STAT3 has been shown to be one of the crucial factors involved in inflammation and is directly linked with other pro-inflammatory factors and thus is a target of current research on rheumatoid diseases.


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