Effects of Formyl Peptide Receptor Agonists Ac9-12 and WKYMV in In Vivo and In Vitro Acute Inflammatory Experimental Models

Formyl peptide receptors (Fprs) are a G-protein-coupled receptor family mainly expressed on leukocytes. The activation of Fpr1 and Fpr2 triggers a cascade of signaling events, leading to leukocyte migration, cytokine release, and increased phagocytosis. In this study, we evaluate the effects of the Fpr1 and Fpr2 agonists Ac9-12 and WKYMV, respectively, in carrageenan-induced acute peritonitis and LPS-stimulated macrophages. Peritonitis was induced in male C57BL/6 mice through the intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL of 3% carrageenan solution or saline (control). Pre-treatments with Ac9-12 and WKYMV reduced leukocyte influx to the peritoneal cavity, particularly neutrophils and monocytes, and the release of IL-1β. The addition of the Fpr2 antagonist WRW4 reversed only the anti-inflammatory actions of WKYMV. In vitro, the administration of Boc2 and WRW4 reversed the effects of Ac9-12 and WKYMV, respectively, in the production of IL-6 by LPS-stimulated macrophages. These biological effects of peptides were differently regulated by ERK and p38 signaling pathways. Lipidomic analysis evidenced that Ac9-12 and WKYMV altered the intracellular lipid profile of LPS-stimulated macrophages, revealing an increased concentration of several glycerophospholipids, suggesting regulation of inflammatory pathways triggered by LPS. Overall, our data indicate the therapeutic potential of Ac9-12 and WKYMV via Fpr1 or Fpr2-activation in the inflammatory response and macrophage activation.

Annexin A1 Mimetic Peptide and Piperlongumine: Anti-Inflammatory Profiles in Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis

Uveitis is one of the main causes of blindness worldwide, and therapeutic alternatives are worthy of study. We investigated the effects of piperlongumine (PL) and/or annexin A1 (AnxA1) mimetic peptide Ac2-26 on endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU). Rats were inoculated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and intraperitoneally treated with Ac2-26 (200 µg), PL (200 and 400 µg), or Ac2-26 + PL after 15 min. Then, 24 h after LPS inoculation, leukocytes in aqueous humor, mononuclear cells, AnxA1, formyl peptide receptor (fpr)1, fpr2, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were evaluated in the ocular tissues, along with inflammatory mediators in the blood and macerated supernatant. Decreased leukocyte influx, levels of inflammatory mediators, and COX-2 expression confirmed the anti-inflammatory actions of the peptide and pointed to the protective effects of PL at higher dosage. However, when PL and Ac2-26 were administered in combination, the inflammatory potential was lost. AnxA1 expression was elevated among groups treated with PL or Ac2-26 + PL but reduced after treatment with Ac2-26. Fpr2 expression was increased only in untreated EIU and Ac2-26 groups. The interaction between Ac2-26 and PL negatively affected the anti-inflammatory action of Ac2-26 or PL. We emphasize that the anti-inflammatory effects of PL can be used as a therapeutic strategy to protect against uveitis.

COX2: A Prognostic Inflammogenic Marker Drives Cervical Carcinogenesis in Vivo through the NFκB/IAP/p53Axis

Cycloxygenase 2, a prostaglandin synthesizing enzyme, is a key player in inflammation-induced vasculogenesis that enables tumor growth. This study explores the central role of COX2 and its relative prosurvival proteins in evoking inflammatory events during the development of an in vivo cervical cancer model upon chronic treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC; a chemical carcinogen) in virgin-female Swiss albino mice. Chronic painting of the mouse cervix with 3MC solution triggered the persistent expression and activity of COX2, eventuating the overexpression of major prosurvival molecules (NFκB, XIAP, survivin, GM-CSF1) and proliferative antigens (Ki67, PCNA). COX2-arbitrated prosurvival signaling subsequently deranged the expression profiles of tumor suppressor proteins (p53/acetyl-p53, p21, Rb) within the cervix. COX2 mediated molecular alterations successively surged leukocyte influx within the cervix, catering to localized inflammation that gradually distorted its tissue architecture. Cervical carcinogenesis was further braced by higher levels of systemic ROS and RNS, escalated iNOS activity and compromised antioxidant enzyme capacities, which were accompanied by splenomegaly. Additionally, circulation of blood leucocytes with damaged DNA throughout the mouse body envisaged the impact of cervix-limited inflammation on mouse physiology. Conclusively, the present study deciphered the role of COX2 in affecting NFκB/IAP/p53 functions in sequestering the contributors of localized and systemic inflammogenesis to propel 3MC-mediated cervical carcinogenesis in vivo.

Immune Cells Invade the Collateral Circulation during Human Stroke: Prospective Replication and Extension

It remains unclear if principal components of the local cerebral stroke immune response can be reliably and reproducibly observed in patients with acute large-vessel-occlusion (LVO) stroke. We prospectively studied a large independent cohort of n = 318 consecutive LVO stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy during which cerebral blood samples from within the occluded anterior circulation and systemic control samples from the ipsilateral cervical internal carotid artery were obtained. An extensive protocol was applied to homogenize the patient cohort and to standardize the procedural steps of endovascular sample collection, sample processing, and laboratory analyses. N = 58 patients met all inclusion criteria. (1) Mean total leukocyte counts were significantly higher within the occluded ischemic cerebral vasculature (I) vs. intraindividual systemic controls (S): +9.6%, I: 8114/µL ± 529 vs. S: 7406/µL ± 468, p = 0.0125. (2) This increase was driven by neutrophils: +12.1%, I: 7197/µL ± 510 vs. S: 6420/µL ± 438, p = 0.0022. Leukocyte influx was associated with (3) reduced retrograde collateral flow (R2 = 0.09696, p = 0.0373) and (4) greater infarct extent (R2 = 0.08382, p = 0.032). Despite LVO, leukocytes invade the occluded territory via retrograde collateral pathways early during ischemia, likely compromising cerebral hemodynamics and tissue integrity. This inflammatory response can be reliably observed in human stroke by harvesting immune cells from the occluded cerebral vascular compartment.

COX2: A Prognostic Inflammogenic Marker Drives Cervical Carcinogenesis In Vivo Through NFκB/IAP/p53Axis

Cycloxygenase2, a prostaglandin synthesizing enzyme is a key player in inflammation-induced vasculogenesis that enables tumor growth. This study explores the central role of COX2 and its relative prosurvival proteins in evoking inflammatory events during development of an in vivo cervical cancer model upon chronic treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC; a chemical carcinogen) in virgin-female Swiss Albino mice. Chronic painting of mice cervix with 3MC solution triggered the persistent expression and activity of COX2; eventuating in overexpression of major prosurvival molecules (NFκB, XIAP, survivin, GM-CSF1) and proliferative antigens (Ki67, PCNA). COX2-arbitrated prosurvival signaling subsequently deranged the expression profiles of tumor supressor proteins (p53/Acetyl-p53, p21, Rb) within the cervix. COX2 helmed molecular alterations successively surged leukocyte influx within cervix; catering in localized inflammation which gradually distorted its tissue architecture. Cervical carcinogenesis was further braced by higher levels of systemic-ROS and RNS, escalated iNOS activity and compromised anti-oxidant enzyme capacities, which were accompanied by splenomegaly. Additionally, circulation of blood-leucocytes with damaged DNA throughout the mice body, envisaged the impact of cervix-limited inflammation upon the mice physiology. Conclusively, the present study deciphered the role of COX2 effectuated NFκB/IAP/p53 functions in sequestering the contributors of localized and systemic inflammogenesis for propelling 3MC-mediated cervical carcinogenesis in vivo.

Integrin-directed antibody-based immunotherapy: focus on VLA-4

Summary One major finding of chronic inflammatory diseases of various origins is the establishment of inflammatory infiltrates, bearing different leukocyte subpopulations, including activated T lymphocytes. Integrins are among the large series of molecular interactions that have been implicated as players in both triggering and maintenance of leukocyte influx from the blood into a given organ parenchyme. Accordingly, blocking the interaction between VLA-6 integrin and laminin, experimentally abrogates heart graft rejection. Many reports have shown that VLA-4 is used by T cells to cross endothelial barriers, as well as to migrate within target tissues. In this respect, a humanized IgG4 anti-VLA-4 monoclonal antibody (specific to the α4-integrin chain of VLA-4) has been successfully applied to treat multiple sclerosis as well as inflammatory bowel disease. Anti-VLA-4 monoclonal antibody has also been applied to block transendothelial passage in other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. On this same vein is the action of such a reagent in impairing in vitro transendothial and fibronectin-driven migration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing high densities of VLA-4 from Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, thus potentially enlarging the use of this strategy to other diseases. Yet, in a small number of patients, the use of Natalizumab has been correlated with the progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a serious brain infection caused by the John Cunningham virus. This issue restricted the use of the reagent. In this respect, the development of smaller and more specific antibody reagents should be envisioned as a next-generation promising strategy.

OP0334 GGTASE DEFICIENT MACROPHAGES ALTER INTEGRIN EXPRESSION ON LYMPHOCYTES AND FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTHRITIS

Background:Geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGTaseI) is the enzyme responsible for the prenylation/ lipidation of the RhoA family proteins, which keeps them attached to the cell membrane. We reported that GGTaseI-deficient (GLC) mice develop a spontaneous and age-dependent arthritis, reproducing the pathology of RA1. Targeting GGTaseI activates RhoA proteins.Objectives:To study which of the activated Rho proteins is responsible for development of arthritis, we deleted individual RhoA, Rac1 or Cdc42 genes in GLC mice. We study consequences of GGTaseI deficiency for lymphocyte function.Methods:Double deficient mice that lack Rac1 (GLC Rac1fl/fl), RhoA (GLC RhoAfl/fl) and Cdc42 (GLC Cdc42fl/fl) were developed by Cre-technology using the LysM-promotor, and were on a mixed genetic background (129Ola/Hsd-C57BL/6)2. Joints of the hind paws were assessed for signs of arthritis histologically and by micro CT at age of 16 weeks. Phenotype of spleen CD4 and CD8 T cells was analysis by flow cytometry. Proliferation and cytokine production was assessed in spleen cultures by ELISA. Gene expression profile was analyzed by RT-PCR.Results:Deletion of Rho proteins had divergent effect on development of arthritis in GLC mice. We observed a reduction of the arthritis index in GLC Rac1fl/fl (n=19, p=0.027) and GLC RhoAfl/fl (n=4, p=0.007) mice compared to GLC (n=16), while GLC Cdc42fl/fl (n=4) had no change in arthritis development. GLC RhoAfl/fl mice increased the bone mass compared to GLC (p=0.029).Flow cytometry analysis showed that RA-prone GLC and GLC Cdc42fl/fl mice had lower number of CD4 cells in spleen. CD4 cells of RA-prone GLC and GLC Cdc42 mice had significantly higher subsets of the regulatory FoxP3+ and FOXp3+CD25+ cells (p=0.016-0.029 and p=0.016-0.029 respectively) compared to control and GLC RhoAfl/fl mice. Additionally, RA-prone mice had higher expression of receptors to extracellular matrix proteins collagen (α2β2) and fibronectin (α5β1) compared to control mice (p=0.016 and p=0.011 resp) and to RA-protected mice (GLC Rac1fl/fl and GLC RhoAfl/fl, p=0.0004 and p=0.011, resp). In total, both the number of FoxP3+ CD4 cells and the expression of α5β1 receptors on CD4 cells correlated strongly with the synovitis score (r=0.72, p=0.0017 and r=0.59, p=0.012, respectively).GGTaseI gene lays under the control of HOX proteins essential for cell homing. Importantly, HOX regulate the expression of integrins. Studying the expression of HoxA genes in spleen, we found that RA prone GLC and GLC Cdc42 mice tended to have lower expression of HoxA2 and higher expression of HoxA9 compared to RA-protected GLC Rac1 and GLC RhoA and to control mice. The Hoxa9/Hoxa2 ratio was significantly higher in RA prone mice compared to RA-protected mice (p=0.0085) and control mice (p=0.019). This ratio correlated with α5β1 receptors (r=0.55, p=0.0084), FOXP3+ CD4 cells (r=0.50, p=0.017), and the arthritis index (r=0.50, p=0.033).Conclusion:Taken together this study shows that Rho proteins play divergent role in development of arthritis. Activation of Rac1 and RhoA by GGTaseI deletion changes the pattern of HOXA proteins and increases expression of integrin receptors, which facilitates leukocyte influx in the paw joints. Deletion of Rac1 and RhoA has RA-protective effect in GLC mice.References:[1]Khan, O.M., et al.J Clin Invest121, 628 (2011).[2]Akula, M.K., et al.Nat Commun10, 3975 (2019).Disclosure of Interests:None declared

The atypical chemokine receptor ACKR2 drives pulmonary fibrosis by tuning influx of CCR2+ and CCR5+ IFNγ-producing γδT cells in mice

Chemokines coordinate lung inflammation and fibrosis by acting on chemokine receptors expressed on leukocytes and other cell types. Atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs) bind, internalize, and degrade chemokines, tuning homeostasis and immune responses. ACKR2 recognizes and decreases the levels of inflammatory CC chemokines. The role of ACKR2 in fibrogenesis is unknown. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of ACKR2 in the context of pulmonary fibrosis. The effects of ACKR2 expression and deficiency during inflammation and fibrosis were analyzed using a bleomycin-model of fibrosis, ACKR2-deficient mice, bone marrow chimeras, and antibody-mediated leukocyte depletion. ACKR2 was upregulated acutely in response to bleomycin and normalized over time. ACKR2−/− mice showed reduced lethality and lung fibrosis. Bone marrow chimeras showed that lethality and fibrosis depended on ACKR2 expression in pulmonary resident (nonhematopoietic) cells but not on leukocytes. ACKR2−/− mice exhibited decreased expression of tissue-remodeling genes, reduced leukocyte influx, pulmonary injury, and dysfunction. ACKR2−/− mice had early increased levels of CCL5, CCL12, CCL17, and IFNγ and an increased number of CCR2+ and CCR5+ IFNγ-producing γδT cells in the airways counterbalanced by low Th17-lymphocyte influx. There was reduced accumulation of IFNγ-producing γδT cells in CCR2−/− and CCR5−/− mice. Moreover, depletion of γδT cells worsened the clinical symptoms induced by bleomycin and reversed the phenotype of ACKR2−/− mice exposed to bleomycin. ACKR2 controls the CC chemokine expression that drives the influx of CCR2+ and CCR5+ IFNγ-producing γδT cells, tuning the Th17 response that mediated pulmonary fibrosis triggered by bleomycin instillation.