Mastoparan-7 adjuvanted COBRA H1 and H3 hemagglutinin influenza vaccines.

Adjuvants enhance, prolong, and modulate immune responses by vaccine antigens to maximize protective immunity and enable more effective immunization in the young and elderly. Most adjuvants are formulated with injectable vaccines. However, an intranasal route of vaccination may induce mucosal and systemic immune responses for enhancing protective immunity in individuals and be easier to administer compared to injectable vaccines. In this study, a next generation of broadly-reactive influenza hemagglutinin (HA) vaccines were developed using the Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigen (COBRA) methodology. These HA vaccines were formulated with Mastoparan 7 (M7-NH2) mast cell degranulating peptide adjuvant and administered intranasally to determine vaccine-induced seroconversion of antibodies against a panel of influenza viruses and protection following infection with H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in mice. Mice vaccinated intranasally with M7-NH2-adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccines had high HAIs against a panel of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses and were protected against both morbidity and mortality, with reduced viral lung titers, following challenge with an H1N1 influenza virus. Additionally, M7-NH2 adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccines induced Th2 skewed immune responses with robust IgG and isotype antibodies in the serum and mucosal lung lavages. Overall, this intranasally delivered M7-NH2 -adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccine provides effective protection against drifted H1N1 and H3N2 viruses.

Recurrent infections drive persistent bladder dysfunction and pain via sensory nerve sprouting and mast cell activity.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for almost 25% of infections in women. Many are recurrent (rUTI), with patients frequently experiencing chronic pelvic pain and urinary frequency despite clearance of bacteriuria after antibiotics. To elucidate the basis for these bacteria-independent bladder symptoms, we examined the bladders of patients with rUTI. We noticed a notable increase in neuropeptide content in the lamina propria and indications of enhanced nociceptive activity. In mice subjected to rUTI, we observed sensory nerve sprouting that was associated with nerve growth factor (NGF) produced by recruited monocytes and tissue-resident mast cells. Treatment of rUTI mice with an NGF-neutralizing antibody prevented sprouting and alleviated pelvic sensitivity, whereas instillation of native NGF into naïve mice bladders mimicked nerve sprouting and pain behavior. Nerve activation, pain, and urinary frequency were each linked to the presence of proximal mast cells, because mast cell deficiency or treatment with antagonists against receptors of several direct or indirect mast cell products was each effective therapeutically. Thus, our findings suggest that NGF-driven sensory sprouting in the bladder coupled with chronic mast cell activation represents an underlying mechanism driving bacteria-independent pain and voiding defects experienced by patients with rUTI.

Anaphylactic degranulation by mast cells requires the mobilization of inflammasome components.

The inflammasome components NLRP3 and ASC are cytosolic proteins, which upon sensing endotoxins or danger cues, form multimeric complexes to process interleukin (IL)-1ß for secretion. Here we found that antigen (Ag)-triggered degranulation of IgE-sensitized mast cells (MCs) was mediated by NLRP3 and ASC. IgE-Ag stimulated NEK7 and Pyk2 kinases in MCs to induce the deposition of NLRP3 and ASC on granules and form a distinct protein complex (granulosome) that chaperoned the granules to the cell surface. MCs deficient in NLRP3 or ASC did not form granulosomes, degranulated poorly in vitro and did not evoke systemic anaphylaxis in mice. IgE-Ag-triggered anaphylaxis was prevented by an NLRP3 inhibitor. In endotoxin-primed MCs, pro-IL-1ß was rapidly packaged into granules after IgE-Ag stimulation and processed within granule remnants by proteases after degranulation, causing lethal anaphylaxis in mice. During IgE-Ag-mediated degranulation of endotoxin-primed MCs, granulosomes promoted degranulation, combined with exteriorization and processing of IL-1ß, resulting in severe inflammation.

Mast cell-sensory neuron crosstalk in allergic diseases.

Mast cells (MCs) are tissue-resident immune cells, well-positioned at the host-environment interface for detecting external antigens and playing a critical role in mobilizing innate and adaptive immune responses. Sensory neurons are afferent neurons innervating most areas of the body but especially in the periphery, where they sense external and internal signals and relay information to the brain. The significance of MC-sensory neuron communication is now increasingly becoming recognized, especially because both cell types are in close physical proximity at the host-environment interface and around major organs of the body and produce specific mediators that can activate each other. In this review, we explore the roles of MC-sensory neuron crosstalk in allergic diseases, shedding light on how activated MCs trigger sensory neurons to initiate signaling in pruritus, shock, and potentially abdominal pain in allergy, and how activated sensory neurons regulate MCs in homeostasis and atopic dermatitis associated with contact hypersensitivity and type 2 inflammation. Throughout the review, we also discuss how these 2 sentinel cell types signal each other, potentially resulting in a positive feedback loop that can sustain inflammation. Unraveling the mysteries of MC-sensory neuron crosstalk is likely to unveil their critical roles in various disease conditions and enable the development of new therapeutic approaches to combat these maladies.

Cutaneous anaphylactoid reaction to polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil (HCO ethoxylates) is a nonionic surfactant used as an excipient for ointments and injections in human and veterinary drugs. Several polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives can be obtained depending on the number of moles of ethylene oxide (EO). HCO ethoxylates have the potential to cause anaphylactoid reactions. There is little published information about these types of reactions in dogs. OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential for HCO-ethoxylate-containing drugs to cause anaphylactoid reactions in dogs, employing intradermal testing (IDT) with various concentrations of HCO ethoxylates (HCO-25, -40, -60 and -80). ANIMALS: Four healthy male laboratory dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed IDT with drugs containing HCO ethoxylates and HCO ethoxylates alone to determine threshold concentrations. The IDT scores and threshold concentrations were compared. Analysis of skin biopsies from IDT sites was used to measure the percentage of degranulated mast cells. The effect of histamine at IDT sites was investigated by pre-treatment with an antihistamine. RESULTS: All HCO-ethoxylate-containing drugs caused a wheal-and-flare reaction. The threshold concentrations (0.001% and 0.00001%) of each HCO-ethoxylate depended on the number of moles of EO (p < 0.05). Mast cell degranulation was enhanced by all HCO ethoxylates. The HCO-60-induced reaction was suppressed by an oral antihistamine. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The threshold concentration can serve as a consideration for developing safe new drug formulations and for clinical decision-making around using drugs containing PEG derivatives. IDT is useful to predict the risk of adverse effects. Antihistamines could demonstrate a prophylactic effect.

Stabilization of activated mast cells by ORAI1 inhibitor suppresses peanut-induced anaphylaxis and acute diarrhea.

Mast cell (MC) activation triggered by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-antigen crosslinking involves intracellular Ca2+ influx through the ORAI1 channel, which precedes granule exteriorization and de novo synthesis of mediators. Pharmacologically suppressing MCs via the inhibition of the ORAI1 Ca2+ channel may represent a potential strategy for preventing anaphylaxis. This study demonstrated that peanut-induced anaphylaxis in sensitized mice resulted in significant hypothermia and acute diarrhea. Utilizing the Mcpt5cre-DTA mouse model, we demonstrated that this anaphylactic response was mediated by IgE-antigen-induced MC activation. Prophylactic administration of MC suppressors was an effective means of preventing peanut-induced anaphylaxis. In addition, we observed the potent efficacy of an ORAI1 inhibitor in suppressing the FcεRI-mediated response of murine or human MCs, even when administered concurrently or post-allergen exposure. Mechanistically, the ORAI1 inhibitor was found to prevent the association of Synaptotagmin-2 with the SNARE complex. In an in vivo mouse model of peanut-induced anaphylaxis, the administration of the ORAI1 inhibitor after allergen challenge effectively suppressed allergic acute diarrhea and ameliorated anaphylaxis. Therefore, pharmacological intervention of ORAI1 channel inhibition in MCs represents a promising therapeutic avenue for the treatment of peanut-induced anaphylaxis and acute diarrhea in vivo.

α-Hemolysin promotes uropathogenic E. coli persistence in bladder epithelial cells via abrogating bacteria-harboring lysosome acidification.

There is a growing consensus that a significant proportion of recurrent urinary tract infections are linked to the persistence of uropathogens within the urinary tract and their re-emergence upon the conclusion of antibiotic treatment. Studies in mice and human have revealed that uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) can persist in bladder epithelial cells (BECs) even after the apparent resolution of the infection. Here, we found that, following the entry of UPEC into RAB27b+ fusiform vesicles in BECs, some bacteria escaped into the cytoplasmic compartment via a mechanism involving hemolysin A (HlyA). However, these UPEC were immediately recaptured within LC3A/B+ autophagosomes that matured into LAMP1+ autolysosomes. Thereafter, HlyA+ UPEC-containing lysosomes failed to acidify, which is an essential step for bacterial elimination. This lack of acidification was related to the inability of bacteria-harboring compartments to recruit V-ATPase proton pumps, which was attributed to the defragmentation of cytosolic microtubules by HlyA. The persistence of UPEC within LAMP1+ compartments in BECs appears to be directly linked to HlyA. Thus, through intravesicular instillation of microtubule stabilizer, this host defense response can be co-opted to reduce intracellular bacterial burden following UTIs in the bladder potentially preventing recurrence.

Mast Cells as a Target-A Comprehensive Review of Recent Therapeutic Approaches.

Mast cells (MCs) are the immune cells distributed throughout nearly all tissues, mainly in the skin, near blood vessels and lymph vessels, nerves, lungs, and the intestines. Although MCs are essential to the healthy immune response, their overactivity and pathological states can lead to numerous health hazards. The side effect of mast cell activity is usually caused by degranulation. It can be triggered by immunological factors, such as immunoglobulins, lymphocytes, or antigen-antibody complexes, and non-immune factors, such as radiation and pathogens. An intensive reaction of mast cells can even lead to anaphylaxis, one of the most life-threatening allergic reactions. What is more, mast cells play a role in the tumor microenvironment by modulating various events of tumor biology, such as cell proliferation and survival, angiogenesis, invasiveness, and metastasis. The mechanisms of the mast cell actions are still poorly understood, making it difficult to develop therapies for their pathological condition. This review focuses on the possible therapies targeting mast cell degranulation, anaphylaxis, and MC-derived tumors.

Development of a broadly active influenza intranasal vaccine adjuvanted with self-assembled particles composed of mastoparan-7 and CpG.

Currently licensed vaccine adjuvants offer limited mucosal immunity, which is needed to better combat respiratory infections such as influenza. Mast cells (MCs) are emerging as a target for a new class of mucosal vaccine adjuvants. Here, we developed and characterized a nanoparticulate adjuvant composed of an MC activator [mastoparan-7 (M7)] and a TLR ligand (CpG). This novel nanoparticle (NP) adjuvant was co-formulated with a computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA) for hemagglutinin (HA), which is broadly reactive against influenza strains. M7 was combined at different ratios with CpG and tested for in vitro immune responses and cytotoxicity. We observed significantly higher cytokine production in dendritic cells and MCs with the lowest cytotoxicity at a charge-neutralizing ratio of nitrogen/phosphate = 1 for M7 and CpG. This combination formed spherical NPs approximately 200 nm in diameter with self-assembling capacity. Mice were vaccinated intranasally with COBRA HA and M7-CpG NPs in a prime-boost-boost schedule. Vaccinated mice had significantly higher antigen-specific antibody responses (IgG and IgA) in serum and mucosa compared with controls. Splenocytes from vaccinated mice had significantly increased cytokine production upon antigen recall and the presence of central and effector memory T cells in draining lymph nodes. Finally, co-immunization with NPs and COBRA HA induced influenza H3N2-specific HA inhibition antibody titers across multiple strains and partially protected mice from a challenge against an H3N2 virus. These results illustrate that the M7-CpG NP adjuvant combination can induce a protective immune response with a broadly reactive influenza antigen via mucosal vaccination.

A mast cell-thermoregulatory neuron circuit axis regulates hypothermia in anaphylaxis.

IgE-mediated anaphylaxis is an acute life-threatening systemic reaction to allergens, including certain foods and venoms. Anaphylaxis is triggered when blood-borne allergens activate IgE-bound perivascular mast cells (MCs) throughout the body, causing an extensive systemic release of MC mediators. Through precipitating vasodilatation and vascular leakage, these mediators are believed to trigger a sharp drop in blood pressure in humans and in core body temperature in animals. We report that the IgE/MC-mediated drop in body temperature in mice associated with anaphylaxis also requires the body's thermoregulatory neural circuit. This circuit is activated when granule-borne chymase from MCs is deposited on proximal TRPV1+ sensory neurons and stimulates them via protease-activated receptor-1. This triggers the activation of the body's thermoregulatory neural network, which rapidly attenuates brown adipose tissue thermogenesis to cause hypothermia. Mice deficient in either chymase or TRPV1 exhibited limited IgE-mediated anaphylaxis, and, in wild-type mice, anaphylaxis could be recapitulated simply by systemically activating TRPV1+ sensory neurons. Thus, in addition to their well-known effects on the vasculature, MC products, especially chymase, promote IgE-mediated anaphylaxis by activating the thermoregulatory neural circuit.

Delivery of small molecule mast cell activators for West Nile Virus vaccination using acetalated dextran microparticles.

Recently, there has been increasing interest in the activation of mast cells to promote vaccine efficacy. Several mast cell activating (MCA) compounds have been reported such as M7 and Compound 48/80 (C48/80). While these MCAs have been proven to be efficacious vaccine adjuvants, their translatability is limited by batch-to-batch variability, challenging large-scale manufacturing, and poor in vivo stability for the M7 peptide. Due to this, high throughput screening was performed to identify small molecule MCAs. Several potent MCAs were identified via this screening, but the in vivo translatability of the compounds was limited due to their poor aqueous solubility. To enhance the delivery of these MCAs we encapsulated them in acetalated dextran (Ace-DEX) microparticles (MPs). We have previously utilized Ace-DEX MPs for vaccine delivery due to their passive targeting to phagocytic cells, acid sensitivity, and tunable degradation. Four different MCA loaded MPs were combined with West Nile Virus Envelope III protein (EDIII) and their vaccine adjuvant activities were compared in vivo. MPs containing the small molecule MCA ST101036 produced the highest anti-EDIII IgG titers of all the MCAs tested. Further, ST101036 MPs produced higher titers than ST101036 formulated with PEG as a cosolvent which highlights the benefit of Ace-DEX MPs over a conventional formulation technique. Finally, in a mouse model of West Nile Virus infection ST101036 MPs produced similar survival to soluble M7 (80-90%). Overall, these data show that ST101036 MPs produce a robust antibody response against EDIII and survival emphasizing the benefits of using Ace-DEX as a delivery platform for the poorly soluble ST101036.

Mast cell regranulation requires a metabolic switch involving mTORC1 and a glucose-6-phosphate transporter.

Mast cells (MCs) are granulated cells implicated in inflammatory disorders because of their capacity to degranulate, releasing prestored proinflammatory mediators. As MCs have the unique capacity to reform granules following degranulation in vitro, their potential to regranulate in vivo is linked to their pathogenesis. It is not known what factors regulate regranulation, let alone if regranulation occurs in vivo. We report that mice can undergo multiple bouts of MC regranulation following successive anaphylactic reactions. mTORC1, a nutrient sensor that activates protein and lipid synthesis, is necessary for regranulation. mTORC1 activity is regulated by a glucose-6-phosphate transporter, Slc37a2, which increases intracellular glucose-6-phosphate and ATP during regranulation, two upstream signals of mTOR. Additionally, Slc37a2 concentrates extracellular metabolites within endosomes, which are trafficked into nascent granules. Thus, the metabolic switch associated with MC regranulation is mediated by the interactions of a cellular metabolic sensor and a transporter of extracellular metabolites into MC granules.

Lactobacillus crispatus Limits Bladder Uropathogenic E. coli Infection by Triggering a Host Type I Interferon Response.

Many urinary tract infections (UTIs) are recurrent because uropathogens persist within the bladder epithelial cells (BECs) for extended periods between bouts of infection. Because persistent uropathogens are intracellular, they are often refractive to antibiotic treatment. The recent discovery of endogenous Lactobacillus spp. in the bladders of healthy humans raised the question of whether these endogenous bacteria directly or indirectly impact intracellular bacterial burden in the bladder. Here, we report that in contrast to healthy women, female patients experiencing recurrent UTIs have a bladder population of Lactobacilli that is markedly reduced. Exposing infected human BECs to L. crispatus in vitro markedly reduced the intracellular uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) load. The adherence of Lactobacilli to BECs was found to result in increased type I interferon (IFN) production, which in turn enhanced the expression of cathepsin D within lysosomes harboring UPECs. This lysosomal cathepsin D-mediated UPEC killing was diminished in germ-free mice and type I IFN receptor-deficient mice. Secreted metabolites of L. crispatus seemed to be responsible for the increased expression of type I IFN in human BECs. Intravesicular administration of Lactobacilli into UPEC-infected murine bladders markedly reduced their intracellular bacterial load suggesting that components of the endogenous microflora can have therapeutic effects against UTIs.

Structure, function and pharmacology of human itch GPCRs.

The MRGPRX family of receptors (MRGPRX1-4) is a family of mas-related G-protein-coupled receptors that have evolved relatively recently1. Of these, MRGPRX2 and MRGPRX4 are key physiological and pathological mediators of itch and related mast cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions2-5. MRGPRX2 couples to both Gi and Gq in mast cells6. Here we describe agonist-stabilized structures of MRGPRX2 coupled to Gi1 and Gq in ternary complexes with the endogenous peptide cortistatin-14 and with a synthetic agonist probe, respectively, and the development of potent antagonist probes for MRGPRX2. We also describe a specific MRGPRX4 agonist and the structure of this agonist in a complex with MRGPRX4 and Gq. Together, these findings should accelerate the structure-guided discovery of therapeutic agents for pain, itch and mast cell-mediated hypersensitivity.

Nasal Immunization With Small Molecule Mast Cell Activators Enhance Immunity to Co-Administered Subunit Immunogens.

Mast cell activators are a novel class of mucosal vaccine adjuvants. The polymeric compound, Compound 48/80 (C48/80), and cationic peptide, Mastoparan 7 (M7) are mast cell activators that provide adjuvant activity when administered by the nasal route. However, small molecule mast cell activators may be a more cost-efficient adjuvant alternative that is easily synthesized with high purity compared to M7 or C48/80. To identify novel mast cell activating compounds that could be evaluated for mucosal vaccine adjuvant activity, we employed high-throughput screening to assess over 55,000 small molecules for mast cell degranulation activity. Fifteen mast cell activating compounds were down-selected to five compounds based on in vitro immune activation activities including cytokine production and cellular cytotoxicity, synthesis feasibility, and selection for functional diversity. These small molecule mast cell activators were evaluated for in vivo adjuvant activity and induction of protective immunity against West Nile Virus infection in BALB/c mice when combined with West Nile Virus envelope domain III (EDIII) protein in a nasal vaccine. We found that three of the five mast cell activators, ST101036, ST048871, and R529877, evoked high levels of EDIII-specific antibody and conferred comparable levels of protection against WNV challenge. The level of protection provided by these small molecule mast cell activators was comparable to the protection evoked by M7 (67%) but markedly higher than the levels seen with mice immunized with EDIII alone (no adjuvant 33%). Thus, novel small molecule mast cell activators identified by high throughput screening are as efficacious as previously described mast cell activators when used as nasal vaccine adjuvants and represent next-generation mast cell activators for evaluation in mucosal vaccine studies.

Local induction of bladder Th1 responses to combat urinary tract infections.

Given the high frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and their recurrence, there is keen interest in developing effective UTI vaccines. Currently, most vaccine studies, including those in humans, involve parenteral vaccination aimed at evoking and sustaining elevated levels of systemic antibody directed at the uropathogens. In view of recent reports of aberrant Th2-biased bladder immune responses to infection, we hypothesized that immunizing mice intravesically with antigens from uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) combined with a Th1-skewing adjuvant could correct this defect and promote protection against UTIs. Here we report that compared with mice immunized subcutaneously with this vaccine combination, intravesically immunized mice were markedly more protected from UTIs because of their distinctive ability to recruit Th1 cells into the bladder. This mode of vaccination was effective even in mice that experienced multiple UTIs and displayed pronounced aberrant bladder immune responses. Thus, intravesical vaccination with one or more UPEC antigens to induce bladder Th1 responses represents a superior strategy to combat UTIs, especially in UTI-prone subjects.

The Roles of T cells in Bladder Pathologies.

T lymphocytes play important roles in the skin and mucosal surfaces such as the gut and lung. Until recently the contributions of T cells to mammalian bladder immunity were largely unknown. With newer techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing and reporter mice, an understanding is emerging of T cell roles in bladder diseases (bacterial infections, bladder cancer, chronic inflammation). In these pathologies, many bladder T cell responses can be harmful to the host through suboptimal clearance of bacteria or cancer cells, or by modulating autoinflammation. Recent findings suggest that T cell behavior might be influenced by resident T cell interactions with the bladder microbiota and other immunostimulants. Thus, regulating bladder T cell functions could emerge as a putative immunotherapy to treat some bladder diseases.

Th1-Polarized, Dengue Virus-Activated Human Mast Cells Induce Endothelial Transcriptional Activation and Permeability.

Dengue virus (DENV), an arbovirus, strongly activates mast cells (MCs), which are key immune cells for pathogen immune surveillance. In animal models, MCs promote clearance of local peripheral DENV infections but, conversely, also promote pathological vascular leakage when widely activated during systemic DENV infection. Since DENV is a human pathogen, we sought to ascertain whether a similar phenomenon could occur in humans by characterizing the products released by human MCs (huMCs) upon direct (antibody-independent) DENV exposure, using the phenotypically mature huMC line, ROSA. DENV did not productively infect huMCs but prompted huMC release of proteases and eicosanoids and induced a Th1-polarized transcriptional profile. In co-culture and trans-well systems, huMC products activated human microvascular endothelial cells, involving transcription of vasoactive mediators and increased monolayer permeability. This permeability was blocked by MC-stabilizing drugs, or limited by drugs targeting certain MC products. Thus, MC stabilizers are a viable strategy to limit MC-promoted vascular leakage during DENV infection in humans.