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Antibodies are crucial to immune protection against SARS-CoV-2, with some in emergency use as therapeutics. Here, we identify 377 human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) recognizing the virus spike and focus mainly on 80 that bind the receptor binding domain (RBD). We devise a competition data-driven method to map RBD binding sites. We find that although antibody binding sites are widely dispersed, neutralizing antibody binding is focused, with nearly all highly inhibitory mAbs (IC50 < 0.1 µg/mL) blocking receptor interaction, except for one that binds a unique epitope in the N-terminal domain. Many of these neutralizing mAbs use public V-genes and are close to germline. We dissect the structural basis of recognition for this large panel of antibodies through X-ray crystallography and cryoelectron microscopy of 19 Fab-antigen structures. We find novel binding modes for some potently inhibitory antibodies and demonstrate that strongly neutralizing mAbs protect, prophylactically or therapeutically, in animal models.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Monoclonais/imunologia , Anticorpos Neutralizantes/imunologia , Anticorpos Antivirais/imunologia , COVID-19/imunologia , Glicoproteína da Espícula de Coronavírus/imunologia , Animais , Sítios de Ligação de Anticorpos , Células CHO , Chlorocebus aethiops , Cricetulus , Epitopos , Feminino , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Transgênicos , Modelos Moleculares , Ligação Proteica , Estrutura Terciária de Proteína , SARS-CoV-2/imunologia , Células VeroRESUMO
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) produced from back-splicing of exons of pre-mRNAs are widely expressed, but current understanding of their functions is limited. These RNAs are stable in general and are thought to have unique structural conformations distinct from their linear RNA cognates. Here, we show that endogenous circRNAs tend to form 16-26 bp imperfect RNA duplexes and act as inhibitors of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated protein kinase (PKR) related to innate immunity. Upon poly(I:C) stimulation or viral infection, circRNAs are globally degraded by RNase L, a process required for PKR activation in early cellular innate immune responses. Augmented PKR phosphorylation and circRNA reduction are found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from patients with autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Importantly, overexpression of the dsRNA-containing circRNA in PBMCs or T cells derived from SLE can alleviate the aberrant PKR activation cascade, thus providing a connection between circRNAs and SLE.
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RNA Circular/metabolismo , RNA Circular/fisiologia , eIF-2 Quinase/metabolismo , Adolescente , Adulto , Doenças Autoimunes/genética , Linhagem Celular , Endorribonucleases/metabolismo , Feminino , Humanos , Imunidade Inata/genética , Leucócitos Mononucleares/imunologia , Leucócitos Mononucleares/metabolismo , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/genética , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fosforilação , RNA/metabolismo , Splicing de RNA/genética , Estabilidade de RNA/fisiologia , RNA Circular/genética , RNA de Cadeia Dupla/metabolismo , Viroses/metabolismo , eIF-2 Quinase/imunologiaRESUMO
Upon parasitic helminth infection, activated intestinal tuft cells secrete interleukin-25 (IL-25), which initiates a type 2 immune response during which lamina propria type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) produce IL-13. This causes epithelial remodeling, including tuft cell hyperplasia, the function of which is unknown. We identified a cholinergic effector function of tuft cells, which are the only epithelial cells that expressed choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). During parasite infection, mice with epithelial-specific deletion of ChAT had increased worm burden, fitness, and fecal egg counts, even though type 2 immune responses were comparable. Mechanistically, IL-13-amplified tuft cells release acetylcholine (ACh) into the gut lumen. Finally, we demonstrated a direct effect of ACh on worms, which reduced their fecundity via helminth-expressed muscarinic ACh receptors. Thus, tuft cells are sentinels in naive mice, and their amplification upon helminth infection provides an additional type 2 immune response effector function.
Assuntos
Acetilcolina , Mucosa Intestinal , Animais , Acetilcolina/metabolismo , Camundongos , Mucosa Intestinal/imunologia , Mucosa Intestinal/metabolismo , Mucosa Intestinal/parasitologia , Colina O-Acetiltransferase/metabolismo , Interleucina-13/metabolismo , Interleucina-13/imunologia , Camundongos Knockout , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Helmintíase/imunologia , Helmintíase/parasitologia , Células Epiteliais/imunologia , Células Epiteliais/metabolismo , Imunidade Inata , Nematospiroides dubius/imunologia , Células em TufoRESUMO
Immune responses involve coordination across cell types and tissues. However, studies in cancer immunotherapy have focused heavily on local immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. To investigate immune activity more broadly, we performed an organism-wide study in genetically engineered cancer models using mass cytometry. We analyzed immune responses in several tissues after immunotherapy by developing intuitive models for visualizing single-cell data with statistical inference. Immune activation was evident in the tumor and systemically shortly after effective therapy was administered. However, during tumor rejection, only peripheral immune cells sustained their proliferation. This systemic response was coordinated across tissues and required for tumor eradication in several immunotherapy models. An emergent population of peripheral CD4 T cells conferred protection against new tumors and was significantly expanded in patients responding to immunotherapy. These studies demonstrate the critical impact of systemic immune responses that drive tumor rejection.
Assuntos
Imunoterapia , Neoplasias/imunologia , Neoplasias/terapia , Subpopulações de Linfócitos T/imunologia , Animais , Antígeno B7-H1/antagonistas & inibidores , Medula Óssea/imunologia , Proliferação de Células , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Feminino , Humanos , Tolerância Imunológica , Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Ativação Linfocitária , Tecido Linfoide/imunologia , Masculino , Melanoma/imunologia , Melanoma/terapia , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Neoplasias de Mama Triplo Negativas/imunologia , Neoplasias de Mama Triplo Negativas/terapia , Microambiente TumoralRESUMO
Individuals from different populations vary considerably in their susceptibility to immune-related diseases. To understand how genetic variation and natural selection contribute to these differences, we tested for the effects of African versus European ancestry on the transcriptional response of primary macrophages to live bacterial pathogens. A total of 9.3% of macrophage-expressed genes show ancestry-associated differences in the gene regulatory response to infection, and African ancestry specifically predicts a stronger inflammatory response and reduced intracellular bacterial growth. A large proportion of these differences are under genetic control: for 804 genes, more than 75% of ancestry effects on the immune response can be explained by a single cis- or trans-acting expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL). Finally, we show that genetic effects on the immune response are strongly enriched for recent, population-specific signatures of adaptation. Together, our results demonstrate how historical selective events continue to shape human phenotypic diversity today, including for traits that are key to controlling infection.
RESUMO
Men present more frequently with severe manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and are at higher risk for death. The underlying mechanisms for these differences between female and male individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are insufficiently understood. However, studies from other viral infections have shown that females can mount stronger immune responses against viruses than males. Emerging knowledge on the basic biological pathways that underlie differences in immune responses between women and men needs to be incorporated into research efforts on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and pathology to identify targets for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing antiviral immune function and lung airway resilience while reducing pathogenic inflammation in COVID-19.
Assuntos
Betacoronavirus/imunologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/imunologia , Imunidade Inata/imunologia , Pneumonia Viral/imunologia , Caracteres Sexuais , COVID-19 , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2RESUMO
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immunological dysregulation, and environmental triggers, that culminate in the destruction of insulin-secreting pancreatic ß cells. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the multiple factors underpinning T1D pathogenesis, to elucidate key mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Beginning with an exploration of genetic risk factors, we dissect the roles of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes and non-HLA gene variants associated with T1D susceptibility. Mechanistic insights gleaned from the NOD mouse model provide valuable parallels to the human disease, particularly immunological intricacies underlying ß cell-directed autoimmunity. Immunological drivers of T1D pathogenesis are examined, highlighting the pivotal contributions of both effector and regulatory T cells and the multiple functions of B cells and autoantibodies in ß-cell destruction. Furthermore, the impact of environmental risk factors, notably modulation of host immune development by the intestinal microbiome, is examined. Lastly, the review probes human longitudinal studies, unveiling the dynamic interplay between mucosal immunity, systemic antimicrobial antibody responses, and the trajectories of T1D development. Insights garnered from these interconnected factors pave the way for targeted interventions and the identification of biomarkers to enhance T1D management and prevention strategies.
Assuntos
Autoimunidade , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1 , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/imunologia , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/genética , Humanos , Animais , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/imunologia , Células Secretoras de Insulina/imunologia , Células Secretoras de Insulina/metabolismo , Interação Gene-Ambiente , Autoanticorpos/imunologia , Antígenos HLA/genética , Antígenos HLA/imunologia , Camundongos , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
The phenomenon of behaviorally conditioned immunological and neuroendocrine functions has been investigated for the past 100 yr. The observation that associative learning processes can modify peripheral immune functions was first reported and investigated by Ivan Petrovic Pavlov and his co-workers. Their work later fell into oblivion, also because so little was known about the immune system's function and even less about the underlying mechanisms of how learning, a central nervous system activity, could affect peripheral immune responses. With the employment of a taste-avoidance paradigm in rats, this phenomenon was rediscovered 45 yr ago as one of the most fascinating examples of the reciprocal functional interaction between behavior, the brain, and peripheral immune functions, and it established psychoneuroimmunology as a new research field. Relying on growing knowledge about efferent and afferent communication pathways between the brain, neuroendocrine system, primary and secondary immune organs, and immunocompetent cells, experimental animal studies demonstrate that cellular and humoral immune and neuroendocrine functions can be modulated via associative learning protocols. These (from the classical perspective) learned immune responses are clinically relevant, since they affect the development and progression of immune-related diseases and, more importantly, are also inducible in humans. The increased knowledge about the neuropsychological machinery steering learning and memory processes together with recent insight into the mechanisms mediating placebo responses provide fascinating perspectives to exploit these learned immune and neuroendocrine responses as supportive therapies, the aim being to reduce the amount of medication required, diminishing unwanted drug side effects while maximizing the therapeutic effect for the patient's benefit.
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Condicionamento Psicológico , Sistema Imunitário/fisiologia , Sistemas Neurossecretores/fisiologia , Animais , Humanos , RatosRESUMO
ACKR3 scavenges and degrades the stem cell recruiting chemokine CXCL12, which is essential for proper embryonic and, in particular, haematopoietic development. Here, we demonstrate strong expression of ACKR3 on trophoblasts. Using a maternally administered pharmacological blocker and Cre-mediated genetic approaches, we demonstrate that trophoblast ACKR3 is essential for preventing movement of CXCL12 from the mother to the embryo, with elevated plasma CXCL12 levels being detected in embryos from ACKR3-blocker-treated mothers. Mice born to mothers treated with the blocker are lighter and shorter than those born to vehicle-treated mothers and, in addition, display profound anaemia associated with a markedly reduced bone marrow haematopoietic stem cell population. Importantly, although the haematopoietic abnormalities are corrected as mice age, our studies reveal a postnatal window during which offspring of ACKR3-blocker-treated mice are unable to mount effective inflammatory responses to inflammatory/infectious stimuli. Overall, these data demonstrate that ACKR3 is essential for preventing CXCL12 transfer from mother to embryo and for ensuring properly regulated CXCL12 control over the development of the haematopoietic system.
Assuntos
Placenta , Receptores CXCR , Animais , Feminino , Camundongos , Gravidez , Quimiocina CXCL12/genética , Quimiocina CXCL12/metabolismo , Movimento , Mutação , Placenta/metabolismo , Receptores CXCR/genética , Receptores CXCR/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais/genéticaRESUMO
Olfactory receptors (Olfr) are G protein-coupled receptors that are normally expressed on olfactory sensory neurons to detect volatile chemicals or odorants. Interestingly, many Olfrs are also expressed in diverse tissues and function in cell-cell recognition, migration, and proliferation as well as immune responses and disease processes. Here, we showed that many Olfr genes were expressed in the mouse spleen, linked to Plasmodium yoelii genetic loci significantly, and/or had genome-wide patterns of LOD scores (GPLSs) similar to those of host Toll-like receptor genes. Expression of specific Olfr genes such as Olfr1386 in HEK293T cells significantly increased luciferase signals driven by IFN-ß and NF-κB promoters, with elevated levels of phosphorylated TBK1, IRF3, P38, and JNK. Mice without Olfr1386 were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 method, and the Olfr1386-/- mice showed significantly lower IFN-α/ß levels and longer survival than wild-type (WT) littermates after infection with P. yoelii YM parasites. Inhibition of G protein signaling and P38 activity could affect cyclic AMP-responsive element promoter-driven luciferase signals and IFN-ß mRNA levels in HEK293T cells expressing the Olfr1386 gene, respectively. Screening of malaria parasite metabolites identified nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) as a potential ligand for Olfr1386, and NAD could stimulate IFN-ß responses and phosphorylation of TBK1 and STAT1/2 in RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, parasite RNA (pRNA) could significantly increase Olfr1386 mRNA levels. This study links multiple Olfrs to host immune response pathways, identifies a candidate ligand for Olfr1386, and demonstrates the important roles of Olfr1386 in regulating type I interferon (IFN-I) responses during malaria parasite infections.
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Interferon Tipo I , Malária , Plasmodium yoelii , Receptores Odorantes , Animais , Camundongos , Malária/imunologia , Malária/parasitologia , Malária/metabolismo , Humanos , Células HEK293 , Receptores Odorantes/genética , Receptores Odorantes/metabolismo , Interferon Tipo I/metabolismo , Interferon Tipo I/imunologia , Camundongos Knockout , Transdução de Sinais , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BLRESUMO
Single-cell technologies have recently allowed the identification of multiple lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) subsets in subcapsular, paracortical, medullary, and other lymph node (LN) sinus systems in mice and humans. New analyses show that LECs serve key immunological functions in the LN stroma during immune responses. We discuss the roles of different LEC types in guiding leukocyte and cancer cell trafficking to and from the LN parenchyma, in capturing microbes, and in transporting, presenting, and storing lymph-borne antigens in distinct types of lymphatic sinuses. We underscore specific adaptations of human LECs and raise unanswered questions concerning LEC functions in human disease. Despite our limited understanding of human lymphatics - hampering clinical translation in inflammation and metastasis - we support the potential of LN LECs as putative targets for boosting/inhibiting immunoreactivity.
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Células Endoteliais , Vasos Linfáticos , Camundongos , Humanos , Animais , Vasos Linfáticos/patologia , Inflamação , Linfonodos , Sistema LinfáticoRESUMO
The plant immune system relies on the perception of molecules that signal the presence of a microbe threat. This triggers signal transduction that mediates a range of cellular responses via a collection of molecular machinery including receptors, small molecules, and enzymes. One response to pathogen perception is the restriction of cell-to-cell communication by plasmodesmal closure. We previously found that while chitin and flg22 trigger specialized immune signaling cascades in the plasmodesmal plasma membrane, both execute plasmodesmal closure via callose synthesis at the plasmodesmata. Therefore, the signaling pathways ultimately converge at or upstream of callose synthesis. To establish the hierarchy of signaling at plasmodesmata and characterize points of convergence in microbe elicitor-triggered signaling, we profiled the dependence of plasmodesmal responses triggered by different elicitors on a range of plasmodesmal signaling machinery. We identified that, like chitin, flg22 signals via RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOGUE D (RBOHD) to induce plasmodesmal closure. Further, we found that PLASMODESMATA-LOCATED PROTEIN 1 (PDLP1), PDLP5, and CALLOSE SYNTHASE 1 (CALS1) are common to microbe- and salicylic acid (SA)-triggered responses, identifying PDLPs as a candidate signaling nexus. To understand how PDLPs relay a signal to CALS1, we screened for PDLP5 interactors and found NON-RACE SPECIFIC DISEASE RESISTANCE/HIN1 HAIRPIN-INDUCED-LIKE protein 3 (NHL3), which is also required for chitin-, flg22- and SA-triggered plasmodesmal responses and PDLP-mediated activation of callose synthesis. We conclude that a PDLP-NHL3 complex acts as an integrating node of plasmodesmal signaling cascades, transmitting multiple immune signals to activate CALS1 and plasmodesmata closure.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Arabidopsis , Arabidopsis , Proteínas de Arabidopsis/metabolismo , Arabidopsis/metabolismo , Plasmodesmos/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais , Ácido Salicílico/metabolismo , Quitina/metabolismoRESUMO
Dendritic cells (DCs) shape adaptive immunity in response to environmental cues such as cytokines or lipid mediators, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In cancer, tumors are known to establish an enriched PGE2 microenvironment. Tumor-derived PGE2 primes regulatory features across immune cells, including DCs, facilitating tumor progression. PGE2 shapes DC function by providing signaling via its two so-called E-prostanoid receptors (EPs) EP2 and EP4. Although studies with monocyte-derived DCs have shown the importance of PGE2 signaling, the role of PGE2-EP2/EP4 on conventional DCs type 2 (cDC2s), is still poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the function of EP2 and EP4 using specific EP antagonists on human cDC2s. Our results show that EP2 and EP4 exhibit different functions in cDC2s, with EP4 modulating the upregulation of activation markers (CD80, CD86, CD83, MHC class II) and the production of IL-10 and IL-23. Furthermore, PGE2-EP4 boosts CCR type 7-based migration as well as a higher T-cell expansion capacity, characterized by the enrichment of suppressive rather than pro-inflammatory T-cell populations. Our findings are relevant to further understanding the role of EP receptors in cDC2s, underscoring the benefit of targeting the PGE2-EP2/4 axis for therapeutic purposes in diseases such as cancer.
Assuntos
Dinoprostona , Neoplasias , Humanos , Linfócitos T , Receptores de Prostaglandina E Subtipo EP2 , Receptores de Prostaglandina E Subtipo EP4 , Microambiente TumoralRESUMO
The reoccurrence of successive waves of SARS-CoV-2 variants suggests the exploration of more vaccine alternatives is imperative. Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is a virus vector exhibiting excellent safety as well as efficacy for vaccine development. Here, a series of recombinant MVAs (rMVAs) expressing monomerized or trimerized S proteins from different SARS-CoV-2 variants are engineered. Trimerized S expressed from rMVAs is found predominantly as trimers on the surface of infected cells. Remarkably, immunization of mice with rMVAs demonstrates that S expressed in trimer elicits higher levels of binding IgG and IgA, as well as neutralizing antibodies for matched and mismatched S proteins than S in the monomer. In addition, trimerized S expressed by rMVA induces enhanced cytotoxic T-cell responses than S in the monomer. Importantly, the rMVA vaccines expressing trimerized S exhibit superior protection against a lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge as the immunized animals all survive without displaying any pathological conditions. This study suggests that opting for trimerized S may represent a more effective approach and highlights that the MVA platform serves as an ideal foundation to continuously advance SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. IMPORTANCE: MVA is a promising vaccine vector and has been approved as a vaccine for smallpox and mpox. Our analyses suggested that recombinant MVA expressing S in trimer (rMVA-ST) elicited robust cellular and humoral immunity and was more effective than MVA-S-monomer. Importantly, the rMVA-ST vaccine was able to stimulate decent cross-reactive neutralization against pseudoviruses packaged using S from different sublineages, including Wuhan, Delta, and Omicron. Remarkably, mice immunized with rMVA-ST were completely protected from a lethal challenge of SARS-CoV-2 without displaying any pathological conditions. Our results demonstrated that an MVA vectored vaccine expressing trimerized S is a promising vaccine candidate for SARS-CoV-2 and the strategy might be adapted for future vaccine development for coronaviruses.
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Anticorpos Neutralizantes , Anticorpos Antivirais , Vacinas contra COVID-19 , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Glicoproteína da Espícula de Coronavírus , Vaccinia virus , Animais , Vaccinia virus/genética , Vaccinia virus/imunologia , Camundongos , Anticorpos Antivirais/imunologia , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , COVID-19/imunologia , Vacinas contra COVID-19/imunologia , SARS-CoV-2/imunologia , SARS-CoV-2/genética , Anticorpos Neutralizantes/imunologia , Glicoproteína da Espícula de Coronavírus/imunologia , Glicoproteína da Espícula de Coronavírus/genética , Feminino , Humanos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Multimerização Proteica , Imunoglobulina G/imunologia , Linfócitos T Citotóxicos/imunologia , Imunoglobulina A/imunologia , Vacinas Sintéticas/imunologia , Vacinas Sintéticas/genética , Vetores GenéticosRESUMO
We determined the transcription profile of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2)-infected primary human fibroblasts. Subsequent analysis revealed that cells respond to AAV infection through changes in several significantly affected pathways, including cell cycle regulation, chromatin modulation, and innate immune responses. Various assays were performed to validate selected differentially expressed genes and to confirm not only the quality but also the robustness of the raw data. One of the genes upregulated in AAV2-infected cells was interferon-γ inducible factor 16 (IFI16). IFI16 is known as a multifunctional cytosolic and nuclear innate immune sensor for double-stranded as well as single-stranded DNA, exerting its effects through various mechanisms, such as interferon response, epigenetic modifications, or transcriptional regulation. IFI16 thereby constitutes a restriction factor for many different viruses among them, as shown here, AAV2 and thereof derived vectors. Indeed, the post-transcriptional silencing of IFI16 significantly increased AAV2 transduction efficiency, independent of the structure of the virus/vector genome. We also show that IFI16 exerts its inhibitory effect on AAV2 transduction in an immune-modulatory independent way by interfering with Sp1-dependent transactivation of wild-type AAV2 and AAV2 vector promoters. IMPORTANCE: Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are among the most frequently used viral vectors for gene therapy. The lack of pathogenicity of the parental virus, the long-term persistence as episomes in non-proliferating cells, and the availability of a variety of AAV serotypes differing in their cellular tropism are advantageous features of this biological nanoparticle. To deepen our understanding of virus-host interactions, especially in terms of antiviral responses, we present here the first transcriptome analysis of AAV serotype 2 (AAV2)-infected human primary fibroblasts. Our findings indicate that interferon-γ inducible factor 16 acts as an antiviral factor in AAV2 infection and AAV2 vector-mediated cell transduction in an immune-modulatory independent way by interrupting the Sp1-dependent gene expression from viral or vector genomes.
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Dependovirus , Fibroblastos , Proteínas Nucleares , Fosfoproteínas , Transdução Genética , Humanos , Dependovirus/genética , Proteínas Nucleares/metabolismo , Proteínas Nucleares/genética , Fibroblastos/virologia , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Fosfoproteínas/metabolismo , Fosfoproteínas/genética , Imunidade Inata , Vetores Genéticos/genética , Parvovirinae/genética , Células CultivadasRESUMO
NAD+, as an emerging regulator of immune responses during viral infections, may be a promising therapeutic target for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this Opinion, we suggest that interventions that boost NAD+ levels might promote antiviral defense and suppress uncontrolled inflammation. We discuss the association between low NAD+ concentrations and risk factors for poor COVID-19 outcomes, including aging and common comorbidities. Mechanistically, we outline how viral infections can further deplete NAD+ and its roles in antiviral defense and inflammation. We also describe how coronaviruses can subvert NAD+-mediated actions via genes that remove NAD+ modifications and activate the NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Finally, we explore ongoing approaches to boost NAD+ concentrations in the clinic to putatively increase antiviral responses while curtailing hyperinflammation.
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COVID-19 , Viroses , Humanos , Inflamassomos/metabolismo , NAD/metabolismo , Proteína 3 que Contém Domínio de Pirina da Família NLR/metabolismoRESUMO
Tuberculosis (TB), the world's deadliest bacterial infection, afflicts more human males than females, with a male/female (M/F) ratio of 1.7. Sex disparities in TB prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations are widely reported, but the underlying biological mechanisms remain largely undefined. This review assesses epidemiological data on sex disparity in TB, as well as possible underlying hormonal and genetic mechanisms that might differentially modulate innate and adaptive immune responses in males and females, leading to sex differences in disease susceptibility. We consider whether this sex disparity can be extended to the efficacy of vaccines and discuss novel animal models which may offer mechanistic insights. A better understanding of the biological factors underpinning sex-related immune responses in TB may enable sex-specific personalized therapies for TB.
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Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Tuberculose , Animais , Suscetibilidade a Doenças , Feminino , Humanos , Imunidade , Masculino , Tuberculose/genéticaRESUMO
Reactive astrocytes are important pathophysiologically and synthesize neurosteroids. We observed that LPS increased immunoreactive TLR4 and key steroidogenic enzymes in cortical astrocytes of rats and investigated whether corticosteroids are produced and mediate astrocytic TLR4-dependent innate immune responses. We found that LPS increased steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and StAR-dependent aldosterone production in purified astrocytes. Both increases were blocked by the TLR4 antagonist TAK242. LPS also increased 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ß-HSD1) and corticosterone production, and both were prevented by TAK242 and by siRNAs against 11ß-HSD1, StAR, or aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2). Knockdown of 11ß-HSD1, StAR, or CYP11B2 or blocking either mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) or glucocorticoid receptors (GR) prevented dephosphorylation of p-Ser9GSK-3ß, activation of NF-κB, and the GSK-3ß-dependent increases of C3, IL-1ß, and TNF-α caused by LPS. Exogenous aldosterone mimicked the MR- and GSK-3ß-dependent pro-inflammatory effects of LPS in astrocytes, but corticosterone did not. Supernatants from astrocytes treated with LPS reduced MAP2 and viability of cultured neurons except when astrocytic StAR or MR was inhibited. In adrenalectomized rats, intracerebroventricular injection of LPS increased astrocytic TLR4, StAR, CYP11B2, and 11ß-HSD1, NF-κB, C3 and IL-1ß, decreased astrocytic p-Ser9GSK-3ß in the cortex and was neurotoxic, except when spironolactone was co-injected, consistent with the in vitro results. LPS also activated NF-κB in some NeuN+ and CD11b+ cells in the cortex, and these effects were prevented by spironolactone. We conclude that intracrine aldosterone may be involved in the TLR4-dependent innate immune responses of astrocytes and can trigger paracrine effects by activating astrocytic MR/GSK-3ß/NF-κB signaling.
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Astrócitos , Glicogênio Sintase Quinase 3 beta , Imunidade Inata , Lipopolissacarídeos , Receptor 4 Toll-Like , Animais , Astrócitos/metabolismo , Astrócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Receptor 4 Toll-Like/metabolismo , Imunidade Inata/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos , Glicogênio Sintase Quinase 3 beta/metabolismo , Lipopolissacarídeos/farmacologia , Corticosteroides/farmacologia , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Células Cultivadas , Receptores de Mineralocorticoides/metabolismo , Aldosterona/metabolismo , Aldosterona/farmacologia , Masculino , NF-kappa B/metabolismo , Quinase 3 da Glicogênio Sintase/metabolismo , Corticosterona/farmacologiaRESUMO
Stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING, also named MITA, ERIS, MPYS, or TMEM173) plays an essential role in DNA virus- or cytosolic DNA-triggered innate immune responses. Here, we demonstrate that the RING-in-between RING (RBR) E3 ubiquitin ligase family member RING-finger protein (RNF) 144A interacts with STING and promotes its K6-linked ubiquitination at K236, thereby enhancing STING translocation from the ER to the Golgi and downstream signaling pathways. The K236R mutant of STING displays reduced activity in promoting innate immune signal transduction. Overexpression of RNF144A upregulates HSV-1- or cytosolic DNA-induced immune responses, while knockdown of RNF144A expression has the opposite effect. In addition, Rnf144a-deficient cells exhibit impaired DNA virus- or cytosolic DNA-triggered signaling, and RNF144A protects mice from DNA virus infection. In contrast, RNF144A does not affect RNA virus- or cytosolic RNA-triggered innate immune responses. Taken together, our findings identify a new positive regulator of DNA virus- or cytosolic DNA-triggered signaling pathways and a critical ubiquitination site important for fully functional STING during antiviral responses.
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Herpesvirus Humano 1 , Animais , Camundongos , DNA , Herpesvirus Humano 1/genética , Imunidade Inata , UbiquitinaçãoRESUMO
Macrophages play crucial roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME), exerting diverse functions ranging from promoting tumor growth and metastasis to orchestrating anti-tumor immune responses. Their plasticity allows them to adopt distinct activation states, often called M1-like (pro-inflammatory) and M2-like (anti-inflammatory or pro-tumoral), significantly influencing tumor progression and response to therapy. Harnessing the potential of macrophages in cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy, with increasing interest in targeting these cells directly or modulating their functions within the TME. This review explores the intricate interplay between macrophages, the TME, and immunotherapeutic approaches. We discuss the dynamic phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), their impact on disease progression, and the mechanisms underlying their response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, we highlight recent advancements in macrophage-based immunotherapeutic strategies, including macrophage-targeting agents, adoptive cell transfer, and engineering approaches. Understanding the complex crosstalk between macrophages and the TME is essential for developing effective immunotherapeutic interventions that exploit the immunomodulatory functions of macrophages to enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.