TYK2 signaling promotes the development of autoreactive CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and type 1 diabetes.

Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), a member of the JAK family, has attracted attention as a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. However, the role of TYK2 in CD8+ T cells and autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) is poorly understood. In this study, we generate Tyk2 gene knockout non-obese diabetes (NOD) mice and demonstrate that the loss of Tyk2 inhibits the development of autoreactive CD8+ T-BET+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) by impairing IL-12 signaling in CD8+ T cells and the CD8+ resident dendritic cell-driven cross-priming of CTLs in the pancreatic lymph node (PLN). Tyk2-deficient CTLs display reduced cytotoxicity. Increased inflammatory responses in ß-cells with aging are dampened by Tyk2 deficiency. Furthermore, treatment with BMS-986165, a selective TYK2 inhibitor, inhibits the expansion of T-BET+ CTLs, inflammation in ß-cells and the onset of autoimmune T1D in NOD mice. Thus, our study reveals the diverse roles of TYK2 in driving the pathogenesis of T1D.

Induction of premature senescence and a less-fibrogenic phenotype by programmed cell death 4 knockdown in the human hepatic stellate cell line Lieming Xu-2.

Although programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) was initially reported as a tumor suppressor and has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and metastasis, recent studies have demonstrated that loss of PDCD4 expression also induces growth inhibition by inducing apoptosis and/or cellular senescence. At present, the roles of PDCD4 in the activation and profibrogenic properties of myofibroblasts, which are critically involved in organ fibrosis, such as that in the liver, are unclear. We, therefore, investigated the roles of PDCD4 in myofibroblasts using human hepatic stellate cell line Lieming Xu-2 (LX-2). PDCD4 knockdown inhibited LX-2 proliferation and induced a senescent phenotype with increased ß-galactosidase staining and p21 expression in a p53-independent manner together with downregulation of the notch signaling mediator RBJ-κ/CSL. During PDCD4 knockdown, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA; an activation marker of myofibroblasts), matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1 and MMP-9, and collagen IV were upregulated, but the expression of collagen1α1 and collagen III was markedly downregulated without any marked change in the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). These results demonstrated that knockdown of PDCD4 induced the cellular senescence phenotype and activated myofibroblasts while suppressing the profibrogenic phenotype, suggesting roles of PDCD4 in cellular senescence and fibrogenesis in the liver.

HSPA8 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Is Associated with Serum HSC70 Concentration and Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

There is an association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis, but the genetic risk of atherosclerosis in NAFLD remains unclear. Here, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the heat shock 70 kDa protein 8 (HSPA8) gene was analyzed in 123 NAFLD patients who had been diagnosed using a liver biopsy, and the NAFLD phenotype including the maximum intima-media thickness (Max-IMT) of the carotid artery was investigated. Patients with the minor allele (A/G or G/G) of rs2236659 showed a lower serum heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein concentration than those with the major A/A allele. Compared with the patients with the major allele, those with the minor allele showed a higher prevalence of hypertension and higher Max-IMT in men. No significant associations between the HSPA8 genotype and hepatic pathological findings were identified. In decision-tree analysis, age, sex, liver fibrosis, and HSPA8 genotype were individually associated with severe carotid artery atherosclerosis (Max-IMT ≥ 1.5 mm). Noncirrhotic men aged ≥ 65 years were most significantly affected by the minor allele of HSPA8. To predict the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, HSPA8 SNP genotyping might be useful, particularly for older male NAFLD patients.

MHC class II inhibits the generation of IL-17A+ Vγ6 γδ T cells in the thymus at perinatal stage.

Vγ6+ γδ T cells develop in the thymus at the perinatal stage and are exclusive IL-17A producers among γδ T cells. The loss of MHC class II led to the expansion of IL-17A+ Vγ6+ γδ T cells in the thymus. Thus, MHC class II in the thymus inhibits the generation of IL-17A+ Vγ6+ γδ T cells.

Immunohistochemical detection of enteroviruses in pancreatic tissues of patients with type 1 diabetes using a polyclonal antibody against 2A protease of Coxsackievirus.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: The need for antiserum for immunohistochemical (IHC) detection of enterovirus (EV) in formaldehyde-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples is increasing. The gold standard monoclonal antibody (clone 5D8/1) against EV-envelope protein (VP1) was proven to cross-react with other proteins. Another candidate marker of EV proteins is 2A protease (2Apro ), which is encoded by the EV gene and translated by the host cells during EV replication, and participates processing proproteins to viral capsid proteins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We raised polyclonal antiserum by immunizing a rabbit with an 18-mer peptide of Coxsackievirus B1 (CVB1)-2Apro , and examined the specificity and sensitivity for EV on formaldehyde-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples. RESULTS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay study showed a high titer of antibody for 18-mer peptide of CVB1-2Apro , cross-reacting with CVB3-2Apro peptide. IHC showed that antiserum against 2Apro reacted with CVB1-infected and VP1-positive Vero cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that antigen stained by the 2Apro antibody located in the same cell with VP1 stained by 5D8/1. IHC using 2Apro antiserum showed dense staining in the islets of EV-associated fulminant type 1 diabetes pancreas and that located in the same cell stained positive for VP1 (5D8/1). Specificity of 2Apro antiserum by IHC staining was confirmed by negative 2Apro in 14 VP1-negative non-diabetes control pancreases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a new polyclonal antiserum against CVB1-2Apro , which might be useful for IHC of EV-infected human tissues stored as archive of formaldehyde-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples.

TYK2 Promoter Variant Is Associated with Impaired Insulin Secretion and Lower Insulin Resistance in Japanese Type 2 Diabetes Patients.

Accumulating evidence has suggested that viral infection causes type 1 diabetes due to direct ß-cell damage and the triggering of autoimmune reactivity to ß cells. Here, we elucidated that the tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) gene, encoding an interferon receptor signaling molecule, is responsible for virus-induced diabetes in mice, and its promoter variant confers a risk of type 1 diabetes in humans. This study investigated the relationship between a TYK2 promoter variant (TYK2PV) and insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes patients. TYK2PV status was determined using direct DNA sequencing and its associations with fasting insulin, C-peptide, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were evaluated in type 2 diabetes patients without sulfonylurea or insulin medication. Of the 172 patients assessed, 18 (10.5%) showed TYK2PV-positivity. Their body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower than in those without the variant (23.4 vs. 25.4 kg/m2, p = 0.025). Fasting insulin (3.9 vs. 6.2 µIU/mL, p = 0.007), C-peptide (1.37 vs. 1.76 ng/mL, p = 0.008), and HOMA-IR (1.39 vs. 2.05, p = 0.006) were lower in those with than in those without the variant. Multivariable analysis identified that TYK2PV was associated with fasting insulin ≤ 5 µIU/mL (odds ratio (OR) 3.63, p = 0.025) and C-peptide ≤ 1.0 ng/mL (OR 3.61, p = 0.028), and also lower insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≤ 2.5; OR 8.60, p = 0.042). TYK2PV is associated with impaired insulin secretion and low insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes patients with TYK2PV should be carefully followed in order to receive the appropriate treatment including insulin injections.

Vγ6+ γδ T cells are critical for protection against infection by Escherichia coli in mice.

γδ T cells producing IL-17A (γδTh17 cells) are known to be involved in peritonitis induced by Escherichia coli infection in mice. In vivo treatment with Vγ6-specific mAb (1C10-1F7) significantly hampered resolution of E. coli infection. Thus, Vγ6+ γδTh17 cells mainly contributed to protection against E. coli infection.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Pancreatic ß Cell Failure.

SARS-CoV-2 infection primarily causes pulmonary symptoms; however, accumulating reports indicate that some patients with COVID-19 have multiple organ dysfunction or failure. Although diabetes is considered a risk factor for severe COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 infection may also be a causal factor for diabetes mellitus in patients with COVID-19. According to the research reviewed in this paper, the pancreas and pancreatic ß cells appear to be targets of SARS-CoV-2 and are damaged by direct or indirect effects of the infection. However, controversial results have been reported between study groups, mainly due to the limited number of cases with diabetes precipitated by COVID-19. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the published findings on the potential association between SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 and pancreatic ß-cell damage leading to diabetes onset. These findings will further contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.

Genetic Susceptibility of the Host in Virus-Induced Diabetes.

Enteroviruses, especially Coxsackie B viruses, are among the candidate environmental factors causative of type 1 diabetes. Host genetic factors have an impact on the development of virus-induced diabetes (VID). Host background, in terms of whether the host is prone to autoimmunity, should also be considered when analyzing the role of target genes in VID. In this review, we describe the genetic susceptibility of the host based on studies in humans and VID animal models. Understanding the host genetic factors should contribute not only to revealing the mechanisms of VID development, but also in taking measures to prevent VID.

Combined effect of canagliflozin and exercise training on high-fat diet-fed mice.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have been reported to improve obesity, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in addition to exercise training, whereas the combined effects remain to be elucidated fully. We investigated the effect of the combination of the SGLT2i canagliflozin (CAN) and exercise training in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. High-fat diet-fed mice were housed in normal cages (sedentary; Sed) or wheel cages (WCR) with or without CAN (0.03% of diet) for 4 wk. The effects on obesity, glucose metabolism, and hepatic steatosis were evaluated in four groups (Control/Sed, Control/WCR, CAN/Sed, and CAN/WCR). Numerically additive improvements were found in body weight, body fat mass, blood glucose, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and the fatty liver of the CAN/WCR group, whereas CAN increased food intake and reduced running distance. Exercise training alone, CAN alone, or both did not change the weight of skeletal muscle, but microarray analysis showed that each resulted in a characteristic change of gene expression in gastrocnemius muscle. In particular, in the CAN/WCR group, there was acceleration of the angiogenesis pathway and suppression of the adipogenesis pathway compared with the CAN/Sed group. In conclusion, the combination of an SGLT2i and exercise training improves obesity, insulin resistance, and NAFLD in an additive manner. Changes of gene expression in skeletal muscle may contribute, at least in part, to the improvement of obesity and insulin sensitivity.

Impaired upregulation of Stat2 gene restrictive to pancreatic ß-cells is responsible for virus-induced diabetes in DBA/2 mice.

Viral infection is a putative causal factor for the development of type 1 diabetes, but the exact pathogenic mechanism of virus-induced diabetes (VID) remains unclear. Here, to identify the critical factors that regulate VID, we analyzed encephalomyocarditis D (EMC-D) VID-sensitive DBA/2 mice in comparison with resistant B6 mice. EMC-D virus-induced cell death occurred more frequently in DBA/2 ß-cells than in B6 ß-cells with 100U/ml IFN-ß priming in vitro. We therefore purified ß-cells using flow cytometry from mice two days after EMC-D virus infection and subjected them to microarray analysis. As a results, innate immune response pathway was found to be enriched in B6 ß-cells. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (Stat2) gene interacted with genes in the pathway. Stat2 gene expression levels were lower in DBA/2 mice than in B6 mice, restrictive to ß-cells. Moreover, administration of IFN-ß failed to upregulate Stat2 gene in DBA/2 ß-cells than in those of B6 in vivo. The viral titer significantly increased only in the DBA/2 pancreas. Thus, these provided data suggest that impaired upregulation of Stat2 gene restrictive to ß-cells at the early stage of infection is responsible for VID development in DBA/2 mice.

Subtyping of Type 1 Diabetes as Classified by Anti-GAD Antibody, IgE Levels, and Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) Promoter Variant in the Japanese.

OBJECTIVE: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is known to be caused by Th1 cell-dependent autoimmunity. Recently, we reported that TYK2 promoter variant serves as a putative virus-induced diabetes susceptibility gene associated with deteriorated interferon-dependent antiviral response. TYK2 is also related to HIES, that is, Th2 cell-dependent. Therefore, TYK2 promoter variant may be also associated with the pathogenesis of T1D, modulating Th1/Th2 balance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We assessed the association between anti- GAD Ab, IgE levels, and TYK2 promoter variant among 313 T1D patients, 184 T2D patients, and 264 YH controls in the Japanese. RESULTS: T1D patients had elevated IgE (median, 56.7U/ml; p<0.0001) compared with T2D patients (22.5U/ml) and controls (43.3U/ml). Contrary to our expectations, there was no correlation between TYK2 promoter variant and IgE levels. We found that T1D could be subtyped as four groups based on anti-GAD Ab and IgE profile: Subtype 1, anti-GAD Ab positive and non-elevated IgE (47.0%); Subtype 2, anti-GAD Ab negative and non-elevated IgE (35.1%); Subtype 3, anti-GAD Ab positive and elevated IgE (10.9%); and Subtype 4, anti-GAD Ab negative and elevated IgE (7.0%). In Subtype 2, a significantly higher incidence was observed in T1D cases carrying the TYK2 promoter variant (OR, 2.60; 95%CI, 1.03-6.97; p=0.032), and also showing a flu-like syndrome at diabetes onset (OR, 2.34; 95%CI, 1.27-4.35; p=0.003). INTERPRETATION: Anti-GAD Ab and IgE profiling helps classifying T1D into four groups that recognize variable pathogenic bases of T1D.

Reduced Tyk2 gene expression in ß-cells due to natural mutation determines susceptibility to virus-induced diabetes.

Accumulating evidence suggests that viruses play an important role in the development of diabetes. Although the diabetogenic encephalomyocarditis strain D virus induces diabetes in restricted lines of inbred mice, the susceptibility genes to virus-induced diabetes have not been identified. We report here that novel Tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) gene mutations are present in virus-induced diabetes-sensitive SJL and SWR mice. Mice carrying the mutant Tyk2 gene on the virus-resistant C57BL/6 background are highly sensitive to virus-induced diabetes. Tyk2 gene expression is strongly reduced in Tyk2-mutant mice, associated with low Tyk2 promoter activity, and leads to decreased expression of interferon-inducible genes, resulting in significantly compromised antiviral response. Tyk2-mutant pancreatic ß-cells are unresponsive even to high dose of Type I interferon. Reversal of virus-induced diabetes could be achieved by ß-cell-specific Tyk2 gene expression. Thus, reduced Tyk2 gene expression in pancreatic ß-cells due to natural mutation is responsible for susceptibility to virus-induced diabetes.

Torsional chear and triaxial compression tests on deformation characters of sands before and after liquefaction

The stress-strain relationships of sand after liquefaction were studied by conducting torsional shear and triaxial compression tests under several conditions. A prescribed number of cyclic loadings were applied first, then a monotonic loading was applied in undrained conditions. The stress-strain curves were affected by the accumulated excess pore pressure ratio and by the severity of liquefaction. The shear and secant modulus decreased to less than 1/1000 due to liquefaction. The shear strain increased more than 10

with very low stress in the liquefied specimen. And, there exists a so called "reference strain at resistance transformation, " which increases with decreases in soil density, severity of liquefaction and fines content, and with increase with confining pressure.(AU)

Shaking table tests on floatation of buried pipes due to liquefaction of backfill sands

Many manholes and sewage pipes were floated due to liquefaction during the 1993 Kushiro-oki earthquake in Japan. To study the mechanism of the floatation, several shaking table tests were carried out under several conditions of soil densities, specific gravities of pipes, water levels and diameters of pipes. Tests were also conducted on the model grounds in which a trench was excavated and then backfilled with loose sands. Test results show that the speed and the height of floatation are affected by soil density, the specific gravity of the pipe or manhole, water level, and width and depth of the trench.(AU)