Insight into the significance of Foxp3 + tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in squamous cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Although developing a better understanding of tumor-infiltrating Foxp3 + lymphocytes (Foxp3 + TILs) might provide essential knowledge to predict response to immunotherapy and prognosis, our current knowledge about Foxp3 + TILs is inadequate. This study investigated the prognostic significance of tumor-infiltrating Foxp3 + lymphocytes (Foxp3 + TILs) in squamous cell lung cancer (SQ-LC) objectively. METHODS: Among patients with SQ-LC surgically resected in our institution between 2011 and 2017, those with pathological stage IA3-IIIA were immunohistochemically studied to evaluate Foxp3 + TILs in their tumor stroma. The impact of Foxp3 + TILs on relapse-free survival (RFS) was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model/Fine-Gray model. RESULTS: This study analyzed 100 patients. Multivariate analysis showed that a large number of Foxp3 + TILs in the stroma does not associate with a poor prognosis, rather that a large number of Foxp3 + TILs (≥ 64 cells) tend to be associated with a more favorable prognosis than a small number of Foxp3 + TILs (< 64 cells) (large vs small number: HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.17-1.83; P = 0.34). Exploratory analysis also showed that in the two populations divided by a difference in Foxp3 expression levels, similar trends to the main analysis were observed. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that a large number of Foxp3 + TILs in the stroma may not associate with a poor prognosis in SQ-LC. To use the seemingly complicated information of Foxp3 + TILs as biomarkers, better understanding the diversity and heterogeneity of Foxp3 + TILs and analyzing their subpopulations that increase in the TME may be needed.

Insight into the significance of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in squamous cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although there are great expectations regarding the use of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to predict effects of immunotherapies and prognosis, knowledge about TILs remains insufficient for clinical application. METHODS: We objectively investigated the prognostic significance of tumor-infiltrating CD8 + lymphocytes (CD8 + TILs) in squamous cell lung cancer (SQ-LC). Among patients who underwent surgical resection of SQ-LC in 2011-2017, 100 patients with pathological stage IA3-III were immunohistochemically studied to evaluate CD8 + TILs in the tumor stroma and parenchyma. The impact of CD8 + TILs on relapse-free survival was analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate analyses using Fine-Gray and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: The multivariate analysis showed that large and small numbers, but not intermediate numbers, of CD8 + TILs in the tumor stroma may be related to a more favorable prognosis (small vs. intermediate: HR, 0.64; 95% CI: 0.29-1.41, p = 0.27; large vs. intermediate: HR, 0.48; 95% CI: 0.21-1.09, p = 0.08). In contrast, a large number of CD8 + TILs in the tumor parenchyma was associated with a poor prognosis (HR, 2.60; 95% CI: 0.91-7.42, p = 0.075). An exploratory analysis showed a potentially strong association between an extremely large number of CD8 + TILs in the tumor parenchyma and a poor prognosis, even with a large number of CD8 + TILs in the tumor stroma. CONCLUSION: Our study provided partial but important information on the significance of CD8 + TILs in SQ-LC. To use CD8 + TILs as biomarkers, a better understanding of CD8 + TILs as well as other important components in the tumor microenvironment and the inflammatory phenotypes they form may be needed.

The microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1/prostaglandin E2 axis induces recovery from ischaemia via recruitment of regulatory T cells.

AIMS: Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induces angiogenesis through the prostaglandin E2 receptor (EP1-4). Among immune cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), which inhibit immune responses, have been implicated in angiogenesis, and PGE2 is known to modulate the function and differentiation of Tregs. We hypothesized that mPGES-1/PGE2-EP signalling could contribute to recovery from ischaemic conditions by promoting the accumulation of Tregs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Wild-type (WT), mPGES-1-deficient (mPges-1-/-), and EP4 receptor-deficient (Ep4-/-) male mice, 6-8 weeks old, were used. Hindlimb ischaemia was induced by femoral artery ligation. Recovery from ischaemia was suppressed in mPges-1-/- mice and compared with WT mice. The number of accumulated forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3)+ cells in ischaemic muscle tissue was decreased in mPges-1-/- mice compared with that in WT mice. Expression levels of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in ischaemic tissue were also suppressed in mPges-1-/- mice. The number of accumulated FoxP3+ cells and blood flow recovery were suppressed when Tregs were depleted by injecting antibody against folate receptor 4 in WT mice but not in mPges-1-/- mice. Recovery from ischaemia was significantly suppressed in Ep4-/- mice compared with that in WT mice. Furthermore, mRNA levels of Foxp3 and Tgf-ß were suppressed in Ep4-/- mice. Moreover, the number of accumulated FoxP3+ cells in ischaemic tissue was diminished in Ep4-/- mice compared with that in Ep4+/+ mice. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that mPGES-1/PGE2 induced neovascularization from ischaemia via EP4 by promoting the accumulation of Tregs. Highly selective EP4 agonists could be useful for the treatment of peripheral artery disease.

Activation of iNKT Cells Facilitates Liver Repair After Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Through Acceleration of Macrophage Polarization.

Macrophage polarization is critical for liver tissue repair following acute liver injury. However, the underlying mechanisms of macrophage phenotype switching are not well defined. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells orchestrate tissue inflammation and tissue repair by regulating cytokine production. Herein, we examined whether iNKT cells played an important role in liver repair after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury by affecting macrophage polarization. To this end, we subjected male C57BL/6 mice to hepatic I/R injury, and mice received an intraperitoneal (ip) injection of α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) or vehicle. Compared with that of the vehicle, α-GalCer administration resulted in the promotion of liver repair accompanied by acceleration of macrophage differentiation and by increases in the numbers of Ly6Chigh pro-inflammatory macrophages and Ly6Clow reparative macrophages. iNKT cells activated with α-GalCer produced interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ. Treatment with anti-IL-4 antibodies delayed liver repair, which was associated with an increased number of Ly6Chigh macrophages and a decreased number of Ly6Clow macrophages. Treatment with anti-IFN-γ antibodies promoted liver repair, associated with reduced the number of Ly6Chigh macrophages, but did not change the number of Ly6Clow macrophages. Bone marrow-derived macrophages up-regulated the expression of genes related to both a pro-inflammatory and a reparative phenotype when co-cultured with activated iNKT cells. Anti-IL-4 antibodies increased the levels of pro-inflammatory macrophage-related genes and decreased those of reparative macrophage-related genes in cultured macrophages, while anti-IFN-γ antibodies reversed the polarization of macrophages. Cd1d-deficient mice showed delayed liver repair and suppressed macrophage switching, compared with that in wild-type mice. These results suggest that the activation of iNKT cells by α-GalCer facilitated liver repair after hepatic I/R injury by both IL-4-and IFN-γ-mediated acceleration of macrophage polarization. Therefore, the activation of iNKT cells may represent a therapeutic tool for liver repair after hepatic I/R injury.

Natural Killer Cell Group 7 Sequence in Cytotoxic Cells Optimizes Exocytosis of Lytic Granules Essential for the Perforin-Dependent, but Not Fas Ligand-Dependent, Cytolytic Pathway.

Cytotoxic cells, such as CD8+ T cells or NK cells, have been shown to eliminate virus-infected cells or transformed cells primarily via two pathways: the perforin/granzyme-dependent pathway and the Fas ligand-Fas pathway; however, the precise cytolytic mechanisms have not been clarified thoroughly. In our previous study, we demonstrated that a T-box transcription factor, Eomesodermin (Eomes), may play important roles in activating the perforin pathway besides inducing perforin and granzyme B mRNA expression. In this study, we identified natural killer cell group 7 sequence (Nkg7), a molecule induced by Eomes, to be found critical for perforin-dependent cytolysis. Nkg7 mRNA expression in leukocytes from normal mice was mainly restricted to cells with cytotoxicity such as NK cells, NKT cells, and activated CD8+ T cells. The cytolytic activity of NK cells or CD8+ CTLs from Nkg7-deficient mice against Fas-negative target cells was reduced significantly, whereas Fas ligand-mediated cytolysis by Nkg7-deficient CTLs was not impaired. Further, translocation of granule membrane protein CD107a to the cell surface upon CD3 stimulation was defective in CD8+ CTLs from Nkg7 knockout, whereas surface induction of another granule membrane protein, CD63, was almost normal. In addition, analyses of lytic granules in CTLs by electron microscopy revealed that the number of lytic granules with dense cores was significantly reduced in Nkg7-knockout CTLs. These results indicate that Nkg7 may specifically contribute to efficient cytolysis via the perforin/granzyme pathway by enhancing the exocytosis of a particular type of lytic granules.

Platelets prevent the development of monocrotaline-induced liver injury in mice.

Destruction of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) is an initial event in sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) that leads to accumulation of platelets in the liver. Herein, we explored the role of platelets during progression of experimental SOS induced by monocrotaline (MCT) in mice. Depletion of platelets using an anti-CD41 antibody or anti-thrombocyte serum exacerbated MCT-induced liver injury in C57BL/6 mice, as indicated by an increase in the alanine transaminase (ALT) level, which was associated with hemorrhagic necrosis. Thrombocytosis induced by thrombopoietin (TPO) or the TPO receptor agonist romiplostim (ROM) attenuated MCT-induced liver injury, as evidenced by lower levels of ALT and mRNA encoding matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, and higher levels of mRNA encoding vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 2 and VEGFR3. The level of activated hepatic platelets was higher in TPO- and ROM-treated mice than in saline-treated mice. Co-culture with a high number of platelets increased the viability of LSECs and their mRNA levels of CD31, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3, and decreased their mRNA level of MMP9. The level of VEGF-A was increased in the culture medium of LSECs co-cultured with platelets. These results indicate that platelets attenuate MCT-induced liver injury by minimizing damage to LSECs.

Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 Controls Inflammatory Cytokines Production through NF-κB Phosphorylation and Antigen Presentation in Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is the causal molecule of familial Parkinson's disease. Although the characteristics of LRRK2 have gradually been revealed, its true physiological functions remain unknown. LRRK2 is highly expressed in immune cells such as B2 cells and macrophages, suggesting that it plays important roles in the immune system. In the present study, we investigate the roles of LRRK2 in the immune functions of dendritic cells (DCs). Bone marrow-derived DCs from both C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and LRRK2 knockout (KO) mice were induced by culture with granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM/CSF) in vitro. We observed the differentiation of DCs, the phosphorylation of the transcriptional factors NF-κB, Erk1/2, and p-38 after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation and antigen-presenting ability by flow cytometry. We also analyzed the production of inflammatory cytokines by ELISA. During the observation period, there was no difference in DC differentiation between WT and LRRK2-KO mice. After LPS stimulation, phosphorylation of NF-κB was significantly increased in DCs from the KO mice. Large amounts of inflammatory cytokines were produced by DCs from KO mice after both stimulation with LPS and infection with Leishmania. CD4+ T-cells isolated from antigen-immunized mice proliferated to a significantly greater degree upon coculture with antigen-stimulated DCs from KO mice than upon coculture with DCs from WT mice. These results suggest that LRRK2 may play important roles in signal transduction and antigen presentation by DCs.

NF-κB-inducing kinase contributes to normal development of cortical thymic epithelial cells: its possible role in shaping a proper T-cell repertoire.

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) is known to be a critical regulator of multiple aspects of the immune response. Although the role of NIK in the development of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) has been well documented, the impact of NIK on the differentiation and function of cortical thymic epithelial cells (cTECs) remains ambiguous. To investigate the possible involvement of NIK in cTEC differentiation, we have compared the gene expression and function of cTECs from a NIK-mutant mouse, alymphoplasia (aly/aly) with those of cTECs from wild-type (WT) mice. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that expression levels of MHC class II, but not MHC class I or other TEC markers, were higher in aly/aly cells than in WT cells. Notably, the proportion of MHC class IIhi+ cTECs was elevated in aly/aly mice. We also demonstrated that expression of Ccl5 mRNA in the MHC class IIhi+ subset of aly/aly cTECs was decreased compared with that in WT cells, implying an abnormal pattern of gene expression in aly/aly cTECs. Analyses of bone marrow chimera using aly/aly or aly/+ mice as hosts suggested that Vß usage and CD5 expression on WT T-cells were altered when they matured in aly/aly thymi. These results collectively indicate that NIK may be involved in controlling the function of cTEC in selecting a proper T-cell repertoire.

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 promotes lung metastasis via SDF-1/CXCR4-mediated recruitment of CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs from bone marrow.

BACKGROUND: Accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to tumors is related to cancer prognosis. We investigated the contribution of host stromal microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) to the accumulation of MDSCs in metastasized lungs of prostate cancer in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight-week-old male C57Bl/6 wild type (WT) mice and mPGES-1 knock out mice (mPGES-1KO) were injected with RM9 murine prostate cancer cell line (5 × 106 cells/mL). Lung metastasis was evaluated by the number of colonies, the weight of the lung, and the number of MDSCs (CD11b+Gr1+ cells) in the lung. RESULTS: Intravenous injections of RM9, a murine prostate cancer cell line to WT mice revealed that lung metastasis and accumulation of MDCSs were suppressed with treatments with a Gr1 antibody, a COX-2 inhibitor, and an mPGES-1 inhibitor. Lung metastasis and accumulation of CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs were suppressed in mPGES-1KO mice. The mRNA level of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in the lung and the number of accumulated SDF-1-expressing CD11b+Gr1+ MDSCs were elevated at an early stage in lung metastasis of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)-expressing RM9 in an mPGES-1-dependent manner. The number of CXCR4-expressing CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs in WT mice was higher than that in mPGES-1KO mice. RM9 lung metastasis and accumulation of CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs were suppressed by CXCR4 antibody in WT mice but not in mPGES-1KO. WT mice transplanted with mPGES-1 KO bone marrow (BM) showed a significant reduction in lung metastasis and accumulation of CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that mPGES-1 enhances tumor metastasis by inducing accumulation of BM-derived MDSCs. Selective mPGES-1 inhibitors might, therefore, represent valuable therapeutic tools for the suppression of tumor metastasis.

The role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 tyrosine kinase signaling in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal lung disease with a poor prognosis. Fibroblast proliferation amplifies extracellular matrix deposition and increases angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most potent angiogenic factors. VEGF interacts with VEGF receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2). A previous study showed that VEGFR1 tyrosine kinase (TK) signaling induced blood flow recovery mediated by bone marrow (BM)-derived stem cells. We hypothesized that VEGFR1-TK signaling might be related to pulmonary fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six-week-old male C57Bl/6 wild-type (WT) mice and VEGFR1 TK knockout mice (TKKO mice) were treated with a single intratracheal injection of bleomycin (BLM; 0.1 µg in 50 µl saline) or vehicle (saline; 50 µl). Lung fibrosis was evaluated by histology, real-time PCR and ELISA for pro-fibrotic factors, and assessment of lung mechanics. RESULTS: The fibrotic area in the lung and the lung elastance were significantly reduced in TKKO mice (P < 0.01). The expression of the fibrosis-related factors type I collagen, S100A4, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß was also significantly reduced in TKKO mice on day 21 after BLM injection. TKKO mice also had significantly lower levels of stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 in the lungs and plasma on days 14 and 21 after BLM treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7) and CXCR4, the receptors for SDF-1, was also suppressed in TKKO mice. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that treatment with a CXCR4 antibody decreased the accumulation of VEGFR1+ cells in the lung in WT mice but not in TKKO mice. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that VEGFR1 TK signaling promotes BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by activating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in infiltrating VEGFR1+ cells.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 tyrosine kinase signaling facilitates healing of DSS-induced colitis by accumulation of Tregs in ulcer area.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon. The development of UC is regulated by immune cells. Previously, we showed that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) tyrosine kinase (TK) signaling induces healing of mucosal damage by recruiting VEGFR1+ cells appear to be lineage monocyte cells. Recent studies show that development of UC correlates with the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here, we investigated whether VEGFR1-TK signaling induces healing of UC via accumulation of Tregs or not. METHOD: Acute colitis was induced in C57/Bl6N (wild-type [WT]) and VEGFR1 T K knockout (VEGFR1 T K-/-) mice by administration of 2.0% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). RESULTS: Total colon length in VEGFR1 T K-/- mice was shorter than that in WT mice. The ulcer length and the disease activity index (DAI) score were significantly higher in VEGFR1 T K-/- mice than in WT mice, whereas CD31 mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower. Accumulation of forkhead box P3+ (Foxp3+) VEGFR1+ Tregs was lower in VEGFR1 T K-/- mice, as was expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß. The survival rate of WT mice treated with an anti-folate receptor 4 (FR4) antibody was 40%, while that of WT mice treated with control IgG was 90%. Moreover, WT mice treated with a neutralizing antibody against C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) showed significantly shorter colon length than WT with control antibody. In VEGFR1 T K-/-, infiltration of Foxp3+ Tregs expressing VEGFR1 and CXCR4 into ulcerated areas was lower than that in WT mice. CONCLUSION: VEGFR1-TK signaling plays a critical role in UC healing and angiogenesis via accumulation of VEGFR1+CXCR4+Foxp3+ Tregs in ulcerated tissue. (264 words).

RAMP1 in Kupffer cells is a critical regulator in immune-mediated hepatitis.

The significance of the relationship between the nervous and immune systems with respect to disease course is increasingly apparent. Immune cells in the liver and spleen are responsible for the development of acute liver injury, yet the regulatory mechanisms of the interactions remain elusive. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which is released from the sensory nervous system, regulates innate immune activation via receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), a subunit of the CGRP receptor. Here, we show that RAMP1 in Kupffer cells (KCs) plays a critical role in the etiology of immune-mediated hepatitis. RAMP1-deficient mice with concanavalin A (ConA)-mediated hepatitis, characterized by severe liver injury accompanied by infiltration of immune cells and increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by KCs and splenic T cells, showed poor survival. Removing KCs ameliorated liver damage, while depleting T cells or splenectomy led to partial amelioration. Adoptive transfer of splenic T cells from RAMP1-deficient mice led to a modest increase in liver injury. Co-culture of KCs with splenic T cells led to increased cytokine expression by both cells in a RAMP1-dependent manner. Thus, immune-mediated hepatitis develops via crosstalk between immune cells. RAMP1 in KCs is a key regulator of immune responses.

Role of T-bet, the master regulator of Th1 cells, in the cytotoxicity of murine CD4+ T cells.

Although CD4+ T cells are generally regarded as helper T cells, some activated CD4+ T cells have cytotoxic properties. Given that CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) often secrete IFN-γ, CTL activity among CD4+ T cells may be attributable to Th1 cells, where a T-box family molecule, T-bet serves as the "master regulator". However, although the essential contribution of T-bet to expression of IFN-γ has been well-documented, it remains unclear whether T-bet is involved in CD4+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In this study, to investigate the ability of T-bet to confer cytolytic activity on CD4+ T cells, the T-bet gene (Tbx21) was introduced into non-cytocidal CD4+ T cell lines and their cytolytic function analyzed. Up-regulation of FasL (CD178), which provided the transfectant with cytotoxicity, was observed in Tbx21transfected CD4+ T cells but not in untransfected parental cells. In one cell line, T-bet transduction also induced perforin gene (Prf1) expression and Tbx21 transfectants efficiently killed Fas- target cells. Although T-bet was found to repress up-regulation of CD40L (CD154), which controls FasL-mediated cytolysis, the extent of CD40L up-regulation on in vitro-differentiated Th1 cells was similar to that on Th2 cells, suggesting the existence of a compensatory mechanism. These results collectively indicate that T-bet may be involved in the expression of genes, such as FasL and Prf1, which confer cytotoxicity on Th1 cells.

Inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 facilitates liver repair after hepatic injury in mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Liver repair following hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is crucial to survival. This study aims to examine the role of endogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) produced by inducible microsomal PGE synthase-1 (mPGES-1), a terminal enzyme of PGE2 generation, in liver injury and repair following hepatic I/R. METHODS: mPGES-1 deficient (Ptges-/-) mice or their wild-type (WT) counterparts were subjected to partial hepatic ischemia followed by reperfusion. The role of E prostanoid receptor 4 (EP4) was then studied using a genetic knockout model and a selective antagonist. RESULTS: Compared with WT mice, Ptges-/- mice exhibited reductions in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), necrotic area, neutrophil infiltration, chemokines, and proinflammatory cytokine levels. Ptges-/- mice also showed promoted liver repair and increased Ly6Clow macrophages (Ly6Clow/CD11bhigh/F4/80high-cells) with expression of anti-inflammatory and reparative genes, while WT mice exhibited delayed liver repair and increased Ly6Chigh macrophages (Ly6Chigh/CD11bhigh/F4/80low-cells) with expression of proinflammatory genes. Bone marrow (BM)-derived mPGES-1-deficient macrophages facilitated liver repair with increases in Ly6Clow macrophages. In vitro, mPGES-1 was expressed in macrophages polarized toward the proinflammatory profile. Mice treated with the mPGES-1 inhibitor Compound III displayed increased liver protection and repair. Hepatic I/R enhanced the hepatic expression of PGE receptor subtype, EP4, in WT mice, which was reduced in Ptges-/- mice. A selective EP4 antagonist and genetic deletion of Ptger4, which codes for EP4, accelerated liver repair. The proinflammatory gene expression was upregulated by stimulation of EP4 agonist in WT macrophages but not in EP4-deficient macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that mPGES-1 regulates macrophage polarization as well as liver protection and repair through EP4 signaling during hepatic I/R. Inhibition of mPGES-1 could have therapeutic potential by promoting liver repair after acute liver injury. LAY SUMMARY: Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury is a serious complication that occurs in liver surgery. Herein, we demonstrated that inducible prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES-1), an enzyme involved in synthesizing prostaglandin E2, worsens the injury and delays liver repair through accumulation of proinflammatory macrophages. Inhibition of mPGES-1 offers a potential therapy for both liver protection and repair in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Thromboxane A synthase enhances blood flow recovery from hindlimb ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Thromboxane A synthase (TXAS) is the enzyme that converts the arachidonic acid derivative prostaglandin H2 to thromboxane A2 (TXA2). TXA2 induces platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction, and proliferation. TXAS and TXA2 receptors or thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptors are elevated in numerous cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Platelets contain numerous angiogenesis stimulating factors. However, the involvement of TXAS on recovery from an ischemic condition is not well understood. We hypothesized that the TXAS-TXA2-TP receptor axis would induce blood flow recovery by platelet activation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The model of hindlimb ischemia was made by the right femoral artery ligation. The blood flow was estimated by laser Doppler images. Angiogenesis was estimated by the plasma level of the vascular endothelial growth factor and the stromal cell-derived factor-1 and by immunofluorescence analysis against CD31 and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1). RESULTS: In wild-type mice, blood flow recovery was enhanced by treatment with murine TXAS-overexpressing fibroblasts (C57-mTXAS) compared with empty vector- (EV) treated fibroblasts (C57-EV). Compared with C57-EV-treated mice, activated platelets (P-selectin(+) platelets) and plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and stromal cell-derived factor-1 were increased in C57-mTXAS-treated mice. The enhanced-blood flow recovery by C57-mTXAS treatment was suppressed in the TP knockout mice (TP(-/-)). The expression of PSGL-1 in endothelial cells around the ischemic area was enhanced by C57-mTXAS treatment in wild-type but not in TP(-/-). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that local administration of C57-mTXAS-induced angiogenesis by activated platelets that bind to PSGL-1 on ischemic endothelial cells.

BLT1 signalling protects the liver against acetaminophen hepatotoxicity by preventing excessive accumulation of hepatic neutrophils.

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils. Signalling of LTB4 receptor type 1 (BLT1) has pro-inflammatory functions through neutrophil recruitment. In this study, we investigated whether BLT1 signalling plays a role in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury by affecting inflammatory responses including the accumulation of hepatic neutrophils. BLT1-knockout (BLT1(-/-)) mice and their wild-type (WT) counterparts were subjected to a single APAP overdose (300 mg/kg), and various parameters compared within 24 h after treatment. Compared with WT mice, BLT1(-/-) mice exhibited exacerbation of APAP-induced liver injury as evidenced by enhancement of alanine aminotransferase level, necrotic area, hepatic neutrophil accumulation, and expression of cytokines and chemokines. WT mice co-treated with APAP and ONO-0457, a specific antagonist for BLT1, displayed amplification of the injury, and similar results to those observed in BLT1(-/-) mice. Hepatic neutrophils in BLT1(-/-) mice during APAP hepatotoxicity showed increases in the production of reactive oxygen species and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Administration of isolated BLT1-deficient neutrophils into WT mice aggravated the liver injury elicited by APAP. These results demonstrate that BLT1 signalling dampens the progression of APAP hepatotoxicity through inhibiting an excessive accumulation of activated neutrophils. The development of a specific agonist for BLT1 could be useful for the prevention of APAP hepatotoxicity.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 is a regulator of B cell function, affecting homeostasis, BCR signaling, IgA production, and TI antigen responses.

LRRK2 is the causal molecule of autosomal dominant familial Parkinson's disease. B2 cells express a much higher LRRK2 mRNA level than B1 cells. To reveal the function of LRRK2 in B cells, we analyzed B cell functions in LRRK2-knockout (LRRK2(-/-)) mice. LRRK2(-/-) mice had significantly higher counts of peritoneal B1 cells than wild-type mice. After BCR stimulation, phosphor-Erk1/2 of splenic B2 cells was enhanced to a higher degree in LRRK2(-/-) mice. LRRK2(-/-) mice had a significantly higher serum IgA level, and TNP-Ficoll immunization increased the titer of serum anti-TNP IgM antibody. LRRK2 may play important roles in B cells.

Inhibitory function of NKT cells during early induction phase of nickel allergy.

Until now, metal allergies have been regarded as a Th1-type immune response.　However, because the contribution of a Th2-type immune response has been suggested by clinical findings, we previously examined the Th2-type immune response during the development of metal allergies using a GATA-3 transgenic (GATA-3 Tg) mouse model. As a result, a Th2-type immunization reaction was suggested to be involved in the early phase of metal allergies. Recently, the involvement of NKT cells in metal allergies has been suggested. We examined this possibility using the activation of NKT cells and an NKT cell-deficient mouse model to determine the contribution of NKT cells to nickel allergy in the present study. In NKT cell-deficient mice, ear swelling was remarkably increased, compared with that in control mice. Also, in mice that had been treated with α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) to activate NKT cells, the ear swelling response was remarkably inhibited, compared with that in untreated mice. These facts show that NKT cells are involved in the inhibition of nickel allergy-induced ear swelling responses.

Cooperation of Sox4 with ß-catenin/p300 complex in transcriptional regulation of the Slug gene during divergent sarcomatous differentiation in uterine carcinosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) represents a true example of cancer associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which exhibits cancer stem cell (CSC)-like traits. Both Sox and ß-catenin signal transductions play key roles in the regulation of EMT/CSC properties, but little is known about their involvement in UCS tumorigenesis. Herein, we focused on the functional roles of the Sox/ß-catenin pathway in UCSs. METHODS: EMT/CSC tests and transfection experiments were carried out using three endometrial carcinoma (Em Ca) cell lines. Immunohistochemical investigation was also applied for a total of 32 UCSs. RESULTS: Em Ca cells cultured in STK2, a serum-free medium for mesenchymal stem cells, underwent changes in morphology toward an EMT appearance through downregulation of E-cadherin, along with upregulation of Slug, known as a target gene of ß-catenin. The cells also showed CSC properties with an increase in the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) 1(high) activity population and spheroid formation, as well as upregulation of Sox4, Sox7, and Sox9. Of these Sox factors, overexpression of Sox4 dramatically led to transactivation of the Slug promoter, and the effects were further enhanced by cotransfection of Sox7 or Sox9. Sox4 was also able to promote ß-catenin-mediated transcription of the Slug gene through formation of transcriptional complexes with ß-catenin and p300, independent of TCF4 status. In clinical samples, both nuclear ß-catenin and Slug scores were significantly higher in the sarcomatous elements as compared to carcinomatous components in UCSs, and were positively correlated with Sox4, Sox7, and Sox9 scores. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that Sox4, as well as Sox7 and Sox9, may contribute to regulation of EMT/CSC properties to promote development of sarcomatous components in UCSs through transcriptional regulation of the Slug gene by cooperating with the ß-catenin/p300 signal pathway.

The Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 Signaling in the Recovery from Ischemia.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most potent angiogenesis stimulators. VEGF binds to VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1), inducing angiogenesis through the receptor's tyrosine kinase domain (TK), but the mechanism is not well understood. We investigated the role of VEGFR1 tyrosine kinase signaling in angiogenesis using the ischemic hind limb model. Relative to control mice, blood flow recovery was significantly impaired in mice treated with VEGFA-neutralizing antibody. VEGFR1 tyrosine kinase knockout mice (TK-/-) had delayed blood flow recovery from ischemia and impaired angiogenesis, and this phenotype was unaffected by treatment with a VEGFR2 inhibitor. Compared to wild type mice (WT), TK-/- mice had no change in the plasma level of VEGF, but the plasma levels of stromal-derived cell factor 1 (SDF-1) and stem cell factor, as well as the bone marrow (BM) level of pro-matrix metalloproteinase-9 (pro-MMP-9), were significantly reduced. The recruitment of cells expressing VEGFR1 and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) into peripheral blood and ischemic muscles was also suppressed. Furthermore, WT transplanted with TK-/- BM significantly impaired blood flow recovery more than WT transplanted with WT BM. These results suggest that VEGFR1-TK signaling facilitates angiogenesis by recruiting CXCR4+VEGFR1+ cells from BM.