Reduced frequencies and functional impairment of dendritic cell subsets and non-classical monocytes in myelodysplastic syndromes.

In myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) the immune system is involved in pathogenesis as well as in disease progression. Dendritic cells (DC) are key players of the immune system by serving as regulators of immune responses. Their function has been scarcely studied in MDS and most of the reported studies didn't investigate naturally occurring DC subsets. Therefore, we here examined the frequency and function of DC subsets and slan+ non-classical monocytes in various MDS risk groups. Frequencies of DC as well as of slan+ monocytes were decreased in MDS bone marrow compared to normal bone marrow samples. Transcriptional profiling revealed down-regulation of transcripts related to pro-inflammatory pathways in MDS-derived cells as compared to normal bone marrow. Additionally, their capacity to induce T-cell proliferation was impaired. Multidimensional mass cytometry showed that whereas healthy donor-derived slan+ monocytes supported Th1/Th17/Treg differentiation/expansion their MDS-derived counterparts also mediated substantial Th2 expansion. Our findings point to a role for an impaired ability of DC subsets to adequately respond to cellular stress and DNA damage in the immune escape and progression of MDS. As such, it paves the way toward potential novel immunotherapeutic interventions.

Exploring a potential mechanistic role of DNA methylation in the relationship between in utero and post-natal environmental exposures and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

The aetiology of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is unclear. Genetic abnormalities have been identified in a number of ALL cases, although these alone are not sufficient for leukaemic transformation. Various in utero and post-natal environmental exposures have been suggested to alter risk of childhood ALL. DNA methylation patterns can be influenced by environmental exposures, and are reported to be altered in ALL, suggesting a potential mediating mechanism between environment and ALL disease risk. To investigate this, we used a 'meet in the middle' approach, investigating the overlap between exposure-associated and disease-associated methylation change. Genome-wide DNA methylation changes in response to possible ALL-risk exposures (i.e. breast feeding, infection history, day care attendance, maternal smoking, alcohol, caffeine, folic acid, iron and radiation exposure) were investigated in a sub-population of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort using an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) approach (n = 861-927), and compared to a list of ALL disease-associated methylation changes compiled from published data. Hypergeometric probability tests suggested that the number of directionally concordant gene methylation changes observed in ALL disease and in response to the following exposures; maternal radiation exposure (p = 0.001), alcohol intake (p = 0.006); sugary caffeinated drink intake during pregnancy (p = 0.045); and infant day care attendance (p = 0.003), were not due to chance. Data presented suggests that DNA methylation may be one mediating mechanism in the multiple hit pathway needed for ALL disease manifestation.

ImmunoCluster provides a computational framework for the nonspecialist to profile high-dimensional cytometry data.

High-dimensional cytometry is an innovative tool for immune monitoring in health and disease, and it has provided novel insight into the underlying biology as well as biomarkers for a variety of diseases. However, the analysis of large multiparametric datasets usually requires specialist computational knowledge. Here, we describe ImmunoCluster (https://github.com/kordastilab/ImmunoCluster), an R package for immune profiling cellular heterogeneity in high-dimensional liquid and imaging mass cytometry, and flow cytometry data, designed to facilitate computational analysis by a nonspecialist. The analysis framework implemented within ImmunoCluster is readily scalable to millions of cells and provides a variety of visualization and analytical approaches, as well as a rich array of plotting tools that can be tailored to users' needs. The protocol consists of three core computational stages: (1) data import and quality control; (2) dimensionality reduction and unsupervised clustering; and (3) annotation and differential testing, all contained within an R-based open-source framework.

DNA methylation and the hygiene hypothesis: connecting respiratory allergy and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Aim: The hygiene hypothesis states that a lack of infection in early-life suppresses immune system development, and is linked to respiratory allergy (RA) and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) risk. Little is known about underlying mechanisms, but DNA methylation is altered in RA and ALL, and in response to infection. We investigated if aberrant methylation may be in common between these diseases and associated with infection. Materials & methods: RA and ALL disease-associated methylation signatures were compared and related to exposure-to-infection signatures. Results: A significant number of genes overlapped between RA and ALL signatures (p = 0.0019). Significant overlaps were observed between exposure-to-infection signatures and disease-associated signatures. Conclusion: DNA methylation may be a mediating mechanism through which the hygiene hypothesis is associated with RA and ALL risk.

DNA methylation as a potential mediator of environmental risks in the development of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

5-year survival rate for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has risen to approximately 90%, yet the causal disease pathway is still poorly understood. Evidence suggests multiple 'hits' are required for disease progression; an initial genetic abnormality followed by additional secondary 'hits'. It is plausible that environmental influences may trigger these secondary hits, and with the peak incidence of diagnosis between 2 and 5 years of age, early life exposures are likely to be key. DNA methylation can be modified by many environmental exposures and is dramatically altered in cancers, including childhood ALL. Here we explore the potential that DNA methylation may be involved in the causal pathway toward disease by acting as a mediator between established environmental factors and childhood ALL development.