Toxoplasma gondii: Acquired Ocular Toxoplasmosis in the Murine Model, Protective Role of TNF-α and IFN-γ

1994 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.T. Gazzinelli ◽  
A. Brezin ◽  
Q. Li ◽  
R.B. Nussenblatt ◽  
C.C. Chan
1998 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 1017-1022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanae Sasaki ◽  
Tomisato Miura ◽  
Shinsuke Nishikawa ◽  
Kyogo Yamada ◽  
Mayuko Hirasue ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine the role of nitric oxide (NO) in Staphylococcus aureus infection in mice. NO production in spleen cell cultures was induced by heat-killed S. aureus. Expression of mRNA of the inducible isoform of NO synthase (iNOS) was induced in the spleens and kidneys of S. aureus-infected mice. When mice were treated with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or gamma interferon (IFN-γ) before S. aureus infection, the induction of iNOS mRNA expression in the kidneys was inhibited. These MAbs also inhibited NO production in spleen cell cultures stimulated with heat-killed S. aureus. NO production in the spleen cell cultures and levels of urinary nitrate plus nitrite were suppressed by treatment with aminoguanidine (AG), a selective inhibitor of iNOS. The survival rates of AG-treated mice were significantly decreased by either lethal or sublethal S. aureusinfections. However, an effect of AG administration on bacterial growth was not observed in the spleens and kidneys of mice during either type of infection. Production of TNF-α and IFN-γ was not affected by AG treatment in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that NO plays an important role in protection from lethality by the infection, but the protective role of NO in host resistance against S. aureusinfection was not proved. Moreover, our results show that TNF-α and IFN-γ regulate NO production while NO may not be involved in the regulation of the production of these cytokines during S. aureus infection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1313-1320
Author(s):  
Lu Zhang ◽  
Kun Wen ◽  
Zhiqiang Zhang ◽  
Chengen Ma ◽  
Ni Zheng

Abstract 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethanol (DOPET) is a polyphenol found in olive oil. The present study evaluated the protective role of DOPET on LPS provoked septic cardiac injury in a murine model. Four groups were used in the study (n = 3): control, LPS, DOPET alone, and DOPET + LPS. LPS (15 mg/kg; i.p.); they were used to induce cardiac sepsis. The cardiac markers like LDH, CK-MB, and troponin-T, as well as inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6 were measured in the serum. The antioxidants and oxidative stress parameters were measured in cardiac tissues. RT-PCR and western blot methods were done to evaluate the expression of inflammatory mediators and apoptotic markers. DOPET significantly decreased the cardiac markers (LDH, CK-MB, and troponin-T) and TNF-α and IL-6 level in the serum. DOPET effectively reduced the levels of MDA and NO in LPS intoxicated rats. DOPET also increased the levels of antioxidants like SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH in LPS intoxicated rats. The mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB were significantly downregulated by DOPET in cardiac tissues of LPS rats. The protein expression of Bcl-2 was upregulated, and Bax and caspase-3 were downregulated by DOPET. DOPET effectively attenuates LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1406
Author(s):  
Dorota Kostrzewa-Nowak ◽  
Alicja Trzeciak-Ryczek ◽  
Paweł Wityk ◽  
Danuta Cembrowska-Lech ◽  
Robert Nowak

Acute, strenuous physical exertion requiring high levels of energy production induces the production of reactive oxygen species and metabolic disturbances that can damage the mitochondria. Thus, selective autophagic elimination of defective mitochondria may improve resistance to oxidative stress and potentially to inflammation. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the impacts of intense effort on changes in the expression of select genes related to post-effort inflammation and autophagy. Thirty-five men aged 16–21 years were recruited to the study. The impacts of both aerobic (endurance) and anaerobic (speed) efforts on selected genes encoding chemokines (CXCL5, 8–12) were analyzed. Significant increases in the expression of all studied genes excluding CXCL12 were observed. Moreover, both types of effort induced an increase in the expression of genes encoding IL-2, -4, -6, -10, IFN-γ and TNF-α, excluding IL-17A. Generally, these efforts caused a significant increase in the relative expression of apoptosis- (BCL2 and BAX) and autophagy- (BNIP3, BECN1, MAP1LC3B, ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, ATG16L1 and SQSTM1) related genes. It seems that the duration of physical activity and its bioenergetic cost has an important impact on the degree of increase in expression of this panel of autophagy-related genes. Anaerobic effort is more strenuous than aerobic effort and requires a higher bioenergetic investment. This may explain the stronger impact of anaerobic effort on the expression of the studied genes. This observation seems to support the protective role of autophagy proposed in prior studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 394.1-394
Author(s):  
A. Hukara ◽  
M. Rudnik ◽  
C. B. Rufer ◽  
O. Distler ◽  
P. Blyszczuk ◽  
...  

Background:Fos-like 2 (Fosl-2) is a transcription factor of the AP-1 family and has a broad range in inducing cellular changes affecting fibrosis and inflammatory responses. Pathological effects of Fosl-2 have been associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In addition, increased expression of Fosl-2 has been detected in human SSc monocyte-derived macrophages [1]. Monocytes and macrophages play a central role in activating and propagating acute inflammation followed by pathological fibrosis and organ dysfunction. The classification of the macrophage polarization phenotype can be assigned based on the stimulus, for example into classically-activated M(LPS), and alternatively-activated M(IL-4) macrophages [2]. However, the role of the Fosl-2 transcription factor in macrophage polarization remains elusive.Objectives:To investigate the role of Fosl-2 in macrophage polarization in SSc using Fosl-2 overexpressing transgenic (Fosl-2 tg) mice and human blood-derived macrophages from SSc patients.Methods:Thiogylcolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages were isolated from wild-type (wt) and Fosl-2 tg mice. Human peripheral CD14+ blood-derived monocytes were isolated and differentiated to macrophages (hMDM) from healthy controls and SSc patients. Murine and human macrophages were polarized with LPS (10 ng/ml), LPS + recombinant mouse IFN-γ (10 ng/ml), recombinant mouse, resp. human IL-4 (10 ng/ml) or remained untreated. Macrophage surface marker expression was assessed by flow cytometry using a mouse (F4/80, CD11b, CD86, CD80, CD38, MHCII, CD206, PD-L1, PD-L2, CD36) or human (CD38, CD40, CD86, PD-L2, PD-L1, CD163, CD206) designed polarization panel. Phagocytic activity was detected with pHrodo Red E.coli particles by flow cytometry. Gene expression and secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers were measured by RT-qPCR, standard ELISAs and Griess Assay for nitric oxide production.Results:After LPS stimulation, mRNA levels of IL-1β (p<0.01, n=11-12), TNF-α (p=0.05, n=11-12) and IFN-γ (p<0.05, n=7) were reduced, whereas expression of IL-10 (p<0.05, n=11-12) was enhanced in Fosl-2 tg peritoneal macrophages in comparison to wt cells. Secretion of TNF-α (p<0.01, n=9-11) and nitric oxide (p<0.01, n=9) was impaired in Fosl-2 tg peritoneal macrophages compared to wt cells after LPS stimulation. Peritoneal macrophages were analyzed directly after isolation for macrophage polarization cell surface marker expression. Fosl-2 tg peritoneal macrophages showed an increase in the F4/80+CD11b+PD-L2+CD36+ cell population (p<0.01, n=3-6) compared to peritoneal macrophages from wt mice.The expression of cell surface markers of non-polarized and IL-4 stimulated SSc hMDM (n=17) showed an increased percentage of CD40+CD86+CD206+PD-L2+CD163+ cells (p<0.05) compared to healthy control hMDM (n=7). Phagocytic activity was enhanced in SSc hMDM (n=7) compared to healthy untreated (p<0.05), LPS (p=0.05) and IL-4 (p<0.05) hMDM (n=5).Conclusion:Our animal data indicates a role of Fosl-2 in regulating macrophage polarization with a shift from a classically-activated to an alternatively-activated phenotype. Similarly, SSc hMDM resemble a functional M(IL-4) alternative macrophage phenotype.Thus, maintaining a balanced proportion of classically- and alternatively-activated macrophage phenotypes may be an effective tool to control macrophage function in SSc.References:[1]Moreno-Moral, A., et al., Changes in macrophage transcriptome associate with systemic sclerosis and mediate GSDMA contribution to disease risk. Ann Rheum Dis, 2018. 77(4): p. 596-601.[2]Kania, G., M. Rudnik, and O. Distler, Involvement of the myeloid cell compartment in fibrogenesis and systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol, 2019. 15(5): p. 288-302.Disclosure of Interests:Amela Hukara: None declared, Michal Rudnik: None declared, Chantal Brigitta Rufer: None declared, Oliver Distler Speakers bureau: Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Medscape, Novartis, Roche, Menarini, Mepha, MSD, iQone, Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, Actelion, Acceleron Pharma, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx Therapeutics, Bayer, Baecon Discovery, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer, CSL Behring, ChemomAb, Corpuspharma, Curzion Pharmaceuticals, Ergonex, Galapagos NV, GSK, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inventiva, Italfarmaco, iQvia, Kymera, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Lilly, Target BioScience, Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Kymera Therapeutics, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Przemyslaw Blyszczuk: None declared, Gabriela Kania: None declared


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3072
Author(s):  
Tim van der Houwen ◽  
Jan van Laar

In this both narrative and systematic review, we explore the role of TNF-α in the immunopathogenesis of Behçet’s disease (BD) and the effect of treatment with TNF-α blockers. BD is an auto-inflammatory disease, characterized by recurrent painful oral ulcerations. The pathogenesis of BD is not yet elucidated; it is assumed that TNF-α may play a key role. In the narrative review, we report an increased production of TNF-α, which may be stimulated via TLR-signaling, or triggered by increased levels of IL-1β and IFN-γ. The abundance of TNF-α is found in both serum and in sites of inflammation. This increased presence of TNF-α stimulates T-cell development toward pro-inflammatory subsets, such as Th17 and Th22 cells. Treatment directed against the surplus of TNF-α is investigated in the systematic review, performed according to the PRISMA guideline. We searched the Pubmed and Cochrane database, including comparative studies only. After including 11 studies, we report a beneficial effect of treatment with TNF-α blockers on the various manifestations of BD. In conclusion, the pivotal role of TNF-α in the immunopathogenesis of BD is reflected in both the evidence of their pro-inflammatory effects in BD and in the evidence of the positive effect of treatment on the course of disease in BD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Liu ◽  
Zikun Xie ◽  
Guang Sun ◽  
Liujun Chen ◽  
Dake Qi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis and the major cause of disability and overall diminution of quality of life in the elderly population. Currently there is no cure for OA, partly due to the large gaps in our understanding of its underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a procytokine that mediates pleiotropic inflammatory effects in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, data on the role of MIF in OA is limited with conflicting results. We undertook this study to investigate the role of MIF in OA by examining MIF genotype, mRNA expression, and protein levels in the Newfoundland Osteoarthritis Study. Methods One hundred nineteen end-stage knee/hip OA patients, 16 RA patients, and 113 healthy controls were included in the study. Two polymorphisms in the MIF gene, rs755622, and -794 CATT5-8, were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and PCR followed by automated capillary electrophoresis, respectively. MIF mRNA levels in articular cartilage and subchondral bone were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Plasma concentrations of MIF, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results rs755622 and -794 CATT5-8 genotypes were not associated with MIF mRNA or protein levels or OA (all p ≥ 0.19). MIF mRNA level in cartilage was lower in OA patients than in controls (p = 0.028) and RA patients (p = 0.004), while the levels in bone were comparable between OA patients and controls (p = 0.165). MIF protein level in plasma was lower in OA patients than in controls (p = 3.01 × 10−10), while the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in plasma were all significantly higher in OA patients than in controls (all p ≤ 0.0007). Multivariable logistic regression showed lower MIF and higher IL-1β protein levels in plasma were independently associated with OA (OR per SD increase = 0.10 and 8.08; 95% CI = 0.04–0.19 and 4.42–16.82, respectively), but TNF-α and IL-6 became non-significant. Conclusions Reduced MIF mRNA and protein expression in OA patients suggested MIF might have a protective role in OA and could serve as a biomarker to differentiate OA from other joint disorders.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (22) ◽  
pp. 5813-5823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solenne Vigne ◽  
Gaby Palmer ◽  
Céline Lamacchia ◽  
Praxedis Martin ◽  
Dominique Talabot-Ayer ◽  
...  

Abstract IL-36α (IL-1F6), IL-36β (IL-1F8), and IL-36γ (IL-1F9) are members of the IL-1 family of cytokines. These cytokines bind to IL-36R (IL-1Rrp2) and IL-1RAcP, activating similar intracellular signals as IL-1, whereas IL-36Ra (IL-1F5) acts as an IL-36R antagonist (IL-36Ra). In this study, we show that both murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and CD4+ T lymphocytes constitutively express IL-36R and respond to IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ. IL-36 induced the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-12, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-23 by BMDCs with a more potent stimulatory effect than that of other IL-1 cytokines. In addition, IL-36β enhanced the expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II by BMDCs. IL-36 also induced the production of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 by CD4+ T cells and cultured splenocytes. These stimulatory effects were antagonized by IL-36Ra when used in 100- to 1000-fold molar excess. The immunization of mice with IL-36β significantly and specifically promoted Th1 responses. Our data thus indicate a critical role of IL-36R ligands in the interface between innate and adaptive immunity, leading to the stimulation of T helper responses.


2020 ◽  
Vol 127 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Toby Thomas ◽  
Miles Tanner ◽  
Laurel Grisanti

Heart failure is hallmarked by a combination of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and death. Apoptosis, one of the primary mechanisms of cell death, occurs through finely tuned extrinsic or intrinsic pathways. Of the mediators involved in extrinsic apoptotic signaling, some have been extensively studied, such as tumor necrosis factor ((TNF)-α), while others have been relatively untouched. One such receptor is Death Receptor 5 (DR5) which, along with its ligand TNF-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL), have recently been implicated as a biomarker in determining the progression and outcome in patients following multiple heart failure etiologies, suggesting a novel role of DR5 signaling in the heart. These studies suggest a potentially protective role for DR5 in the heart; however, the function of TRAIL/DR5 in the heart has been virtually unstudied. Our goal was to explore the role of TRAIL/DR5 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and survival with the hypothesis that DR5 promotes cardiomyocyte survival and growth through non-canonical mechanisms. Mice treated with the DR5 agonist bioymifi or a DR5 agonist antibody, MD5-1, were absent of cell death, while an increase in hypertrophy was observed without a decline in cardiac function. In isolated cardiomyocytes, this pro-hypertrophic phenotype was determined to operate through MMP-dependent cleavage of HB-EGFR, leading to transactivation of EGFR and ERK1/2 signaling. To determine the role of DR5 in heart failure, a chronic catecholamine administration model was used and DR5 activation was found to decrease cardiomyocyte death and cardiac fibrosis. ERK1/2, a well characterized pro-survival, pro-hypertrophic kinase is activated in the heart with DR5 agonist administration and may represent the mechanistic link through which DR5 is imparting cardioprotection. In summary, DR5 activation promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and survival and prevents cardiac fibrosis via a non-canonical MMP-EGFR-ERK1/2 pathway. Taken together, these studies identify a previously undetermined role for DR5 in the heart and identify novel therapeutic target for the treatment of heart failure.


Author(s):  
Walter Zin ◽  
Ana Gabriela Ledo Santos da Silva ◽  
Bernardo Pascarelli ◽  
Daniel Costa ◽  
Radovan Borojevic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miwa Sasai ◽  
Masahiro Yamamoto

AbstractHosts have been fighting pathogens throughout the evolution of all infectious diseases. Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common infectious agents in humans but causes only opportunistic infection in healthy individuals. Similar to antimicrobial immunity against other organisms, the immune response against T. gondii activates innate immunity and in turn induces acquired immune responses. After activation of acquired immunity, host immune cells robustly produce the proinflammatory cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which activates a set of IFN-γ-inducible proteins, including GTPases. IFN-inducible GTPases are essential for cell-autonomous immunity and are specialized for effective clearance and growth inhibition of T. gondii by accumulating in parasitophorous vacuole membranes. Recent studies suggest that the cell-autonomous immune response plays a protective role in host defense against not only T. gondii but also various intracellular bacteria. Moreover, the negative regulatory mechanisms of such strong immune responses are also important for host survival after infection. In this review, we will discuss in detail recent advances in the understanding of host defenses against T. gondii and the roles played by cell-autonomous immune responses.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document