scholarly journals Chemokines: understanding their role in T-lymphocyte biology

1998 ◽  
Vol 333 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen G. WARD ◽  
John WESTWICK

The chemokines are a complex superfamily of small, secreted proteins that were initially characterized through their chemotactic effects on a variety of leucocytes. The superfamily is divided into families based on structural and genetic considerations and have been termed the CXC, CC, C and CX3C families. Chemokines from these families have a key role in the recruitment and function of T lymphocytes. Moreover, T lymphocytes have also been identified as a source of a number of chemokines. T lymphocytes also express most of the known CXC and CC chemokine receptors to an extent that depends on their state of activation/differentiation and/or the activating stimuli. The expression of two chemokine receptors, namely CXCR4 and CCR5, together with the regulated production of their respective ligands, appears to be extremely important in determining sensitivity of T cells to HIV-1 infection. The intracellular events which mediate the effects of chemokines, particularly those elicited by the CC chemokine RANTES, include activation of both G-protein- and protein tyrosine kinase-coupled signalling pathways. The present review describes our current understanding of the structure and expression of chemokines and their receptors, the effects of chemokines on T-cell function(s), the intracellular signalling pathways activated by chemokines and the role of certain chemokines and chemokine receptors in determining sensitivity to HIV-1 infection.

1996 ◽  
Vol 184 (2) ◽  
pp. 569-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Loetscher ◽  
M Seitz ◽  
M Baggiolini ◽  
B Moser

Several studies have shown that CC chemokines attract T lymphocytes, and that CD45RO+, memory phenotype cells are considered to be the main responders. The results, however, have often been contradictory and the role of lymphocyte activation and proliferation has remained unclear. Using CD45RO+ blood lymphocytes cultured under different stimulatory conditions, we have now studied chemotaxis as well as chemokine receptor expression. Expression of the RANTES/MIP-1 alpha receptor (CC-CKR1) and the MCP-1 receptor (CC-CKR2) was highly correlated with migration toward RANTES, MCP-1, and other CC chemokines, and was strictly dependent on the presence of IL-2 in the culture medium. Migration and receptor expression were rapidly downregulated when IL-2 was withdrawn, but were fully restored when IL-2 was added again. The effect of IL-2 could be partially mimicked by IL-4, IL-10, or IL-12, but not by IL-13, IFN gamma, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, or by exposure to anti-CD3, anti-CD28 or phytohemagglutinin. Activation of fully responsive lymphocytes through the TCR/CD3 complex and CD28 antigen actually had the opposite effect. It rapidly downregulated receptor expression and consequent migration even in the presence of IL-2. In contrast to the effects on CC chemokine receptors, stimulation of CD45RO+ T lymphocytes with IL-2 neither induced the expression of the CXC chemokine receptors, IL8-R1 and IL8-R2, nor chemotaxis to IL-8. The prominent role of IL-2 in CC chemokine responsiveness of lymphocytes suggests that IL-2-mediated expansion is a prerequisite for the recruitment of antigen-activated T cells into sites of immune and inflammatory reactions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Eaton-Fitch ◽  
Hélène Cabanas ◽  
Stanley du Preez ◽  
Donald Staines ◽  
Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik

Abstract Background Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious multifactorial disorder. The origin remains ambiguous, however reduced natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity is a consistent immunological feature of ME/CFS. Impaired transient receptor potential melastatin 3 (TRPM3), a phosphatidylinositol dependent channel, and impaired calcium mobilisation have been implicated in ME/CFS pathology. This investigation aimed to examine the localisation of TRPM3 at the NK cell plasma membrane and co-localisation with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). The effect of IL-2 priming and treatment using pregnenolone sulfate (PregS) and ononetin on TRPM3 co-localisation and NK cell cytotoxicity in ME/CFS patients and healthy controls (HC) was also investigated. Methods NK cells were isolated from 15 ME/CFS patients and 15 age- and sex-matched HC. Immunofluorescent technique was used to determine co-localisation of TRPM3 with the NK cell membrane and with PIP2 of ME/CFS patients and HC. Flow cytometry was used to determine NK cell cytotoxicity. Following IL-2 stimulation and treatment with PregS and ononetin changes in co-localisation and NK cell cytotoxicity were measured. Results Overnight treatment of NK cells with PregS and ononetin resulted in reduced co-localisation of TRPM3 with PIP2 and actin in HC. Co-localisation of TRPM3 with PIP2 in NK cells was significantly reduced in ME/CFS patients compared with HC following priming with IL-2. A significant increase in co-localisation of TRPM3 with PIP2 was reported following overnight treatment with ononetin within ME/CFS patients and between groups. Baseline NK cell cytotoxicity was significantly reduced in ME/CFS patients; however, no changes were observed following overnight incubation with IL-2, PregS and ononetin between HC and ME/CFS patients. IL-2 stimulation significantly enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity in HC and ME/CFS patients. Conclusion Significant changes in co-localisation suggest PIP2-dependent TRPM3 function may be impaired in ME/CFS patients. Stimulation of NK cells with IL-2 significantly enhanced cytotoxic function in ME/CFS patients demonstrating normal function compared with HC. A crosstalk exists between IL-2 and TRPM3 intracellular signalling pathways which are dependent on Ca2+ influx and PIP2. While IL-2R responds to IL-2 binding in vitro, Ca2+ dysregulation and impaired intracellular signalling pathways impede NK cell function in ME/CFS patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilson K. M. Wong ◽  
Anja E. Sørensen ◽  
Mugdha V. Joglekar ◽  
Anand A. Hardikar ◽  
Louise T. Dalgaard

In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the role of different classes of non-coding RNAs for islet and β-cell development, maturation and function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a prominent class of small RNAs, have been investigated for more than two decades and patterns of the roles of different miRNAs in pancreatic fetal development, islet and β-cell maturation and function are now emerging. Specific miRNAs are dynamically regulated throughout the period of pancreas development, during islet and β-cell differentiation as well as in the perinatal period, where a burst of β-cell replication takes place. The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in islet and β-cells is less investigated than for miRNAs, but knowledge is increasing rapidly. The advent of ultra-deep RNA sequencing has enabled the identification of highly islet- or β-cell-selective lncRNA transcripts expressed at low levels. Their roles in islet cells are currently only characterized for a few of these lncRNAs, and these are often associated with β-cell super-enhancers and regulate neighboring gene activity. Moreover, ncRNAs present in imprinted regions are involved in pancreas development and β-cell function. Altogether, these observations support significant and important actions of ncRNAs in β-cell development and function.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma E. Hamilton-Williams ◽  
Graciela L. Lorca ◽  
Jill M. Norris ◽  
Jessica L. Dunne

In recent years the role of the intestinal microbiota in health and disease has come to the forefront of medical research. Alterations in the intestinal microbiota and several of its features have been linked to numerous diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D). To date, studies in animal models of T1D, as well as studies in human subjects, have linked several intestinal microbiota alterations with T1D pathogenesis. Features that are most often linked with T1D pathogenesis include decreased microbial diversity, the relative abundance of specific strains of individual microbes, and altered metabolite production. Alterations in these features as well as others have provided insight into T1D pathogenesis and shed light on the potential mechanism by which the microbiota plays a role in T1D pathogenesis, yet the underlying factors leading to these alterations remains unknown. One potential mechanism for alteration of the microbiota is through diet and nutrition. Previous studies have shown associations of diet with islet autoimmunity, but a direct contributing factor has yet to be identified. Diet, through introduction of antigens and alteration of the composition and function of the microbiota, may elicit the immune system to produce autoreactive responses that result in the destruction of the beta cells. Here, we review the evidence associating diet induced changes in the intestinal microbiota and their contribution to T1D pathogenesis. We further provide a roadmap for determining the effect of diet and other modifiable factors on the entire microbiota ecosystem, including its impact on both immune and beta cell function, as it relates to T1D. A greater understanding of the complex interactions between the intestinal microbiota and several interacting systems in the body (immune, intestinal integrity and function, metabolism, beta cell function, etc.) may provide scientifically rational approaches to prevent development of T1D and other childhood immune and allergic diseases and biomarkers to evaluate the efficacy of interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilaria Righi ◽  
Valentina Vaira ◽  
Letizia Corinna Morlacchi ◽  
Giorgio Alberto Croci ◽  
Valeria Rossetti ◽  
...  

Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is the main cause of poor survival and low quality of life of lung transplanted patients. Several studies have addressed the role of dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells, donor specific as well as anti-HLA antibodies, and interleukins in CLAD, but the expression and function of immune checkpoint molecules has not yet been analyzed, especially in the two CLAD subtypes: BOS (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome) and RAS (restrictive allograft syndrome). To shed light on this topic, we conducted an observational study on eight consecutive grafts explanted from patients who received lung re-transplantation for CLAD. The expression of a panel of immune molecules (PD1/CD279, PDL1/CD274, CTLA4/CD152, CD4, CD8, hFoxp3, TIGIT, TOX, B-Cell-Specific Activator Protein) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in these grafts and in six control lungs. Results showed that RAS compared to BOS grafts were characterized by 1) the inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio; 2) a higher percentage of T lymphocytes expressing the PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA4 checkpoint molecules; and 3) a significant reduction of exhausted PD-1-expressing T lymphocytes (PD-1pos/TOXpos) and of exhausted Treg (PD-1pos/FOXP3pos) T lymphocytes. Results herein, although being based on a limited number of cases, suggest a role for checkpoint molecules in the development of graft rejection and offer a possible immunological explanation for the worst prognosis of RAS. Our data, which will need to be validated in ampler cohorts of patients, raise the possibility that the evaluation of immune checkpoints during follow-up offers a prognostic advantage in monitoring the onset of rejection, and suggest that the use of compounds that modulate the function of checkpoint molecules could be evaluated in the management of chronic rejection in LTx patients.


Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1210
Author(s):  
Christophe Caillat ◽  
Delphine Guilligay ◽  
Guidenn Sulbaran ◽  
Winfried Weissenhorn

HIV-1 vaccine research has obtained an enormous boost since the discovery of many broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) targeting all accessible sites on the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env). This in turn facilitated high-resolution structures of the Env glycoprotein in complex with bnAbs. Here we focus on gp41, its highly conserved heptad repeat region 1 (HR1), the fusion peptide (FP) and the membrane-proximal external region (MPER). Notably, the broadest neutralizing antibodies target MPER. Both gp41 HR1 and MPER are only fully accessible once receptor-induced conformational changes have taken place, although some studies suggest access to MPER in the close to native Env conformation. We summarize the data on the structure and function of neutralizing antibodies targeting gp41 HR1, FP and MPER and we review their access to Env and their complex formation with gp41 HR1, MPER peptides and FP within native Env. We further discuss MPER bnAb binding to lipids and the role of somatic mutations in recognizing a bipartite epitope composed of the conserved MPER sequence and membrane components. The problematic of gp41 HR1 access and MPER bnAb auto- and polyreactivity is developed in the light of inducing such antibodies by vaccination.


2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (04) ◽  
pp. 534-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selin Gencer ◽  
Emiel van der Vorst ◽  
Maria Aslani ◽  
Christian Weber ◽  
Yvonne Döring ◽  
...  

AbstractInflammation has been well recognized as one of the main drivers of atherosclerosis development and therefore cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It has been shown that several chemokines, small 8 to 12 kDa cytokines with chemotactic properties, play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Chemokines classically mediate their effects by binding to G-protein-coupled receptors called chemokine receptors. In addition, chemokines can also bind to atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs). ACKRs fail to induce G-protein-dependent signalling pathways and thus subsequent cellular response, but instead are able to internalize, scavenge or transport chemokines. In this review, we will give an overview of the current knowledge about the involvement of ACKR1–4 in CVDs and especially in atherosclerosis development. In the recent years, several studies have highlighted the importance of ACKRs in CVDs, although there are still several controversies and unexplored aspects that have to be further elucidated. A better understanding of the precise role of these atypical receptors may pave the way towards novel and improved therapeutic strategies.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arianna Bettiga ◽  
Francesco Fiorio ◽  
Federico Di Marco ◽  
Francesco Trevisani ◽  
Annalisa Romani ◽  
...  

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are an assorted group of molecules formed through covalent bonds between a reduced sugar and a free amino group of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Glycation alters their structure and function, leading to impaired cell function. They can be originated by physiological processes, when not counterbalanced by detoxification mechanisms, or derive from exogenous sources such as food, cigarette smoke, and air pollution. Their accumulation increases inflammation and oxidative stress through the activation of various mechanisms mainly triggered by binding to their receptors (RAGE). So far, the pathogenic role of AGEs has been evidenced in inflammatory and chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetic nephropathy. This review focuses on the AGE-induced kidney damage, by describing the molecular players involved and investigating its link to the excess of body weight and visceral fat, hallmarks of obesity. Research regarding interventions to reduce AGE accumulation has been of great interest and a nutraceutical approach that would help fighting chronic diseases could be a very useful tool for patients’ everyday lives.


2014 ◽  
Vol 88 (14) ◽  
pp. 7881-7892 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin De La Cruz ◽  
Thomas Vollbrecht ◽  
Patricia Frohnen ◽  
Hwee L. Ng ◽  
Eric S. Daar ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) accessory protein Nef is heavily targeted by CD8+T lymphocytes (CTLs) during acute infection and therefore is included in many candidate vaccines. We investigated whether CTL targeting of Nef during acute infection contributes to immune control by disrupting the function of Nef. The sequence and function of Nef in parallel with CTL responses were assessed longitudinally from peak viremia until the viremia set point in a cohort of six subjects with acute infection. All but one individual had a single founder strain. Nef-specific CTL responses were detected in all subjects and declined in magnitude over time. These responses were associated with mutations, but none of the mutations were detected in important functional motifs. Nef-mediated downregulation of CD4 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules was better preserved in acute infection than in chronic infection. Finally, Nef-specific CTL responses were not associated with a reduction in viremia from its acute-phase peak. Our results indicate that CTLs targeting Nef epitopes outside critical functional domains have little effect on the pathogenic functions of Nef, rendering these responses ineffective in acute infection.IMPORTANCEThese data indicate that using the whole Nef protein as a vaccine immunogen likely allows immunodominance that leads to targeting of CTL responses that are rapidly escaped with little effect on Nef-mediated pathogenic functions. Pursuing vaccination approaches that can more precisely direct responses to vulnerable areas would maximize efficacy. Until vaccine-induced targeting can be optimized, other approaches, such as the use of Nef function inhibitors or the pursuit of immunotherapies such as T cell receptor gene therapy or adoptive transfer, may be more likely to result in successful control of viremia.


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