scholarly journals T-bet-dependent ILC1- and NK cell-derived IFN-γ mediates cDC1-dependent host resistance against Toxoplasma gondii

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e1008299
Author(s):  
Américo H. López-Yglesias ◽  
Elise Burger ◽  
Ellie Camanzo ◽  
Andrew T. Martin ◽  
Alessandra M. Araujo ◽  
...  

Host resistance against intracellular pathogens requires a rapid IFN-γ mediated immune response. We reveal that T-bet-dependent production of IFN-γ is essential for the maintenance of inflammatory DCs at the site of infection with a common protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. A detailed analysis of the cellular sources for T-bet-dependent IFN-γ identified that ILC1s and to a lesser degree NK, but not TH1 cells, were involved in the regulation of inflammatory DCs via IFN-γ. Mechanistically, we established that T-bet dependent innate IFN-γ is critical for the induction of IRF8, an essential transcription factor for cDC1s. Failure to upregulate IRF8 in DCs resulted in acute susceptibility to T. gondii infection. Our data identifies that T-bet dependent production of IFN-γ by ILC1 and NK cells is indispensable for host resistance against intracellular infection via maintaining IRF8+ inflammatory DCs at the site of infection.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Américo H. López-Yglesias ◽  
Elise Burger ◽  
Ellie Camanzo ◽  
Andrew T. Martin ◽  
Alessandra M. Araujo ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTHost resistance against intracellular pathogens requires a rapid IFN-γ mediated immune response. We reveal that T-bet-dependent production of IFN-γ is essential for the maintenance of inflammatory DCs at the site of infection with a common protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. A detailed analysis of the cellular sources for T-bet-dependent IFN-γ identified that ILC1s, but not NK or TH1 cells, were involved in the regulation of inflammatory DCs via IFN-γ. Mechanistically, we established that T-bet dependent ILC1-derived IFN-γ is critical for the induction of IRF8, an essential transcription factor for cDC1s. Failure to upregulate IRF8 in DCs resulted in acute susceptibility to T. gondii infection. Our data identifies that ILC1-derived IFN-γ is indispensable for host resistance against intracellular infection via maintaining IRF8+ inflammatory DCs at the site of infection.Author SummaryMounting a robust type I innate immune response is essential for resistance against numerous intracellular pathogens. The type I immune response is characterized by the production of IFN-γ, a central cytokine required for multiple non-redundant effector functions against bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens. Previous work has shown that group 1 innate lymphocyte cells (ILC1s) together with NK and CD4+ T cells play an indispensable IFN-γ mediated protective role against Toxoplasma gondii infection; yet, the pathway of how IFN-γ produced by ILC1s defend against T. gondii remains unknown. In this work we identified that early production of IFN-γ by ILC1 is essential for maintaining dendritic cells (DCs) during infection. Mechanistically, we reveal that ILC1-derived IFN-γ is indispensable for inducing the transcription factor IRF8 that is critical for sustaining inflammatory DCs. Finally, we demonstrate that IRF8+ DCs are critical for parasite elimination.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Jo Rademacher ◽  
Anahi Cruz ◽  
Mary Faber ◽  
Robyn A. A. Oldham ◽  
Dandan Wang ◽  
...  

AbstractInterleukin-12 (IL-12) is an inflammatory cytokine that has demonstrated efficacy for cancer immunotherapy, but systemic administration has detrimental toxicities. Lentiviral transduction eliciting IL-12-producing human sarcoma for autologous reintroduction provides localized delivery for both innate and adaptive immune response augmentation. Sarcoma cell lines and primary human sarcoma samples were transduced with recombinant lentivirus engineering expression of human IL-12 (hu-IL-12). IL-12 expressing sarcomas were assessed in vitro and in vivo following implantation into humanized NSG and transgenic human IL-15 expressing (NSG.Tg(Hu-IL-15)) murine models. Lentiviral transduction (LV/hu-IL-12) of human osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, as well as low-passage primary human sarcomas, engendered high-level expression of hu-IL-12. Hu-IL-12 demonstrated functional viability, eliciting specific NK cell-mediated interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release and cytotoxic growth restriction of spheroids in vitro. In orthotopic xenograft murine models, the LV/hu-IL-12 transduced human sarcoma produced detectable IL-12 and elicited an IFN-γ inflammatory immune response specific to mature human NK reconstitution in the NSG.Tg(Hu-IL-15) model while restricting tumor growth. We conclude that LV/hu-IL-12 transduction of sarcoma elicits a specific immune reaction and the humanized NSG.Tg(Hu-IL-15) xenograft, with mature human NK cells, can define in vivo anti-tumor effects and systemic toxicities. IL-12 immunomodulation through autologous tumor transduction and reintroduction merits exploration for sarcoma treatment.


2002 ◽  
Vol 76 (11) ◽  
pp. 5692-5700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huang-Ge Zhang ◽  
Jinfu Xie ◽  
Liang Xu ◽  
Pingar Yang ◽  
Xin Xu ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT A major limitation of adenovirus (Ad) gene therapy product expression in the liver is subsequent elimination of the hepatocytes expressing the gene therapy product. This elimination is caused by both necrosis and apoptosis related to the innate and cell-mediated immune response to the Ad. Apoptosis of hepatocytes can be induced by the innate immune response by signaling through death domain receptors on hepatocytes including the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) receptor (TNFR), Fas, and death domain receptors DR4 and DR5. We have previously shown that blocking signaling through TNFR enhances and prolongs gene therapy product expression in the liver. In the present study, we constructed an Ad that produces a soluble DR5-Fc (AdsDR5), which is capable of neutralizing TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). AdsDR5 prevents TRAIL-mediated apoptosis of CD3-activated T cells and decreases hepatocyte apoptosis after AdCMVLacZ administration and enhances the level and duration of lacZ transgene expression in the liver. In addition to blocking TRAIL and directly inhibiting apoptosis, AdsDR5 decreases production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and TNF-α and decreases NK cell activation, all of which limit Ad-mediated transgene expression in the liver. These results indicate that (i) AdsDR5 produces a DR5-Fc capable of neutralizing TRAIL, (ii) AdsDR5 can reduce activation of NK cells and reduce induction of IFN-γ and TNF-α after Ad administration, and (iii) administration of AdsDR5 can enhance Ad gene therapy in the liver.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Cong ◽  
Min Zhang ◽  
Qingli Zhang ◽  
Jing Gong ◽  
Haizi Cong ◽  
...  

Toxoplasma gondiiis a protozoan parasite capable of infecting humans and animals. Surface antigen glycoproteins, SAG2C, -2D, -2X, and -2Y, are expressed on the surface of bradyzoites. These antigens have been shown to protect bradyzoites against immune responses during chronic infections. We studied structures of SAG2C, -2D, -2X, and -2Y proteins using bioinformatics methods. The protein sequence alignment was performed by T-Coffee method. Secondary structural and functional domains were predicted using software PSIPRED v3.0 and SMART software, and 3D models of proteins were constructed and compared using the I-TASSER server, VMD, and SWISS-spdbv. Our results showed that SAG2C, -2D, -2X, and -2Y are highly homologous proteins. They share the same conserved peptides and HLA-I restricted epitopes. The similarity in structure and domains indicated putative common functions that might stimulate similar immune response in hosts. The conserved peptides and HLA-restricted epitopes could provide important insights on vaccine study and the diagnosis of this disease.


Author(s):  
Bruna Lima Correa ◽  
Nadia El Harane ◽  
Ingrid Gomez ◽  
Hocine Rachid Hocine ◽  
José Vilar ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims The cardioprotective effects of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiovascular progenitor cells (CPC) are largely mediated by the paracrine release of extracellular vesicles (EV). We aimed to assess the immunological behaviour of EV-CPC, which is a prerequisite for their clinical translation. Methods and results Flow cytometry demonstrated that EV-CPC expressed very low levels of immune relevant molecules including HLA Class I, CD80, CD274 (PD-L1), and CD275 (ICOS-L); and moderate levels of ligands of the natural killer (NK) cell activating receptor, NKG2D. In mixed lymphocyte reactions, EV-CPC neither induced nor modulated adaptive allogeneic T cell immune responses. They also failed to induce NK cell degranulation, even at high concentrations. These in vitro effects were confirmed in vivo as repeated injections of EV-CPC did not stimulate production of immunoglobulins or affect the interferon (IFN)-γ responses from primed splenocytes. In a mouse model of chronic heart failure, intra-myocardial injections of EV-CPC, 3 weeks after myocardial infarction, decreased both the number of cardiac pro-inflammatory Ly6Chigh monocytes and circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, TNF-α, and IFN-γ). In a model of acute infarction, direct cardiac injection of EV-CPC 2 days after infarction reduced pro-inflammatory macrophages, Ly6Chigh monocytes, and neutrophils in heart tissue as compared to controls. EV-CPC also reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-2, and IL-6, and increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These effects on human macrophages and monocytes were reproduced in vitro; EV-CPC reduced the number of pro-inflammatory monocytes and M1 macrophages, while increasing the number of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Conclusions EV-CPC do not trigger an immune response either in in vitro human allogeneic models or in immunocompetent animal models. The capacity for orienting the response of monocyte/macrophages towards resolution of inflammation strengthens the clinical attractiveness of EV-CPC as an acellular therapy for cardiac repair.


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.


2000 ◽  
Vol 68 (12) ◽  
pp. 6932-6938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guifang Cai ◽  
Robert Kastelein ◽  
Christopher A. Hunter

ABSTRACT Innate resistance to Toxoplasma gondii is dependent on the ability of interleukin-12 (IL-12) to stimulate natural killer (NK) cell production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ). Since IL-18 is a potent enhancer of IL-12-induced production of IFN-γ by NK cells, SCID mice (which lack an adaptive immune response) were used to assess the role of IL-18 in innate resistance to T. gondii. Administration of anti-IL-18 to SCID mice infected with T. gondii resulted in an early reduction in serum levels of IFN-γ but did not significantly decrease resistance to this infection. In contrast, administration of exogenous IL-18 to infected SCID mice resulted in increased production of IFN-γ, reduced parasite burden, and a delay in time to death. The protective effects of IL-18 treatment correlated with increased NK cell numbers and cytotoxic activity at the local site of administration and with elevated levels of inducible nitrous oxide synthose in the spleens of treated mice. In addition, in vivo depletion studies demonstrated that the ability of exogenous IL-18 to enhance resistance to T. gondii was dependent on IL-12, IFN-γ, and NK cells. Together, these studies demonstrate that although endogenous IL-18 appears to have a limited role in innate resistance to T. gondii, treatment with IL-18 can augment NK cell-mediated immunity to this pathogen.


1997 ◽  
Vol 352 (1359) ◽  
pp. 1303-1310 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. Russell ◽  
Sheila Sturgill-Koszycki ◽  
Tambryn Vanheyningen ◽  
Helen Collins ◽  
Ulrich E. Schaible

The success of mycobacteria as pathogens hinges on their ability to infect and persist within the macrophages of their host. However, activation of host macrophages by cytokines from a productive cellular immune response can stimulate the cells to kill their resident pathogens. This suggests that the interaction between host cell and microbe is in delicate balance, which can be tipped in favour of either organism. Biochemical analysis of mycobacterial vacuoles has shown them to be integral to the host cell's recycling endosomal system. As such they show limited acidification and hydrolytic activity despite possession of known lysosomal constituents such as cathepsins D, B and L, and LAMP 1. Even in established infections, they remain dynamic compartments accessible to several plasmalemma–derived constituents. Once the macrophage has been activated by IFN–γ and TNF–α the vacuoles coalesce and acidify. This marks a distinct alteration in vacuole physiology and leads to stasis and death of the mycobacteria. Mycobacteria have developed several strategies to avoid this outcome. Most notably, live bacilli induce sustained release of IL–6 from infected macrophages. IL–6 blocks the ability of both polyclonal primary T cells and T–cell hybridomas to respond to appropriate stimuli. Such an activity could render the centers of infection foci, such as granulomas, anergic and thus avoid release of macrophage–activating cytokines. This paper discusses both the mechanisms by which mycobacteria try to ensure their success as intracellular pathogens and the relevance of these strategies to the overall understanding of mycobacterial diseases.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 511-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie M. Poznanski ◽  
Amanda J. Lee ◽  
Tina Nham ◽  
Evan Lusty ◽  
Margaret J. Larché ◽  
...  

The combination of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-12 (IL-18+IL-12) potently stimulates natural killer (NK) cells, triggering an innate immune response to infections and cancers. Strategies exploiting the effects of IL-18+IL-12 have shown promise for cancer immunotherapy. However, studies have primarily characterized the NK cell response to IL-18+IL-12 in terms of interferon (IFN)-γ production, with little focus on other cytokines produced. IL-8 plays a critical role in activating and recruiting immune cells, but it also has tumor-promoting functions. IL-8 is classically produced by regulatory NK cells; however, cytotoxic NK cells do not typically produce IL-8. In this study, we uncover that stimulation with IL-18+IL-12 induces high levels of IL-8 production by ex vivo expanded and freshly isolated NK cells and NK cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We further report that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, produced by NK cells following IL-18+IL-12 stimulation, regulates IL-8 production. The IL-8 produced is in turn required for maximal IFN-γ and TNF-α production. These findings may have important implications for the immune response to infections and cancer immunotherapies. This study broadens our understanding of NK cell function and IL-18+IL-12 synergy by uncovering an unprecedented ability of IL-18+IL-12-activated peripheral blood NK cells to produce elevated levels of IL-8 and identifying the requirement for intermediates induced by IL-18+IL-12 for maximal cytokine production following stimulation.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Kupz ◽  
Saparna Pai ◽  
Paul R. Giacomin ◽  
Jennifer A. Whan ◽  
Robert A. Walker ◽  
...  

AbstractToxoplasmic encephalitis is an AIDS-defining condition in HIV+individuals. The decline of IFN-γ-producing CD4+T cells in AIDS is a major contributing factor in reactivation of quiescentToxoplasma gondiito an actively replicating stage of infection. Hence, it is important to identify CD4-independent mechanisms to control acuteT. gondiiinfection. Here we have investigated the targeted expansion and regulation of IFN-γ production by CD8+T cells, DN T cells and NK cells in response toT. gondiiinfection using IL-2 complex (IL2C) pre-treatment in an acutein vivomouse model. Our results show that expansion of CD8+T cells, DN T cells and NK cell by S4B6 IL2C treatment increases survival rates of mice infected withT. gondiiand this increased survival is dependent on both IL-12- and IL-18-driven IFN-γ production. Processing and secretion of IFN-γ-inducing, bioactive IL-18 is dependent on the sensing of active parasite invasion by multiple redundant inflammasome sensors in multiple hematopoietic cell types but independent fromT. gondii-derived dense granule (GRA) proteins. Our results provide evidence for a protective role of IL2C-mediated expansion of CD8+T cells, DN T cells and NK cells in murine toxoplasmosis and may represent a promising adjunct therapy for acute toxoplasmosis.Author SummaryA third of the world’s population is chronically infected with the parasiteToxoplasma gondii. In most cases the infection is asymptomatic, but in individuals suffering from AIDS, reactivation of brain and muscle cysts containingT. gondiiis a significant cause of death. The gradual decline of CD4 T cells, the hallmark of AIDS, is believed to be a major contributing factor in reactivation ofT. gondiiinfection and the development of acute disease. In this study, we show that targeted expansion of non-CD4 immune cell subsets can prevent severe disease and premature death via increased availability of interferon gamma-producing immune cells. We also demonstrate that the upstream signaling molecule interleukin-18 is required for the protective immune response by non-CD4 cells and show that the sensing of active parasite invasion by danger recognition molecules is crucial. Our findings reveal that targeted cell expansion may be a promising therapy in toxoplasmosis and suggests that the development of novel intervention strategies targeting danger recognition pathways may be useful against toxoplasmosis, particularly in the context of AIDS.


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