scholarly journals Expansion of Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells Contributes to Platelet Activation by L-Arginine Deprivation during SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2111
Author(s):  
Alessandra Sacchi ◽  
Germana Grassi ◽  
Stefania Notari ◽  
Simona Gili ◽  
Veronica Bordoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Suppressor Cells ◽  
Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells ◽  
Direct Role ◽  
Healthy Donors ◽  
Arginine Deprivation

Massive platelet activation and thrombotic events characterize severe COVID-19, highlighting their critical role in SARS-CoV-2-induced immunopathology. Since there is a well-described expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in severe COVID-19, we evaluated their possible role in platelet activation during SARS-CoV-2 infection. During COVID-19, a lower plasmatic L-arginine level was observed compared to healthy donors, which correlated with MDSC frequency. Additionally, activated GPIIb/IIIa complex (PAC-1) expression was higher on platelets from severe COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls and inversely correlated with L-arginine plasmatic concentration. Notably, MDSC were able to induce PAC-1 expression in vitro by reducing L-arginine concentration, indicating a direct role of PMN-MDSC in platelet activation. Accordingly, we found a positive correlation between ex vivo platelet PAC-1 expression and PMN-MDSC frequency. Overall, our data demonstrate the involvement of PMN-MDSC in triggering platelet activation during COVID-19, highlighting a novel role of MDSC in driving COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Vigorous exercise acutely changes platelet and B-lymphocyte CD39 expression

2005 ◽  
Vol 98 (4) ◽  
pp. 1414-1419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonino Coppola ◽  
Ludovico Coppola ◽  
Liliana dalla Mora ◽  
Francesco M. Limongelli ◽  
Antonio Grassia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
B Lymphocytes ◽  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Strenuous Exercise ◽  
Platelet Glycoprotein ◽  
Vigorous Exercise ◽  
Platelet Aggregates

CD39/ATP diphosphohydrolase is expressed on B lymphocytes, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells, and it has a critical role in the inhibition of platelet responsiveness. To determine whether strenuous exercise could acutely change expression of CD39 in platelets and lymphocytes, eight healthy sedentary men, 34 yr old (SD 7), and eight physically active men, 34 yr old (SD 6), performed graded upright cycle ergometry to volitional exhaustion. Blood samples collected both at baseline and after exercise test were employed to measure CD39 expression in platelets and lymphocytes. The percentage of circulating platelet-platelet aggregates, the “in vitro” ADP and collagen-induced platelet aggregation, and the expression of both platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (PAC-1) and P-selectin (CD62) were also considered markers of platelet activation. After strenuous exercise, all subjects demonstrated significant platelet activation as judged by the increased percentage of platelet-platelet aggregates. The in vitro ADP-induced platelet aggregation and the expression of CD62P on ADP-stimulated platelets significantly increased in sedentary but not in active subjects. After exercise, all of the subjects showed a significant reduction of CD39 expression in platelet [sedentary: from 2.2 (SD 0.8) to 1.1% (SD 0.8), P = 0.008; active: from 0.6 (SD 0.2) to 0.35% (SD 0.1), P = 0.009] and an increase of CD39 expression in B lymphocytes [sedentary: from 47 (SD 13) to 60% (SD 11), P = 0.0039; active: from 46 (SD 11) to 59% (SD 11), P = 0.0038]. Taken together, these findings confirm the critical role of this ADPase in inhibition of platelet responsiveness, also suggesting a possible role of B lymphocytes in thromboregulation mechanism.

scholarly journals AhR Activation Leads to Alterations in the Gut Microbiome with Consequent Effect on Induction of Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells in a CXCR2-Dependent Manner

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 9613
Author(s):  
Wurood Hantoosh Neamah ◽  
Philip Brandon Busbee ◽  
Hasan Alghetaa ◽  
Osama A. Abdulla ◽  
Mitzi Nagarkatti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Suppressor Cells ◽  
T Cell Proliferation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells ◽  
Aryl Hydrocarbon ◽  
Cxc Chemokine ◽  
Consequent Effect

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a potent ligand for AhR and a known carcinogen. While AhR activation by TCDD leads to significant immunosuppression, how this translates into carcinogenic signal is unclear. Recently, we demonstrated that activation of AhR by TCDD in naïve C57BL6 mice leads to massive induction of myeloid derived-suppressor cells (MDSCs). In the current study, we investigated the role of the gut microbiota in TCDD-mediated MDSC induction. TCDD caused significant alterations in the gut microbiome, such as increases in Prevotella and Lactobacillus, while decreasing Sutterella and Bacteroides. Fecal transplants from TCDD-treated donor mice into antibiotic-treated mice induced MDSCs and increased regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Injecting TCDD directly into antibiotic-treated mice also induced MDSCs, although to a lesser extent. These data suggested that TCDD-induced dysbiosis plays a critical role in MDSC induction. Interestingly, treatment with TCDD led to induction of MDSCs in the colon and undetectable levels of cysteine. MDSCs suppressed T cell proliferation while reconstitution with cysteine restored this response. Lastly, blocking CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) impeded TCDD-mediated MDSC induction. Our data demonstrate that AhR activation by TCDD triggers dysbiosis which, in turn, regulates, at least in part, induction of MDSCs.

Adenovirus Induced Thrombocytopenia: The Role of P-Selectin and von Willebrand Factor in Virus- Mediated Platelet Clearance.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 222-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maha Othman ◽  
Andrea Labelle ◽  
Ian Mazzetti ◽  
David Lillicrap
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
Adhesive Proteins ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Abstract Acute thrombocytopenia has been consistently reported following IV administration of adenoviral vectors (Ad) but the mechanism responsible for this phenomenon has not been elucidated. Thrombocytopenia appears 24 hours after IV administration of Ad and is vector dose dependent. In this study, we have assessed the potential roles of the adhesive proteins P-selectin and von Willebrand Factor (VWF) on the aggregation and clearance of platelets following virus administration. We have addressed the question of whether the thrombocytopenia is due to a direct effect of the virus on platelets or an indirect effect related to interaction of platelets with other proteins or cells modified by the virus. We assessed platelet count in a group of Balb/c and C57Bl/6 mice over 1 week period following Ad administration and performed a detailed examination of the events within the first 24 h after Ad injection, the period that precedes the appearance of thrombocytopenia. We examined the effect of Ad on expression of the platelet activation marker P-selectin and the formation of platelet leukocyte aggregates (PLA) by means of flowcytometry after incubation of adenovirus with mouse platelets in vitro, and following Ad administration in vivo. To assess the role of VWF in Ad-induced thrombocytopenia we measured plasma VWF levels one hour after injection of Ad. Further investigations involved comparison of platelet counts, platelet activation, and the formation of PLA in a group of VWF KO mice. All studies have been performed with a replication deficient E1/E3-deleted Ad 1x 1011 viral particles/mouse. Our in vitro studies have shown that Ad directly activates mouse platelets as shown by increased expression of P-selectin. The average index of platelet activation for platelets stimulated by Ad was 2519.4 compared to 128.2 for resting platelets (n=5, p<0.02). Flow cytometric analysis of CD41 (platelets) and CD45 (leucocytes) double stained positive events indicated that Ad stimulation induced PLA when compared to the unstimulated samples. Our in vivo studies have confirmed the development of significant thrombocytopenia in both Balb/c as well as C57Bl/6 WT mice (n=8, p=0.00001, n= 6, p=0.002) 24 hours following Ad administration. Significant P-selectin expression was documented in both strains (n=4,p=0.0003; n=3, p=0.0008 respectively) as well as significant PLA one hour following Ad (n=4, p=0.01; n=3, p=0.007). The VWF KO mice showed non-significant thrombocytopenia (n= 6, p=0.063) at 24 hours following Ad, significant P-selectin expression (n=3, p=0.0003), but no significant PLA formation at one hour (n=3 p=0.12) relative to pre-injection levels. Plasma VWF levels were significantly elevated in both Balb/c and C57Bl/6 WT mice one hour following administration of the virus (n= 3, p=0.02; n= 3, p= 0.001). The average plasma VWF levels were 48.1 U/mL at 1h compared to 5.7 U/mL pre injection in Balb /c mice and 85.9 U/mL compared to 6.1 U/mL in C57Bl/6 mice. These studies have shown that Ad can act as an inducer of mouse platelet activation and as a promoter for platelet-leukocyte association both in vitro and in vivo. We have demonstrated a role for Ad in stimulating VWF release from the endothelium, and have shown that VWF has a critical role in platelet activation and clearance following Ad administration. We conclude that P-selectin and VWF proteins are directly involved in interactions between endothelial cells, platelets and leukocytes, a complex interaction that can explain at least in part the mechanisms underlying Ad-mediated thrombocytopenia.

Small Molecule SHIP Agonist AQX-MN100 Inhibits Multiple Myeloma (MM) Cell Growth In NOD/SCID Mice and Reduces Immune Suppressive Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSC) and Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) In Mouse Model

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 792-792
Author(s):  
Alice Mui ◽  
Mike Kennah ◽  
Christopher Ong ◽  
Raymond Anderson ◽  
Heather Sutherland
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Suppressor Cells ◽  
Pi3k Pathway ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells ◽  
Hemopoietic Cells ◽  
Equity Ownership

Abstract Abstract 792 We recently described a novel anti-MM drug (AQX-MN100) which is a small molecule agonist of SHIP (Src homology-2 (SH2) containing inositol-5¢-phosphatase) a signaling molecule found only in hemopoietic cells.(Ong et al, Blood; 110:1942, 2007) The molecule was developed using a high-throughput SHIP enzyme assay to screen an invertebrate marine natural product library and isolate the Pelorol.(Yang et al Org Lett; 7:1073, 2005) SHIP normally functions to negatively regulate the PI3K pathway important to normal hemopoietic cells growth and function. Inappropriate activation of the phosphoinositide 3- kinase (PI3K) pathway has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of MM and tumour aggressiveness correlates with the degree of activation. The critical role the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays in regulating MM cell survival, has stimulated efforts in designing therapeutics that target this pathway. Pan PI3K inhibitors have limited utility in a clinical setting because of their inhibitory effects on all isoforms of the PI3K family as well as non-PI3K targets. SHIP is an exceptionally good target for MM and other hematopoietic disorders that display elevated PI3K/Akt signaling because its expression is restricted to hemopoietic cells. We have shown that an analogue of Pelorol, AQX-MN100 is able to inhibit PI3K signaling and prevent phosphorylation of Akt. AQX-MN100 induced MM cell line apoptosis mediated by caspase and was specific for SHIP expressing cells which are exclusively hematopoietic. AQX-MN100 also enhances the growth inhibition effects of current myeloma drugs Dexamethasone and Bortezomib on human MM tumour cell lines in vitro. (Kennah et al Expt Hematol; 37:1274, 2009) In this study we have extended these finding to further evaluate the role of this compound in the treatment of myeloma. NOD-SCID mice were injected in the lateral flanks with 2 million luciferase tagged MM1.S multiple myeloma cells in Matrigel. Tumors were allowed to establish for two weeks and then either AQX-MN100 or vehicle was administered in an oil deposit subcutaneously in the lower flank at a dose of 50 mg/kg every three days. Tumor volume was quantified by imaging on a Xenogen IVIS 200 after 6 and 11 days. These studies demonstrate a significant reduction of tumor volume at 6 days p<0.05 and a highly significant reduction at 11 days p<0.01 in the mice receiving AQX-MN100 as compared to vehicle. We have shown that AQX-MN100 can directly kill MM cells in in vitro and in vivo. However, based on the known functions of SHIP, we predict that SHIP agonists will additionally target critical steps in MM pathogenesis in vivo, including the ability of MM cells to interact with stromal elements and to subvert the immune system. In order to evaluate this later feature we evaluated the ability of SHIP agonists to reverse the tumor associated immune suppression in MM patients. Tumor and host cell/tumor microenvironment secreted factors promote the production and activation of cells associated with cancer progression: the immune suppressive myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). These cells normally regulate immune responses by inhibiting the activation of immune effector cells. The involvement of SHIP in the regulation of these cells is predicted by the observation that MDSC and Treg numbers are elevated in SHIP deficient mice. In this study Balb/C mice, 6 mice/group in duplicate were given either AQX-MN100 3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg or vehicle once daily orally. At the end of three weeks mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested and subjected to FACS analysis to determine the proportion of MDSC (CD11b+Gr1+) and Treg (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) cells. Spleen cells were also analysed for B cells, NK cells and granulocytes. In both of the AQX-MN100 treated groups the numbers of MDSC and Tregs were significantly lower than controls while Total CD11b, Total CD3, and spleen B, NK and granulocytes were not different from vehicle treated controls. The known role of SHIP in regulating hemopoietic cell function and the role of SHIP agonists in MM cell killing as well as additional actions on other aspects of MM pathophysiology may make them a powerful treatment option for MM, either alone or in synergy with other known MM therapies. Further development of this agent for the treatment of MM is ongoing. Disclosures: Mui: Aquinox: Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Ong:Aquinox: Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Anderson:Aquinox: Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Sutherland:Celgene: Honoraria; Orthobiotech: Honoraria.

scholarly journals Role of Dendritic Cells in the Pathogenesis of Whipple's Disease

2014 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 482-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katina Schinnerling ◽  
Anika Geelhaar-Karsch ◽  
Kristina Allers ◽  
Julian Friebel ◽  
Kristina Conrad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Interleukin 12 ◽  
Lymphoid Tissues ◽  
Whipple’S Disease ◽  
Whipple's Disease ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Healthy Donors ◽  
Stimulatory Capacity

Accumulation ofTropheryma whipplei-stuffed macrophages in the duodenum, impairedT. whipplei-specific Th1 responses, and weak secretion of interleukin-12 (IL-12) are hallmarks of classical Whipple's disease (CWD). This study addresses dendritic cell (DC) functionality during CWD. We documented composition, distribution, and functionality of DCex vivoor afterin vitromaturation by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and by immunohistochemistryin situ. A decrease in peripheral DC of untreated CWD patients compared to healthy donors was due to reduced CD11chighmyeloid DC (M-DC). Decreased maturation markers CD83, CD86, and CCR7, as well as low IL-12 production in response to stimulation, disclosed an immature M-DC phenotype.In vitro-generated monocyte-derived DC from CWD patients showed normal maturation and T cell-stimulatory capacity under proinflammatory conditions but produced less IL-12 and failed to activateT. whipplei-specific Th1 cells. In duodenal and lymphoid tissues,T. whippleiwas found within immature DC-SIGN+DC. DC and proliferating lymphocytes were reduced in lymph nodes of CWD patients compared to levels in controls. Our results indicate that dysfunctional IL-12 production by DC provides suboptimal conditions for priming ofT. whipplei-specific T cells during CWD and that immature DC carryingT. whippleicontribute to the dissemination of the bacterium.

scholarly journals Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (HLA-DR-/lowCD16-CD33+) Expanded By Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Can Prevent Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Humanized Mouse and Patients Following HSCT

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 72-72
Author(s):  
Ke Wang ◽  
Meng Lv ◽  
Ying-Jun Chang ◽  
Xiang-Yu Zhao ◽  
Xiao-Su Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Graft Versus Host Disease ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Acute Gvhd ◽  
Suppressor Cells ◽  
Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells ◽  
Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor ◽  
Graft Versus Host ◽  
Hla Dr ◽  
Healthy Donors

Abstract Introduction Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are proposed to control graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, the definition of human MDSCs has not yet reached consensus. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been routinely used to mobilize stem cells to peripheral blood in healthy donors. It was also recognized as a novel mediator of T-cell tolerance. However, the effects of G-CSF administration on donor-derived MDSCs and the further regulatory effects of these MDSCs on GVHD remained unclear. Amis The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of G-CSF expanded, donor-derived MDSCs (HLA-DR-/lowCD16-CD33+) in preventing acute GVHD after allo-HSCT. Methods The frequency and cell numbers of different kinds of MDSCs in peripheral blood before and after G-CSF administration from 10 healthy donors were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cells morphological features were detected by May-Grünwald-Giemsa cytospin. Secondly, the suppressive and regulatory functions of HLA-DR-/lowCD16-CD33+ population on CD3+ T cells were assessed via in vitro experiments. A humanized xenogeneic acute GVHD model was established to determine whether this population could prevent acute GVHD in vivo. Furthermore, a clinical prospective cohort study enrolled one hundred consecutive transplant recipients was performed to assess the effects of HLA-DR-/lowCD16-CD33+ contained in HSC grafts on the occurrence of acute GVHD. Results The findings of this study include: First, a novel phenotype of HLA-DR-/lowCD16-CD33+ MDSCs with suppressive function and morphological features similar to those of immature monocyte was identified. The median of percentages of this subset were significantly increased both in peripheral blood (PB, 6.5% vs. 4.6%, P=0.0122) and peripheral blood stem cells harvest (PBSCs, 15.5% vs. 4.6%, P<0.0001) after treating healthy donors with G-CSF than those of PB before mobilization. The median of percentage of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) positive cells among HLA-DR-/lowCD16-CD33+ population were both significantly higher than those of PB before mobilization. (IL-10+, 10.1% vs.0.62%, P=0.002; TGF-β+, 60.24% vs. 10.39%, P=0.0003). Donor-derived HLA-DR-/lowCD16-CD33+population inhibited the proliferation of T cells in a TGF-β-dependent manner. In vitro cell co-culture experiments also showed that this MDSCs subset could promote regulatory T cells (Treg, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) expansion and induce T helper 2(Th2, CD4+IL-4+) differentiation (The median of percentage of Treg in co-culture with MDSCs group, 21.4% vs. without MSDCs group, 8.35%, P=0.0048. The median of fold change of Th2/Th1 in co-culture with MDSCs group, 1.35 vs. without MSDCs group 0.98, P=0.0159. The median of fold change of Th2/(Th1+Th17) in co-culture with MDSCs group, 1.28 vs. without MSDCs group 1.00, P=0.0095. Th1 (CD4+IFNγ+), Th17 (CD4+IL-17A+)). Second, we demonstrated that these cells could prevent acute GVHD in a humanized mouse model. Adoptive transfer human G-CSF-mobilized HLA-DR-/lowCD16-CD33+ cells significantly prolonged the survival and ameliorated the weight loss and tissue damage in GVHD mice. Third, clinical cohort results showed that the number of HLA-DR-/lowCD33+CD16- cells in the donor graft was the only independent risk factor inversely correlated with the incidence II-IV acute GVHD in recipients (HR 0.388, 95% CI: 0.158-0.954, P=0.039). Conclusion Our results suggest that MSDCs with HLA-DR-/lowCD16-CD33+ phenotype in G-CSF-mobilized PBSCs have monocytic features and immune-regulatory properties, which could alleviate acute GVHD in the allo-HSCT settings. Key words: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells; granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; graft-versus-host disease Figure Figure. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Myeloid - derived suppressor cells in Type 1 diabetes are an expanded population exhibiting diverse T-cell suppressor mechanisms

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0242092
Author(s):  
Anna Grohová ◽  
Klára Dáňová ◽  
Irena Adkins ◽  
Zdeněk Šumník ◽  
Lenka Petruželková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Suppressor Cells ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells ◽  
Healthy Donors

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) represent a heterogeneous group of immature myeloid cells with immunoregulatory function in cancer and autoimmune diseases. In humans, two subsets of MDSC were determined based on the characteristic surface markers, monocytic MDSC (M-MDSC) and granulocytic MDSC (G-MDSC). Expansion of MDSC has been reported in some murine models and patients with autoimmune diseases and their immune-suppressive properties were characterized. However, the exact role of MDSC in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is more complex and/or controversial. In type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), the increased frequency of MDSC was found in the blood of T1D patients but their suppressor capacity was diminished. In our study, we assessed the role of M-MDSC in the pathogenesis of T1D and showed for the first time the increased frequency of M-MDSC not only in the blood of T1D patients but also in their at-risk relatives compared to healthy donors. T1D patients with inadequate long term metabolic control showed an elevation of M-MDSC compared to patients with better disease control. Furthermore, we described the positive correlation between the percentage of M-MDSC and Th17 cells and IFN-γ producing T cells in T1D patients and their at-risk relatives. Finally, we found that the ability of M-MDSC to suppress autologous T cells is efficient only at the high MDSC: T cells ratio and dependent on cell-cell-contact and TGF-β production. Our data show that the engagement of MDSC in the pathogenesis of T1D is evident, yet not entirely explored and more experiments are required to clarify whether MDSC are beneficial or harmful in T1D.

Abstract 303: CD44 Activation Protects Human Sclerotic-derived Valvular Interstitial Cells from Calcification

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Poggio ◽  
Emanuela Branchetti ◽  
Rachana Sainger ◽  
Juan Grau ◽  
Eric Lai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Interstitial Cells ◽  
Calcium Deposition ◽  
Proximity Ligation Assay ◽  
Valvular Interstitial Cells ◽  
Direct Role ◽  
Aortic Sclerosis

Introduction. The activation of Valvular Interstitial Cells (VIC) towards an osteoblast-like phenotype is a cellular hallmark of pathological progression towards Aortic Stenosis (AS). In recent years several clinical trials have failed to halt or revert the progression of this prevalent disease. The ability to prevent end-stage AS requires the understanding of the molecular events associated with the early phase of valve degeneration, a condition known as Aortic Sclerosis (ASc). In the last few years the transmembrane receptor CD44 has been studied as a putative molecule for cardiovascular drug therapy. We reported that the functional interaction between CD44 and one of its ligand, Osteopontin (OPN), protects vascular smooth muscle cells from calcification. More recently, we demonstrated that sclerotic tissues show increased expression of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) and BMP4 directly stimulates osteoblast-like transdifferentiation and calcification of VICs. Therefore we hypothesized a direct role of CD44 activation in protecting human Aortic Sclerosis-derived VICs from calcification. Methods. Human VICs from Control, ASc, and AS (n=5 each group) were isolated. Histological, cellular and molecular analysis, and in situ Proximity Ligation Assay were used to investigate the role of CD44 and OPN in VIC calcification. BMP4 treatments were used to promote VIC activation. Osteoblast-like transdifferentiation was analyzed using Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) expression. Results. CD44 and OPN, as well as their functional binding, were increased in sclerotic and stenotic tissues compared to healthy controls in vitro and ex vivo. CD44-OPN binding prevented in vitro calcification induced by inorganic phosphate on human ASc-derived VICs. A neutralizing antibody against CD44, under BMP4 treatments, promoted calcium deposition along with increased expression of OPN and ALP. Conclusion. Our results generate an important insight into the molecular mechanism of VIC calcification. We proved that CD44-OPN direct interaction inhibits calcification of Aortic Sclerosis-derived VICs, suggesting that CD44 activation could have a protective role against VIC osteoblast-like transdifferentiation and calcification in the early stage of the disease.

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