RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Dectin-1 is a transmembrane receptor that plays a pivotal role in recognising fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). A specific variant, DECTIN-1 rs16910526, results in a truncated receptor that disrupts membrane expression and ligand binding and is clinically associated with recurrent cutaneous mycoses. Previous research has clarified the role of Dectin-1 in boosting immune defenses against mycobacteria by enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in neutrophils (PMNs). Here, we investigated the association between the rs16910526 variant and Dectin-1 expression in PMNs, as well as intracellular ROS production in response to Mtb. Furthermore, we explored the potential link between the rs16910526 gene variant and TB outcomes in Argentina. METHODS: DNA was extracted from blood samples obtained from a cohort of 178 TB patients and healthy subjects (HS) in Argentina. PCR amplification and sequencing were performed to identify the rs16910526 variant. Flow cytometry was utilised to assess Dectin-1 expression on the PMN plasma membrane and to measure intracellular ROS levels, as indicated by the oxidation of DHR123 in response to the Mtb antigen. RESULTS: PMNs carrying the rs16910526 variant exhibited diminished Dectin-1 expression and ROS production in response to Mtb (p < 0.0001). In a caseâcontrol study, the rs16910526 variant had an allelic frequency of 0.112 in TB patients and 0.051 in HS. Notably, 10 out of 88 HS and 18 out of 62 TB patients harboured the variant (odds ratio [OR]: 2.55 [95% CI 1.1-5.9, p = 0.03]), indicating a potential association with TB disease. Furthermore, TB patients with the rs16910526 variant exhibited a delayed sputum smear conversion time (p < 0.004) and 100% positivity for acid-fast bacilli smears (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Our study identified a significant association between the SNP variant rs16910526 in the DECTIN-1 gene and Dectin-1 expression in the PMN, leading to altered ROS production. The higher frequency of this variant in TB patients compared to HS suggests a possible link with susceptibility to TB disease in Argentina.
Assuntos
Predisposição Genética para Doença , Lectinas Tipo C , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio , Tuberculose , Humanos , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Lectinas Tipo C/genética , Lectinas Tipo C/metabolismo , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Tuberculose/genética , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único , Neutrófilos/metabolismo , Mycobacterium tuberculosisRESUMO
It is known that conventional antigen presentation involves phagocytosis of antigens followed by its internalization in endocytic compartments and presentation of epitopes through MHC class II molecules for CD4 T cells. However, since 1976 a cross-presentation pathway has been studied, in which CD8 T cells are activated via MHC class I with antigens acquired through phagocytosis or endocytosis by dendritic cells (DCs). Among some important molecules involved in the cross-presentation, the C-type lectin receptor of the Dectin-1 cluster (CLECs), particularly the CLEC9A receptor, not only is expressed in dendritic cells but also presents a pivotal role in this context. In special, CLEC12A has been highlighted as a malaria pigment hemozoin (HZ) receptor. During Plasmodium infection, hemozoin crystals defend the parasite against heme toxicity within erythrocytes, as well as the released native HZ elicits pro-inflammatory responses and can induce cross-presentation. Particularly, this crystal can be synthesized from hematin anhydride and mimics the native form, and the gaps generated between the nanocrystal domains during its synthesis allow for substance coupling followed by its coating. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether synthetic hemozoin (sHz) or hematin anhydride could be a nanocarrier and promote cross-presentation in dendritic cells. Firstly, it was verified that sHz can carry coated and coupled antigens, the compounds can associate to LAMP1-positive vesicles and decrease overall intracellular pH, which can potentially enhance the cross-presentation of ovalbumin and Leishmania infantum antigens. Thus, this study adds important data in the molecular intricacies of antigen presentation by showing not only the sHz immunomodulatory properties but also its potential applications as an antigen carrier.
Assuntos
Apresentação de Antígeno , Apresentação Cruzada , Células Dendríticas , Hemeproteínas , Hemeproteínas/imunologia , Apresentação Cruzada/imunologia , Animais , Células Dendríticas/imunologia , Camundongos , Nanopartículas/química , Humanos , Malária/imunologia , Lectinas Tipo C/metabolismo , Lectinas Tipo C/imunologia , Ovalbumina/imunologiaRESUMO
Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic endemic fungal disease prevalent in Latin America. Previous studies revealed that host immunity against PCM is tightly regulated by several suppressive mechanisms mediated by tolerogenic plasmacytoid dendritic cells, the enzyme 2,3 indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO-1), regulatory T-cells (Tregs), and through the recruitment and activation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). We have recently shown that Dectin-1, TLR2, and TLR4 signaling influence the IDO-1-mediated suppression caused by MDSCs. However, the contribution of these receptors in the production of important immunosuppressive molecules used by MDSCs has not yet been explored in pulmonary PCM. Methods: We evaluated the expression of PD-L1, IL-10, as well as nitrotyrosine by MDSCs after anti-Dectin-1, anti-TLR2, and anti-TLR4 antibody treatment followed by P. brasiliensis yeasts challenge in vitro. We also investigated the influence of PD-L1, IL-10, and nitrotyrosine in the suppressive activity of lung-infiltrating MDSCs of C57BL/6-WT, Dectin-1KO, TLR2KO, and TLR4KO mice after in vivo fungal infection. The suppressive activity of MDSCs was evaluated in cocultures of isolated MDSCs with activated T-cells. Results: A reduced expression of IL-10 and nitrotyrosine was observed after in vitro anti-Dectin-1 treatment of MDSCs challenged with fungal cells. This finding was further confirmed in vitro and in vivo by using Dectin-1KO mice. Furthermore, MDSCs derived from Dectin-1KO mice showed a significantly reduced immunosuppressive activity on the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Blocking of TLR2 and TLR4 by mAbs and using MDSCs from TLR2KO and TLR4KO mice also reduced the production of suppressive molecules induced by fungal challenge. In vitro, MDSCs from TLR4KO mice presented a reduced suppressive capacity over the proliferation of CD4+ T-cells. Conclusion: We showed that the pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) Dectin-1, TLR2, and TLR4 contribute to the suppressive activity of MDSCs by inducing the expression of several immunosuppressive molecules such as PD-L1, IL-10, and nitrotyrosine. This is the first demonstration of a complex network of PRRs signaling in the induction of several suppressive molecules by MDSCs and its contribution to the immunosuppressive mechanisms that control immunity and severity of pulmonary PCM.
Assuntos
Antígeno B7-H1 , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Interleucina-10 , Lectinas Tipo C , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Células Supressoras Mieloides , Paracoccidioidomicose , Receptor 2 Toll-Like , Receptor 4 Toll-Like , Animais , Camundongos , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Receptor 2 Toll-Like/metabolismo , Receptor 2 Toll-Like/genética , Receptor 2 Toll-Like/imunologia , Células Supressoras Mieloides/imunologia , Células Supressoras Mieloides/metabolismo , Receptor 4 Toll-Like/metabolismo , Receptor 4 Toll-Like/genética , Receptor 4 Toll-Like/imunologia , Lectinas Tipo C/metabolismo , Lectinas Tipo C/genética , Antígeno B7-H1/metabolismo , Antígeno B7-H1/genética , Paracoccidioidomicose/imunologia , Paracoccidioides/imunologia , Tirosina/análogos & derivados , Tirosina/metabolismo , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Pulmão/imunologia , Pulmão/microbiologia , Transdução de Sinais , Masculino , Indolamina-Pirrol 2,3,-Dioxigenase/metabolismo , Indolamina-Pirrol 2,3,-Dioxigenase/genética , Camundongos KnockoutRESUMO
Although non-front fanged snakes account for almost two-thirds of snake diversity, most studies on venom composition and evolution focus exclusively on front-fanged species, which comprise most of the clinically relevant accidents. Comprehensive reports on venom composition of non-front fanged snakes are still scarce for several groups. In this study, we address such shortage of knowledge by providing new insights about the venom composition among species of Phalotris, a poorly studied Neotropical dipsadid genus. Phalotris are known for their specialized venom delivery system and toxic venoms, which can cause life-threatening accidents in humans. We evaluate the venom-gland transcriptome of Phalotris, comparing the following three South American species: P. reticulatus for the Araucaria Pine forests, P. lemniscatus for the Pampa grasslands, and P. mertensi for the Brazilian Cerrado. Our results indicate similar venom profiles, in which they share a high expression level of Kunitz-type inhibitors (KUNZ). On the other hand, comparative analyses revealed substantial differences in the expression levels of C-type lectins (CTL) and snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMP). The diverse set of SVMP and CTL isoforms shows signals of positive selection, and we also identified truncated forms of type III SVMPs, which resemble type II and type I SVMPs of viperids. Additionally, we identified a CNP precursor hosting a proline-rich region containing a BPP motif resembling those commonly detected in viperid venoms with hypotensive activity. Altogether, our results suggest an evolutionary history favoring high expression levels of few KUNZ isoforms in Phalotris venoms, contrasting with a highly diverse set of SVMP and CTL isoforms. Such diversity can be comparable with the venom variability observed in some viperids. Our findings highlight the extreme phenotypic diversity of non-front fanged snakes and the importance to allocate greater effort to study neglected groups of Colubroidea.
Assuntos
Transcriptoma , Animais , Venenos de Serpentes/genética , Lectinas Tipo C/genética , Brasil , Metaloproteases/genéticaRESUMO
Parasites possess remarkable abilities to evade and manipulate the immune response of their hosts. Echinococcus granulosus is a parasitic tapeworm that causes cystic echinococcosis in animals and humans. The hydatid fluid released by the parasite is known to contain various immunomodulatory components that manipulate host´s defense mechanism. In this study, we focused on understanding the effect of hydatid fluid on dendritic cells and its impact on autophagy induction and subsequent T cell responses. Initially, we observed a marked downregulation of two C-type lectin receptors in the cell membrane, CLEC9A and CD205 and an increase in lysosomal activity, suggesting an active cellular response to hydatid fluid. Subsequently, we visualized ultrastructural changes in stimulated dendritic cells, revealing the presence of macroautophagy, characterized by the formation of autophagosomes, phagophores, and phagolysosomes in the cell cytoplasm. To further elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in hydatid fluid-induced autophagy, we analyzed the expression of autophagy-related genes in stimulated dendritic cells. Our results demonstrated a significant upregulation of beclin-1, atg16l1 and atg12, indicating the induction of autophagy machinery in response to hydatid fluid exposure. Additionally, using confocal microscopy, we observed an accumulation of LC3 in dendritic cell autophagosomes, confirming the activation of this catabolic pathway associated with antigen presentation. Finally, to evaluate the functional consequences of hydatid fluid-induced autophagy in DCs, we evaluated cytokine transcription in the splenocytes. Remarkably, a robust polyfunctional T cell response, with inhibition of Th2 profile, is characterized by an increase in the expression of il-6, il-10, il-12, tnf-α, ifn-γ and tgf-ß genes. These findings suggest that hydatid fluid-induced autophagy in dendritic cells plays a crucial role in shaping the subsequent T cell responses, which is important for a better understanding of host-parasite interactions in cystic echinococcosis.
Assuntos
Autofagia , Células Dendríticas , Equinococose , Echinococcus granulosus , Células Dendríticas/imunologia , Células Dendríticas/metabolismo , Animais , Echinococcus granulosus/imunologia , Autofagia/imunologia , Equinococose/imunologia , Equinococose/parasitologia , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Linfócitos T/metabolismo , Camundongos , Lectinas Tipo C/metabolismo , Citocinas/metabolismo , Feminino , Autofagossomos/imunologia , Autofagossomos/metabolismoRESUMO
We have previously reported the transcriptomic and lipidomic profile of the first-generation, hygromycin-resistant (HygR) version of the BCGΔBCG1419c vaccine candidate, under biofilm conditions. We recently constructed and characterized the efficacy, safety, whole genome sequence, and proteomic profile of a second-generation version of BCGΔBCG1419c, a strain lacking the BCG1419c gene and devoid of antibiotic markers. Here, we compared the antibiotic-less BCGΔBCG1419c with BCG. We assessed their colonial and ultrastructural morphology, biofilm, c-di-GMP production in vitro, as well as their transcriptomic and lipidomic profiles, including their capacity to activate macrophages via Mincle and Myd88. Our results show that BCGΔBCG1419c colonial and ultrastructural morphology, c-di-GMP, and biofilm production differed from parental BCG, whereas we found no significant changes in its lipidomic profile either in biofilm or planktonic growth conditions. Transcriptomic profiling suggests changes in BCGΔBCG1419c cell wall and showed reduced transcription of some members of the DosR, MtrA, and ArgR regulons. Finally, induction of TNF-α, IL-6 or G-CSF by bone-marrow derived macrophages infected with either BCGΔBCG1419c or BCG required Mincle and Myd88. Our results confirm that some differences already found to occur in HygR BCGΔBCG1419c compared with BCG are maintained in the antibiotic-less version of this vaccine candidate except changes in production of PDIM. Comparison with previous characterizations conducted by OMICs show that some differences observed in BCGΔBCG1419c compared with BCG are maintained whereas others are dependent on the growth condition employed to culture them.
Assuntos
Vacina BCG , Biofilmes , GMP Cíclico , Lipidômica , Macrófagos , Mycobacterium bovis , Fator 88 de Diferenciação Mieloide , Transcriptoma , Animais , Fator 88 de Diferenciação Mieloide/metabolismo , Fator 88 de Diferenciação Mieloide/genética , Camundongos , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos/imunologia , Vacina BCG/imunologia , GMP Cíclico/metabolismo , GMP Cíclico/análogos & derivados , Mycobacterium bovis/genética , Mycobacterium bovis/imunologia , Biofilmes/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Citocinas/metabolismo , Proteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Lectinas Tipo CRESUMO
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is characterized by an expansion and accumulation of pathological histiocytes expressing langerin (CD207) and CD1a in different organs under an inflammatory milieu. The origin of pathognomonic precursors of LCH is widely debated, but monocytes and pre-dendritic cells (pre-DC) play a significant role. Remarkably, we found an expansion of AXLhigh cells in the CD11c+ subset of patients with active LCH, which also express the pathognomonic CD207 and CD1a. Moreover, we obtained a monocyte-derived LC-like (mo-LC-like) expressing high levels of AXL when treated with inflammatory cytokine, or plasma of patients with active disease. Intriguingly, inhibiting the mTOR pathway at the initial stages of monocyte differentiation to LC-like fosters the pathognomonic LCH program, highly increasing CD207 levels, together with NOTCH1 induction. We define here that AXLhigh could also be taken as a strong pathognomonic marker for LCH, and the release of Langerin and NOTCH1 expression depends on the inhibition of the mTOR pathway.
Assuntos
Antígenos CD , Receptor Tirosina Quinase Axl , Histiocitose de Células de Langerhans , Lectinas Tipo C , Lectinas de Ligação a Manose , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas , Receptores Proteína Tirosina Quinases , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Antígenos CD/metabolismo , Antígenos CD1/metabolismo , Biomarcadores , Diferenciação Celular , Histiocitose de Células de Langerhans/metabolismo , Lectinas Tipo C/metabolismo , Lectinas de Ligação a Manose/metabolismo , Monócitos/metabolismo , Monócitos/imunologia , Células Mieloides/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas/genética , Receptores Proteína Tirosina Quinases/metabolismo , Receptor Notch1/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/antagonistas & inibidores , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/metabolismoRESUMO
The Red Queen Hypothesis (RQH), derived from Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking-Glass", postulates that organisms must continually adapt in response to each other to maintain relative fitness. Within the context of host-pathogen interactions, the RQH implies an evolutionary arms race, wherein viruses evolve to exploit hosts and hosts evolve to resist viral invasion. This study delves into the dynamics of the RQH in the context of virus-cell interactions, specifically focusing on virus receptors and cell receptors. We observed multiple virus-host systems and noted patterns of co-evolution. As viruses evolved receptor-binding proteins to effectively engage with cell receptors, cells countered by altering their receptor genes. This ongoing mutual adaptation cycle has influenced the molecular intricacies of receptor-ligand interactions. Our data supports the RQH as a driving force behind the diversification and specialization of both viral and host cell receptors. Understanding this co-evolutionary dance offers insights into the unpredictability of emerging viral diseases and potential therapeutic interventions. Future research is crucial to dissect the nuanced molecular changes and the broader ecological consequences of this ever-evolving battle. Here, we combine phylogenetic inferences, structural modeling, and molecular dynamics analyses to describe the epidemiological characteristics of major Brazilian DENV strains that circulated from 1990 to 2022 from a combined perspective, thus providing us with a more detailed picture on the dynamics of such interactions over time.
Assuntos
Moléculas de Adesão Celular , Vírus da Dengue , Evolução Molecular , Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno , Receptores de Superfície Celular , Proteínas do Envelope Viral , Envelope Viral , Humanos , Brasil , Moléculas de Adesão Celular/metabolismo , Moléculas de Adesão Celular/genética , Moléculas de Adesão Celular/química , Dengue/virologia , Vírus da Dengue/genética , Vírus da Dengue/metabolismo , Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno/genética , Lectinas Tipo C/metabolismo , Lectinas Tipo C/genética , Lectinas Tipo C/química , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Filogenia , Ligação Proteica , Receptores de Superfície Celular/metabolismo , Receptores de Superfície Celular/genética , Receptores de Superfície Celular/química , Receptores Virais/metabolismo , Receptores Virais/química , Receptores Virais/genética , Envelope Viral/metabolismo , Proteínas do Envelope Viral/genética , Proteínas do Envelope Viral/metabolismo , Proteínas do Envelope Viral/químicaRESUMO
HIV-1 infection greatly alters the NK cell phenotypic and functional repertoire. This is highlighted by the expansion of a rare population of FcRγ- NK cells exhibiting characteristics of traditional immunologic memory in people with HIV (PWH). Although current antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively controls HIV-1 viremia and disease progression, its impact on HIV-1-associated NK cell abnormalities remains unclear. To address this, we performed a longitudinal analysis detailing conventional and memory-like NK cell characteristics in n = 60 PWH during the first 4 y of ART. Throughout this regimen, a skewed repertoire of cytokine unresponsive FcRγ- memory-like NK cells persisted and accompanied an overall increase in NK surface expression of CD57 and KLRG1, suggestive of progression toward immune senescence. These traits were linked to elevated serum inflammatory biomarkers and increasing Ab titers to human CMV, with human CMV viremia detected in approximately one-third of PWH at years 1-4 of ART. Interestingly, 40% of PWH displayed atypical NK cell subsets, representing intermediate stages of NK-poiesis based on single-cell multiomic trajectory analysis. Our findings indicate that NK cell irregularities persist in PWH despite long-term ART, underscoring the need to better understand the causative mechanisms that prevent full restoration of immune health in PWH.
Assuntos
Antígenos CD57 , Infecções por HIV , HIV-1 , Células Matadoras Naturais , Humanos , Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Infecções por HIV/imunologia , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/virologia , HIV-1/imunologia , Masculino , Feminino , Antígenos CD57/imunologia , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Memória Imunológica/imunologia , Lectinas Tipo C/imunologia , Receptores Imunológicos , Viremia/imunologia , Viremia/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por Citomegalovirus/imunologia , Infecções por Citomegalovirus/tratamento farmacológico , Receptores de IgG/imunologia , Estudos Longitudinais , Antirretrovirais/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed nanoparticles that transport several biomolecules and are involved in important mechanisms and functions related to the pathophysiology of fungal diseases. EVs from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the main causative agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), modulate the immune response of macrophages. In this study, we assessed the EVs proteome from a virulent P. brasiliensis isolated from granulomatous lesions and compared their immunomodulatory ability with EVs isolated from the fungus before the animal passage (control EVs) when challenging macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). Proteome showed that virulent EVs have a higher abundance of virulence factors such as GP43, protein 14-3-3, GAPDH, as well as virulence factors never described in PCM, such as aspartyl aminopeptidase and a SidJ analogue compared with control EVs. Virulent extracellular vesicles induced higher expression of TLR4 and Dectin-1 than control EVs in macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). In opposition, a lower TLR2 expression was induced by virulent EVs. Additionally, virulent EVs induced lower expression of CD80, CD86 and TNF-α, but promoted a higher expression of IL-6 and IL-10, suggesting that EVs isolated from virulent P. brasiliensis-yeast promote a milder DCs and macrophage maturation. Herein, we showed that EVs from virulent fungi stimulated a higher frequency of Th1/Tc1, Th17, and Treg cells, which gives new insights into fungal extracellular vesicles. Taken together, our results suggest that P. brasiliensis utilizes its EVs as virulence bags that manipulate the immune system in its favour, creating a milder immune response and helping with fungal evasion from the immune system.