Immune profiling of COVID-19 patients has identified numerous alterations in both innate and adaptive immunity. However, whether those changes are specific to SARS-CoV-2 or driven by a general ...inflammatory response shared across severely ill pneumonia patients remains unknown. Here, we compared the immune profile of severe COVID-19 with non-SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia ICU patients using longitudinal, high-dimensional single-cell spectral cytometry and algorithm-guided analysis. COVID-19 and non-SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia both showed increased emergency myelopoiesis and displayed features of adaptive immune paralysis. However, pathological immune signatures suggestive of T cell exhaustion were exclusive to COVID-19. The integration of single-cell profiling with a predicted binding capacity of SARS-CoV-2 peptides to the patients’ HLA profile further linked the COVID-19 immunopathology to impaired virus recognition. Toward clinical translation, circulating CD56+T cell frequency was identified as a predictive biomarker for patient outcome. Our comparative immune map serves to delineate treatment strategies to interfere with the immunopathologic cascade exclusive to severe COVID-19.
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•GM-CSF+ T cells are a hallmark of severe respiratory syndrome independent of pathogen•T cell exhaustion and impaired early antiviral response are unique in severe COVID-19•Circulating CD56+T cell frequencies serve as a predictive biomarker for severe COVID-19•HLA profile links COVID-19 immunopathology to impaired virus recognition
The pathogen-specific immune alterations in severe COVID-19 remain unknown. Using longitudinal, high-dimensional, single-cell spectral cytometry and algorithm-guided comparison of COVID-19 versus non-SARS-CoV-2-pneumonia patient samples, Kreutmair et al. identify T and NK cell immune signatures specific to SARS-CoV-2. They furthermore reveal CD56+T cell frequency as a predictive biomarker for COVID-19 outcome prediction and link impaired virus recognition to HLA genetics.
The incidence of cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) is increasing worldwide. Using a transgenic mouse model, we found that expression of the intracellular domain of Notch 1 (NICD) in mouse livers ...results in the formation of intrahepatic CCCs. These tumors display features of bipotential hepatic progenitor cells, indicating that intrahepatic CCC can originate from this cell type. We show that human and mouse CCCs are characterized by high expression of the cyclin E protein and identified the cyclin E gene as a direct transcriptional target of the Notch signaling pathway. Intriguingly, blocking γ-secretase activity in human CCC xenotransplants results in downregulation of cyclin E expression, induction of apoptosis, and tumor remission in vivo.
•Notch signaling is frequently dysregulated in human CCCs•Notch is an oncogenic driver of CCC and able to transform hepatic progenitor cells•Notch induces the cyclin E promoter, causing genetic instability by increasing cyclin E expression•Inhibition of Notch signaling may be a treatment option for CCC
The liver harbors a distinct capacity for endogenous regeneration; however, liver regeneration is often impaired in disease and therefore insufficient to compensate for the loss of hepatocytes and ...organ function. Here we describe a functional genetic approach for the identification of gene targets that can be exploited to increase the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes. Pools of small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) were directly and stably delivered into mouse livers to screen for genes modulating liver regeneration. Our studies identify the dual-specific kinase MKK4 as a master regulator of liver regeneration. MKK4 silencing robustly increased the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes in mouse models of liver regeneration and acute and chronic liver failure. Mechanistically, induction of MKK7 and a JNK1-dependent activation of the AP1 transcription factor ATF2 and the Ets factor ELK1 are crucial for increased regeneration of hepatocytes with MKK4 silencing.
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► Direct in vivo RNAi screening for modulators of liver regeneration is feasible ► Identification of MKK4 as a master regulator of liver regeneration ► MKK4 is a potential therapeutic target in acute and chronic liver disease ► ATF2 and ELK1 are essential downstream factors in MKK4-silenced hepatocytes
An in vivo functional genetic screen identifies MKK4 as a master regulator of liver regeneration in models of acute and chronic liver disease.
Ever since the discovery of endogenous host defense antimicrobial peptides it has been discussed how these evolutionary conserved molecules avoid to induce resistance and to remain effective. Human ...ß-defensin 1 (hBD1) is an ubiquitously expressed endogenous antimicrobial peptide that exhibits qualitatively distinct activities between its oxidized and reduced forms. Here, we explore these antimicrobial mechanisms. Surprisingly, using electron microscopy we detected a so far unknown net-like structure surrounding bacteria, which were treated with the reduced but not the oxidized form of hBD1. A transmigration assay demonstrated that hBD1-derived nets capture bacteria and inhibit bacterial transmigration independent of bacterial killing. The presence of nets could completely prevent migration of hBD1 resistant pathogens and are stable in the presence of human duodenal secretion with a high amount of proteases. In contrast to HD6, cysteins are necessary for net formation. This redox-dependent function serves as an additional mechanism of action for hBD1 and differs from net formation by other defensins such as Paneth cell-derived human α-defensin 6 (HD6). While hBD1red and hBD1ox have distinct antimicrobial profiles and functions, only the reduced form provides additional host protection by entrapping bacteria in extracellular net structures preventing bacterial invasion. Better understanding of the modes of action of endogenous host peptides will help to find new antimicrobial strategies.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The pathophysiology of COVID-19–associated thrombosis seems to be multifactorial. We hypothesized that COVID-19 is accompanied by procoagulant platelets with subsequent alteration of the coagulation ...system. We investigated depolarization of mitochondrial inner transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) concentration, and phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization. Platelets from COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU; n = 21) showed higher ΔΨm depolarization, cytosolic Ca2+, and PS externalization compared with healthy controls (n = 18) and non-ICU COVID-19 patients (n = 4). Moreover, significant higher cytosolic Ca2+ and PS were observed compared with a septic ICU control group (ICU control; n = 5). In the ICU control group, cytosolic Ca2+ and PS externalization were comparable with healthy controls, with an increase in ΔΨm depolarization. Sera from COVID-19 patients in the ICU induced a significant increase in apoptosis markers (ΔΨm depolarization, cytosolic Ca2+, and PS externalization) compared with healthy volunteers and septic ICU controls. Interestingly, immunoglobulin G fractions from COVID-19 patients induced an Fcγ receptor IIA–dependent platelet apoptosis (ΔΨm depolarization, cytosolic Ca2+, and PS externalization). Enhanced PS externalization in platelets from COVID-19 patients in the ICU was associated with increased sequential organ failure assessment score (r = 0.5635) and D-dimer (r = 0.4473). Most importantly, patients with thrombosis had significantly higher PS externalization compared with those without. The strong correlations between markers for apoptosic and procoagulant platelets and D-dimer levels, as well as the incidence of thrombosis, may indicate that antibody-mediated procoagulant platelets potentially contributes to sustained increased thromboembolic risk in ICU COVID-19 patients.
•Severe COVID-19 is associated with increased antibody-mediated procoagulant platelets.•Procoagulant platelets and platelet apoptosis in severe COVID-19 is correlated with D-dimer and higher incidence of thromboembolisms.
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Cholangiocacinoma (CC) is a cancer disease with rising incidence. Notch signaling has been shown to be deregulated in many cancers. However, the role of this signaling pathway in the carcinogenesis ...of CC is still not fully explored. In this study, we investigated the effects of Notch inhibition by γ-secretase inhibitor IX (GSI IX) in cultured human CC cell lines and we established a transgenic mouse model with liver specific expression of the intracellular domain of Notch (Notch-ICD) and inactivation of tumor suppressor p53. GSI IX treatment effectively impaired cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and growth of softagar colonies. In vivo overexpression of Notch-ICD together with an inactivation of p53 significantly increased tumor burden and showed CC characteristics.
Our study highlights the importance of Notch signaling in the tumorigenesis of CC and demonstrates that additional inactivation of p53 in vivo.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Aberrant activation of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway has been implicated in a variety of cancers including cholangiocarcinoma (CC); however, the influencing factors are still unknown. Additionally, ...intratumoral hypoxia is known to contribute towards therapeutic resistance through modulatory effects on various pathways. In this study, we investigated the relationship between hypoxia and SHH pathway activation and the effect of this interplay on cancer stemness and epithelial-to- mesenchymal transition (EMT) during cholangiocarcinogenesis. Hypoxia promoted SHH pathway activation, evidenced by upregulated SHH and SMO levels, and enhanced glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) nuclear translocation; whereas silencing of HIF-1α impaired SHH upregulation. Hypoxia also enhanced the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) transcription factors (NANOG, Oct4, SOX2), CD133 and EMT markers (N-cadherin, Vimentin), thereby supporting invasion. Cyclopamine treatment suppressed hypoxia induced SHH pathway activation, consequently reducing invasiveness by downregulating the expression of CSC transcription factors, CD133 and EMT. Cyclopamine induced apoptosis in CC cells under hypoxia, suggesting that hypoxia induced activation of SHH pathway has modulatory effects on CC progression. Therefore, SHH signaling is proposed as a target for CC treatment, which is refractory to standard chemotherapy.
•Hypoxia promotes Hh activation in cholangiocarcinoma cells.•Hh activation positively correlates with upregulation of CSCs transcription factors, CD133 level and onset of EMT.•Inhibition of Hh signaling using cyclopamine abrogates CSC growth and increases apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells.
Abstract
Background
Accumulating evidence indicates toward an association between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and procoagulatory state in blood. ...Thromboelastographic investigations are useful point-of-care devices to assess coagulation and fibrinolysis.
Objectives
We investigated the hypothesis that the procoagulatory state in COVID-19 patients is associated with impaired fibrinolysis system.
Methods
Altogether, 29 COVID-19 patients admitted to normal wards or to the intensive care unit (ICU) were included in this descriptive study. Whole blood samples were investigated by thromboelastography to assess coagulation and fibrinolysis. Additionally, standard routine coagulation testing and immunoassays for factors of fibrinolysis as plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activity and α2-antiplasmin (A2AP) were performed.
Results
A significantly increased lysis resistance and a significantly longer time of lysis after adding tissue plasminogen activator were observed in blood samples from ICU COVID-19 patients compared with healthy controls (maximal lysis: 3.25 ± 0.56 vs. 6.20 ± 0.89%,
p
= 0.0127; lysis time: 365.7 ± 44.6 vs. 193.2 ± 16.3 seconds,
p
= 0.0014). PAI-1 activity was significantly higher in plasma samples of ICU COVID-19 patients (PAI-1: 4.92 ± 0.91 vs. 1.28 ± 0.33 U/mL,
p
= 0.001). A positive correlation between the activity of PAI-1 and lysis time of the formed clot (
r
= 0.70,
p
= 0.0006) was observed.
Conclusion
Our data suggest that severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with impaired fibrinolytic activity in blood, where fibrinolytic inhibitors are elevated leading to an increased resistance to clot lysis. Thromboelastography could offer a tool to investigate the contribution of the fibrinolytic status to the procoagulatory condition in COVID-19.
MYC oncoproteins are involved in the genesis and maintenance of the majority of human tumors but are considered undruggable. By using a direct in vivo shRNA screen, we show that liver cancer cells ...that have mutations in the gene encoding the tumor suppressor protein p53 (Trp53 in mice and TP53 in humans) and that are driven by the oncoprotein NRAS become addicted to MYC stabilization via a mechanism mediated by aurora kinase A (AURKA). This MYC stabilization enables the tumor cells to overcome a latent G2/M cell cycle arrest that is mediated by AURKA and the tumor suppressor protein p19(ARF). MYC directly binds to AURKA, and inhibition of this protein-protein interaction by conformation-changing AURKA inhibitors results in subsequent MYC degradation and cell death. These conformation-changing AURKA inhibitors, with one of them currently being tested in early clinical trials, suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival in mice bearing Trp53-deficient, NRAS-driven MYC-expressing hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). TP53-mutated human HCCs revealed increased AURKA expression and a positive correlation between AURKA and MYC expression. In xenograft models, mice bearing TP53-mutated or TP53-deleted human HCCs were hypersensitive to treatment with conformation-changing AURKA inhibitors, thus suggesting a therapeutic strategy for this subgroup of human HCCs.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its inflammatory form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), have quickly risen to become the most prevalent chronic liver disease in the Western world ...and are risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is not only one of the most common cancers but is also highly lethal. Nevertheless, there are currently no clinically approved drugs for NAFLD, and NASH-induced HCC poses a unique metabolic microenvironment that may influence responsiveness to certain treatments. Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand the pathogenesis of this rampant disease to devise new therapies. In this line, preclinical mouse models are crucial tools to investigate mechanisms as well as novel treatment modalities during the pathogenesis of NASH and subsequent HCC in preparation for human clinical trials. Although, there are numerous genetically induced, diet-induced and toxin-induced models of NASH, not all of these models faithfully phenocopy and mirror the human pathology very well. In this Perspective, we shed some light onto the most widely used mouse models of NASH and highlight some of the key advantages and disadvantages of the various models with an emphasis on 'Western diets', which are increasingly recognized as some of the best models in recapitulating the human NASH pathology and comorbidities.
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