Erica L Stewart, Claudio Counoupas, Megan Steain, Caroline Ashley, Sibel Alca, Lauren Hartley-Tassell, Mark von Itzstein, Warwick J Britton, Nikolai Petrovsky, James A Triccas
{"title":"Dendritic cell–specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) is a cellular receptor for delta inulin adjuvant","authors":"Erica L Stewart, Claudio Counoupas, Megan Steain, Caroline Ashley, Sibel Alca, Lauren Hartley-Tassell, Mark von Itzstein, Warwick J Britton, Nikolai Petrovsky, James A Triccas","doi":"10.1111/imcb.12774","DOIUrl":"10.1111/imcb.12774","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Delta inulin, or Advax, is a polysaccharide vaccine adjuvant that significantly enhances vaccine-mediated immune responses against multiple pathogens and was recently licensed for use in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine SpikoGen. Although Advax has proven effective as an immune adjuvant, its specific binding targets have not been characterized. In this report, we identify a cellular receptor for Advax recognition. <i>In vitro</i> uptake of Advax particles by macrophage cell lines was substantially greater than that of latex beads of comparable size, suggesting an active uptake mechanism by phagocytic cells. Using a lectin array, Advax particles were recognized by lectins specific for various carbohydrate structures including mannosyl, <i>N</i>-acetylgalactosamine and galactose moieties. Expression in nonphagocytic cells of dendritic cell–specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN), a C-type lectin receptor, resulted in enhanced uptake of fluorescent Advax particles compared with mock-transfected cells. Advax uptake was reduced with the addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and mannan to cells, which are known inhibitors of DC-SIGN function. Finally, a specific blockade of DC-SIGN using a neutralizing antibody abrogated Advax uptake in DC-SIGN–expressing cells. Together, these results identify DC-SIGN as a putative receptor for Advax. Given the known immunomodulatory role of DC-SIGN, the findings described here have implications for the use of Advax adjuvants in humans and inform future mechanistic studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":179,"journal":{"name":"Immunology & Cell Biology","volume":"102 7","pages":"593-604"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11296934/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140955082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aidan Barrett, Karin Horkeby, Carmen Corciulo, Hans Carlsten, Marie K Lagerquist, Julia M Scheffler, Ulrika Islander
{"title":"Role of estrogen signaling in fibroblastic reticular cells for innate and adaptive immune responses in antigen-induced arthritis","authors":"Aidan Barrett, Karin Horkeby, Carmen Corciulo, Hans Carlsten, Marie K Lagerquist, Julia M Scheffler, Ulrika Islander","doi":"10.1111/imcb.12773","DOIUrl":"10.1111/imcb.12773","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Women are more prone to develop rheumatoid arthritis, with peak incidence occurring around menopause. Estrogen has major effects on the immune system and is protective against arthritis. We have previously shown that treatment with estrogen inhibits inflammation and joint destruction in murine models of arthritis, although the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are specialized stromal cells that generate the three-dimensional structure of lymph nodes (LNs). FRCs are vital for coordinating immune responses from within LNs and are characterized by the expression of the chemokine CCL19, which attracts immune cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether the influence of estrogen on innate and adaptive immune cells in arthritis is mediated by estrogen signaling in FRCs. Conditional knockout mice lacking estrogen receptor α (ERα) in CCL19-expressing cells (Ccl19-Cre<i>ERα</i><sup>fl/fl</sup>) were generated and tested. Ccl19-Cre<i>ERα</i><sup>fl/fl</sup> mice and littermate controls were ovariectomized, treated with vehicle or estradiol and subjected to the 28-day-long antigen-induced arthritis model to enable analyses of differentiated T- and B-cell populations and innate cells in LNs by flow cytometry. The results reveal that while the response to estradiol treatment in numbers of FRCs per LN is significantly reduced in mice lacking ERα in FRCs, estrogen does not inhibit joint inflammation or markedly affect immune responses in this arthritis model. Thus, this study validates the Ccl19-Cre<i>ERα</i><sup>fl/fl</sup> strain for studying estrogen signaling in FRCs within inflammatory diseases, although the chosen arthritis model is deemed unsuitable for addressing this question.</p>","PeriodicalId":179,"journal":{"name":"Immunology & Cell Biology","volume":"102 7","pages":"578-592"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/imcb.12773","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140895986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adam Alexandersson, Mikko S Venäläinen, Nelli Heikkilä, Xiaobo Huang, Mervi Taskinen, Pasi Huttunen, Laura L Elo, Minna Koskenvuo, Eliisa Kekäläinen
{"title":"Proteomics screening after pediatric allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation reveals an association between increased expression of inhibitory receptor FCRL6 on γδ T cells and cytomegalovirus reactivation","authors":"Adam Alexandersson, Mikko S Venäläinen, Nelli Heikkilä, Xiaobo Huang, Mervi Taskinen, Pasi Huttunen, Laura L Elo, Minna Koskenvuo, Eliisa Kekäläinen","doi":"10.1111/imcb.12762","DOIUrl":"10.1111/imcb.12762","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We studied the associations between inflammation-related proteins in circulation and complications after pediatric allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), to reveal proteomic signatures or individual soluble proteins associated with specific complications after HSCT. We used a proteomics method called Proximity Extension Assay to repeatedly measure 180 different proteins together with clinical variables, cellular immune reconstitution and blood viral copy numbers in 27 children (1–18 years of age) during a 2-year follow-up after allogenic HSCT. Protein profile analysis was performed using unsupervised hierarchical clustering and a regression-based method, while the Bonferroni-corrected Mann–Whitney <i>U</i>-test was used for time point–specific comparison of individual proteins against outcome. At 6 months after allogenic HSCT, we could identify a protein profile pattern associated with occurrence of the complications such as chronic graft-<i>versus</i>-host disease, viral infections, relapse and death. When protein markers were analyzed separately, the plasma concentration of the inhibitory and cytotoxic T-cell surface protein FCRL6 (Fc receptor-like 6) was higher in patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia [log<sub>2</sub>-fold change 1.5 (<i>P</i> = 0.00099), 2.5 (<i>P</i> = 0.00035) and 2.2 (<i>P</i> = 0.045) at time points 6, 12 and 24 months]. Flow cytometry confirmed that FCRL6 expression was higher in innate-like γδ T cells, indicating that these cells are involved in controlling CMV reactivation in HSCT recipients. In conclusion, the potentially druggable FCRL6 receptor on cytotoxic T cells appears to have a role in controlling CMV viremia after HSCT. Furthermore, our results suggest that system-level analysis is a useful addition to the studying of single biomarkers in allogenic HSCT.</p>","PeriodicalId":179,"journal":{"name":"Immunology & Cell Biology","volume":"102 6","pages":"513-525"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/imcb.12762","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140896819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Making science accessible for blind and low-vision people, and those with diverse needs","authors":"Jessica G Borger","doi":"10.1111/imcb.12760","DOIUrl":"10.1111/imcb.12760","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The May–June 2024 issue of <i>Immunology & Cell Biology</i> contains an Immunology Futures Special Feature on Disability Inclusion in Science. Diverse groups do better in science, yet individuals with disabilities face barriers to accessing education and opportunities within scientific disciplines. The Monash Sensory Science program, led by Professor Jamie Rossjohn and legally blind artist in residence Dr Erica Tandori, has transformed the accessibility for those with blindness, low vision and diverse needs (BLVDN) to experience biomedical data visualization through the form of multisensory scientific communication. The Monash Sensory Science Exhibition, first hosted in 2018 with the support of Monash University and the Australian Research Council, utilizes tactile multisensory and multimodal artworks, interactive displays and multisensory science books for BLVDN participants. In this Special Feature, scientists and researchers involved in the 2023 Autoimmunity Monash Sensory Science Exhibition discuss the novel models and displays designed to improve the scientific understanding of complex autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease, psoriasis and type 1 diabetes. This Special Feature aims to inform the inclusive teaching of immunology and raise discussions of how to improve access to all within our scientific institutions.\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":179,"journal":{"name":"Immunology & Cell Biology","volume":"102 5","pages":"308-314"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/imcb.12760","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140895991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Die Li, Xinyue Zhang, Ziqiong Song, Shan Zhao, Yuan Huang, Weibin Qian, Xinrui Cai
{"title":"Advances in common in vitro cellular models of pulmonary fibrosis","authors":"Die Li, Xinyue Zhang, Ziqiong Song, Shan Zhao, Yuan Huang, Weibin Qian, Xinrui Cai","doi":"10.1111/imcb.12756","DOIUrl":"10.1111/imcb.12756","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The development of <i>in vitro</i> models is essential for a comprehensive understanding and investigation of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) at both cellular and molecular levels. This study presents a literature review and an analysis of various cellular models used in scientific studies, specifically focusing on their applications in elucidating the pathogenesis of PF. Our study highlights the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to studing PF, emphasizing the necessity of considering multiple cell types and organs and integrating diverse analytical perspectives. Notably, primary cells demonstrate remarkable cell growth characteristics and gene expression profiles; however, their limited availability, maintenance challenges, inability for continuous propagation and susceptibility to phenotypic changes over time significantly limit their utility in scientific investigation. By contrast, immortalized cell lines are easily accessible, cultured and continuously propagated, although they may have some phenotypic differences from primary cells. Furthermore, <i>in vitro</i> coculture models offer a more practical and precise method to explore complex interactions among cells, tissues and organs. Consequently, when developing models of PF, researchers should thoroughly assess the advantages, limitations and relevant mechanisms of different cell models to ensure their selection is consistent with the research objectives.</p>","PeriodicalId":179,"journal":{"name":"Immunology & Cell Biology","volume":"102 7","pages":"557-569"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/imcb.12756","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140875437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Highlight of 2023: Advances in mast cells","authors":"Jasmine Barra, Jean S Marshall","doi":"10.1111/imcb.12768","DOIUrl":"10.1111/imcb.12768","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In this article for the Highlights of 2023 Series, we consider the growing understanding of mast cell heterogeneity and interactions that has developed from single cell RNA sequencing studies. We also discuss novel concepts concerning mast cell interactions with the central nervous system and evidence for their role in host defense against SARS-CoV-2 infection.\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":179,"journal":{"name":"Immunology & Cell Biology","volume":"102 6","pages":"452-455"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/imcb.12768","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140875439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Affinity alone does not drive long-lived plasma cell differentiation","authors":"Courtney E McDougal, Marion Pepper","doi":"10.1111/imcb.12770","DOIUrl":"10.1111/imcb.12770","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Long-lived plasma cells are important for preventing infection by maintaining baseline antibody titers. However, the cues leading to plasma cell differentiation remain unclear. In this article, we discuss recent work assessing the role of affinity on plasma cell differentiation.\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":179,"journal":{"name":"Immunology & Cell Biology","volume":"102 7","pages":"532-534"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/imcb.12770","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140875438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuting Chen, Quanze Fu, Yinjiang Ma, Nan Wang, Ji Yang, Qing Liang, Kejia Wang, Lujuan Gao
{"title":"Identification of the immune repertoire of γδ T-cell receptors in psoriasis","authors":"Yuting Chen, Quanze Fu, Yinjiang Ma, Nan Wang, Ji Yang, Qing Liang, Kejia Wang, Lujuan Gao","doi":"10.1111/imcb.12765","DOIUrl":"10.1111/imcb.12765","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The γδ T cells are a subpopulation of T cells that are abundantly found in the skin and mucous membranes. Their reactivity to self-antigens and ability to secrete various cytokines make them a key component in psoriasis development. Although the correlation between the immune repertoire (IR) of γδ T-cell receptors and the occurrence and severity of psoriasis remains incompletely explored, high-throughput sequencing of γδ T cells has led to a deeper understanding of IR in psoriasis. This study investigated the differences between γδ T cells in patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. The γδ T cells were identified <i>via</i> immunofluorescence staining and a correlation analysis was performed according to the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores. The IR sequencing method was used to detect IR in the γδ T-cell receptors. The findings demonstrated more skin γδ T cells in patients with psoriasis, which were positively correlated with the PASI score. There were subtle differences in most variable (V), diversity (D) and joining (J) gene segments and VJ/VDJ combination segments between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. However, a higher diversity of complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) was observed in patients with psoriasis. In summary, the IR of skin γδ T cells was significantly altered in patients with psoriasis, and the diversity in the cell's CDR3 population is a promising biomarker for assessment of psoriasis severity.</p>","PeriodicalId":179,"journal":{"name":"Immunology & Cell Biology","volume":"102 7","pages":"570-577"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140847718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stefanie F Valbon, Vanessa de Carvalho Oliveira, Lauralie Short
{"title":"A trainee's perspective on scientific conferences","authors":"Stefanie F Valbon, Vanessa de Carvalho Oliveira, Lauralie Short","doi":"10.1111/imcb.12772","DOIUrl":"10.1111/imcb.12772","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Attending and presenting at conferences is a preeminent experience during scientific training. This article provides a trainee's perspective on strategies to promote trainee growth before, during and after scientific meetings, taking the initiatives implemented by the Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI) as an example. A foremost action was the establishment of the Trainee Engagement Committee (TEC) in 2020. The TEC members contribute to the annual symposia by participating in the local organizing committee meetings and organizing trainee-directed events. We propose actions that conference organizers can take to foster the development of the next generation of scientists. In addition, we offer advice to conference presenters on how to craft talks with trainees in mind and to attendees on how to maximize the quality and longevity of conference interactions. We hope this opinion piece evokes reflections and discussions among scientific societies, organizing committees, conference presenters and trainees alike.</p>","PeriodicalId":179,"journal":{"name":"Immunology & Cell Biology","volume":"102 7","pages":"548-553"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/imcb.12772","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140846651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Inclusive multisensory science and immunology books for blind, low-vision and diverse-needs audiences","authors":"Stuart Favilla, Erica Tandori, James Marshall","doi":"10.1111/imcb.12758","DOIUrl":"10.1111/imcb.12758","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This paper presents interdisciplinary research exploring the development of inclusive multisensory science books, communicating immunology data for blind, low-vision and diverse-needs audiences. The research adopted an inductive theory-building approach, practice-based art methods and music and design methods, leveraging the lived experience of a legally blind artist. The research also involved designers and scientists in a cocreation process, producing books that incorporate tactile artworks, Braille-inspired protein models, image sonification and interaction. Two multisensory book titles, “The Heroes Within You: A Multisensory Exploration of Infection and Immunity” and “My Goodness: A Multisensory Exploration of Nutrition and Immunity”, were developed for the Monash Sensory Science 2023 Exhibition Day. The books offer an innovative way to make science and art more accessible and engaging, addressing the limitations of traditional museum methods. Feedback from audiences has been positive, emphasizing the fascination, sensory engagement and ease of understanding. This paper highlights the potential for an interdisciplinary and inclusive approach to science and art, demonstrating the value of multisensory books as tools for science communication. The findings highlight the positive reception of this novel approach and suggest its potential for broader applications, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.</p>","PeriodicalId":179,"journal":{"name":"Immunology & Cell Biology","volume":"102 5","pages":"358-364"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/imcb.12758","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140847784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}