| 1. |
- Barrett, Aidan, et al.
(author)
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Physiological estrogen levels are dispensable for the sex difference in immune responses during allergen-induced airway inflammation
- 2023
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In: Immunobiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0171-2985. ; 228:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Women show an increased prevalence of adult-onset asthma compared to men and previous studies have shown that testosterone inhibits while estrogen worsens allergen-induced airway inflammation. However, detailed knowledge about the aggravating effects of estrogen on immune responses remain unclear. Defining the effects of physiological levels of estrogen on immune responses in asthma would aid in the development of improved treatment strategies.In this study, the importance of estrogen for the sex difference in asthma was determined using a murine model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced airway inflammation on intact female and male mice, as well as on ovariectomized (OVX) female mice treated with a physiological dose of 17 beta-estradiol (E2). Innate and adaptive immune responses were defined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, mediastinal lymph node (mLN) and lung tissue.The results reveal increased numbers of lung eosinophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells in female but not in male mice after HDM challenge. Females also exhibit higher numbers of Th17 cells in both mLN and lung in response to HDM. However, treatment of OVX mice with physiological levels of E2 does not influence any of the analyzed cell populations.Together, this study confirms the previously reported sex difference in allergen-induced airway inflammation and show that female mice mount stronger innate and adaptive immune responses to HDM challenge, but these effects are not mediated by physiological levels of E2.
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| 2. |
- Boberg, Emma, et al.
(author)
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House Dust Mite Induces Bone Marrow IL-33-Responsive ILC2s and T-H Cells
- 2020
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In: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. - : MDPI AG. - 1422-0067. ; 21:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and their adaptive counterpart type 2 T helper (T(H)2) cells respond to interleukin-33 (IL-33) by producing IL-5, which is a crucial cytokine for eosinophil development in the bone marrow. The aim of this study was to determine if bone marrow ILC2s, T-H cells, and eosinophils are locally regulated by IL-33 in terms of number and activation upon exposure to the common aeroallergen house dust mite (HDM). Mice that were sensitized and challenged with HDM by intranasal exposures induced eosinophil development in the bone marrow with an initial increase of IL5R alpha(+) eosinophil progenitors, following elevated numbers of mature eosinophils and the induction of airway eosinophilia. Bone marrow ILC2s, T(H)2, and eosinophils all responded to HDM challenge by increased IL-33 receptor (ST2) expression. However, only ILC2s, but not T-H cells, revealed increased ST2 expression at the onset of eosinophil development, which significantly correlated with the number of eosinophil progenitors. In summary, our findings suggest that airway allergen challenges with HDM activates IL-33-responsive ILC2s, T-H cells, and eosinophils locally in the bone marrow. Targeting the IL-33/ST2 axis in allergic diseases including asthma may be beneficial by decreasing eosinophil production in the bone marrow.
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| 3. |
- Boberg, Emma, et al.
(author)
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Interplay Between the IL-33/ST2 Axis and Bone Marrow ILC2s in Protease Allergen-Induced IL-5-Dependent Eosinophilia
- 2020
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In: Frontiers in Immunology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-3224. ; 11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background:Eosinophils develop from CD34(+)progenitor cells in the bone marrow under the influence of interleukin (IL)-5. Several cell types produce IL-5, including type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). The alarmin cytokine IL-33 is known to activate ILC2s in mucosal tissues, but little is known about IL-33-responsive ILC2s in the bone marrow in allergen-induced airway inflammation. Methods:Wild type (WT) and Rag1 deficient (Rag1(-/-)) mice, which lack mature T and B cells, received intranasal doses of papain to induce acute allergic inflammation. In some experiments, mice were pre-treated with anti-IL-5 prior to the papain challenge. Furthermore, recombinant IL-33 was administered to WT mice,Rag1(-/-)mice, lymphocyte deficient mice (Rag2(-/-)Il2rg(-/-)) and toex vivowhole bone marrow cultures. Bone marrow eosinophils and ILC2s were analyzed by flow cytometry. Eosinophil count was assessed by differential cell count and secreted IL-5 from bone marrow cells by ELISA. Results:Intranasal administration of papain or IL-33 increased the number of mature eosinophils in the bone marrow despite the absence of adaptive immune cells inRag1(-/-)mice. In parallel, an increased number of eosinophils was observed in the airways together with elevated levels of Eotaxin-2/CCL24. Bone marrow ILC2s were increased after papain or IL-33 administration, whereas ILC2s was found to be increased at baseline inRag1(-/-)mice compared to WT mice. An upregulation of the IL-33 receptor (ST2) expression on bone marrow ILC2s was observed after papain challenge in bothRag1(-/-)and WT mice which correlated to increased number of bone marrow eosinophilia. Furthermore, an increased number of ST2(+)mature eosinophils in the bone marrow was observed after papain challenge, which was further dependent on IL-5. In addition, bone marrow-derived ILC2s from both mouse strains produced large amounts of IL-5ex vivoafter IL-33 stimulation of whole bone marrow cultures. In contrast, IL-33-induced bone marrow and airway eosinophilia were abolished in the absence of ILC2s inRag2(-/-)Il2rg(-/-)mice and no production of IL-5 was detected in IL-33-stimulated bone marrow cultures. Conclusion:These findings establish bone marrow ILC2s and the IL-33/ST2 axis as promising targets for modulation of uncontrolled IL-5-dependent eosinophilic diseases including asthma.
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| 4. |
- Boberg, Emma, et al.
(author)
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Rapamycin Dampens Inflammatory Properties of Bone Marrow ILC2s in IL-33-Induced Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation
- 2022
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In: Frontiers in Immunology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-3224. ; 13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The alarmin cytokine interleukin (IL)-33 plays an important proinflammatory role in type 2 immunity and can act on type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and type 2 T helper (T(H)2) cells in eosinophilic inflammation and asthma. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway drives immune responses in several inflammatory diseases, but its role in regulating bone marrow responses to IL-33 is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the mTORC1 signaling pathway in IL-33-induced bone marrow ILC2 responses and its impact on IL-33-induced eosinophilia. Wild-type mice were intranasally exposed to IL-33 only or in combination with the mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, intraperitoneally. Four groups were included in the study: saline-treated (PBS)+PBS, rapamycin+PBS, PBS+IL-33 and rapamycin+IL-33. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), serum and bone marrow cells were collected and analyzed by differential cell count, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. IL-33 induced phosphorylation of the mTORC1 protein rpS6 in bone marrow ILC2s both ex vivo and in vivo. The observed mTOR signal was reduced by rapamycin treatment, indicating the sensitivity of bone marrow ILC2s to mTORC1 inhibition. IL-5 production by ILC2s was reduced in cultures treated with rapamycin before stimulation with IL-33 compared to IL-33 only. Bone marrow and airway eosinophils were reduced in mice given rapamycin before IL-33-exposure compared to mice given IL-33 only. Bone marrow ILC2s responded to IL-33 in vivo with increased mTORC1 activity and rapamycin treatment successfully decreased IL-33-induced eosinophilic inflammation, possibly by inhibition of IL-5-producing bone marrow ILC2s. These findings highlight the importance of investigating specific cells and proinflammatory pathways as potential drivers of inflammatory diseases, including asthma.
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| 5. |
- Johansson, Kristina, et al.
(author)
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MicroRNAs in type 2 immunity
- 2018
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In: Cancer Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-3835. ; 425, s. 116-124
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Type 2 immunity drives the pathology of allergic diseases and is necessary for expulsion of parasitic worms as well as having important implications in tumor progression. Over the last decade, a new research field has emerged describing a significant link between type 2 immunity and cancer development, called AllergoOncology. Thus, type 2 immune responses must be carefully regulated to mediate effective protection against damaging environmental factors, yet avoid excessive activation and immunopathology. Regulation of gene expression by microRNAs is required for normal behavior of most mammalian cells and has been studied extensively in the context of cancer. Although microRNA regulation of the immune system in cancer is well established and includes type 2 immune reactions in the tumor microenvironment, the involvement of microRNAs in these responses initiated by allergens, parasites or other environmental factors is just emerging. In this review, we focus on recent advances which increase the understanding of microRNA-mediated regulation of key mechanisms of type 2 immunity. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 6. |
- Malmhäll, Carina, 1959, et al.
(author)
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MicroRNA-155 expression suggests a sex disparity in innate lymphoid cells at the single-cell level
- 2020
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In: Cellular and Molecular Immunology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1672-7681 .- 2042-0226. ; 17, s. 544-546
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, thereby serving as important cellular regulators.1 However, miRNA expression in specific human cellular subtypes, especially at the single-cell level, remains largely unexplored. In this study, a novel method called the PrimeFlow™ RNA Assay2 was used to directly monitor miRNA expression in the cell. Notably, we demonstrate for the first time that human innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) express miR-155. We further demonstrate a clear distinction between the sexes, with a significant increase in the number of ILCs expressing miR-155 in female-derived cells compared with male-derived cells upon in vitro stimulation.
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| 7. |
- Vanfleteren, Lowie E G W, et al.
(author)
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Biomarker-based clustering of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- 2023
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In: ERJ Open Research. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 2312-0541. ; 9:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rationale COPD has been associated repeatedly with single biomarkers of systemic inflammation, ignoring the complexity of inflammatory pathways. This study aimed to cluster patients with COPD based on systemic markers of inflammatory processes and to evaluate differences in their clinical characterisation and examine how these differences may relate to altered biological pathways. Methods 213 patients with moderate-to-severe COPD in a clinically stable state were recruited and clinically characterised, which included a venous blood sample for analysis of serum biomarkers. Patients were clustered based on the overall similarity in systemic levels of 57 different biomarkers. To determine interactions among the regulated biomarkers, protein networks and biological pathways were examined for each patient cluster. Results Four clusters were identified: two clusters with lower biomarker levels (I and II) and two clusters with higher biomarker levels (III and IV), with only a small number of biomarkers with similar trends in expression. Pathway analysis indicated that three of the four clusters were enriched in Rage (receptor for advanced glycation end-products) and Oncostatin M pathway components. Although the degree of airflow limitation was similar, the clinical characterisation of clusters ranged from 1) better functional capacity and health status and fewer comorbidities; 2) more underweight, osteoporosis and static hyperinflation; 3) more metabolically deranged; and 4) older subjects with worse functional capacity and higher comorbidity load. Conclusions These new insights may help to understand the functionally relevant inflammatory interactions in the pathophysiology of COPD as a heterogeneous disease.
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| 8. |
- Weidner, Julie, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Circulating microRNAs correlate to clinical parameters in individuals with allergic and non-allergic asthma
- 2020
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In: Respiratory Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1465-993X. ; 21:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Asthma is a chronic airway disease affecting millions of people. Better methods to define asthma subgroups using clinical parameters and molecular biomarkers are crucial in the development of personalized medicine. Objective The aim of this study was to determine if circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) may be used to distinguish well-defined asthma groups. Methods Blood serum from 116 well-defined subjects, including healthy controls and individuals with allergic or non-allergic asthma, from the West Sweden Asthma Study were included. Serum was analyzed for circulating miRNA expression of miR-126, - 145, -146a, - 155, - 223, and -374a and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Correlations between clinical characteristics and circulating miRNA expression as well as potential miRNA gene targets were investigated. Results A subset of miRNAs were differentially expressed between allergic and non-allergic asthmatic individuals. Alterations in expression of miR-155, -146a, -374a and - 145 were observed in allergic asthmatics in response to inhaled corticosteroid usage. Additionally, miR-223 and miR-374a expression varied in non-allergic asthmatics based on blood eosinophil numbers. Numerous clinical parameters, including lung function measurements, correlated with subsets of miRNAs. Finally, pathway analysis revealed a potential role for inhaled corticosteroid induced miRNAs in leukocyte regulation, IL-6 signaling and glucocorticoid response. Conclusion Circulating miRNA expression was altered in subjects with allergic and non-allergic asthma and correlated to clinical parameters including lung function and potential gene targets involved in immune processes. This combination of clinical and molecular data may be a basis for the further, more precise classification of asthma subgroups. Taken together, these findings would further asthma research and benefit future patients through the discovery of molecular mechanisms as well as identifying asthma subgroups contributing to the development of personalized medicine.
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| 9. |
- Weidner, Julie, 1983, et al.
(author)
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microRNAs in asthma pathogenesis - from mouse to man
- 2019
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In: Journal of Translational Genetics and Genomics. - : OAE Publishing Inc.. - 2578-5281. ; 3:2
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Asthma is a heterogenic disease affecting over 300 million people of all ages and socioeconomic status worldwide. The disease is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, reversible airflow obstruction, wheeze, cough and shortness of breath. Although asthma has been traditionally described by phenotypes such as immune cell type or allergy, it is clear that a variety of subtypes have emerged, adding further complexity to the disease. microRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that act as regulatory molecules, binding to one or several target mRNAs, often resulting in translational silencing. In recent years, microRNAs have been the subject of many studies in order to better understand the mechanisms driving asthma development as well as discovery of potential biomarkers for asthma. In this review, we focus on the emerging role of microRNAs in asthma, from animal models to human cohorts.
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| 10. |
- Weidner, Julie, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Spotlight on microRNAs in allergy and asthma
- 2021
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 76:6, s. 1661-1678
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In past 10 years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained scientific attention due to their importance in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases and their potential as biomarkers in liquid biopsies. They act as master post-transcriptional regulators that control most cellular processes. As one miRNA can target several mRNAs, often within the same pathway, dysregulated expression of miRNAs may alter particular cellular responses and contribute, or lead, to the development of various diseases. In this review, we give an overview of the current research on miRNAs in allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Specifically, we discuss how individual miRNAs function in the regulation of immune responses in epithelial cells and specialized immune cells in response to different environmental factors and respiratory viruses. In addition, we review insights obtained from experiments with murine models of allergic airway and skin inflammation and offer an overview of studies focusing on miRNA discovery using profiling techniques and bioinformatic modeling of the network effect of multiple miRNAs. In conclusion, we highlight the importance of research into miRNA function in allergy and asthma to improve our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this heterogeneous group of diseases.
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