Reciprocal regulation of Th2 and Th17 cells by PAD2-mediated citrullination.

Dysregulated citrullination, a unique form of posttranslational modification catalyzed by the peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs), has been observed in several human diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. However, the physiological roles of PADs in the immune system are still poorly understood. Here, we report that global inhibition of citrullination enhances the differentiation of type 2 helper T (Th2) cells but attenuates the differentiation of Th17 cells, thereby increasing the susceptibility to allergic airway inflammation. This effect on Th cells is due to inhibition of PAD2 but not PAD4. Mechanistically, PAD2 directly citrullinates GATA3 and RORγt, 2 key transcription factors determining the fate of differentiating Th cells. Citrullination of R330 of GATA3 weakens its DNA binding ability, whereas citrullination of 4 arginine residues of RORγt strengthens its DNA binding. Finally, PAD2-deficient mice also display altered Th2/Th17 immune response and heightened sensitivity to allergic airway inflammation. Thus, our data highlight the potential and caveat of PAD2 as a therapeutic target of Th cell-mediated diseases.

Utilizing a PTPN22 gene signature to predict response to targeted therapies in rheumatoid arthritis.

Despite the development of several targeted therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there is still no reliable drug-specific predictor to assist rheumatologists in selecting the most effective targeted therapy for each patient. Recently, a gene signature caused by impaired induction of PTPN22 in anti-CD3 stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was observed in healthy at-risk individuals. However, the downstream target genes of PTPN22 and the molecular mechanisms regulating its expression are still poorly understood. Here we report that the PTPN22 gene signature is also present in PBMC from patients with active RA and can be reversed after effective treatment. The expression of PTPN22 correlates with that of more than 1000 genes in Th cells of anti-CD3 stimulated PBMC of healthy donors and is inhibited by TNFα or CD28 signals, but not IL-6, through distinct mechanisms. In addition, the impaired induction of PTPN22 in PBMC of patients with active RA can be normalized in vitro by several targeted therapies. More importantly, the in vitro normalization of PTPN22 expression correlates with clinical response to the targeted therapies in a longitudinal RA cohort. Thus, in vitro normalization of PTPN22 expression by targeted therapies can potentially be used to predict clinical response.

A molecular signature of preclinical rheumatoid arthritis triggered by dysregulated PTPN22.

A unique feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the presence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). Several risk factors for RA are known to increase the expression or activity of peptidyl arginine deiminases (PADs), which catalyze citrullination and, when dysregulated, can result in hypercitrullination. However, the consequence of hypercitrullination is unknown and the function of each PAD has yet to be defined. Th cells of RA patients are hypoglycolytic and hyperproliferative due to impaired expression of PFKFB3 and ATM, respectively. Here, we report that these features are also observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy at-risk individuals (ARIs). PBMCs of ARIs are also hypercitrullinated and produce more IL-2 and Th17 cytokines but fewer Th2 cytokines. These abnormal features are due to impaired induction of PTPN22, a phosphatase that also suppresses citrullination independently of its phosphatase activity. Attenuated phosphatase activity of PTPN22 results in aberrant expression of IL-2, ATM, and PFKFB3, whereas diminished nonphosphatase activity of PTPN22 leads to hypercitrullination mediated by PADs. PAD2- or PAD4-mediated hypercitrullination reduces the expression of Th2 cytokines. By contrast, only PAD2-mediated hypercitrullination can increase the expression of Th17 cytokines. Taken together, our data depict a molecular signature of preclinical RA that is triggered by impaired induction of PTPN22.

Endotoxin Tolerance Inhibits Lyn and c-Src Phosphorylation and Association with Toll-Like Receptor 4 but Increases Expression and Activity of Protein Phosphatases.

Endotoxin tolerance protects the host by limiting excessive 'cytokine storm' during sepsis, but compromises the ability to counteract infections in septic shock survivors. It reprograms Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 responses by attenuating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines without suppressing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial mediators, but the mechanisms of reprogramming remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the induction of endotoxin tolerance in human monocytes, THP-1 and MonoMac-6 cells inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated phosphorylation of Lyn, c-Src and their recruitment to TLR4, but increased total protein phosphatase (PP) activity and the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B, PP2A, PTP nonreceptor type (PTPN) 22 and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP)-1. Chemical PP inhibitors, okadaic acid, dephostatin and cantharidic acid markedly decreased or completely abolished LPS tolerance, indicating the importance of phosphatases in endotoxin tolerization. Overexpression of PTPN22 decreased LPS-mediated nuclear factor (NF)-x03BA;B activation, p38 phosphorylation and CXCL8 gene expression, while PTPN22 ablation upregulated LPS-induced p65 NF-x03BA;B and p38 phosphorylation and the expression of TNF-α and pro-IL-1ß mRNA, indicating PTPN22 as an inhibitor of TLR4 signaling. Thus, LPS tolerance interferes with TLR4 signaling by inhibiting Lyn and c-Src phosphorylation and their recruitment to TLR4, while increasing the phosphatase activity and expression of PP2A, PTPN22, PTP1B and MKP1.

The W620 Polymorphism in PTPN22 Disrupts Its Interaction With Peptidylarginine Deiminase Type 4 and Enhances Citrullination and NETosis.

OBJECTIVE: A C-to-T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located at position 1858 of human protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN22 complementary DNA carries the highest risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among all non-HLA genetic variants. This C1858T SNP converts an arginine (R620) to a tryptophan (W620), but it is unclear why it has such a strong impact on RA, a disease characterized by anti-citrullinated protein antibodies. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that PTPN22 regulates protein citrullination. METHODS: The level of citrullinated proteins in immune cells was quantified by Western blotting. The physical interaction between PTPN22 and peptidyl arginine deiminase type 4 (PAD-4), which is one of the enzymes that catalyzes protein citrullination, was examined by coimmunoprecipitation. Neutrophils were collected from healthy donors carrying the C1858T SNP and healthy donors not carrying this SNP. The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was examined by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: PTPN22 physically interacted with PAD-4, and a deficiency in PTPN22 enhanced protein citrullination. This abnormality was reversed by exogenous wild-type PTPN22 or catalytically dead mutant PTPN22. The R-to-W conversion rendered PTPN22 unable to interact with PAD-4 and suppress citrullination. The C1858T SNP was associated with hypercitrullination in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and a heightened propensity for spontaneous formation of NETs, which is a PAD-4-dependent process. CONCLUSION: PTPN22 is an inhibitor of PAD-4 and protein citrullination. This function of PTPN22 is independent of its phosphatase activity but requires R620. Our data not only establish a molecular link between PTPN22 and PAD-4, but also suggest that the C1858T SNP increases the risk of RA by enhancing protein citrullination and spontaneous formation of NETs.

Reciprocal regulation of C-Maf tyrosine phosphorylation by Tec and Ptpn22.

C-Maf plays an important role in regulating cytokine production in TH cells. Its transactivation of IL-4 is optimized by phosphorylation at Tyr21, Tyr92, and Tyr131. However, the molecular mechanism regulating its tyrosine phosphorylation remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that Tec kinase family member Tec, but not Rlk or Itk, is a tyrosine kinase of c-Maf and that Tec enhances c-Maf-dependent IL-4 promoter activity. This effect of Tec is counteracted by Ptpn22, which physically interacts with and facilitates tyrosine dephosphorylation of c-Maf thereby attenuating its transcriptional activity. We further show that phosphorylation of Tyr21/92/131 of c-Maf is also critical for its recruitment to the IL-21 promoter and optimal production of this cytokine by TH17 cells. Thus, manipulating tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Maf through its kinases and phosphatases can have significant impact on TH cell-mediated immune responses.

Molecular cloning of a Poria cocos protein that activates Th1 immune response and allays Th2 cytokine and IgE production in a murine atopic dermatitis model.

Edible fungus Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf is a cooking material that has myriad health benefits. However, its active constituents have not been well-defined. We previously purified an immunomodulatory protein, PCP, from P. cocos and described its biochemical features and its ability to activate primary macrophage via TLR4. In this study, we cloned the gene of PCP and demonstrated its ability to activate Th1 response in cell cultures and in mice. The complete cDNA sequence of PCP consisted of 807 bp, which included a 579 bp coding sequence that encoded 194 amino acids. With the addition of co-stimulatory CD3/CD28 signals, PCP significantly increased the surface expression of CD44 and CD69 on effector T cells. PCP could also up-regulate T-bet and STAT4 expressions and IFN-γ and IL-2 secretions. Oral administration of PCP suppressed the production of both total and OVA-specific IgG1 in serum and enhanced the amounts of serum and OVA-specific IgG2a and Th1-related cytokine production in BALB/c splenocytes. In addition, oral administration of PCP significantly reduced IL-4 and IgE expressions in a murine model of atopic dermatitis. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that PCP could regulate mammalian immune cells and reveal their pharmaceutical potential in developing therapeutic strategies against Th2-mediated immune disorders.

Altered expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 22 isoforms in systemic lupus erythematosus.

INTRODUCTION: A C-to-T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located at position 1858 of human protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) complementary DNA (cDNA) is associated with an increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). How the overall activity of PTPN22 is regulated and how the expression of PTPN22 differs between healthy individuals and patients with lupus are poorly understood. Our objectives were to identify novel alternatively spliced forms of PTPN22 and to examine the expression of PTPN22 isoforms in healthy donors and patients with lupus. METHODS: Various human PTPN22 isoforms were identified from the GenBank database or amplified directly from human T cells. The expression of these isoforms in primary T cells and macrophages was examined with real-time polymerase chain reaction. The function of the isoforms was determined with luciferase assays. Blood samples were collected from 49 subjects with SLE and 15 healthy controls. Correlation between the level of PTPN22 isoforms in peripheral blood and clinical features of SLE was examined with statistical analyses. RESULTS: Human PTPN22 was expressed in several isoforms, which differed in their level of expression and subcellular localization. All isoforms except one were functionally interchangeable in regulating NFAT activity. SLE patients expressed higher levels of PTPN22 than healthy individuals and the levels of PTPN22 were negatively correlated with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC-DI). CONCLUSIONS: The overall activity of PTPN22 is determined by the functional balance among all isoforms. The levels of PTPN22 isoforms in peripheral blood could represent a useful biomarker of SLE.

Ets-1 facilitates nuclear entry of NFAT proteins and their recruitment to the IL-2 promoter.

E26 transformation-specific sequence 1 (Ets-1), the prototype of the ETS family of transcription factors, is critical for the expression of IL-2 by murine Th cells; however, its mechanism of action is still unclear. Here we show that Ets-1 is also essential for optimal production of IL-2 by primary human Th cells. Although Ets-1 negatively regulates the expression of Blimp1, a known suppressor of IL-2 expression, ablation of B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp1) does not rescue the expression of IL-2 by Ets-1-deficient Th cells. Instead, Ets-1 physically and functionally interacts with the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and is required for the recruitment of NFAT to the IL-2 promoter. In addition, Ets-1 is located in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of resting Th cells. Nuclear Ets-1 quickly exits the nucleus in response to calcium-dependent signals and competes with NFAT proteins for binding to protein components of noncoding RNA repressor of NFAT complex (NRON), which serves as a cytoplasmic trap for phosphorylated NFAT proteins. This nuclear exit of Ets-1 precedes rapid nuclear entry of NFAT and Ets-1 deficiency results in impaired nuclear entry, but not dephosphorylation, of NFAT proteins. Thus, Ets-1 promotes the expression of IL-2 by modulating the activity of NFAT.

PTPN22 modulates macrophage polarization and susceptibility to dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis.

PTPN22, a protein tyrosine phosphatase expressed mainly in hematopoietic cells, has been linked to many autoimmune diseases. A C-to-T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 1858 of human PTPN22 cDNA decreases the risk of Crohn's disease. However, the function of PTPN22 and the mechanism by which this SNP reduces the risk of Crohn's disease are poorly understood. We find that PTPN22 is expressed in macrophages. It suppresses M1 macrophage polarization and reciprocally promotes the expression of M2-associated genes. PTPN22-deficient mice develop severe colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium, and their intestinal macrophages express higher levels of M1 genes but lower levels of M2-associated genes. Furthermore, the protective T allele of the C1858T SNP is associated with attenuated expression of inflammatory cytokines and a higher level of PTPN22 in human M1 macrophages. This T allele-associated aberrant expression of PTPN22 is partly attributed to an autoinhibition mechanism, in which PTPN22 suppresses its own expression in M1 but not M2 macrophages. Our data not only demonstrate a critical role of PTPN22 in regulating macrophage polarization but also provide a molecular explanation for the protective effect of the C1858T SNP in Crohn's disease.

PTPN22.6, a dominant negative isoform of PTPN22 and potential biomarker of rheumatoid arthritis.

PTPN22 is a tyrosine phosphatase and functions as a damper of TCR signals. A C-to-T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located at position 1858 of human PTPN22 cDNA and converting an arginine (R620) to tryptophan (W620) confers the highest risk of rheumatoid arthritis among non-HLA genetic variations that are known to be associated with this disease. The effect of the R-to-W conversion on the phosphatase activity of PTPN22 protein and the impact of the minor T allele of the C1858T SNP on the activation of T cells has remained controversial. In addition, how the overall activity of PTPN22 is regulated and how the R-to-W conversion contributes to rheumatoid arthritis is still poorly understood. Here we report the identification of an alternative splice form of human PTPN22, namely PTPN22.6. It lacks the nearly entire phosphatase domain and can function as a dominant negative isoform of the full length PTPN22. Although conversion of R620 to W620 in the context of PTPN22.1 attenuated T cell activation, expression of the tryptophan variant of PTPN22.6 reciprocally led to hyperactivation of human T cells. More importantly, the level of PTPN22.6 in peripheral blood correlates with disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis. Our data depict a model that can reconcile the conflicting observations on the functional impact of the C1858T SNP and also suggest that PTPN22.6 is a novel biomarker of rheumatoid arthritis.

Oral administration of an Enoki mushroom protein FVE activates innate and adaptive immunity and induces anti-tumor activity against murine hepatocellular carcinoma.

FVE is a documented immunomodulatory protein purified from Enoki mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) and known as an activator for human T lymphocytes. This present study was aimed to investigate the anti-tumor effect and the related mechanisms of oral administration of FVE using a murine hepatoma model. Oral administration of FVE (10mg/kg) significantly increased the life span and inhibited the tumor size of BNL 1MEA.7R.1 (BNL) hepatoma-bearing mice. Tumor-bearing mice receiving oral FVE treatment had the highest tumoricidal capacity of peritoneal macrophages and tumor-specific splenocytes against BNL hepatoma cells. In addition, in vivo neutralization of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) demonstrated a significant decrease of FVE-induced anti-tumor effect (P<0.05). The expression levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules and costimulatory molecule CD80 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from the FVE-treated mice were upregulated as compared with those of the PBS-treated mice. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining showed a strong inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis in hepatoma tissues after oral administration of FVE. Taken together, oral administration of FVE displayed anti-tumor activity through activating both innate and adaptive immunity of the host to prime a cytotoxic immune response and IFN-gamma played a key role in the anti-tumor efficacy of FVE.

A novel immunomodulatory protein from Poria cocos induces Toll-like receptor 4-dependent activation within mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Poria cocos is an important Oriental medical fungus with multiple functionalities, yet its bioactive substances and the mechanisms involved have not been fully characterized. A novel immunomodulatory protein (P. cocos immunomodulatory protein; PCP) was purified from the dried sclerotium of P. cocos (Schw.) Wolf using DE-52 cellulose and gel filtration chromatography. Chromatography and electrophoresis results indicated that the native PCP (35.6 kDa) is a disulfide-linked heterodimeric glycoprotein consisting of 14.3 and 21.3 kDa subunits with N- and O-glycosylation. PCP was capable of stimulating RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro through the induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) as well as the regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB)-related gene expression. In primary mouse macrophages, PCP directly activated peritoneal cavity macrophages to induce Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent signaling. This study demonstrated the cell surface interactions of PCP with TLR4 and the capacity of PCP for TLR4 tyrosine phosphorylation. Results obtained with peritoneal macrophages from TLR4-deficient C57BL/10ScN mice revealed that PCP-induced activation and PCP cell surface binding were significantly attenuated. Moreover, enzymatic deglycosylation decreased PCP-mediated responses, indicating that the glycosylated portion of PCP was a key factor in PCP signaling through TLR4 in peritoneal macrophages. These findings suggest that PCP is a new potential immune stimulator within P. cocos and that TLR4 is primarily responsible for PCP signaling in murine macrophages.

Purification, cloning, and functional characterization of a novel immunomodulatory protein from Antrodia camphorata (bitter mushroom) that exhibits TLR2-dependent NF-κB activation and M1 polarization within murine macrophages.

A new immunomodulatory protein, designated ACA, was purified from the mycelium extract of Antrodia camphorata , a well-known folk medicine bitter mushroom in Taiwan, and N-terminally sequenced. By taking advantage of its N-terminal amino acid sequence, the full-length ACA gene was cloned using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approach. This gene encodes a 136 amino acid protein that is homologous to the phytotoxic proteins from fungi. On the basis of the data of N-terminal sequencing and N-glycosidase F treatment, the native ACA was confirmed to be a glycoprotein. The similarity in activation of TLR4-deficient macrophages by both the native ACA and recombinant ACA (rACA) suggested that the glycosyl group(s) of the native ACA was insignificant in macrophage activation. Moreover, the failure of rACA to induce TLR2-deficient macrophages and to activate the RAW 264.7 macrophages transfected with the dominate-negative MyD88 (dnMyD88) indicated that the ACA-mediated macrophage activation was TLR2/MyD88 dependent. Microarray assay of the ACA-activated NFκB-related gene expression showed that rACA demonstrated a LPS-mimetic proinflammatory response toward RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, rACA enhanced phagocytosis activity and CD86 (B7-2) expression as well as induced TNF-α and IL-1ß production within murine peritoneal macrophages. A time-dependent induction of mRNA expression of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-12 as well as chemokines CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, and CCL10, but not IL-10, CCL17, CCL22, and CCL24, was observed after the ACA treatment of the macrophages. These results proposed that ACA exhibited M1 polarization and differentiation in macrophages. Thus, ACA is an important immunomodulatory protein of A. camphorata.

High processing tolerances of immunomodulatory proteins in Enoki and Reishi mushrooms.

This study investigated the processing tolerances of two mushroom proteins with immunomodulatory activities, including FVE from Enoki ( Flammulia velutipes ) and LZ8 from Reishi ( Ganoderma lucidum ) mushrooms, under food processing treatments such as heating, sterilization, frozen storage, extraction in acid/alkaline conditions, and dehydration. Results showed that the capability of these two proteins to induce IFN-gamma secretion by murine splenocytes remained after 100 degrees C heating for 30 min, 121 degrees C autoclaving for 15 min, and -80 degrees C freezing. The retained activities of both proteins on cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production did not decrease at 0.6 M hydrochloric acid (at pH 2) but strikingly dropped at 5 M sodium hydrate (at pH 13). After vacuum dehydration, FVE and LZ8 retained most of their activities on cell proliferation; nevertheless, the IFN-gamma secretion decreased to about half of the initial values. These findings suggest that these two mushroom proteins have a good thermal/freezing resistance, acid tolerance, and dehydration stability and are candidates for processing in food and nutraceutical utilization.