Review
Immunology
Elodie Renaude, Marie Kroemer, Christophe Borg, Paul Peixoto, Eric Hervouet, Romain Loyon, Olivier Adotevi
Summary: The review discusses the role of CD4(+) Th cells in anticancer immunity and emphasizes the importance of epigenetics. Research describes how epigenetic factors regulate the differentiation and recruitment of CD4(+) T cells. Furthermore, the potential of using epigenetic drugs to enhance anticancer immunotherapy is explored.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Polyxeni Ntontsi, Andreas Photiades, Eleftherios Zervas, Georgina Xanthou, Konstantinos Samitas
Summary: Asthma, a common respiratory disease worldwide, has been associated with various genes and different phenotypes. Research efforts are now focusing on epigenetics, particularly DNA methylation, in understanding asthma susceptibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kevin M. Magnaye, Selene M. Clay, Jessie Nicodemus-Johnson, Katherine A. Naughton, Janel Huffman, Matthew C. Altman, Daniel J. Jackson, James E. Gern, Douglas K. Hogarth, Edward T. Naureckas, Steven R. White, Carole Ober
Summary: Maternal asthma is a consistent risk factor for asthma in children, potentially impacting diverse epigenetically mediated pathways leading to distinct subtypes of severe asthma in adults, including hard-to-treat T2-low asthma. Analysis shows differences in DNA methylation patterns between mothers with and without asthma in genes related to impaired T cell signaling and response to pathogens. These findings may have implications for understanding and treating different subtypes of asthma.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ran Elkon, Reuven Agami
Summary: Basic design principles that protect enhancer networks against the harmful effects of genetic mutations have been elucidated.
Review
Allergy
Natalia Hernandez-Pacheco, Maura Kere, Erik Melen
Summary: Investigation of gene-environment interactions in childhood asthma can provide important insights into the gene regulatory framework. However, traditional models have limitations in capturing the complexity of multiple exposures and genetic variants, thus expanding the concept by evaluating other omics layers and host factors is necessary.
PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fabien Pierron, Sophie Lorioux, Debora Heroin, Guillemine Daffe, Bruno Etcheverria, Jerome Cachot, Benedicte Morin, Sylvie Dufour, Patrice Gonzalez
Summary: Sex determination is a complex process influenced by environmental factors, with emerging evidence supporting a role of epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation in environmental sex determination. Studies using zebrafish as a model have shown that environmental cues can lead to changes in gene promoter methylation levels, impacting population sex ratios.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Constantine A. Stratakis
Summary: The relationship between genes and the environment in relation to health has been heavily debated. Both Darwin and Lamarck's theories hold true in contemporary genetics - environmental pressures can affect genes through epigenetics, allowing for inheritance of changes, while evolution through natural selection is the basis for the incorporation or rejection of new traits.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Bo Yoon Choi, Munsoo Han, Ji Won Kwak, Tae Hoon Kim
Summary: The pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis is closely associated with genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms is an advanced technique in molecular genetics that is related to genome-wide association studies. Recent studies have focused on the impact of epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and miRNA levels in the development of allergic rhinitis.
Review
Immunology
Anthony M. Joudi, Carla P. Reyes Flores, Benjamin D. Singer
Summary: FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis, self-tolerance, and resolving inflammation and tissue damage. However, their plasticity in inflammatory microenvironments could lead to loss of function and contribute to inflammatory pathology, presenting a barrier to Treg cell immunotherapy. Understanding the determinants of Treg cell stability and utilizing epigenetic mechanisms could enhance the efficacy and minimize toxicity of Treg cell-based therapeutics.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maggie P. Lauria Sneideman, Victoria H. Meller
Summary: A protein that upregulates gene expression of the X chromosome has been discovered in male mosquitoes, which is crucial for equalizing gene expression between sexes in organisms with X and Y chromosomes.
Review
Allergy
Kristina Laubhahn, Kieran J. Phelan, Daniel J. Jackson, Matthew C. Altman, Bianca Schaub
Summary: Childhood asthma is a chronic condition with various disease entities. The mechanisms involved in asthma development, influenced by genetics, environment, and epigenetics, are still not fully understood. These factors can lead to modifications in gene expression, affecting immune and epithelial cells and contributing to different asthma endotypes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for personalized treatment strategies. New tools for single-cell immunologic assays offer promising insights into childhood asthma development and potential therapies. (c) 2023 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2023;11:684-92).
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erik A. Ovrom, Karson A. Mostert, Shivani Khakhkhar, Daniel P. McKee, Padao Yang, Yeng F. Her
Summary: This narrative review provides an overview of the current understanding of the genetic and epigenetic contributions to the development of fibromyalgia (FM). While no single gene has been identified as the cause of FM, this study suggests that certain genetic polymorphisms involved in various pathways may influence susceptibility to FM and the severity of its symptoms. Additionally, epigenetic changes at the DNA level and the impact of microRNAs on protein expression are also implicated in the development and worsening of FM-associated symptoms.
Article
Immunology
Jose M. Rodrigo-Munoz, Marta Gil-Martinez, Clara Lorente-Sorolla, Raquel Garcia-Latorre, Marcela Valverde-Monge, Santiago Quirce, Joaquin Sastre, Victoria del Pozo
Summary: MicroRNA miR-144-3p is identified as a potential diagnostic biomarker for severe asthma, as its expression is associated with the severity of the disease and corticosteroid treatment. It is increased in asthmatic lungs and serum, correlating with blood eosinophilia and genes involved in asthma pathophysiology. This miRNA shows promise as a novel biomarker for severe asthma previously treated with higher doses of corticosteroids.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Alberta L. Wang, Lies Lahousse, Amber Dahlin, Ahmed Edris, Michael McGeachie, Sharon M. Lutz, Joanne E. Sordillo, Guy Brusselle, Jessica Lasky-Su, Scott T. Weiss, Carlos Iribarren, Meng X. Lu, Kelan G. Tantisira, Ann C. Wu
Summary: This study identified multiple novel SNPs associated with ICS response in older adult asthmatics. Some of these SNPs were annotated to genes previously associated with asthma and other airway or allergic diseases, such as PTCHD4.
Review
Immunology
Jingli Lu, Yan Liang, Haiyang Meng, Ailing Zhang, Junjie Zhao, Chengliang Zhang
Summary: The article discusses the metabolic and epigenetic features of Treg cells, as well as the impact of metabolites on epigenetic changes in Treg cells, which in turn affect the activation, differentiation, and function of Treg cells.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Bavithra Vijayakumar, Karim Boustani, Patricia P. Ogger, Artemis Papadaki, James Tonkin, Christopher M. Orton, Poonam Ghai, Kornelija Suveizdyte, Richard J. Hewitt, Sujal R. Desai, Anand Devaraj, Robert J. Snelgrove, Philip L. Molyneaux, Justin L. Garner, James E. Peters, Pallav L. Shah, Clare M. Lloyd, James A. Harker
Summary: Patients with persistent lung disease after COVID-19 discharge exhibit abnormal immune-proteomic profiles in the airways, characterized by elevated levels of proteins associated with cell death, tissue repair, and epithelial injury. The severity of airway dysfunction correlates with increased cytotoxic lymphocyte counts, while more extensive lung abnormalities are associated with elevated B cell numbers and altered monocyte subsets. Long-term follow-up indicates that these abnormalities resolve over time.
Article
Microbiology
Celine Pattaroni, Matthew Macowan, Roxanne Chatzis, Carmel Daunt, Adnan Custovic, Michael D. Shields, Ultan F. Power, Jonathan Grigg, Graham Roberts, Peter Ghazal, Jurgen Schwarze, Mindy Gore, Steve Turner, Andrew Bush, Sejal Saglani, Clare M. Lloyd, Benjamin J. Marsland
Summary: This study reveals the relationship between early post-natal microbial and immunological features in the upper airways of newborns. The results show that the oropharynx and nasal cavity are distinct ecological niches for different microbial species, and breastfeeding can influence the microbial composition and expression of immunological features. These findings are important for understanding the development trajectories of respiratory health.
Editorial Material
Critical Care Medicine
Sejal Saglani, Simonetta Baraldo
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Critical Care Medicine
Andrew Bush, Fernando Holguin, Celeste Porsbjerg, Sejal Saglani
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Sejal Saglani, Laura Yates, Clare M. Lloyd
Summary: Asthma is a disease characterized by type 2 immune dysfunction, with excess secretion of cytokines and eosinophil inflammation. Efforts have been made to develop drugs targeting these immune pathways, but they are not curative and may not fully alleviate key features of the disease. This review discusses the current landscape of therapeutic options targeting type 2 immune cytokines and their efficacy and limitations in both adults and children with asthma.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Franz Puttur, Clare M. Lloyd
Summary: In this study, Cao et al. uncover the crucial role of dopamine in inhibiting ILC2 function via metabolic restriction, leading to the improvement of key features in asthma pathogenesis.
Review
Immunology
James A. Harker, Clare M. Lloyd
Summary: Harker and Lloyd review the multifaceted roles of Th2 cells in human asthma, emphasizing the influence of tissue location and disease severity. They also discuss the use of biologic therapies targeting Th2 cells and their cytokines. This review highlights the complex functions of Th2 cells in asthma and how they are affected by tissue location, disease stage, and severity, while also exploring the impact of biologics on asthma and the potential for uncovering new roles for Th2 cells in lung inflammation.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Erik Melen, Bart N. Lambrecht, Clare M. Lloyd, Marc E. Rothenberg, Kenji Kabashima, Fabio Luciani, Jonathan M. Coquet, Carole Ober, Martijn C. Nawijn, Thomas Platts-Mills, Erika von Mutius
Summary: Allergy is a group of disorders, affecting over 1 billion people worldwide, which includes asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, and food allergies. Its incidence has dramatically increased since the start of the 20th century, indicating that both genetics and environmental factors play important roles in its development.
IMMUNOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Clare M. M. Lloyd, Sejal Saglani
Summary: Lloyd and Saglani provide an overview of the immunology of respiratory infections in early life and how it impacts lifelong lung health. Respiratory infections are common in infants and young children, and their effects during this developmental stage can have long-term consequences. The immune system and microbiome in the respiratory tract develop simultaneously, and any disruption to this development can have implications for lung health throughout one's life. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between immune and structural cells in the lung and the local microorganisms to mitigate harmful effects and restore lung immune health.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Richard J. Hewitt, Franz Puttur, David C. A. Gaboriau, Frederic Fercoq, Maryline Fresquet, William J. Traves, Laura L. Yates, Simone A. Walker, Philip L. Molyneaux, Samuel V. Kemp, Andrew G. Nicholson, Alexandra Rice, Edward Roberts, Rachel Lennon, Leo M. Carlin, Adam J. Byrne, Toby M. Maher, Clare M. Lloyd
Summary: This study reveals the impact of changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition secreted by lung fibroblasts on the migration and function of KRT5(+) cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), contributing to tissue remodeling in the fibrotic lung.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Respiratory System
Sormeh Salehian, Louise Fleming, Sejal Saglani, Adnan Custovic
EXPERT REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Kunyuan Tian, Prakrati Dangarh, Haina Zhang, Christian L. Hines, Andrew Bush, Hannah J. Pybus, James A. Harker, Clare M. Lloyd, Reiko J. Tanaka, Sejal Saglani
Summary: Research suggests that recurrent RSV infection in early life alters airway barrier function and promotes type 2 immunity. The study provides evidence of a causal relationship between airway barrier function and type 2 immunity.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Respiratory System
G. J. Albers, P. P. Ogger, R. Gray, J. M. Halket, G. Gauvreau, P. O'Byrne, C. M. Lloyd, A. J. Byrne
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
R. Konstantinidi, L. L. Yates, S. Saglani, C. M. Lloyd, A. K. Patel
HUMAN GENE THERAPY
(2022)