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Biology subjects

Lima, K.

Publications and source records attributed to Lima, K..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Innate extracellular Hsp70 inflammatory properties are mediated by the interaction of Siglec-E and LOX-1 receptors

Innate immune responses to cell damage-associated molecular patterns induce a controlled degree of inflammation, ideally avoiding the promotion of intense unwanted inflammatory adverse events. When released by damaged cells, Hsp70 can stimulate different responses that range from immune activation to immune suppression. The effects of Hsp70 are mediated through innate receptors expressed primarily by myeloid cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs). The regulatory innate receptors that bind to extracellular mouse Hsp70 (mHsp70) are not fully characterized, and neither are their potential interactions with activating innate receptors. Here, we describe that extracellular mHsp70 interacts with a receptor complex formed by inhibitory Siglec-E and activating LOX-1 on DCs. We also find that this interaction takes place within lipid microdomains, and Siglec-E acts as a negative regulator of LOX-1-mediated innate activation upon mHsp70 or oxidized LDL binding. Thus, HSP70 can both bind to and modulate the interaction of inhibitory and activating innate receptors on the cell surface. These findings add another dimension of regulatory mechanism to how self-molecules contribute to dampening of exacerbated inflammatory responses.

immunology↗

Immune Response of Transplanted Kidney Tissues Assembled from Organoid Building Blocks

The increasing scarcity of organs and the significant morbidity linked to dialysis requires the development of engineered kidney tissues from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. To accomplish this, integrative approaches that synergize scalable kidney organoid differentiation, tissue biomanufacturing, and comprehensive assessment of their immune response and host integration are essential. Here, we create engineered human kidney tissues composed of kidney organoid building blocks (OBBs) and transplant them into mice reconstituted with allogeneic human immune cells. We assess their host vascular integration, in vivo maturation, and their ability to trigger human immune responses. Tissue-infiltrating human immune cells are composed of effector T cells and innate cells. This immune infiltration leads to kidney tissue injury characterized by reduced microvasculature, enhanced kidney cell apoptosis, and a unique inflammatory gene signature comparable to kidney organ transplant rejection in humans. Upon treatment with the immunosuppressive agent Rapamycin, the induced immune response is greatly suppressed. Our model serves as a translational platform to study engineered kidney tissue immunogenicity and develop novel therapeutic targets for kidney rejection.

bioengineering↗

The PIP4K2 inhibitor THZ-P1-2 exhibits antileukemia activity by disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis and autophagy

Treatment of acute leukemia is challenging due to genetic heterogeneity between and even within patients. Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are relatively drug-resistant and frequently lead to relapse. Their plasticity and capacity to adapt to extracellular stress, in which mitochondrial metabolism and autophagy play important roles, further complicates treatment. Genetic models of phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinase type 2 proteins (PIP4K2s) inhibition demonstrated the relevance of these enzymes in mitochondrial homeostasis and autophagic flux. Here, we uncover the cellular and molecular effects of THZ-P1-2, a pan-inhibitor of PIP4K2s, in acute leukemia cells. THZ-P1-2 reduced cell viability and induced DNA damage, apoptosis, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and accumulation of acidic vesicular organelles. Protein expression analysis revealed that THZ-P1-2 impaired autophagy flux. In addition, THZ-P1-2 induced cell differentiation and showed synergistic effects with venetoclax in resistant leukemic models. In primary leukemia cells, LC-MS/MS-based proteome analysis revealed that sensitivity to THZ-P1-2 was associated with mitochondrial metabolism, cell cycle, cell-of-origin, and the TP53 pathway. Minimal effects of THZ-P1-2 observed in healthy CD34+ cells suggested a favorable therapeutic window. Our study provides insight into pharmacological inhibition of PIP4Ks targeting mitochondrial homeostasis and autophagy shedding light on a new class of drugs for acute leukemias.

pharmacology and toxicology↗