Biology subjects

Van Kaer, L.

Publications and source records attributed to Van Kaer, L..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

T-cell Multiomic Analysis Identifies Subsets and Mechanisms of Interaction with Epithelial Cells in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by progressive scarring and respiratory failure, with a median survival of 3-5 years. While T-cell numbers are elevated in IPF lungs, their contributions to fibrosis beyond inflammation remain poorly understood. Here, we performed multiplex imaging and single-cell RNA and protein profiling on [~]90,000 CD3 T-cells from control and fibrotic lungs, revealing eleven distinct subsets of CD4 and CD8 T-cells. Among these, we identified a rare CD56 regulatory T-cell subset that is highly activated in fibrosis and exhibits a sustained immunosuppressive phenotype. CXCR4/MIF signaling emerged as a central axis mediating T-cell-epithelial interactions, while epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and TGF{beta} pathways dominated in multiple T-cell subsets. Our findings demonstrate that T-cells in IPF adopt nonclassical activation patterns, driven by epithelial interactions and the fibrotic microenvironment. These studies provide a foundation for exploring novel therapeutic strategies in IPF lungs by modulating T-cell behavior and communication networks.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2023

Low Gut Microbial Diversity Augments Estrogen-driven Pulmonary Fibrosis in Female-Predominant Interstitial Lung Disease

Although profibrotic cytokines such as IL-17A and TGF-{beta}1 have been implicated in interstitial lung disease (ILD) pathogenesis, interactions between gut dysbiosis, gonadotrophic hormones and molecular mediators of profibrotic cytokine expression, such as phosphorylation of STAT3, have not been defined. Here we show by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis of primary human CD4+ T cells that regions within the STAT3 locus are significantly enriched for binding by the transcription factor estrogen receptor alpha (ERa). Using the murine model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, we found significantly increased regulatory T cells compared to Th17 cells in the female lung. Genetic absence of ESR1 or ovariectomy in mice significantly increased pSTAT3 and IL-17A expression in pulmonary CD4+ T cells, which was reduced after repletion of female hormones. Remarkably, there was no significant reduction in lung fibrosis under either condition, suggesting that factors outside of ovarian hormones also contribute. Assessment of lung fibrosis among menstruating females in different rearing environments revealed that environments favoring gut dysbiosis augment fibrosis. Furthermore, hormone repletion following ovariectomy further augmented lung fibrosis, suggesting pathologic interactions between gonadal hormones and gut microbiota on lung fibrosis severity. Analysis in female sarcoidosis patients revealed a significant reduction in pSTAT3 and IL-17A levels and a concomitant increase in TGF-{beta}1 levels in CD4+ T cells, compared to male sarcoidosis patients. These studies reveal that estrogen is profibrotic in females and that gut dysbiosis in menstruating females augments lung fibrosis severity, supporting a critical interaction between gonadal hormones and gut flora in lung fibrosis pathogenesis.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2019

IL-10-producing B cells are enriched in murine pericardial adipose tissues and ameliorate the outcome of acute myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) provokes an inflammatory response in the heart that removes damaged tissues to facilitate repair. However, exaggerated and/or persistent inflammation compromises healing, which may be counteracted by regulatory immune mechanisms. A key regulatory factor in an inflammatory response is the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which can be produced by a number of immune cells including subsets of B lymphocytes. Here, we investigated IL-10-producing B cells in pericardial adipose tissues (PATs) and their role in the healing process following acute MI in mice. We found abundant IL-10-producing B cells in PATs under homeostatic conditions, with the majority of them bearing cell surface CD5 (CD5+ B cells). These cells were detected early in life, maintained a steady presence during adulthood, and resided in fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs). The cytokine IL-33 was preferentially expressed in PATs under homeostatic conditions and contributed to enrichment of IL-10-producing CD5+ B cells in PATs. CD5+ B cells expanded in PATs following MI, and accumulated in the infarcted heart during the resolution of MI-induced inflammation. B cell-specific deletion of IL-10 worsened cardiac function after MI, exacerbated myocardial injury, and delayed resolution of inflammation. These findings reveal a significant contribution of IL-10-producing B cells to the anti-inflammatory mechanism that terminates MI-induced inflammation, and identify these cells as novel therapeutic targets to improve the outcome of MI. Significance StatementMyocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Although it is now recognized that a balanced and timely terminated pro-inflammatory response following acute MI is essential in promoting tissue repair, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are poorly defined. In this report, we show that IL-10-producing B cells in mice 1) are enriched in pericardial adipose tissues (PATs) and influenced by cytokine IL-33 under homeostatic conditions; 2) expand in PATs following MI and accumulate in the infarcted heart during the resolution of MI-induced inflammation; and 3) facilitate resolution of inflammation and reduce myocardial injury to preserve cardiac function after MI. These findings identify IL-10-producing B cells as novel therapeutic targets to improve the outcome of MI.

immunology↗