Genetically Modified Dermal Keratinocytes Express High Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-β1

In an attempt to genetically modify cultured keratinocytes with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which has been proven to be one of the most important cytokines involved in wound healing, two constructs were made. One, designated pG3Z:K14-TGF-β1, is a plasmid in which the expression of TGF-β1 is driven by the keratin 14 promoter. The other, designated pLin-TGF-β1, is a retroviral vector in which the retroviral 5' long-terminal repeat promoter drives expression. In both constructs, the deletion of a small fragment of the noncoding region of the TGF-β1 gene was made to differentiate the transcript from that for endogenously expressed TGF-β1. Different types of cells were transfected with the pG3Z:K14-TGF-β1 construct using the calcium phosphate method. The pLin-TGF-β1 construct was propagated in a retroviral packaging cell line and conditioned medium that contained high titers of the virus was used to transduce keratinocytes or other types of cells grown in standard culture. Northern analysis, used to evaluate the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA in the pG3Z:K14-TGF-β1 transfected keratinocyte Cl-177 cell line, showed a smaller TGF-β1 transcript compared with that endogenously expressed by dermal fibroblasts. The level of TGF-β1 protein evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was significantly higher in medium conditioned by either the K14-TGF-β1 transfected or the pLin-TGF-β1 transduced keratinocytes, compared with that obtained from control cells; however, the level of TGF-β1 protein was unchanged in cultures of pG3Z:K14-TGF-β1 transfected nonkeratinocyte cells such as fetal and adult fibroblasts. Using the mink lung epithelial cell growth inhibition assay, we found an increase in TGF-β1 activity in conditioned medium from the pG3Z:K14-TGF-β1 transfected cells. To evaluate possible paracrine effects of the keratinocyte derived TGF-β1, a coculture system was established with pLin-TGF-β1 transduced keratinocytes grown in the upper chamber and dermal fibroblasts in the lower chamber. The results showed that TGF-β1 released from keratinocytes diffused to the lower chamber where it stimulated collagen production by dermal fibroblasts. In summary, we demonstrate here that primary cultured keratinocytes can be genetically modified to express high levels of TGF-β1 and suggest that this offers a potential approach for the therapy of dermal lesions such as nonhealing wounds

Mechanism Underlying Defective Interferon Gamma-Induced IDO Expression in Non-obese Diabetic Mouse Fibroblasts

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) can locally suppress T cell-mediated immune responses. It has been shown that defective self-tolerance in early prediabetic female non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice can be attributed to the impaired interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)- induced IDO expression in dendritic cells of these animals. As IFN-γ can induce IDO in both dendritic cells and fibroblasts, we asked the question of whether there exists a similar defect in IFN-γ-induced IDO expression in NOD mice dermal fibroblasts. To this end, we examined the effect of IFN-γ on expression of IDO and its enzymatic activity in NOD dermal fibroblasts. The results showed that fibroblasts from either prediabetic (8 wks of age) female or male, and diabetic female or male (12 and 24 wks of age respectively) NOD mice failed to express IDO in response to IFN-γ treatment. To find underlying mechanisms, we scrutinized the IFN- γ signaling pathway and investigated expression of other IFN-γ-modulated factors including major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) and type I collagen (COL-I). The findings revealed a defect of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) phosphorylation in NOD cells relative to that of controls. Furthermore, we found an increase in MHC-I and suppression of COL-I expression in fibroblasts from both NOD and control mice following IFN-γ treatment; indicating that the impaired response to IFN-γ in NOD fibroblasts is specific to IDO gene. Finally, we showed that an IFN-γ-independent IDO expression pathway i.e. lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated-c-Jun kinase is operative in NOD mice fibroblast. In conclusion, the findings of this study for the first time indicate that IFN-γ fails to induce IDO expression in NOD dermal fibroblasts; this may partially be due to defective STAT1 phosphorylation in IFN-γ-induced-IDO signaling pathway

Fibroblast cell-based therapy prevents induction of alopecia areata in an experimental model

YesAlopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune hair loss disease with infiltration of proinflammatory cells into hair follicles. Current therapeutic regimens are unsatisfactory mainly because of the potential for side effects and/or limited efficacy. Here we report that cultured, transduced fibroblasts, which express the immunomodulatory molecule indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), can be applied to prevent hair loss in an experimental AA model. A single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of IDO-expressing primary dermal fibroblasts was given to C3H/HeJ mice at the time of AA induction. While 60–70% of mice that received either control fibroblasts or vehicle injections developed extensive AA, none of the IDO-expressing fibroblast-treated mice showed new hair loss up to 20 weeks post injection. IDO cell therapy significantly reduced infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells into hair follicles and resulted in decreased expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 in the skin. Skin draining lymph nodes of IDO fibroblast-treated mice were significantly smaller, with more CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells and fewer Th17 cells than those of control fibroblast and vehicle-injected mice. These findings indicate that IP injected IDO-expressing dermal fibroblasts can control inflammation and thereby prevent AA hair loss.Canadian Institutes of Health Researches (Funding Reference Number: 134214 and 136945)

Localized Controlled Release of Kynurenic Acid Encapsulated in Synthetic Polymer Reduces Implant—Induced Dermal Fibrosis

Excessive fibrosis following surgical procedures is a challenging condition with serious consequences and no effective preventive or therapeutic option. Our group has previously shown the anti-fibrotic effect of kynurenic acid (KynA) in vitro and as topical cream formulations or nanofiber dressings in open wounds. Here, we hypothesized that the implantation of a controlled release drug delivery system loaded with KynA in a wound bed can prevent fibrosis in a closed wound. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and a diblock copolymer, methoxy polyethylene glycol-block-poly (D, L-lactide) (MePEG-b-PDLLA), were used for the fabrication of microspheres which were evaluated for their characteristics, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release profile, and in vivo efficacy for reduction of fibrosis. The optimized formulation exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (>80%), low initial burst release (~10%), and a delayed, gradual release of KynA. In vivo evaluation of the fabricated microspheres in the PVA model of wound healing revealed that KynA microspheres effectively reduced collagen deposition inside and around PVA sponges and α-smooth muscle actin expression after 66 days. Our results showed that KynA can be efficiently encapsulated in PLGA microspheres and its controlled release in vivo reduces fibrotic tissue formation, suggesting a novel therapeutic option for the prevention or treatment of post-surgical fibrosis.Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty ofNon UBCReviewedFacultyResearche

Evaluating the Biocompatibility of an Injectable Wound Matrix in a Murine Model

(1) Background: Developing a high-quality, injectable biomaterial that is labor-saving, cost-efficient, and patient-ready is highly desirable. Our research group has previously developed a collagen-based injectable scaffold for the treatment of a variety of wounds including wounds with deep and irregular beds. Here, we investigated the biocompatibility of our liquid scaffold in mice and compared the results to a commercially available injectable granular collagen-based product. (2) Methods: Scaffolds were applied in sub-dermal pockets on the dorsum of mice. To examine the interaction between the scaffolds and the host tissue, samples were harvested after 1 and 2 weeks and stained for collagen content using Masson’s Trichrome staining. Immunofluorescence staining and quantification were performed to assess the type and number of cells infiltrating each scaffold. (3) Results: Histological evaluation after 1 and 2 weeks demonstrated early and efficient integration of our liquid scaffold with no evident adverse foreign body reaction. This rapid incorporation was accompanied by significant cellular infiltration of stromal and immune cells into the scaffold when compared to the commercial product (p < 0.01) and the control group (p < 0.05). Contrarily, the commercial scaffold induced a foreign body reaction as it was surrounded by a capsule-like, dense cellular layer during the 2-week period, resulting in delayed integration and hampered cellular infiltration. (4) Conclusion: Results obtained from this study demonstrate the potential use of our liquid scaffold as an advanced injectable wound matrix for the management of skin wounds with complex geometries.Medicine, Faculty ofNon UBCSurgery, Department ofReviewedFacultyResearcherOthe

The Immunoregulatory Function of Indoleamine 2, 3 Dioxygenase and Its Application in Allotransplantation

Indolemine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a cytosolic monomeric hemoprotein enzyme that catalyses tryptophan, the least available essential amino acid in the human body, to N-formylkynurenine, which in turn rapidly degrades to give kynurenine. IDO is expressed in different tissues, especially and prominently in some subsets of antigen presenting cells (APCs) of lymphoid organs and also in the placenta of human and other mammals. Expression of IDO by certain dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages has a regulatory effect on T cells probably by providing a tryptophan-deficient microenvironment and/or accumulation of toxic metabolites of tryptophan. This immunomodulatory function of IDO plays an essential role in different physiological and pathological states. IDO was shown to prevent rejection of the fetus during pregnancy, possibly by inhibiting alloreactive T cells. Moreover, IDO expression in APCs was suggested to control autoreactive immune responses. In this review we discuss the molecular and biological characteristics of IDO and its function in immune system as well as the potential application of this enzyme in improving the outcome of allogeneic transplantation as a local immunosuppressive factor