Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), along with indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 (IDO2) are the three enzymes that catalyse oxidation of L-tryptophan (L-Trp) in the first step of the kynurenine pathway. Despite the fact that all three catalyse the same reaction, they were detected and characterized in different chronological periods; TDO, IDO and IDO2 were discovered in 1936, 1967 and 2007 respectively. Years of studies showed that abnormal regulation of L-Trp, in the first step of kynurenine pathway, is related with several disorders, including cancer. Regardless of their distinct dissimilarities, TDO, IDO and IDO2 were all detected in various cancers, supporting tumour escape and survival. The early identification of IDO immunomodulatory action (1990s) led to intense research for the development of IDO inhibitors, but not TDO. Despite this effort, the most pharmacologically suitable IDO inhibitor, 1-methyltryptophan (1- MT), appears to be ineffective as monotherapeutic drug. Discovery of IDO2 showed that 1-MT action is not fully understood, raising questions about the biological significance of IDO2. The ultimate goal of the current study was to address the problems outlined above. Because TDO and IDO are two druggable molecular targets, the discovery of a new class of effective inhibitors was pursued. Plate screening of ~2800 potential inhibitor compounds obtained from National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA, indicated seven promising compounds that inhibit both TDO and IDO in either nanomolar or low micromolar range. Interestingly, of these seven inhibitors, six have been identified to have cytotoxic action against several types of tumour cell lines (NCI data). NSC 26326, known as b-lapachone, is a natural occurring quinone and the strongest inhibitor of all seven. This NCI compound inhibits both TDO and IDO with inhibition constants of ~30-70 nM and 97 ± 14 nM respectively. Like NSC 26326, NSC 36398 is another natural occurring product and the only compound that showed selectivity against TDO with inhibition constant of 16.3 ± 3.8 μM. Among the seven compounds that displayed promise as inhibitors of TDO and IDO was mitomycin C. Mitomycin C, which is an approved oncology drug and a known inhibitor of IDO (Ki = 24.2 ± 1.2 μM), is also inhibitor of TDO with inhibition constant of 2.86 ± 0.03 μM. Another major goal of the current work was the discovery of isatin derivatives as inhibitors of TDO and IDO. Using the tryptophan-like structure of isatin as starting point, a number of structural modifications were carried out (structureactivity relationship (SAR)) succeeding the optimization of their inhibition activity. This new family of TDO and IDO inhibitors demonstrated inhibition potencies in the low micromolar range with 5,7-dicholoisatin to reach the nanomolar range (in the case of TDO). Halogenation of isatin and its derivatives was found to increase noticeably the inhibition potencies of these molecules by 12fold and 6fold for TDO and IDO respectively while breakdown of isatin’s pyrrolidine ring had a disastrous result on the inhibition of both enzymes. Combinations of 1-MT with either the newly-identified NCI inhibitors or the isatin derivatives were also examined. The in vitro combinations of 1-MT with either the NCI inhibitors or the isatin derivatives revealed an additive effect without though excluding the possibility of synergistic effect in vivo. The specificity of TDO, IDO and IDO2 against the two stereoisomers of 1- MT was also investigated, with interesting results. While IDO is inhibited only by the L-isoform of 1-MT (Ki = 18.0 ± 3.4 μM), IDO2 is inhibited by both 1-Me-L-Trp and 1-Me-D-Trp with inhibition constants of 306 ± 17 μM and 3419 ± 259 μM respectively. Biochemical characterization of human IDO2 was another goal of the current thesis, which completed successfully. Kinetic, redox and inhibition study of human IDO2 indicated significant differences in comparison with human IDO something which suggests the potential implication of IDO2 in an identified biological pathway (other than tryptophan catabolism function).The findings presented herein help to solve the mystery of 1-MT action, at least in vitro, give answers in regards to IDO2 function, and provide a number of new, promising inhibitors for TDO and IDO.

O metabolismo do triptofano (Trp) se dá pela via das quinureninas (QUIN), pela via serotoninérgica (SER) e pela via das aminas traço. A primeira gera QUIN e uma variedade de outros metabólitos secundários. Quando conduzida pela enzima indolamina 2,3 dioxigenase (IDO) contribui para os fenômenos de tolerância e imune escape de células tumorais; e quando conduzida pela triptofano 2,3 dioxigenase (TDO) no fígado, participa na síntese da niacina e NAD. A via SER leva à formação do neurotransmissor serotonina (SER), que pode gerar o hormônio melatonina (MEL), respectivamente e outros metabólitos biologicamente ativos. Outra via menos estudada, a via das aminas traço, produz produtos neuroativos. Dada a abrangência e importância das rotas metabólicas do Trp, nós desenvolvemos e validamos uma metodologia bioanalítica robusta, seletiva e sensível por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC), acoplado espectrometria de massas (MS) para a determinação simultânea do Trp e seus 15 metabólitos. Para tanto, escolhemos para a avaliação das três vias, linhagens de glioma humano. A escolha por este tipo celular deveu-se ao grande interesse de estudos de metabolismo de Trp em células tumorais, no qual células de glioma tem sido modelo. Nos ensaios com as células de glioma acompanhamos os efeitos de um indutor e inibidores da primeira etapa de metabolização do Trp pela via das quinureninas, ou seja, IFN-γ (indutor da IDO), 1-metiltriptofano (1-MT; inibidor competitivo da IDO) e 680C91 (inibidor seletivo da TDO). Pudemos observar o impacto que a indução ou a inibição do primeiro passo teve sobre os metabólitos subsequentes e as diferenças no metabolismo das duas linhagens estudadas, A172 e T98G. A linhagem T98G só tem atividade de IDO, enquanto que a A172 tem tanto atividade IDO quanto TDO. A indução por IFN-γ mostrou que essa citocina não só atua na formação da via QUIN, mas possui um impacto modesto nas demais rotas. Observamos também que a inibição do 1-MT mostrou seu impacto nos metabólitos invdividualmente, do que a simples relação Trp-QUIN. Contudo, nosso resultados nos permitiu mostrar pela primeira vez a descrição completa dessas vias, em especial nessas linhagens celulares, podendo supor estratégias terapêuticas nessas rotas que estão relacionadas a progressão ou não tumoral. / The tryptophan metabolism (Trp) takes place by means of kynurenine (QUIN), by the serotonin pathway (SER) and by the pathway of trace amines synthesis. The first generates QUIN and a variety of other secondary metabolites. When driven by the enzyme indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) contributes to the phenomena of tolerance and immune escape of tumor cells; and when conducted by tryptophan 2,3 -dioxygenase (TDO) in the liver, participates in the niacin synthesis NAD. The SER pathway leads to the serotonin neurotransmitter (SER) formation, which can generate the hormone melatonin (MEL), respectively and other biologically active metabolites. Another less studied amines trace synthesis pathway produces neuroactive products. Given the scope and importance of Trp metabolic pathways,we developed and validated a robust, sensitive and selective bioanalytical method by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled mass spectrometry (MS) for simultaneous determination of TRP and its 16 metabolites. Therefore, we chose to evaluate the three routes, glioma cell lines. The initial choice of this type of cell was due to the great interest in Trp metabolism studies in tumor cells, which glioma cells has been a model. In assays with glioma cells, we followed the effects of an inductor and inhibitors of the first stage of Trp metabolism, via the kynurenine pathway, or IFN -γ (IDO inducer) 1- methyltryptophane (1- MT; competitive IDO inhibitor) and 680C91 (selective TDO inhibitor). We could observe the first step induction or inhibition impact had over the further metabolites and the metabolism differences between the two studied strains, A172 and T98G. The T98G glioma cell has only IDO activity, while the A172 has both IDO and TDO activity as well. The IFN-γ indution showed that this cytokine not only acts in the formation of QUIN route, but has a modest impact on the others routes. Inhibition of IDO showed that the competitive inhibitor has activity in itself than a simple Trp-QUIN relationship. However, our results allow us to show the first time the complete description of these pathways, in particular, in these cell lines that can assume therapeutic strategies in these routes that are related or not with tumor progression.

A análise da expressão da enzima indoleamina 2,3-dioxigenase (IDO), envolvida na regulação da resposta imune, em vacinas de células dendríticas (DCs) como imunoterapia para tratamento de indivíduos HIV+, pode fornecer informações sobre o perfil dessas células e auxiliar o aperfeiçoamento das técnicas atualmente utilizadas. A avaliação da expressão de IDO, por citometria de fluxo, foi realizada em monócitos e DCs de indivíduos sadios e HIV+. A expressão do RNAm de IDO foi analisada por PCR e a capacidade das DCs em estimular linfoproliferação e apresentar antígenos de HIV a linfócitos autólogos foi avaliada por ensaio de cocultivo. DCs ativadas de indivíduos HIV+ demonstraram expressão mais elevada de IDO tanto em relação às DCs imaturas quanto em relação às DCs dos indivíduos sadios. DCs foram capazes de induzir resposta proliferativa e polifuncional de linfócitos autólogos. Nossos resultados sugerem uma expressão diferencial de IDO entre indivíduos sadios e HIV+, indicando um importante papel da enzima no controle da resposta imune e na patogênese da AIDS. / The evaluation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) levels, a regulatory enzyme, in the context of DCs vaccines as a therapeutic alternative for the HIV+ patients, can bring information about DCs profiles that can improve current techniques of vaccine production. IDO expression was evaluated by flow cytometry in monocytes and DCs from healthy subjects and HIV+ patients. Expression of IDO mRNA was performed by real-time PCR and the ability in stimulate lymphoproliferation and presenting HIV antigens to autologous lymphocytes was evaluated in coculture assays. Comparison between immature and activated DCs showed an increased IDO expression in activated DCs in patients group. DCs derived from HIV+ patients showed an increased IDO expression when compared to healthy donors. DCs were able to induce lymphofoproliferation and polyfunctional response in autologous lymphocytes. Our results suggest a differential expression of IDO between health subjects and HIV+ patients, indicating an important role of IDO in the control of the immune response and in the HIV pathogenesis.

O metabolismo do triptofano (Trp) se dá pela via das quinureninas (QUIN), pela via serotoninérgica (SER) e pela via das aminas traço. A primeira gera QUIN e uma variedade de outros metabólitos secundários. Quando conduzida pela enzima indolamina 2,3 dioxigenase (IDO) contribui para os fenômenos de tolerância e imune escape de células tumorais; e quando conduzida pela triptofano 2,3 dioxigenase (TDO) no fígado, participa na síntese da niacina e NAD. A via SER leva à formação do neurotransmissor serotonina (SER), que pode gerar o hormônio melatonina (MEL), respectivamente e outros metabólitos biologicamente ativos. Outra via menos estudada, a via das aminas traço, produz produtos neuroativos. Dada a abrangência e importância das rotas metabólicas do Trp, nós desenvolvemos e validamos uma metodologia bioanalítica robusta, seletiva e sensível por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC), acoplado espectrometria de massas (MS) para a determinação simultânea do Trp e seus 15 metabólitos. Para tanto, escolhemos para a avaliação das três vias, linhagens de glioma humano. A escolha por este tipo celular deveu-se ao grande interesse de estudos de metabolismo de Trp em células tumorais, no qual células de glioma tem sido modelo. Nos ensaios com as células de glioma acompanhamos os efeitos de um indutor e inibidores da primeira etapa de metabolização do Trp pela via das quinureninas, ou seja, IFN-γ (indutor da IDO), 1-metiltriptofano (1-MT; inibidor competitivo da IDO) e 680C91 (inibidor seletivo da TDO). Pudemos observar o impacto que a indução ou a inibição do primeiro passo teve sobre os metabólitos subsequentes e as diferenças no metabolismo das duas linhagens estudadas, A172 e T98G. A linhagem T98G só tem atividade de IDO, enquanto que a A172 tem tanto atividade IDO quanto TDO. A indução por IFN-γ mostrou que essa citocina não só atua na formação da via QUIN, mas possui um impacto modesto nas demais rotas. Observamos também que a inibição do 1-MT mostrou seu impacto nos metabólitos invdividualmente, do que a simples relação Trp-QUIN. Contudo, nosso resultados nos permitiu mostrar pela primeira vez a descrição completa dessas vias, em especial nessas linhagens celulares, podendo supor estratégias terapêuticas nessas rotas que estão relacionadas a progressão ou não tumoral. / The tryptophan metabolism (Trp) takes place by means of kynurenine (QUIN), by the serotonin pathway (SER) and by the pathway of trace amines synthesis. The first generates QUIN and a variety of other secondary metabolites. When driven by the enzyme indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) contributes to the phenomena of tolerance and immune escape of tumor cells; and when conducted by tryptophan 2,3 -dioxygenase (TDO) in the liver, participates in the niacin synthesis NAD. The SER pathway leads to the serotonin neurotransmitter (SER) formation, which can generate the hormone melatonin (MEL), respectively and other biologically active metabolites. Another less studied amines trace synthesis pathway produces neuroactive products. Given the scope and importance of Trp metabolic pathways,we developed and validated a robust, sensitive and selective bioanalytical method by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled mass spectrometry (MS) for simultaneous determination of TRP and its 16 metabolites. Therefore, we chose to evaluate the three routes, glioma cell lines. The initial choice of this type of cell was due to the great interest in Trp metabolism studies in tumor cells, which glioma cells has been a model. In assays with glioma cells, we followed the effects of an inductor and inhibitors of the first stage of Trp metabolism, via the kynurenine pathway, or IFN -γ (IDO inducer) 1- methyltryptophane (1- MT; competitive IDO inhibitor) and 680C91 (selective TDO inhibitor). We could observe the first step induction or inhibition impact had over the further metabolites and the metabolism differences between the two studied strains, A172 and T98G. The T98G glioma cell has only IDO activity, while the A172 has both IDO and TDO activity as well. The IFN-γ indution showed that this cytokine not only acts in the formation of QUIN route, but has a modest impact on the others routes. Inhibition of IDO showed that the competitive inhibitor has activity in itself than a simple Trp-QUIN relationship. However, our results allow us to show the first time the complete description of these pathways, in particular, in these cell lines that can assume therapeutic strategies in these routes that are related or not with tumor progression.

A análise da expressão da enzima indoleamina 2,3-dioxigenase (IDO), envolvida na regulação da resposta imune, em vacinas de células dendríticas (DCs) como imunoterapia para tratamento de indivíduos HIV+, pode fornecer informações sobre o perfil dessas células e auxiliar o aperfeiçoamento das técnicas atualmente utilizadas. A avaliação da expressão de IDO, por citometria de fluxo, foi realizada em monócitos e DCs de indivíduos sadios e HIV+. A expressão do RNAm de IDO foi analisada por PCR e a capacidade das DCs em estimular linfoproliferação e apresentar antígenos de HIV a linfócitos autólogos foi avaliada por ensaio de cocultivo. DCs ativadas de indivíduos HIV+ demonstraram expressão mais elevada de IDO tanto em relação às DCs imaturas quanto em relação às DCs dos indivíduos sadios. DCs foram capazes de induzir resposta proliferativa e polifuncional de linfócitos autólogos. Nossos resultados sugerem uma expressão diferencial de IDO entre indivíduos sadios e HIV+, indicando um importante papel da enzima no controle da resposta imune e na patogênese da AIDS. / The evaluation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) levels, a regulatory enzyme, in the context of DCs vaccines as a therapeutic alternative for the HIV+ patients, can bring information about DCs profiles that can improve current techniques of vaccine production. IDO expression was evaluated by flow cytometry in monocytes and DCs from healthy subjects and HIV+ patients. Expression of IDO mRNA was performed by real-time PCR and the ability in stimulate lymphoproliferation and presenting HIV antigens to autologous lymphocytes was evaluated in coculture assays. Comparison between immature and activated DCs showed an increased IDO expression in activated DCs in patients group. DCs derived from HIV+ patients showed an increased IDO expression when compared to healthy donors. DCs were able to induce lymphofoproliferation and polyfunctional response in autologous lymphocytes. Our results suggest a differential expression of IDO between health subjects and HIV+ patients, indicating an important role of IDO in the control of the immune response and in the HIV pathogenesis.

De nombreuses études menées chez l’homme ont montré que l’obésité est associée à un état inflammatoire chronique caractérisé par une augmentation de la sécrétion de nombreuses molécules dont la leptine et des cytokines inflammatoires comme le TNF-a et l’IL-6 (Clement et al., 2004). Des données récentes suggèrent que cette inflammation périphérique pourrait également présenter une composante au niveau cérébral se caractérisant notamment par une augmentation de l’expression de différentes cytokines inflammatoires (IL-6, TNF-a, IL-1ß…) et de l’activation de leurs voies de signalisation intracellulaire (augmentation de l’activité c-Jun-N-terminal kinase et de NFkB)(De Souza et al., 2005). De plus, l’intensité de la situation inflammatoire semble être liée au degré d’obésité. Ainsi, il est possible de distinguer différentes situations d’obésité : une obésité modérée qui ne s’accompagne pas forcément de pathologies comorbides et une obésité morbide associée à différents types de complications comme des maladies cardio-vasculaires, de l’hypertension artérielle ou un diabète de type 2. L’obésité s’accompagne également d’une forte prévalence de troubles de l’humeur (anxiété, dépression) et de la cognition. Notre laboratoire a été un des pionniers dans l’étude de l’expression et de l’action des cytokines au niveau central et de leurs conséquences, tant comportementales que neurobiologiques. Cette relation entre système de l'immunité innée et cerveau a particulièrement été étudiée dans le cadre du comportement de maladie regroupant un ensemble de symptômes non spécifiques (fièvre, activations neuroendocriniennes, anorexie, anhédonie, repli sur soi, perte d’intérêt pour l’environnement…) observés chez les individus malades et pouvant être reproduits chez l’animal en réponse à l’injection d’un inducteur de cytokines tel que le lipopolysaccharide (LPS)(Dantzer, 2001). Dans le cas d’une exposition prolongée ou non régulée de l’activation du réseau de cytokines, le comportement de maladie peut laisser place à de véritables troubles de l’humeur et de la cognition associés à une chute des taux circulants de tryptophane, un acide aminé essentiel servant de précurseur et de facteur limitant à la synthèse de sérotonine. Il a été montré que l'indoléamine 2,3-dioxygénase (IDO), une enzyme dégradant le tryptophane en réponse aux cytokines (Lestage et al., 2002; Moreau et al., 2005) est impliquée dans l’induction des symptômes de type dépressif observés notamment suite à production soutenue de cytokines et que cette action serait dépendante du catabolisme du tryptophane via la voie de la kynurenine (O'Connor et al., 2008). L’activation de l’IDO en situation inflammatoire aboutit à la production de dérivés neurotoxiques (3-OH-kynurénine, acide quinolinique) se comportant comme des agonistes des récepteurs glutamatergiques de type NMDA (Taylor and Feng, 1991), au dépend de la production de sérotonine. Ainsi, l’activation de l’IDO par les cytokines pourrait jouer un rôle dans l’apparition de troubles cognitifs associés aux états inflammatoires via l’altération de la neurotransmission sérotoninergique et/ou glutamatergique. Ces mêmes mécanismes pourraient également sous-tendre le développement des troubles de l’humeur et de la cognition couramment observés chez les personnes obèses. L’ensemble des études réalisées dans ce travail de thèse a donc eu pour objectif général de déterminer chez la souris si l’inflammation chronique à bas bruit qui est associée à un état d’obésité entraînait le développement de troubles de l’humeur et de la cognition [...]. / Severe obesity is associated with a low grade inflammation characterized by an increased release of inflammatory markers like cytokines and leptin. It has been suggested that some of these mediators of inflammation could also be found in the brain, as manifested by the increased hypothalamic expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-a, IL-1) and the activation of their intracellular pathways. Moreover, the intensity of the inflammation state seems to increase with the degree of obesity. Morbid obesity, which is accompanied by different comorbid pathologies like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and a high prevalence of mood (anxiety, depression) and cognitive disorders, is clearly associated with peripheral inflammation. Such an association is less clear in the case of a moderate obesity which is not systematically associated with comorbid pathologies. It is clearly established that during an infection brain actions of cytokines that are released as a result of the innate immune system activation induce development of sickness behaviour. In the case of a prolonged and/or unregulated activation of the cytokine network, sickness behaviour that includes non-specific symptoms such as behavioral alterations, fever and neuroendocrine activation can lead to the development of mood and cognitive disorders. Moreover, such a development is associated with a drastic drop of circulating levels of tryptophan, the essential amino acid acting as limiting factor of the serotonin synthesis. It has been proposed that these alterations could be at least partially explained by cytokine-induced peripheral and/or central activation of the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme that is potently induced in monocytes, macrophages and brain microglia by cytokines. IDO activation can result in the lowering of the bioavailability of tryptophan for 5-HT synthesis and the increase of neurotoxic derivates (3-OH-kynurenine, quinolinic acid). Both consequences of cytokine-induced IDO activation may play a role in the development of the cognitive and mood disorders associated with obesity. The present study aimed therefore at studying in mice the relationship between inflammation and development of mood and cognitive disorders associated with obesity. This study was performed in two different but complementary experimental conditions reproducing 1) a moderate obesity devoid of marked pathological complications (a model of diet induced obesity) and 2) a morbid obesity associated with comorbid pathologies like type 2 diabetes (db/db mice). Our results showed that: 1) The degree of obesity is correlated with the intensity of the alterations affecting innate immune system activation. 2) Obesity exacerbates the innate immune system activation as manifested by the increase of peripheral and central cytokine production, and related neurochemical, neuroendocrine and behavioral alterations. 3) The inflammation-related alterations induced by obesity are associated with impairment of cognitive abilities and emotional reactivity, as well as development of anxiety-like symptoms, although differences in their respective time-course of appearance seem to exist. Taken together, these findings showed the key role of the inflammation associated with obesity in its related mood and cognitive disorders. This work provides therefore a first important step towards the identification of new pharmacological and/or nutritional strategies aimed at ameliorating life quality of obese subjects and preventing development of related comorbidities.

Os inibidores de BRAF (iBRAFs) e de MEK (iMEK), inauguraram uma nova classe de medicamentos, a terapia direcionada, no combate ao melanoma metastático. Entretanto, os pacientes adquirem resistência ao tratamento em poucos meses. Além disso, a imunoterapia vem ganhando espaço no tratamento do câncer, incluindo o melanoma, porém, com alguns aspectos inexplorados. Dentro deste tema, a enzima IDO vem despertando um grande interesse pela participação nos mecanismos de imunotolerância, imunoescape e progressão tumoral. A IDO é responsável pelo consumo e depleção do triptofano, produzindo a quinurenina. Ela está presente em diversos tipos celulares, incluindo células do sistema imune e células tumorais. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a expressão de IDO durante a progressão da doença - desde do nevo até o melanoma metastático e também avaliar a regulação de IDO induzido por IFN-γ após tratamento com iBRAF em linhagens parentais e resistentes ao iBRAF, buscando-se os mecanismos moleculares. Por fim, objetivou-se entender os efeitos do 1-metil-triptofano (1-MT), um inibidor de IDO, tanto na sua capacidade de inibir a atividade de IDO quanto na sua influência na capacidade clonogênica. O estudo de bioinformática sobre o repositório público GSE12391 mostrou que o nível de expressão gênica de IDO foi superior nos estágios mais avançado da doença. Além disso, todas amostras de melanoma primário de pacientes apresentaram a imunomarcação de IDO, enquanto que nenhuma amostra de nevo apresentou tal marcação. Adicionalmente, a ocorrência de IDO se deu nos infiltrados linfoides, em células mononucleares do sistema imune. Duas análises de bioinformática de expressão gênica demonstraram que a IDO estava expressa positivamente na fase de resistência ao iBRAF. Ademais, os resultados de expressão proteica mostraram que a inibição de via MAPK (tanto por iBRAF quanto por iMEK) conseguiu modular a expressão de IDO, sendo que a maioria das linhagens apresentou uma diminuição de IDO. A atividade de IDO, medida através da produção de quinurenina, por HPLC se mostrou em consonância com os resultados de expressão proteica, exceto pela linhagem WM164 que não apresentou atividade enzimática, embora a proteína estivesse presente. Por fim, o 1-MT conseguiu inibir de maneira eficiente a enzima IDO, bloqueando a produção de quinurenina. Além de que, o 1-MT reduziu a capacidade clonogênica de maneira dose-dependente. Portanto, conclui-se que a expressão de IDO é crescente conforme a progressão do melanoma, que a inibição da via MAPK regulou a expressão de IDO e que o 1-MT reduz a capacidade clonogênica, além da sua função primária de inibir IDO / BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BRAFi and MEKi) has launched a new class of medication, the target therapy, to combat metastatic melanoma. Nevertheless, patients acquired resistance to the treatment in few months. Additionally, immunotherapy has been gaining space in cancer treatment, including melanoma, but some aspects need to be explored. Inside this theme, IDO enzyme has called the attention due to its participation in the mechanisms of immune tolerance, scape and tumor progression. IDO is responsible for tryptophan consume e depletion, producing kynurenine. It is present in different cells, including cells from immune system and tumor cells. This work purposed evaluate IDO expression during disease progression - since nevus until metastatic melanoma and also, evaluate IFN-γ-induced IDO regulation after BRAFi treatment in parental and resistant melanoma cell lines, seeking the molecular mechanisms. Lastly, it was evaluated the effects of 1-methyltryptopahn (1-MT), an IDO inhibitor, by its ability to inhibit IDO and also by its influency on the clonogenic capability. Bioinformatic study performed on GSE12391 showed that gene expression level of IDO was superior in the most advanced stages of the disease. Additionally, all sample of patient\'s primary melanoma presented IDO immunostaining, whereas, no nevus samples presented such staining. Besides, IDO occurrence was in the lymphoid infiltrates, in mononuclear cells from immune system. Two bioinformatic analysis of gene expression demonstrated that IDO was differentially overexpressed during BRAFi resistance stage. Moreover, protein expression results presented that MAPK pathway inhibition (both by BRAFi and by MEKy) was able to modulate IDO expression, and most of the cell lines presented an IDO downregulation. IDO activity, measured through kynurenine production, by HPLC was consonant with protein expression results, except by WM164 cell line, which did not present enzymatic activity, albeit the protein was present. By the end, 1-MT could inhibit efficiently IDO enzyme, blocking kynurenine production. Furthermore, 1-MT reduced clonogenic capability in a dosedependent manner. Therefore, it was concluded that IDO expression increases along with melanoma progression, MAPK pathway inhibition regulated IDO expression and 1-MT reduced clonogenic capability, besides its primary function of IDO inhibitor.

A indoleamina - 2,3 dioxigenase (IDO) é uma enzima expressa por diversas células do organismo e, dentre suas muitas funções, atua principalmente na regulação do sistema imune. Esta se baseia no catabolismo do triptofano, cuja depleção induz uma interrupção do ciclo celular em linfócitos T, tornando-os mais sensíveis a apoptose aliado à ação de metabólitos provenientes desta reação os derivados da quinurenina que potencializariam a atividade da IDO. A presença e ativação de IDO em alguns tipos tumorais representam um dos mecanismos pelo qual as células tumorais podem se evadir do sistema imune, facilitando a indução, crescimento e progressão tumoral. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o perfil epidemiológico e anatomopatológico de 21 animais portadores de neoplasias mamárias, além de verificar, pelas técnicas de imuno-histoquímica e citometria de fluxo, o número de células neoplásicas e inflamatórias que expressam IDO em cultivo celular na presença de fatores como seu substrato L- triptofano e seu inibidor competitivo 1-metil-DL-triptofano (1MT). As neoplasias malignas corresponderam a 86% dos casos e o principal diagnóstico histopatológico encontrado foi o carcinoma simples. No que concerne à idade, todos os animais apresentaram idade média igual a 10,3 ± 3,3 anos. Na análise imuno-histoquímica os resultados mostraram que todas as amostras apresentaram imunomarcação citoplasmática para IDO confinado principalmente nas células localizadas nos ductos mamários. Os resultados in vitro indicam que, após 24 horas, o grupo suplementado com L - triptofano apresentou aumento significativo da expressão de IDO nas células de carcinoma simples (49,5 ± 2,5 ) ( p ≤ 0,01 ), enquanto o grupo tratado 1 metil DL- triptofano exibiu uma diminuição significativa na expressão de IDO ( 33,8 ± 4,0) ( p ≤ 0,01). Os macrófagos e células dendríticas na área tumoral também expressaram IDO e foram susceptíveis ao efeito de 1MT. Atualmente, na medicina veterinária procura de novas estratégias e compostos para a modulação da resposta antitumoral em pequenos animais e o 1 - metil - DL - triptofano representaria um candidato potencial para uma abordagem complementar no tratamento de neoplasias mamárias / The indoleamine - 2, 3 - dioxygenase (IDO) is an enzyme expressed on many cells and among its functions acts mainly in regulation of the immune system. It relies on the tryptophan catabolism, whose depletion induces cell cycle arrest of T lymphocytes turning these cells more sensitive to apoptosis, in addition to some down-stream tryptophan-derived metabolites that would increase IDO activity. The presence and activation of IDO in some tumor types represents a mechanism by which tumor cells can evade the immune system, thus facilitating the induction and progression of tumor growth. Our aim was to evaluate 21 animals with mammary tumors and to verify, by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, whether these cells express IDO, and to quantify its in vitro expression on neoplastic cells under influence of IDO substrate tryptophan and IDO competitive inhibitor 1-methyl-DL-tryptophan. Malignant neoplasms accounted for 86% of the cases and the most common diagnosis was carcinoma simple. All animals were adult females, with mean age of 10.3 ±.3 years. Immunohistochemistry results showed that all samples presented cytoplasmic immunostaining for IDO confined mainly in cells located in the mammary ducts. In vitro results indicate that, after 24 hours, the group supplemented with L - tryptophan showed significant increased expression of IDO in carcinoma cells (49.5 ± 2.5) (p ≤ 0.05), while the 1MT treated group displayed an significant decreased on IDO expression (33.8 ± 4.0) (p ≤ 0.05). Macrophages and dendritic cells at the tumour site also expressed IDO and were susceptible to the effect of 1MT. Currently, veterinary medicine seeks new strategies and compounds for modulating the antitumor response in small animals and 1-methyl DLtryptophan would represent a potential candidate as a complementary approach for the treatment of mammary neoplasms

A indoleamina - 2,3 dioxigenase (IDO) é uma enzima expressa por diversas células do organismo e, dentre suas muitas funções, atua principalmente na regulação do sistema imune. Esta se baseia no catabolismo do triptofano, cuja depleção induz uma interrupção do ciclo celular em linfócitos T, tornando-os mais sensíveis a apoptose aliado à ação de metabólitos provenientes desta reação os derivados da quinurenina que potencializariam a atividade da IDO. A presença e ativação de IDO em alguns tipos tumorais representam um dos mecanismos pelo qual as células tumorais podem se evadir do sistema imune, facilitando a indução, crescimento e progressão tumoral. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o perfil epidemiológico e anatomopatológico de 21 animais portadores de neoplasias mamárias, além de verificar, pelas técnicas de imuno-histoquímica e citometria de fluxo, o número de células neoplásicas e inflamatórias que expressam IDO em cultivo celular na presença de fatores como seu substrato L- triptofano e seu inibidor competitivo 1-metil-DL-triptofano (1MT). As neoplasias malignas corresponderam a 86% dos casos e o principal diagnóstico histopatológico encontrado foi o carcinoma simples. No que concerne à idade, todos os animais apresentaram idade média igual a 10,3 ± 3,3 anos. Na análise imuno-histoquímica os resultados mostraram que todas as amostras apresentaram imunomarcação citoplasmática para IDO confinado principalmente nas células localizadas nos ductos mamários. Os resultados in vitro indicam que, após 24 horas, o grupo suplementado com L - triptofano apresentou aumento significativo da expressão de IDO nas células de carcinoma simples (49,5 ± 2,5 ) ( p ≤ 0,01 ), enquanto o grupo tratado 1 metil DL- triptofano exibiu uma diminuição significativa na expressão de IDO ( 33,8 ± 4,0) ( p ≤ 0,01). Os macrófagos e células dendríticas na área tumoral também expressaram IDO e foram susceptíveis ao efeito de 1MT. Atualmente, na medicina veterinária procura de novas estratégias e compostos para a modulação da resposta antitumoral em pequenos animais e o 1 - metil - DL - triptofano representaria um candidato potencial para uma abordagem complementar no tratamento de neoplasias mamárias / The indoleamine - 2, 3 - dioxygenase (IDO) is an enzyme expressed on many cells and among its functions acts mainly in regulation of the immune system. It relies on the tryptophan catabolism, whose depletion induces cell cycle arrest of T lymphocytes turning these cells more sensitive to apoptosis, in addition to some down-stream tryptophan-derived metabolites that would increase IDO activity. The presence and activation of IDO in some tumor types represents a mechanism by which tumor cells can evade the immune system, thus facilitating the induction and progression of tumor growth. Our aim was to evaluate 21 animals with mammary tumors and to verify, by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, whether these cells express IDO, and to quantify its in vitro expression on neoplastic cells under influence of IDO substrate tryptophan and IDO competitive inhibitor 1-methyl-DL-tryptophan. Malignant neoplasms accounted for 86% of the cases and the most common diagnosis was carcinoma simple. All animals were adult females, with mean age of 10.3 ±.3 years. Immunohistochemistry results showed that all samples presented cytoplasmic immunostaining for IDO confined mainly in cells located in the mammary ducts. In vitro results indicate that, after 24 hours, the group supplemented with L - tryptophan showed significant increased expression of IDO in carcinoma cells (49.5 ± 2.5) (p ≤ 0.05), while the 1MT treated group displayed an significant decreased on IDO expression (33.8 ± 4.0) (p ≤ 0.05). Macrophages and dendritic cells at the tumour site also expressed IDO and were susceptible to the effect of 1MT. Currently, veterinary medicine seeks new strategies and compounds for modulating the antitumor response in small animals and 1-methyl DLtryptophan would represent a potential candidate as a complementary approach for the treatment of mammary neoplasms

L’objectif de ce travail est le développement de nouvelles voies d’accès à des dérivés de l’acide L-iduronique à partir d’un sucre abondant et peu couteux, le méthyl a-D-glucopyranoside. Plusieurs approches de synthèse ont été envisagées. Tout d’abord, l’obtention d’un composé 1,6-anhydro-5-ulose a été réalisée avec fixation de la configuration L-ido en C-5 et une fonctionnalisation adéquate en C-4. Par la suite, la désoxygénation de ce composé a fait l’objet d’une étude approfondie en employant diverses méthodes (radicalaires, ioniques…). Dans la troisième partie, la chimie (formation et réactivité) des septanosides a été également explorée comme une nouvelle stratégie vers les dérivés L-ido. Enfin, la quatrième partie concerne l’étude de trois voies annexes potentielles qui utilisent des intermédiaires précédemment obtenus afin de préparer des dérivés du L-idose. / This work deals with the development of new routes to L-iduronic acid derivatives from a cheap and abundant sugar, the methyl a-D-glucopyranoside. Many approaches were studied. First, the 1,6-anhydro-5-ulose compound preparation was achieved with the right configuration L-ido at C-5 and the adequat protection at C-4. Then, a large study of its deoxygenation was made by using different methods (radicals, ions…). The third part is focused on the septanoside chemistry (preparation and reactivity) as a new strategy to the L-ido compound derivatives. To finish, three auxiliary routes are tested from different molecules obtained previously in order to prepare L-idose derivatives.