TGFβ is an immunoregulatory cytokine that has a pivotal function in maintenance of immune tolerance via the control of lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation and survival. Defects in TGFβ1 expression or in its signaling in T cells correlate with the onset of several autoimmune diseases. However, the early effects of this cytokine on the innate immune system, particularly the dendritic cells (DCs) which play an equally important role in development of immune tolerance, are not well documented in vivo. In the current study, we developed conditional knockout mice with targeted deletion of Tgfbr2 specifically in dendritic cells. DC-Tgfbr2 KO mice developed spontaneous multi-organ autoimmune inflammation with T and B cell activation. Phenotypic analysis of dendritic cells revealed no significant differences in the expression of MHCII and co-stimulatory molecules between control and DC-Tgfbr2 KO mice. However, we found that DCs from DC-Tgfbr2 KO mice were more pro-inflammatory, which exacerbated the severity of disease in a T cell transfer model of colitis. Furthermore, increased IFNγ expression by Tgfbr2-deficient DCs inhibited antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) differentiation by DCs in the presence of TGFβ. Since DCs play an important role in Treg homeostasis in vivo, we also examined the phenotype of Tregs and observed a significant increase in the frequency and numbers of Foxp3⁺ T cells in both the spleen and MLNs of DC- Tgfbr2 KO mice. Further analysis of these Tregs revealed attenuated expression of Foxp3 and an expansion in the numbers of CD4⁺CD25⁻Foxp3⁺T cells suggesting that the Tregs from KO mice may not be fully immunosuppressive. Adoptive transfer of in vitro differentiated iTregs into 2-3 week old DC-Tgfbr2 KO mice partially rescued the autoimmune phenotype by reducing the frequency of activated T cells and severity of colitis but did not prevent inflammation in other organs. The phenotype of this novel mouse model clearly indicates the importance of TGFβ signaling in DCs in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and prevention of autoimmunity and provides an opportunity to study the pathogenesis of complex disorders such as autoimmune gastritis, pancreatitis, hepatitis and inflammatory bowel diseases.

La polyarthrite rhumatoïde (PR) est une maladie auto-immune qui mène à une inflammation chronique et à une destruction progressive des articulations. Les effecteurs principaux de cette pathologie sont les synoviocytes de type fibroblastique (FLS). Ces derniers utilisent les invadosomes, des structures riches en actine et en métalloprotéases, afin de dégrader la matrice extracellulaire (ECM). Ce phénotype pro-destructif résulte d’une activation des FLS par différents facteurs de croissance, dont le PDGF et le TGF-β. Les récepteurs à activité tyrosine kinase, dont le PDGFR, sont impliqués dans la pathogenèse de plusieurs maladies, incluant le cancer et la PR. Une activation de ces récepteurs peut mener, entre autres, à la survie, à la différenciation et à la prolifération des cellules. L’étude présentée dans ce mémoire montre que parmi les RTK les plus communs, le PDGFR est spécifiquement phosphorylé chez les cellules synoviales de patients atteints de PR, contrairement aux cellules de patients non arthritiques ou atteints d’arthrose. De plus, l’activation du PDGFR résulte en une augmentation de la formation d’invadosomes par les FLS. Nous avons aussi démontré que la formation d’invadosomes par le PDGFR nécessite l’activation de la voie de signalisation PI3K/Akt faisant intervenir les isoformes α et δ de la PI3K. De plus, l'inhibition de l’activation du PDGFR ou la neutralisation du PDGF endogène inhibe la formation des invadosomes et la dégradation de l'ECM par les synoviocytes, ce qui suggère la présence d'une boucle d'activation autocrine impliquant le PDGF. Parmi les isoformes du PDGF, nous avons démontré que le PDGF-B est exprimé de façon significativement plus élevée dans les synoviocytes provenant de patients atteints de PR. Nos données indiquent également une association entre le PDGF et le TGF-β dans la formation des invadosomes. Cette dernière implique la production autocrine de ligands du PDGFR induite par le TGFβ via la signalisation TβR1/Smad et PI3K/Akt. L’inhibition des isoformes de PI3K de classe I indique que le PI3Kα est impliquée de façon sélective dans l'expression de PDGF-B. Ces résultats démontrent que le PDGFR est un RTK nécessaire au phénotype destructeur des cellules synoviales d’arthrite. Ils fournissent aussi des preuves d'une association entre le TGF-β et le PDGFR dans la formation d’invadosomes chez les synoviocytes de patients atteints de la PR. / Abstract : Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that leads to chronic inflammation and progressive joint destruction. The main effectors of this pathology are fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). They use invadosomes, actin-rich structures that concentrate metalloproteinases to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM). This pro-destructive phenotype is due to the activation of FLS by various growth factors, including PDGF and TGF-β. Receptor tyrosine kinases, including PDGFR, are involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cancer and RA. Activation of these receptors may lead to cell survival, differentiation and proliferation. The study presented in this thesis shows that among the most common RTKs, PDGFR is specifically phosphorylated in synovial cells of RA patients, unlike cells of non-arthritic or osteoarthritic patients. In addition, activation of PDGFR results in an increase in invadosome formation by FLS. We also shown that formation of invadosome by PDGFR requires the activation of the signaling pathway PI3K/Akt, that specifically involves the α and δ isoforms of PI3K. In addition, inhibition of PDGFR activation or neutralization of endogenous PDGF inhibits the formation of invadosomes and the degradation of the ECM by synoviocytes, suggesting the presence of an autocrine activation loop involving PDGF. Among the PDGF isoforms, we demonstrate that PDGF-B expression is significantly higher in synoviocyte cell lines from RA patients. Our data also indicates an association between PDGF and TGF-β for invadosome formation that involves autocrine production of PDGF-B induced by TGF-β through the Smad/T β R1 and PI3K/Akt pathways. Inhibition of class I PI3K isoforms indicates that PI3K α is selectively involved in the expression of PDGF-B. These results demonstrate that PDGFR is an RTK necessary for the pro-destructive phenotype of RAFLS. They also provide evidence of an association between TGF-β and PDGFR in invadosome formation by synovial cells from RA patients.

Despite the ongoing political debate regarding the legality of medical marijuana, clinical investigations of the therapeutic use of cannabinoids are now more prevalent than at any time in history. Cannabinoids have been shown to have analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anticonvulsant, anti-tremor, anti-psychotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-emetic and appetite-stimulant properties. There are mainly two well-known cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, located in the central (CB1) and peripheral (CB2) nervous systems as well as the immune system. More recently, endocannabinoids (ligands) and their receptors have also been found in the skeleton which appear as the main body system and physiologically regulated by CB2. This study aimed to examine the effect of both CB1 and CB2 receptor stimulation on wound closure response of MG-63 osteoblast bone cell monolayers using different treatments with cannabinoid such as Winn55,212-2, URB602 and HU308. Also, cell adhesion, cell proliferation and cell length was investigated. The study also aimed to examine the effect of HU308 treatments in combination with TGF-β3 (transforming growth factor beta -3) on wound healing, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix up regulation (collagen type I, fibronectin and protien S-100A6) as well as other biological factors such as secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2) and nitric oxide (NO). Finally, this study investigated HU308/TGF-β3 combination treatment on the regulation of extracellular matrix (collagen type I, fibronectin and protien S-100A6) in a 3D multilayer system of MG-63 osteoblast bone cells. Wound healing assays of MG-63 monolayers revealed accelerated wound repair as well as increased cell proliferation mainly regulated through CB2 receptors, and that treatments with HU308 and HU308/TGF-β3 achieved minimum closure timings compared with control groups (P<0.05). Our finding suggested that proliferation rate with 500nM HU308 was significantly higher than control and TGF-β3/HU308 combination groups (P<0.05). Interestingly, percentage of wound remained open after 15 hours for combination groups was 17.6%±1.32 whereas treatment with 500nM HU308 had 20%±2.25 indicating that the combination groups took the lead throughout wound healing. It was also observed that bridge formation in all treatment groups was taking place between 15 to 20 hour periods whereas within control treatments bridge formation started to take place after 25 hours. Cell surface attachment was examined via the trypsinization assay in which the time taken to trypsinize cells from the surface provided a means of assessing the strength of attachment. The results indicated that higher concentrations of HU308 (2μM), induced significant force of cell attachment compared with control and concentrations of 500nM and 1μM (P<0.05). However, groups treated with TGF-β3 and combination HU308/TGF-β3 indicated reduced cell surface attachment compared with control groups, indicating enhanced cell migration. Immunofluorescence staining as well as Elisa based semi-quantification technique indicated that both collagen type I and fibronectin were unregulated using higher concentrations of HU308 with decreased cell proliferation compared to lower concentrations. Nevertheless, protein S-100A6 was up-regulated in treatments with HU308, TGF-β3 and their combination HU308/TGF-β3 (P<0.05), indicating the positive role of these treatments in promoting cell differentiation. MMP-2 levels in the current study were also shown to be concentration-dependent, i.e. higher concentrations of HU308 significantly reduced MMP-2 secretion leading to decreased cell migration, while HU308/TGF-β3 combination treatment increased MMP-2 levels, indicating an increase in cell migration. The current study also examined levels of nitric oxide synthesis in relation to different treatments with HU308, TGF-β3 and HU308/TGF-β3 combination. It was found that nitric oxide up-regulation influences rate of MG-63 osteoblast wound healing in a concentration dependent manner. Lastly, UpCell culture dishes proved to have efficacy in obtaining a multilayer model of MG-63 osteoblast system in-vitro through changes in cell morphology. It was also found that treatments with HU308, TGF-β3 and HU308/TGF-β3 combination influenced collagen type I, fibronecton and protein S-100A6 secretion. These findings supported the earlier Elisa based semi-quantification results obtained for monolayer cultures.

Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) is a genetic element that mobilizes throughout the mammalian genome via retrotransposition and damages host DNA via mutational insertions, chromosomal rearrangements, and reprogramming of gene expression. The cellular mechanisms responsible for aberrant L1 expression during cancer pathogenesis are unclear. Previously, we have shown that L1 reactivation in several human cell lines is dependent upon the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor member of the PAS superfamily of proteins. We also showed that ectopic expression of L1 reprograms the HepG2 genome leading to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here we present evidence that reactivation of L1 and modulation of EMT in HepG2 cells by the AhR ligand benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is effected through the canonical TGF-β1 signaling pathway. BaP increased TGF-β1 mRNA, SMAD2 phosphorylation and decreased expression of E-Cadherin. The functional relevance of these interactions and the involvement of TGFBR1/ALK5 and SMAD2/3 were confirmed by siRNA interference. Furthermore, expression of L1-encoded ORF1p was positively correlated with the activation of TGF-β1 signaling in human hepatocarcinoma samples at various stages of malignant progression. These results indicate that ligand-mediated AhR activation regulates L1 via canonical TGF-β1 signaling and raise important questions about the molecular etiology of human hepatocarcinomas.

The worm Caenorhabditis elegans is a well-studied model organism in numerous aspects of its biology. This small free living nematode has less than 1,000 cells, but shows clear conservation in both signaling and behavior to mammals in aspects of appetite control. This is of importance to humans, where failure of appetite control is a major factor in the unprecedented obesity epidemic that we see today. In general, worm behavior reflects its internal nutritional state and the availability and quality of food. Specifically, worms show a behavioral state that mimics aspects of the mammalian behavioral satiety sequence, which has been termed satiety quiescence. We have used locomotion tracking and Hidden Markov Model analysis to identify worm behavioral state over time, finding quiescence along with the established worm locomotive behaviors roaming and dwelling. Using this analysis as well as more conventional cell biology and genetic approaches we have further investigated satiety signaling pathways. We have found that the neuron ASI is a major center of integration of signals regarding the internal nutritional state of the worms as well as the nutritional content of its environment. Our results show that cGMP causes levels of the TGFβ ligand to be increased in fasted worms, which is then released and binds to its receptor on the RIM and RIC neurons. This signaling connects nutritional state to behavioral response, promoting the sleep-like behavioral state satiety quiescence. Additionally, we have begun a candidate approach examining several other groups of signaling molecules for potential roles in satiety quiescence signaling including cannabinoids, multidrug resistance proteins, and neuropeptides. The result of this investigation is a better understanding of mechanisms of satiety quiescence signaling as well as a new tool that provides highly quantitative, unbiased, and automated data to aid in our ongoing work.

TGFβ is involved in many pathological conditions, including autoimmune disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular and allergic diseases. We have previously found that TGFβ can suppress IgE-mediated mast cell activation in human and mouse mast cells in vitro. IL-33 is a recently discovered member of the IL-1 family capable of inducing mast cell responses and enhancing IgE-mediated activation. In this study, we investigated the effects of TGFβ on IL-33-mediated mast cell activation. Bone marrow-derived mast cells cultured in TGFβ -1, -2, or -3 showed reduced IL-33-mediated production of TNF, IL-6, IL-13 and MCP-1, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, TGFβ also reduced expression of the T1/ST2 receptor as well as IL-33-mediated TAK1 and ERK phosphorylation. TGF-ß1 injection suppressed IL-33-mediated production of systemic inflammatory cytokines in vivo. The role of IL-33 in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases is incompletely understood. These findings, consistent with our previously reported effects of TGFβ on IgE-mediated activation, demonstrate that TGFβ can provide broad and substantial inhibitory signals to activated mast cells.

Mast cells are potent effectors of the inflammatory response, playing an important role in atopy, bacterial immunity, and animal models of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease. Hence controlling mast cell numbers and responsiveness is essential for preventing inflammatory disease. This work demonstrated that the cytokine TGF-β1 is a potent inducer of mast cell apoptosis, a finding that was consistent for cultured mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, peritoneal mast cells, and human mast cells. Cell death appeared to be the result of TGF-mediated repression of IL-3 receptor expression and function, leading to mitochondria1 damage and activation of an apoptotic cascade acting via p53 and caspases. While IL-3 receptor expression was reduced within one day of TGF-βl stimulation, apoptosis required at least 3 days to occur. This delay in onset is postulated to allow for protective mast cell effector functions, protecting the host from infection while preventing the establishment of chronic inflammation. These studies support the theory that TGF- β1 is an inhibitor of mast cell survival. Because of the widespread expression of TGF-β1, this cytokine may be an ideal candidate for control of mast cell homeostasis.

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Anatomy and Physiology / Bruce Schultz / Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a cytokine that reportedly affects the severity of cystic fibrosis lung disease. The goal of this project was to define the effect of TGF-β1 on vas deferens, an organ that is universally affected in male cystic fibrosis patients. In the first study, experiments were conducted using freshly isolated porcine vas deferens epithelial cells. Primary porcine vas deferens epithelial cells exposed to TGF-β1 exhibited a significantly reduced basal transepithelial electrical resistance (Rte). TGF-β1-induced reduction in Rte was prevented by SB431542, a TGF-β receptor I inhibitor, indicating that the effect of TGF-β1 requires the activation of TGF-β receptor I. Western blot and immunohistochemistry results showed the expression of TGF-β receptor I in native vas deferens epithelia, indicating that the impaired barrier function and anion secretion that were observed in cultured vas deferens cells can likely be observed in the native context. Immunohistochemical outcomes showed that TGF-β1 exposure led to loss of organization of tight junction proteins occludin and claudin-7. These outcomes suggest that TGF-β1 impairs the barrier integrity of epithelial cells lining the vas deferens. In a parallel study that employed PVD9902 cells that are derived from porcine vas deferens, TGF-β1 exposure significantly reduced anion secretion stimulated by forskolin, forskolin/IBMX, and 8-pCPT-cAMP, suggesting that TGF-β1 affects downstream targets of the cAMP signaling pathway. Real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis showed that TGF-β1 exposure reduced both the mRNA and the protein abundance of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Pharmacological studies showed that the inhibitory effect of TGF-β1 on forskolin-stimulated anion secretion was abrogated by SB431542 and attenuated by SB203580, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor. These outcomes suggest that TGF-β1, via the activation of TGF-β receptor I and p38 MAPK signaling, reduces CFTR expression, and thus impairs CFTR-mediated anion secretion. Outcomes from these studies suggest that, in epithelial cells lining the vas deferens, TGF-β1 exposure leads to an impaired physical barrier and/or reduced anion secretion, which is expected to modify the composition and the maintenance of the luminal environment and thus, is expected to reduce male fertility.

151 8 SUMMARY Recombinant vaccinia virus has been used for elicitation of the immune response against expressed heterologous proteins which has led to protection of the host organisms against the agents producing that antigen (viruses, cancer cells). In our laboratory, we designed and evaluated several vaccines against cancer caused by human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16). Vaccinia viruses derived from replication competent strain P13 or attenuated MVA were used for construction of recombinant viruses expressing HPV16-E7 in highly immunogenic fusion construct SigE7LAMP. Recombinant viruses were used both in prophylactic and therapeutic settings in mouse tumor models using TC-1 or TC-1/A9 cells. The genes encoding stimulatory cytokines GM-CSF or Flt3 ligand were inserted into the above viruses to support the immune system and to potentiate the anticancer response. Tumor microenvironment was modified using the recombinant viruses expressing both the E7 gene and soluble receptor for TGF-β which should decrease the inhibition of immune system caused by tumor TGF-β cytokine and elicit the response against tumor cells. Intratumoral or intraperitoneal administration of viruses enhanced anticancer response in mice, the viruses expressing Flt3 ligand induced the proliferation of E7- specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes....