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Biology subjects

Oggero, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Oggero, S..

2 recordsLinked to original sources
bioRxiv2019

Extracellular vesicles from monocyte/platelet aggregates modulate human atherosclerotic plaque responses

In atherosclerosis, a chronic disease characterized by lipid accumulation, fibrosis and vascular inflammation, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as key players in different stages of disease development. Here we provide evidence that EVs released by mixed aggregates of monocytes and platelets in response to TNF- are both CD14+ and CD41+. Tempering platelet activation with Iloprost impacted the quality and quantity of EV produced. Proteomics of EVs from cells activated with TNF- alone or in presence Iloprost revealed distinct proteome, with selective hits like gelsolin. EVs from TNF- stimulated monocytes augmented release of cytokines, and modulated more than 500 proteins by proteomics, when added to human atherosclerotic plaques. In contrast, EVs generated by TNF- and Iloprost produced minimal plaque activation. In conclusion, attenuating platelet activation has an effect on EV composition released from monocyte/platelet aggregates with downstream modulation of their pro-inflammatory actions and contribution to the development and progression of atherosclerosis.

immunology↗
bioRxiv2019

Immuno-moodulin: a new anxiogenic factor produced by autoimmune-prone T cells

Patients suffering from autoimmune diseases are more susceptible to mental disorders yet, the existence of specific cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the co-morbidity of these pathologies is far from being fully elucidated. By generating transgenic mice overexpressing Annexin-A1 exclusively in T cells to study its impact in models of autoimmune diseases, we made the unpredicted observation of an increased level of anxiety. Gene microarray of Annexin-A1 CD4+ T cells identified a novel anxiogenic factor, a small protein of approximately 21kDa encoded by the gene 2610019F03Rik which we named Immuno-moodulin. Neutralizing antibodies against Immuno-moodulin reverted the behavioral phenotype of Annexin-A1 transgenic mice and lowered the basal levels of anxiety in wild type mice; moreover, we also found that patients suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders show high levels of Imood in their peripheral mononuclear cells. We thus identify this protein as a novel peripheral determinant that modulates anxiety behavior. Therapies targeting Immuno-moodulin may lead to a new type of treatment for mental disorders through regulation of the functions of the immune system, rather than directly acting on the nervous system.

immunology↗